Welsh Pharmacists Launch Allergy Screening Service, UK

Main Category: Allergy
Also Included In: Respiratory / Asthma
Article Date: 04 Feb 2009 - 2:00 PDT

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The first seven pharmacists from Wales have been accredited by Allergy UK to provide the NPA-Allergy UK Allergy Screening Service in Wales.

Pharmacists who provide the allergy screening service undergo an intensive training course with assessments before and after training. Allergy UK accredited pharmacists will be competent in offering patients a consultation during which a full clinical history will be taken to identify the primary cause of their allergy. The newly launched service also includes allergy testing, where appropriate, which involves the pharmacist taking a 'pin-prick' test to confirm the initial diagnosis. Testing is an optional part of the screening service, as their may be no need if the pharmacist identifies the triggers causing the allergic condition through the screening process. The training is provided in partnership with the Welsh Centre for Postgraduate Pharmacy Education and Allergy UK.

Jules Payne, Allergy UK Deputy Chief Executive said: "We are delighted to have completed the accreditation process with pharmacists in Wales and that this very much needed service will now be available on the High Street. We pride ourselves on the pharmacists providing a professional service using their knowledge, which is why the training needs to be so extensive."

Steve Simmonds, NPA Head of Professional Services Wales said: "This service meets a clearly defined patient need and builds on the location, accessibility and expertise of our members in Wales. I am delighted that our Welsh members will now be able to offer a solution to those needing an allergy screening service. Pharmacies are located in the heart of our local communities and therefore provide easy access to information, education and support for a range of ailments. With private consultation rooms in pharmacies becoming the norm, pharmacists are now even better equipped to give practical and confidential advice and to develop new clinical services that meet the needs of local people."

Notes

The NPA-Allergy UK Allergy Screening Service is currently a private service and is priced at £60 for patients receiving a complete allergy screen and test. If the pharmacist decides a test is not necessary after the initial screening consultation, and the patient agrees, the fee will be reduced to £35.

National Pharmacy Association

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