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Pharmacies in north-east London are taking part in a pilot that aims to put them at the centre of long-term condition management.

Patients with one of four long-term conditions €“ diabetes, CVD, mental health problems and respiratory disease €“ are being asked to complete a self-care assessment form in one of 60 participating pharmacies. The answers will form the basis of a personal self-care plan, drawn up jointly by the patient and pharmacist.

Pharmacists involved in the pilot have received training in health coaching skills to help empower patients to take more control of their own care. Pharmacists and patients will maintain an ongoing dialogue and patients can be referred to other health and social care professionals if needed. Each pharmacy will hope to recruit 12 patients.

The pilot, which starts in June and lasts for six months, is organised by North East London LPC. Secretary Hemant Patel told Pharmacy Magazine at a conference to launch the scheme that it represented a new way of working for pharmacy. €This integrated service will enable pharmacists to connect with others in their community and with voluntary organisations, add value, and provide security and professional fulfilment. Pharmacists will effectively act as the co-ordinators of their patients' care.€

Dermatological problems and gastroenterological conditions will be added to the scheme soon, he said, while Waltham Forest CCG will provide additional funding for pharmacist training.

An evaluation report will be published in September to inform the next round of local commissioning. Mr Patel is confident that the service will be commissioned on a long- term basis next year and pharmacists in north-east London will play €a major role in helping patients to live independently€.

Mr Patel has high hopes for the scheme. €It will add purpose and meaning to pharmacists' lives,€ he said.