Pharmacists at risk of burnout over new NHS plan to prescribe treatments
Pharmacists are at risk of burnout under new plans that allows chemists in England to prescribe certain medications to patients, it's been claimed.
Community pharmacies are already severely underfunded, and more could shut their doors with the added workload. The Pharmacy First scheme means people can receive help from 10,265 pharmacies thanks to a £645million deal with NHS England. Patients can stroll in for walk-in appointments with no need to book to ease the pressure on GPs. It is hoped the move will free up some 30million appointments each year.
The seven conditions pharmacists will see people for are earache, sore throats, sinusitis, shingles, impetigo, urinary tract infections and infected insect bites and stings. But, the added patient count could have a negative effect on pharmacists, warned the former chair of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS), Thorrun Govind. That said, with proper planning, the scheme could be a success, she said.
Pharmacist Thorrun told the Mirror: "From what I’ve heard so far today some have had 18 referrals, others have had four. It seems to be going well. We knew it would be a massive challenge for the profession but it’s for the benefit of patients. We are competent and able to provide this service, they they already enjoy similar in Scotland and Wales.
"We are already seeing these patients. For many, the accessibility is important. People have been asking about treatment for conditions outside the seven [illnesses]. From my point of view the success is if pharmacists are happy and patients are being cared for. Pharmacists are at risk of burnout but if we set out expectations and remain transparent, now it can go a long way [to make it a success]. That’s what’s going to help with this service."
Teachers, civil servants and train drivers walk out in biggest strike in decade
Meanwhile, Dr Leyla Hannbeck, chief executive of the Association of Independent Multiple Pharmacies, earlier warned pharmacies are “severely underfunded to the tune of £1.2 billion”. She added: “This nonsense cannot go on and this stranglehold of chronic underfunding must be relieved now to ensure our community pharmacies continue to exist and can deliver to the potential the Government is expecting.”
Pharmacies will receive an initial fixed payment of £2,000 each for providing the scheme, plus £15 per consultation. There is also a monthly fixed payment of £1,000 if they carry out a minimum number of consultations. A GP has also warned the new system, which will allow patients to visit pharmacists over everyday problems - such as sore throats - could take several years to aid the NHS.
Dr Aamer Khan, from the HSS Regenerative Clinic, said he is a fan of the new system - but has urged people to be patient as it could take years before its success can be gauged.. He explained: “It’ll take at least three years to see what changes occur. People are living longer. Most are living a life and at the end of it develop conditions. We are finding more and more relating to the ageing process.
"At the moment the NHS is swamped. There are millions of children waiting to be seen. What GPs deal with is absolutely everything. They are the gatekeepers. We need more bodies on the ground who can see people and give a quality consultation. This will help a little bit. It will allow GPs to make a difference to help out chronic conditions.
"I think from a patients’ perspective, it’s a good thing. Pharmacists have been giving advice for quite a long time. What this is doing is recognising that and putting a system in place to support it. A pharmacist is trained to a level with acute conditions and how to deal with that. They have a line to a GP or refer them to A&E, it’s going to be really good.
"Time will tell if it gives people the service they need, when they need it. We might see different people but is it going to shorten waiting lists? I think not. It will be interesting to see what impact it makes on improving the whole system we are offering."
He added what is really needed is a change in how people care for themselves. He said: "I believe to make a significant difference we have to improve the general health of people at a younger age. If you can educate people on obesity or cardiovascular, we can turn it around. At the moment the NHS is swamped by the conditions already there.
"We need to support people in that, integrate with the food manufacturers and restaurants. Improve things like air and water quality. How people exercise, the amount of exercise. It’s about education.”
Abbas Kanani, from Chemist Click, added: "Extending the ease of access to prescription treatments via the introduction of Pharmacy First is a positive measure likely to alleviate the workload on GPs and their teams, all the while ensuring patients can receive safe and convenient care for minor conditions. Given the prediction of freeing up 30 million GP appointments within a year, it makes good sense.
"The move signifies the integral role pharmacists play within the broader primary care system. It exemplifies one of the various ways in which community pharmacies and general practice can collaboratively operate to make healthcare services more accessible and convenient, and empowers patients to take charge of their health management.
Greggs, Costa & Pret coffees have 'huge differences in caffeine', says report
"For this program to effectively alleviate pressure on GP services, it is imperative GP surgeries and pharmacies receive adequate support. This involves ensuring seamless connectivity between GP and pharmacy IT systems, preventing any additional workload for staff when updating patient records between the two services. This incentive is a stepping stone in what could be the enhancement of pharmacy services in the UK."
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
