NHS Portsmouth to promote importance of pharmacies

NHS Portsmouth is launching a campaign to promote the growing role that community pharmacies play in healthcare provision.

The organisation is looking to raise awareness of its newly-launched Healthy Living Pharmacy scheme, which has seen a number of pharmacies win accreditation for providing extended services such as emergency contraception and smoking cessation guidance.

This promotional campaign will involve bus advertisements and a travelling road show, designed to encourage locals to visit Healthy Living Pharmacies, reports PJ Online.

Michael Holden, chief officer of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Local Pharmaceutical Committee, said the scheme is being supported by pharmacies and staff.

He added: "It should be a great opportunity to talk to people about the range of services on offer and what they can expect from a community pharmacy nowadays."

The National Pharmacy Association is among the industry bodies to call for an expanded role for pharmacies in recent weeks, stating that they can play a key part in supporting frontline healthcare provision.