Local AM calls for bigger role for pharmacists and nurses

9.58.56am UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 18th Jan 2007

Welsh Liberal Democrat AM for Brecon and Radnorshire, Kirsty Williams, is calling for greater use to be made of nurses and pharmacists in delivering healthcare.

The local AM wants to see these healthcare professionals playing a larger role within communities, working alongside GPs and other practitioners.

Ms Williams said: "I am well aware that many of my constituents have to travel significant distances to access healthcare services. Whilst we all recognise that we cannot have a neurosurgery unit or specialist cancer services on our doorsteps, extending the role of pharmacists and nurses, which many people do have easier access to, could have real benefits to people's health and wellbeing.

"I would like to see these professionals offering testing, screening and monitoring for a range of conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol. By developing this community-based approach we could increase illness prevention, aid public education and enable those suffering from chronic conditions to manage their illness more effectively. Welsh Liberal Democrat proposals for health-hubs means that pharmacists, nurses, physiotherapists and GPs could be based under the same roof, alongside advice services, to ensure the most convenient healthcare possible.

"Being able to go to the local community pharmacist for a regular blood check-up, for example, and for the pharmacist to prescribe medication, reduces pressures on GP time and is a simple way to tackle chronic conditions. We should increase and promote the use of extended prescribing by developing existing limited projects, so that appropriately trained nurses and pharmacists are able to prescribe a wide range of drugs. This puts patients first by making the healthcare far more accessible and patient-focused. In line with this we should work to make innovative use of new-technology in the health service such as developing round-the-clock access to consultant advice through telemedicine and telemetry, and building innovative e-capacity measures such as e-prescribing and e-notifications. Being able to seek advice and treatment without leaving your home has the potential to revolutionise healthcare in rural areas, and is an opportunity we must grasp with both hands."