How Today’s Pharmacists Play Key Roles in the Healthcare Team
The hospital pharmacist
Paul Swithenbank, lead clinical pharmacist at Neath Port Talbot Hospital, said, “I became a pharmacist in 1990. The main change I’ve seen is how much more pro-active the job has become – we’re now based much more on the wards advising patients and staff on all aspects of medicines.
“The job now involves using my clinical skills more – a hospital pharmacist nowadays is an integral part of the medical team.
“The main part of my job is advising doctors and being able to answer their questions on medication. I also speak to the patients about taking their medication correctly.
“We play a key role in preparing patients for going home again, keeping them well so they don’t end up back in hospital.
“In our hospital, pharmacists run certain clinics – the anticoagulation- Warfarin) and outpatient deep vein thrombosis clinic are examples.
“We use our expertise to adjust the dose for the patient.
We also take part in clinics for patients recovering from heart attacks or lung problems advising them on their medicines.
“We are also involved in helping patients who come into the hospital for surgery by taking the patient’s drug history and talking to them about any over-the-counter or alternative medicines they may also be taking, as these can interfere with medication or procedures done in hospital.
“Some drugs need to be stopped before surgery, for example.
It’s all about involving patients more in their own health care and helping them get the best use from their medicines.”
The community pharmacist
Dewi Cook, is a community pharmacist, Co-operative Pharmacy, Swansea.
He said, “I’ve been a community pharmacist for five years.
“Since I started there has been increasing emphasis on advising the public and empowering patients with the choices they make.
“More medicines are now available without prescription, so patients don’t need to see their GP.
“This increases the options for people to take care of themselves for problems such as a cold sore, minor eye infection or thrush.
“A key part of my job is making sure that my patients are looking after themselves.
We do a stop smoking clinic and carry out tests for diabetes, cholesterol and blood pressure.
“We try to offer patients extra advice when we see them, for example, if a patient comes in for help to stop smoking and is overweight, we can offer them advice on weight loss as well.
“And we work as part of the wider healthcare team, referring patients to other health professionals.
“What I love about my job is working with people – I like to see how helping someone understand about medicines and their health can have far-reaching effects on their wellbeing and quality of life.”
The pharmacist prescriber
Alison Jones is a pharmacist prescriber at Bron Meirion Surgery in Penrhyndeudraeth and local hospitals She said, “I’ve been a pharmacist for five years and started working with patients in a GP surgery three years ago.
“I’m part of the GP team and see patients with long-standing conditions referred mainly by the doctors but also practice nurses and other healthcare staff.
“The patients I see have a range of conditions including high blood pressure, cholesterol problems, thyroid disorders and diabetes.
“The patients are offered a 20-minute appointment with me and this can include giving information on their condition and its treatment, reviewing blood test results, discussing their medication, prescribing new drugs and adjusting drug dosages and advising on side effects.
“My role allows the GPs to concentrate their time on managing people with more complex health problems.
“The patients think it’s great – it gives them more time to discuss their medicines and any problems they have with them.”
There has been increasing emphasis on advising the public and empowering patients with the choices they make
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