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.”

The group will examine if pharmacy can deal more effectively than other parts of the health system with many patients’ concerns through health promotion and screening for certain chronic conditions.

“For example they will look at finger-prick testing for diabetes with referral to GPs when indicated; managing patients with stable long-term conditions, eg cardiac patients and patients suffering from respiratory diseases; advising patients on managing medications; managing minor ailments to reduce unnecessary visits to GPs and outpatient services,” said Dr McLoughlin.

The group will report to the council of the PSI within three months and the PSI will then forward its advisory report to Health Minister Mary Harney.