Work of pharmacies just what doc ordered
Network plays vital role
The role of community pharmacists in keeping Rutherglen and Cambuslang healthy has been highlighted.
Clare Haughey MSP paid a visit to Burnside Pharmacy, where she met owner Alasdair MacIntyre and was given information on the range of services community pharmacies deliver every day.
The visit was organised by Community Pharmacy Scotland, which represents the interests of the owners of Scotland’s community pharmacies.
Ms Haughey was able to see the chronic medication service, the public health campaigns and successful interventions such as smoking cessation.
The MSP also learned about the minor ailments service, which sees community pharmacists take pressure off hard-pressed GPs by dealing with many common conditions.
The Rutherglen MSP said: “I was very impressed by the quality and range of services available at a community pharmacy.
“Not only can they help with minor illnesses like coughs and colds, they play an important role in helping those with complex, long-term conditions to manage their illness and get the best benefits from their medication “
Mr MacIntyre added: “It was great to be able to demonstrate to Clare the patient care we deliver every day in the pharmacy and to discuss the opportunities to deliver even more in the future.”
The network of 1,250 healthcare facilities ensures that community pharmacies provide the modern NHS with its most accessible point of contact in communities throughout the country.
Amanda Rae, head of policy and development for Community Pharmacy Scotland, said: “It was good of Clare to take an active interest in community pharmacy and to listen to the issues affecting one of the key primary healthcare providers within her local area.”