Pharmacy News
Think beyond NHS services, says West Midlands pharmacist
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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.