Richard Harrington, the Conservative candidate for Watford, pledged his support for pharmacies in Watford following an election campaign visit today.
Richard met pharmacist Peeuish Bahl and his team to see how community pharmacies are easing the pressure on the NHS by freeing up time for GPs and Accident and Emergency departments. Lloyds Pharmacy provides advice and support for local patients to help them to get the most benefit from their medicines and to lead healthy lives. It also offers services for people with long-term conditions, including ordering repeat prescriptions, medication reviews and free medicine deliveries. Richard was administered a blood pressure and diabetes test, just some of the services on offer at the pharmacy.
Richard says: "Pharmacists are highly qualified medical professionals who can provide advice, administer tests and dispense medicine in convenient locations, freeing up GP appointments and preventing unnecessary A&E admissions. I've supporting campaigns to raise awareness of their services for many years now as Watford's MP and have held my own Diabetes Awareness Days with local pharmacies"
Peeuish said: “Community pharmacy is a great and accessible way to find healthcare advice and support. We are the experts on the use of medicines and should be the first port of call if you are feeling unwell.”
Local pharmacists and their teams are a key part of your neighbourhood health service. Community pharmacies provide a range of NHS services, ensure people can get face-to-face care without an appointment and take pressure off GPs and hospitals.
With consistent support from government, community pharmacists can do much more to:
- Take pressure off GPs and hospitals
- Make access to NHS care more convenient
- Help people with long-term conditions
- Promote public health services
- Get better value from medicines
- Save the NHS money