Potential ulcer? Go to the chemists

The move follows proposals for more community-based health services contained in the reform document ‘Transforming Your Care.’

Community pharmacists across Northern Ireland are now able to offer a number of new services in their premises making it more convenient for people to receive expert advice and treatment.

In addition, pharmacists are now able to review patients’ prescriptions and where appropriate suggest changes to GPs.

These changes will include, for example, using a more effective dose such as one tablet instead of two or providing a different form of a drug such as a capsule instead of a tablet.

The pharmacist may also suggest using a generic drug which is just the same as a more expensive brand. If the patient agrees to any of the pharmacist’s suggestions then their GP will be consulted and if agreed, the changes will be made for their next repeat prescription.

Health Minister Edwin Poots said: “I welcome these additional services for the treatment of minor ailments. This is another example of how Transforming Your Care is succeeding in providing accessible services in more appropriate community settings.

“It also helps reduce demand on other areas of the health service, like Emergency Departments and GPs.”

Joe Brogan, Head of Pharmacy and Medicines Management, Health and Social Care Board said: “In managing all minor ailments, pharmacists will provide advice, education and signposting to other services when appropriate.

“This is important as many of the minor ailments may re-occur in the future and good education and advice will encourage prevention, early recognition and self care.”

Dr Terry Maguire, community pharmacist said: “I really welcome this service development through community pharmacies. I know from personal experience how patients really value the ability to call in to their local community pharmacy, speak to a pharmacist who they know and trust and have their minor, but often upsetting, ailment treated quickly and efficiently.”

Back in June the Sentinel reported how local doctors were going to start sending patients to their local chemist to be breath tested for stomach ulcers instead of referring them to Altnagelvin.

The radical change reflected proposals for more community-based health services contained in ‘Transforming Your Care.’

In this case ‘Transforming your Care’ meant sending you to the chemist instead of to hospital.

According to health officials more than 500 tests have been carried out since the scheme was introduced and local GPs report that approximately 50 per cent of these patients have avoided attendance at hospital for more invasive diagnostic services such as endoscopies.

Following consultation GPs can now refer their patient directly to participating local pharmacies where the patient can undertake the breath test quickly and conveniently in a community setting.

Local community pharmacists in the Western area have demonstrated their commitment to improving both the quality and accessibility of diagnostic services through the provision of a simple breath test which detects the Helicobacter Pylori bacteria, a major cause of heartburn, stomach discomfort and inflammation, gastritis and ulcers.

The recommendations of the recently published ‘Transforming Your Care’ review report represent a radical change to how health services are delivered in communities, say health officials.

They add: “The provision of the right care in the right place at the right time is a key principle of this change. This pharmacy-based initiative demonstrates the Western Local Commissioning Group’s commitment to developing more effective local services for local people.

“Through working in partnership with colleagues in the Gastroenterology Service at the Western Health and Social Care Trust this primary care alternative to diagnosis and treatment was developed. This contributes to the reduction of waiting lists and lessens pressures on hospital-based diagnostic services.”