Pharmacists to commence work in care homes

NHS England is planning to fund the recruitment of 240 pharmacists and pharmacy technicians to work in care homes to try to cut down on unnecessary medicines taken by the residents.

Care home residents often have one or more long-term health conditions, with some prescribed 10 or more medicines.

Trials have shown that pharmacists reviewing medicines reduced their use and improved patients’ quality of life.

In one trial, an annual drug cost saving of £249 per patient was seen.

That pilot scheme took place in East and North Hertfordshire across 37 care homes.

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