News
New Developments in Scottish Pharmacy
In 2002 the Scottish Executive published a document called The Right Medicine: a Strategy for Pharmaceutical Care. This outlined their commitment to improving patient care by making better use of Pharmacists’ skills and expertise. It called for services to be developed which aimed to improve the health of the population as a whole as well as developing those services traditionally offered by Pharmacies. These new services would be key to improving the quality of care delivered locally whilst also reducing the strain on GP and Hospital services.
As a result of this document the new Pharmacy contract was developed. This involves four core services, namely the Minor Ailment Service, the Public Health Service, the Acute Medication Service and the Chronic Medication Service.
1. Minor Ailment Service
For minor ailments, instead of having to make an appointment to see your GP, you can visit your pharmacist for advice, and treatment. After listening to the details of the illness, if the Pharmacist believes that a medication is needed, they may be able to prescribe it for you without you having to pay or having to visit your GP to obtain a prescription.
This services was introduced in June 2006. It is an NHS service offered by every Community Pharmacy in Scotland to patients who are exempt from paying prescription charges and who are registered with a GP in Scotland. For further information on the Minor Ailment Service, please contact your local branch.
2. Public Health Service
As part of this service Pharmacies provide information on public health issues and take part in national campaigns to encourage healthy lifestyles.
3. Acute Medication Service
This service is due to be introduced in the Autumn of 2008. As at present if you have a doctor’s prescription you will be able to go to the Pharmacy of your choice and have it dispensed and get any advice you may need. Under the new scheme, to assist in better record keeping and communication between health professionals, the prescription will be bar coded and the details will be entered on a computer by your doctor and scanned in and checked against your records, by your pharmacist when it is dispensed.
4. Chronic Medication Service
When this service is introduced, if you have a chronic illness for which you receive medication, you may register with a convenient Pharmacy. Depending on the type of medication you are prescribed by your GP – the Pharmacist, with the agreement of your GP, will be authorised to manage your prescriptions for up to 12 months.
This will mean that your Pharmacist can monitor or adjust your medicines without the need for you to visit your GP as frequently. Pharmacies are being equipped with consultation areas where you will be able to receive advice and talk to your pharmacist with greater privacy.