We must make the best use of Community Pharmacists - Welsh Lib Dems

4.48.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 1st Oct 2008

Pharmacists can provide services like smoking cessation and blood pressure testing.

Red tape and government inertia are preventing Community Pharmacists from playing a leading role in the NHS, Welsh Liberal Democrats claimed this afternoon.

During an opposition debate, the Welsh Lib Dems called on the Government to change the rules to prevent harmful competition with GPs in rural areas and to ensure pharmacy is given senior representation at a high level in the newly centralised NHS.

Jenny Randerson AM said: "Community Pharmacies save thousands of lives and have the opportunity to do so much more if the Government allows them to.

"Currently the situation prevents pharmacists from providing services across the country which prevents services when patients need them.

"I also called today for the chaotic oxygen contract to be looked at carefully so that when it runs out we can return to a system similar to the one run by community pharmacists before the centralised system in place now.

"Lets make pharmacy work to the best of its ability."

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