Cwm Taf Pharmacists easing GP workload in surgeries
Thousands of patients across Cwm Taf are now benefitting from the expertise of a pharmacist when they visit their GP.
Cwm Taf University Health Board has employed five ‘Cluster Pharmacists’ with a further five joining the team in September.
The cluster pharmacists will be providing their services to all GP surgeries across Rhondda, Taff Ely and Cynon.
The pharmacists focus on the safe and effective use of medicines working alongside GPs to provide advice and support with prescribing.
Having a pharmacist as part of the surgery will help reduce the GPs’ workload in managing medications, including medicine reviews and repeat prescribing.
The role of the cluster pharmacist includes:
- Managing repeat prescribing
- Medication reviews
- Medicines management
- De-prescribing of unused and items unnecessary items
- Dealing with medication queries from clinicians, practice team and patients
Dr Nicola Mogford, a senior partner at Rhos House Surgery, Mountain Ash said: “Our pharmacist has been helpful in easing some of our practice workload.
“He carries out face to face medication reviews and medications searches and audits.
“There is huge potential for his role to grow and for him to become a solid member of the healthcare team.”
Kate Spittle, pharmacist team leader for Merthyr and Cynon at Cwm Taf University Health Board said: “By providing an easily accessible and efficient service, we will be able to keep patients safe by providing important reviews of their medication and also reduce the amount of wastage.
“The value of pharmacist support also has an impact on the wider practice team such as the reception team and nurses.”
Bev Woods, also a pharmacist team leader at the health board for Rhondda and Taff Ely said: “If you would like to speak to a pharmacist for advice on your medication, you have the choice of having a face-to-face consultation at the surgery or via a telephone call.
“Patients who are not well enough to visit the surgery can arrange a home visit from the pharmacist. However, the home service may not yet be available in all GP practices.”
To find out more about the service, please contact your GP practice or contact Kate Spittle on 01685 728821 (kate.spittle2@wales.nhs.uk) or Bev Woods on 01443 443135 (bev.woods2@wales.nhs.uk)
Source: Cwm Taf University Health Board
