Having spent over twenty years writing plans for the future and pointing out what is under-utilised the pharmacy world has been very slow in influencing, in a significant manner, the commissioning and implementation of this alternative world.
Many models are still described as innovative when arguably they could, by now, be mainstream.
Many pharmacist wish to move away from the dispensing bench and become more involved in patient care. Using new technology that can supply medicines with almost no pharmacist involvement and the increased use of pharmacy technician’s, the pharmacist’s time could be put to better use and give them a broader role as caregivers.
Some patients, carers and members of the public have access to a broader range of services and care from pharmacy than the traditional dispensing and supply of medicines. Pharmacists increasingly provide services that help people stay well and use their medicines to best effect. However, the pace of change remains slow!
Pharmacist are often frustrated at the waste of their skills but for pharmacy-led services to become commonplace, NHS England must significantly reduce the dispensing fees given to community pharmacists and increase incentives for them to do something else.