Pharmacists Can Help With Health Checks, UK

Main Category: Pharmacy / Pharmacist
Article Date: 02 Apr 2008 - 4:00 PDT

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The Government's announcement about a vascular risk programme across England follows a recent appeal from the National Pharmacy Association (NPA) and other pharmacy bodies for a national pharmacy-based screening programme.

Many community pharmacies already offer health screening for cardiovascular risk and other conditions.

GPs are concerned that they do not have the capacity to undertake this new programme but community pharmacy could play a leading role in delivering this screening, particularly to certain hard to reach groups who may not use general practices on a regular basis. A national pharmacy service would provide the NHS with guaranteed coverage across all PCT areas.

The NPA's Chief Pharmacist, Colette McCreedy, commented:

"We are pleased that the Department of Health acknowledged in its announcement the potential of community pharmacy.

"The access that pharmacy provides to the whole population, rather than just those that are ill, is a real asset the NHS can capitalise on, as it transforms into a service focused on health rather than illness.

As part of our 2008 Ask Your Pharmacist public awareness campaign, we will be providing support to members to deliver and promote screening services."

National Pharmacy Association