Primary Care Pharmacy in Greater Glasgow and Clyde

The introduction of the 2018 GP Contract has led to significant changes for primary care pharmacy services. In NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde our 6 Health and Social Care Partnerships are working towards delivery of pharmacy services in a joined up fashion, but testing a variety of new approaches to support care of patients and free up GP time. These include services with community pharmacy such as the  Inverclyde Pharmacy First project in community pharmacy provided an extended minor ailments scheme including treatments for common, uncomplicated conditions normally requiring a GP prescription. This session will explore the work undertaken to deliver excellent pharmaceutical care to patients in both settings looking at how these maximise use of the pharmacists’ skills and direct patients to the most appropriate healthcare professional. This work has been well received by patients, by GPs and practice staff and by the pharmacy workforce and has also been shown to reduce GP workload.

Audrey Thompson

I took up post as Lead Pharmacist for Prescribing Services in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde in 2018 after a succession of roles within prescribing support and governance. This post leads development of pharmacy services to GP practices and mental health services within NHSGGC. Major areas of work include development of a pharmacotherapy service to support the Scottish General Medical Services Contract, ensuring systems are in place to maximise safety, effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of prescribing, forecasting and review of primary care prescribing expenditure, and governance of non-medical prescribing.

I am chair of the Area Pharmaceutical Committee and in 2016 was elected chair of the Area Clinical Forum. This responsibility confers a position as Non-Executive Director of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde. I am a member of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society.