Over 42,000 more patients in Surrey 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.

Six schemes in Surrey, to help clinical pharmacists use their skills to enhance patient care in GP practices, were announced last year. It has now been confirmed that a seventh scheme in the county will also now benefit from NHS England’s clinical pharmacist in general practice programme; with patients from five GP practices in Dorking and Brockham set to benefit from having a clinical pharmacist working with their surgeries.

This brings the total number of practices in Surrey set to benefit so far from the roll out of this national programme to 54, covering almost 520,000 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.

Marta Wojcik a clinical pharmacist who already works caring for patients at Cranleigh Health Centre in Surrey, said: “The role of the practice pharmacist is highly rewarding. By influencing prescribing decisions with the latest, evidence based knowledge I am making sure medicines are used to their best possible effect and better outcomes are achieved for patients. Pharmacists are a valuable asset to a multidisciplinary team at a GP practice.”

Sanjeev Sudera, another clinical pharmacist who works to support patient care in three GP practices in North West Surrey, added: “I would recommend a GP clinical pharmacy role to any pharmacist that likes variability, a fast pace of work and a strong desire to engage and influence the health outcomes of patients directly.”

Welcoming the increase in clinical pharmacists who will be supporting patient care in Surrey 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.”