Primary Care is the front door to healthcare in NHSGGC, providing essential, first‑contact services to more than 1.3 million people across the region.
Aradhana is a Practice Pharmacist at Apsley Street Surgery within NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.
Many people are familiar with community pharmacists working in local pharmacies, but fewer realise that pharmacists are also part of the team within GP practices across NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.
The Role of the GP Practice Pharmacist
GP Practice Pharmacists work alongside GPs, nurses, reception staff and other healthcare professionals to help patients get the most from their medicines. Their role is to ensure medications are safe, effective and appropriate, while supporting patients to better understand and manage their treatment.
Aradhana offers an insight into the important role pharmacists play in Primary Care and how they help patients every day.
“Many people know about community pharmacists, but may not realise that pharmacists also work within GP practices as part of the wider healthcare team.
“Our role is to support patients with their medicines and help make sure they are getting the best possible benefit from their treatment.”
When Might You See a GP Practice Pharmacist?
Patients may see a GP Practice Pharmacist for a variety of reasons.
This could include reviewing several medications, discussing concerns about side effects, checking whether medicines are working as intended, or simply helping someone better understand their treatment.
A pharmacist can often provide additional support and reassurance for patients who have questions about their medications or long-term health conditions.
“Patients can ask to see us if they’re taking several medicines, have concerns about side effects, feel their medication isn’t working as expected, or would like to better understand why they’re taking a particular medicine.”
Appointments can usually be arranged by contacting your GP practice and asking to speak to the pharmacy team.
What Happens During a Medication Review?
One of the most common services provided by GP Practice Pharmacists is a medication review.
During a medication review, patients have an opportunity to discuss their medicines in detail, ask questions and raise any concerns they may have about their treatment.
The pharmacist will review each medication, discuss why it has been prescribed, assess how well it is working and explore whether there are any unwanted side effects or difficulties taking it.
Where appropriate, pharmacists may also carry out additional checks, such as monitoring blood pressure or reviewing test results.
“A medication review is an opportunity for patients to sit down with us and talk through their medicines.
“We’ll discuss what each medicine is for, whether it’s working, any side effects they’re experiencing and answer any questions they may have.”
How Does This Benefit Patients?
The overall aim of the service is to help patients feel confident about their medicines and achieve the best possible outcomes from their treatment.
Medication reviews can help identify opportunities to simplify treatment plans, reduce side effects, minimise unnecessary medication and reduce medicines waste.
By working closely with patients, GP Practice Pharmacists can support people to manage long-term conditions more effectively and make informed decisions about their healthcare.
“Ultimately, it’s about improving health outcomes and helping people get the most from their medicines.”
Here to Help
If you have questions about your medicines, are experiencing side effects, or would like to better understand your treatment, support may be available through the pharmacy team at your GP practice.