Pharmacists may test for diabetes

FINGER-PRICK testing for diabetes and blood tests for cholesterol could be available at the local pharmacy if an expert group decides it is the appropriate setting for additional patient services.

Yesterday, the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI), the pharmacy regulator, announced the setting up of the group to look at the role pharmacists can play in alleviating bottlenecks delaying patient treatment.

PSI registrar Dr Ambrose McLoughlin said its work was timely. “The role of pharmacy in public healthcare is growing internationally. We need to focus more on what pharmacists can bring to patient value, especially in health promotion and prevention.”