The main role of the Pharmacy team within the PCN is medicines management whilst reducing patient appointments with GPs. The Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians have a broad knowledge of medications knowing what they are used for which they are able to amend if required to suit each individual.
Along with reducing wait time for medication reviews and new medication reviews the Pharmacy team are able to add new medications which may have been issued by the Hospital which saves patient waiting time on any new medications. The Pharmacy is also able to help changing medication if what is required is not in stock – this may be done by issuing the same strength over medication but taking in smaller doses more frequently and also having the time to explain to the patient what has been done and why and how the new dose may need to be taken.
They are able to discuss and advise further on how to take medication e.g. best times, before/after food etc. Also advising patients if medication can be crushed or added with food if patients have difficultly swallowing them. Medication techniques and changes are checked by the team such as inhaler techniques.
Any medication that isn’t on a regular repeat prescription go to the acute sector meaning patients need reviews before they are supplied any more. These reviews are often done by the Pharmacy team in a more sufficient timely manner to ensure patients needs are met promptly.
This reduces the workload to help free GP time for more acute problems patients face.
