New scheme launched to provide pharmacist support in GP surgeries

NHS England has launched a three-year initiative to fund, recruit and employ clinical pharmacists in GP surgeries.

Set to go live this year, the 15 million pound project will provide patients with an additional avenue of support, helping them manage long-term conditions and offering specific advice for those with multiple medications and better access to health checks.

The pharmacists will be employed directly by the general practice to help patients, while also easing GP workloads and improving communication between general practice, hospitals and community pharmacists.

It will focus on areas of greatest need, where GPs are under greatest pressure, and aims to build on the success of GP practices already employing pharmacists in patient-facing roles.

Simon Stevens, NHS England chief executive, said: "Tapping into the skills of clinical pharmacists should help expand care and relieve some of the pressure that GPs are clearly under. This isn't a silver bullet, but it is a practical and constructive contribution to the wider challenge."

The Royal College of GPs has welcomed the scheme, noting that such arrangements have already been implemented successfully by many practices across the country.