Pharmacists will be able to provide greater support to patients suffering from depression under new plans to ease the pressure on GPs and cut waiting times. People will get advice on managing potential side-effects of their medication as part of the “new medicine service”.
This follows research showing speaking to a pharmacist when medicine is newly prescribed – plus short-term follow-ups – can increase the effectiveness of treatments depression and other long-term conditions. Antidepressants are prescribed for clinical depression as well as conditions including generalised anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Side-effects can include feeling agitated, headaches and changes to sleeping patterns.
Delivering services through community pharmacies is intended to ensure people receive the right support in convenient locations.
Health Minister Stephen Kinnock said: “This Government is helping patients suffering with their mental health to get back on their feet. Patients prescribed antidepressants will now receive ongoing support, with pharmacists providing thorough aftercare to help them manage their condition.
“As we shift healthcare out of hospitals and into the community, we will expand the role community pharmacies play in providing support for patients closer to home and allow pharmacists to work to the top of their license.”
Claire Murdoch, National Mental Health Director at NHS England, added: “Record numbers are struggling with their mental health, so the new medicine service expansion means patients will get the opportunity to talk to a pharmacist about how they are getting on with their newly prescribed medicines to manage their mental wellbeing without having to go to their GP or another services – pharmacies are fantastic and they are at the heart of the community, so well placed to provide this important follow up care closer to home.”
The new initiative comes alongside efforts to recruit 8,500 mental health workers and provide access to mental health support in every school.
