During this pilot, pharmacies will assess patients at risk of COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) and refer those with the greatest risk to their GP.
COPD is an umbrella term for chronic bronchitis and emphysema, in which the airways to the lungs become narrowed. Preventable lung diseases are the 2nd biggest killer in the UK.
Patients may also be signposted to other health services such as smoking cessation, asthma clinics, self help groups etc and will be given self care advice. They will also have the opportunity of having a Medication Use Review should they already be on different therapies.
The pilot will run in seven pharmacies, starting from today, for a period of six months. It will then be evaluated before further roll out.
Ash Pandya, Chief Executive of Essex Local Pharmaceutical Committee said:
“This project is unique in that it has arisen as a result of close collaboration between the primary care trust, secondary care and the Local Pharmaceutical Committee (LPC), as part of a process to redesign the pathway for patients with COPD. This project is the first of a number of initiatives that will be developed as a result of this process.”
Su Stephens, Commissioning Manager for Long Term Conditions at NHS Mid Essex said:
"We want to encourage people to be aware of the importance of healthy lungs and place a strong emphasis on prevention. This new service means that residents, who meet certain criteria, will be offered an assessment and a simple spirometry screening test at their local pharmacy. The aim is to identify and treat any lung conditions at an early stage.”
The service was launched at Borno Chemist Ltd, 124 Newland Street, Witham,
CM8 1NE. The service will also be available, from today at the participating pharmacies below:
Shadforths Pharmacy
253 Broomfield Road
Chelmsford
Essex CM1 4DP
Boots UK Ltd
133 Sunrise Avenue
Chelmsford
Essex CM1 4JW
Blackwater Pharmacy
Princes Road
Maldon
Essex CM9 5GP
Lloyds Pharmacy
5 Newland Street
Witham
Essex CM8 2AF
Melbourne Pharmacy
18 Melbourne Parade
Chelmsford
Essex CM1 2DW
Colecross Pharmacy
1 Hylands Parade
Chelmsford
Essex CM2 8BW
Further information contact:
Ash Pandya ash.pandya@essexlpc.org.uk 01245 460079
NHS Mid Essex communications@midessexpct.nhs.uk 07852 304105