I enjoyed reading Butterworth et al’s article in the BJGP.1 I am a retired GP who has worked closely with local pharmacists, valuing their opinions and knowledge. We included an independent pharmacy in a new-build multidisciplinary primary care centre in Norwich back in the 1990s. The forward-looking local NHS administration (then the FPC) paid the pharmacist to have an extended role with our practice. He not only worked closely with us, checking the accuracy of prescriptions and raising any queries, but he also systematically reviewed all our repeat prescribing and, for instance, he converted all drugs, group by group, to generic where possible. And he took the time to work with patients explaining the changes, sometimes having to assure people of the safety and equivalence of a new pack.
The advantages were immeasurable. We doctors were helped to be much more aware of our prescribing in general, and of course the pharmacist saved the NHS drug bill much more than the scheme cost the FPC. Our patients were happy with the improved service. I’m sad that this kind of relationship has not become more universal.
- © British Journal of General Practice 2017
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