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Think beyond NHS services, says West Midlands pharmacist

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Think beyond NHS services, says West Midlands pharmacist

Example of one pharmacy's travel service income

Pharmacists should think beyond the NHS and consider the possible benefits of introducing private services, audience members heard at a talk at the Pharmacy Show on Sunday 8 October.

West Midlands pharmacist Satyan Kotecha and NPA lead support pharmacist Nikesh Patel led the discussion on the financial and public health gains that private services can deliver – as well as common challenges pharmacists face when setting them up, such as overcoming self doubt and gaining a thorough understanding of local health needs.

"You spend five years studying, you are a medicines expert - why not use that knowledge," Mr Kotecha said

Pharmacists may be surprised at the clinical gaps they can fill, Mr Kotecha said. The NHS rarely provides allergy testing, and a “surprising number” of patients are willing to pay, he said.

Furthermore, “GPs hate travel services” and are unlikely to take issue with pharmacists stepping into this area, he said.

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