NPA Raises Profile Of Community Pharmacy At Men's Health Conference

Main Category: Pharmacy / Pharmacist
Also Included In: Men's health
Article Date: 20 Oct 2009 - 2:00 PDT

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The National Pharmacy Association highlighted the role community pharmacy services play at the Men's Health Addressing Health Inequalities in the 21st Century conference on Thursday 15 October 2009.

An audience of health professionals, NHS managers and outreach teams heard that the accessibility of community pharmacy provides a platform for health improvement and that many services are suited to men. Vascular risk schemes, sexual health programmes and other pharmacy based health maintenance interventions were flagged.

Speaking at the conference in London, NPA Head of External Relations Stephen Fishwick said: "Men use pharmacies less than women, and the scope for more men to get more from community pharmacies is considerable. Men, especially those in the working population, have difficulties accessing primary health services, but community pharmacists are comparatively accessible health care professionals. There is a growing track record of pharmacies supporting health improvement and we hope men will take advantage of the greater range of services now available."

The NPA will encourage men to visit their local pharmacy to access health services, during Ask Your Pharmacist Week (9-15 November 2009). http://www.askyourpharmacist.co.uk details the current services being provided at community pharmacy. There is a postcode finder on the website to help people locate their nearest pharmacy offering health services.

Source
National Pharmacy Association