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Rapid response teams welcomed by RPS England

Pharmacists will work in teams to help prevent ill-health

Responding to the announcement today from the Department of Health and Social Care that ‘community-based rapid response teams’ and dedicated support for care home residents will involve pharmacists alongside doctors, nurses and physiotherapists, RPS Director for England Ravi Sharma said:

“Any investment in patient care is fantastic news. We welcome DHSC’s recognition of the vital role pharmacists play in supporting care closer to home as part of the multidisciplinary team. The focus on the prevention of ill health is a hugely positive step and is central to the role pharmacists play in healthcare.

“Using the skills of pharmacists has been shown time and again to help prevent ill health and keep people well in the community. It also enables greater access to healthcare and improves patient care. 

“RPS has long campaigned for the greater integration of pharmacists into the patient pathway to improve their care and safety. In particular our campaign on improving the care of care home residents has estimated that pharmacists working in care homes across the UK could save the NHS £135 million through medicine reviews and preventing emergency hospital admissions.

“We want to see the workforce used to ever greater effect to support the public and the NHS through the upcoming Long Term Plan.  We look forward to being part of the plans about how this will be implemented through primary and community services. Our work to champion the breadth and diversity of the profession as part of this important agenda will continue to build over the coming year.”

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