RPS Scotland welcomes Near Me virtual consultations

RPS Scotland is delighted to have endorsed newly published guidance for pharmacists wishing to use Near Me video consultations. This is a fantastic opportunity for pharmacists to deliver person centred care bringing pharmacy to the patient at mutually convenient times and locations such as in their home or place of work.

 Jonathan Burton, Chair of the SPB, and an early adopter of Near Me in his Stirling pharmacy, said: “It's really positive that we've been able to move forward so quickly with this in Scotland. Pharmacists in community, hospital and GP practice settings have shown a willingness to adopt new ways of communicating with patients through the Covid-19 crisis and this new guidance for NHS Near Me supports them in developing their practice. I'd encourage pharmacists to use the guidance document to help smoothly introduce video consultations into their daily work rouine and also visit the RPS website where we've brought together a huge range of remote consultation advice, resources and links."

Aileen Bryson, RPS Scotland Deputy Director said: “Our recent survey showed an appetite for improving patient access to care using remote consultations where clinically appropriate in all areas of practice, so it’s is great to see this guidance supporting community pharmacies. It recognises community pharmacy as an NHS provider which is what we want to see. It is one of the positive aspects of the pandemic we can put to good use in the future.”