HEALTH CHECK

Vital ways in which community pharmacists can help deliver a top-class NHS primary care service to patients has been outlined to a local MSP.

The important and wide-ranging benefits Scotland’s network of Community Pharmacies brings to patients were highlighted when MSP Neil Findlay took time to visit the Lindsay and Gilmour Pharmacy in West Calder.

Mr Findlay was given information on the range of services delivered to 600,000 patients who go through the door of Scotland’s community pharmacies every day – including the

Chronic Medication Service, the public health campaigns and successful interventions such as smoking cessation. In particular, the MSP also learned about the Minor Ailments Service, which

sees community pharmacists help take pressure of hard-pressed GPs by helping deal with many common conditions.

The network of 1250 healthcare facilities ensures that community pharmacies provide the modern NHS with its’most accessible point of contact in communities throughout the country.

The visit was organised by Community Pharmacy Scotland, which represents the interests of the owners of Scotland’s community pharmacies, to help Mr Findlay see for himself the positive contribution that a modern pharmacy can have on a community’s health.

Lothian MSP Neil Findlay said:“I was delighted to visit the local pharmacy in West Calder and to see and hear the work they do and the contribution they make to help improve the health of the local community. I am very grateful for them allowing me the opportunity to visit and them and learn about their work.”