Could your medicines do with an MOT? How clinical pharmacists in general practice can help.

This World Pharmacists Day, Steve Williams, Pharmacy Professional Lead for the Dorset General Practice Alliance, explains how clinical pharmacists in general practice can help with medication questions, reviews and much more.

Helping you get the most from your medicines

If you have a question or worry about your medicines, you can ask your GP practice if you can speak to a clinical pharmacist.

They can listen to your concerns and talk through your medicines with you. Steve explains,

‘They will listen to your concerns about your pills and, together with you, they may safely stop, start or adjust medication.’

The aim is to make sure your medicines are working well for you and fit with your needs and lifestyle.

Time for a medication MOT?

Most clinical pharmacists can prescribe medicines and many also run clinics for people with conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes and asthma.

They can also review your medicines, especially if you take more than 10 a day and if need be discuss your case with your GP

It is a chance to look at the medicines you take, check how they are working for you and talk about any concerns.

Steve’s message is,

‘It’s okay to ask your GP practice to speak to the clinical pharmacist about your medication.’

 World Pharmacists Day

World Pharmacists Day takes place on 25 September each year.

It is a chance to celebrate pharmacists and the important part they play in healthcare.

We would like to say thank you to  all pharmacists working across Dorset general practice for the care and support they give to patients every day.