Two key clinical services will be available in 99 per cent of community pharmacies across Wales after a boost in funding.
The sore throat test (STTT) and treat service and the urinary tract infection (UTI) service have both benefitted from contractual negotiations between the Welsh Government and Community Pharmacy Wales (CPW).
"This is fantastic news for patients, improving access to trusted, convenient care through their local community pharmacy. Community pharmacists already play a vital role in supporting their communities, and it’s encouraging to see that role increasingly recognised through investment in services such as STTT and the UTI,” said, Elen Jones, Royal Pharmaceutical Society director for Wales and England, said:
“Patient feedback on both services has been overwhelmingly positive. They not only provide care closer to home but also make the best use of pharmacists’ clinical expertise.”
Research has suggested that the treatments of STTT services in pharmacies has led to better use of antibiotics.
Research led by Dr. Efi Mantzourani found that 24 per cent of consultations through the Welsh pharmacy-led STTT service resulted in an antibiotic supply, compared to 39 per cent of GP consultations. For every 100 patients presenting with a sore throat at an STTT pharmacy, there was a reduction of approximately 15 to 18 antibiotic prescriptions.
Jones said this highlighted the critical role community pharmacy plays in the public health and called for that to reflected in improved funding for the sector.
"While this announcement is very welcome, it’s important to acknowledge that community pharmacy is under significant pressure,” she said.
“As we highlighted to politicians, together with CPW at the Senedd in 2024 and earlier this year following the results of our workforce wellbeing survey, pharmacy teams must be supported with adequate resources, protected time for training, and sustainable workloads to ensure these services can be delivered effectively and safely."
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