"Expert pharmacists" to offer medical care

LONDON, Sep 5 (Reuters) Local pharmacists in England could be giving patients treatment for long-term conditions such as diabetes and heart problems within 12 months, the government said today.

Health Minister Andy Burnham said experienced pharmacists would be able to train and qualify as a so-called ''Pharmacist with a Special Interest'' to relieve pressure on overworked family doctors.

The accreditation matches similar moves the government has made with experienced medical personnel elsewhere in the National Health Service, such as the introduction of nurse practitioners.

''Hopefully, we should have people working on the High Street in these extended roles this time next year,'' said a health department spokeswoman.

''It should free up GPs to give them more time to deal with more serious cases.'' Patients would still go to their GP for diagnosis, but would be able to go to a high street chemist for regular follow-up treatment only available today in surgeries or hospitals.

Expert pharmacists could treat other long-term conditions such as Parkinson's Disease, skin disorders, as well as managing medicines such as anti-coagulant drugs, taken to prevent strokes and heart disease.

Burnham unveiled details of how pharmacists could win the new accreditation at the British Pharmaceutical Conference in Manchester.

''New and extended roles for experienced staff are a key part of our NHS reforms,'' he said.

''All pharmacists play a valuable role in helping patients manage their medicines, as well as contributing to public health.'' Neal Patel, of the National Pharmacy Association, said pharmacists were ''really pleased'' with the government's plans.

''It really does expand the potential for what pharmacists can offer the public,'' he said.

The changes mean the look of the high street chemist would change, he said, with more offering separate rooms for giving treatment and confidential consultations.

The British Medical Association also supported the move, but said it was important patients did not get confused about where they should go for expert help.

''We need to make sure there is very clear communication between these new expert pharmacists and the patients' GPs so that they know of the advice that has been given and that the care that is provided for individual patients is coordinated properly,'' said Richard Vautrey of the BMA's GPs Committee.

REUTERS PB BS0835