Over 36,000 more patients in Kent will soon be able to benefit from expert advice from a clinical pharmacist when they visit their GP surgery, thanks to the expansion of a national scheme to support the recruitment and training of more clinical pharmacists to help with patients’ routine medication and treatment.

Clinical pharmacists are already using their skills to benefit patient care in some Kent and Medway practices, following support provided through NHS England’s clinical pharmacist in general practice programme.

A further scheme to support the use of a clinical pharmacist at Whitstable Medical Practice was announced today, bringing the total number of GP practices in Kent and Medway set to benefit so far from the roll out of this national programme to 71, covering over 719,000 patients.

Clinical pharmacists work as part of the general practice team by providing expertise on day-to-day medicine issues and consultations with patients directly. This includes providing extra help to manage patients’ long-term conditions, such as helping to manage a patient’s high blood pressure earlier and more effectively to prevent cardiovascular disease; advice for patients on taking multiple medications; and offering better access to health checks. This all delivers quicker access to clinical advice for patients and allows GPs to spend time with patients who have more complex needs.

Dr John Ribchester, Senior GP Partner at Whitstable Medical Practice, said: “We are looking to recruit a pharmacist as soon as practicable to enhance our patient focussed team to support patients with both long term conditions and more immediate health issues. We already provide a wide range of services, rated outstanding by Care Quality Commission, and look forward to incorporating the added skills of a clinical pharmacist to the team.”

Shwan Rashid, a clinical pharmacist who is already working in two Dover GP practices, said:  “We have always been the ‘medicine experts’ on the high street and hospitals and this scheme aims to expand and extend our role to GP practices.”

Welcoming the increase in clinical pharmacists who will be supporting patient care in Kent GP surgeries, registered pharmacist and Director of Commissioning Operations within NHS England’s South East team, Felicity Cox said: “Having a clinical pharmacist in GP practices means GPs can focus their skills where they are most needed, for example on diagnosing and treating patients with complex conditions. This helps GPs manage the demands on their time and ensures patients see the health professional that best suits their needs.”