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Independent pharmacists get in touch with ICP magazine to get things off their chest…

Inspiring stories showing people are being listened to

One patient came to us morbidly obese and desperate to lose weight for the sake of his children. During his consultation, I took his blood pressure and found it was high.

After fitting a 24-hour ABPM and reviewing the results, I contacted his GP surgery to explain that, in my view, he would be an ideal candidate for further weight management support due to his clinical risk factors and emotional distress.

He later told us the GP had agreed to refer him. That moment showed how powerful it can be when someone feels heard, supported and not dismissed.

Ashwin (the pharmacy’s owner) has also supported a weight loss patient who had been refused help elsewhere because of her complex medical history.

Rather than turning her away, he took the time to look at the whole person: her health, her risks, her confidence and her hope for the future.

With careful clinical judgement and compassion, he helped her access support safely. He liaised with her GP and nephrology consultant to be included in blood test results so she could lose enough weight safely to have a hip replacement and be more mobile so she doesn't have to rely on her wheelchair.

Another elderly gentleman told me he was unable to get a GP appointment for over a year. I checked his blood pressure, found it was extremely high and emailed the surgery with the results. He was reviewed, started on Amlodipine 5mg and his blood pressure is now stable.

Our spring Covid vaccination campaign was another example of how Rainbow Pharmacy responds quickly to the needs of the community. In just three weeks, we administered over 700 vaccinations.

Many patients told us how grateful they were to be able to walk in without needing an appointment, especially elderly patients, carers and those who find online booking difficult.

These are not just clinical interventions. They are examples of people being listened to, advocated for and given a chance to improve their health, confidence and quality of life.

Sharon Lucas, accuracy checking technician, Rainbow Pharmacy, Ipswich.

Lack of designated prescribing practitioners frustrates me immensely!

We as a profession had many years’ notice of the need to have enough DPPs. I feel like I’ve been voicing my concerns that we don’t have enough for this long to pre-empt this situation, especially in community pharmacy.

Reena Barai, S.G. Barai Pharmacy, Sutton.

The cost of a pharmacist is being met from private income

There isn't enough mark-up on the medicines we dispense. As a result, in spite of doing all the services, there isn't enough income to meet all our expenses.

The cost of a pharmacist is being met from private income. A better contract must be made with the NHS before more pharmacies are forced to close. Our negotiators agreed a very bad contract last time out.

Concerned independent pharmacist.

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