Developing innovative pharmacy services needs to be done in collaboration with other healthcare professionals

‘The future of independent pharmacy doesn’t rest solely with our GP relationships ‘

Chairman of the LIPCO federated group Mukesh Lad explains how innovative services can cement pharmacy’s position at the heart of the healthcare team

There’s been much talk in recent weeks of radical proposals calling for pharmacists to work in GP surgeries. Waiting times for GP appointments have become a national talking point and cause for concern. The Royal College of General Practitioners and the Royal Pharmaceutical Society have come up with the plans in a bid to ease current pressures in general practice but it’s not a situation that can be turned around overnight.

With so much talk of a ‘hidden army’ of highly-trained pharmacists capable of providing a solution to relieve pressure, there are many ways in which the NHS could make full use of our clinical skills. This would provide benefit for patients and at the same time take the role of the pharmacist to the next level.

However, there is another issue that’s particularly important to the development of community pharmacy services and their integration within the wider NHS – the promotion of seamless transitional care. It’s generally accepted that the interface between organisations and professional groups such as secondary and primary care is the point at which communication is most likely to break down. This is particularly true of the transit of patients into and out of hospital.

You can read the full article here: http://www.independentpharmacist.co.uk/the-innovation-game

At GreenLife Pharma we strive to innovate and develop services for all of our members. To see how we can assist your pharmacy, check out our services page here: greenlifepharma.co.uk/services/ alternatively contact a member of the team today. Tel: +44 (0)1744 881 756 Email: [email protected]