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Pharmacists could help reduce NHS pressures by playing a greater role within general practice, according to a new report from the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) and NHS Alliance.

Produced with input from a roundtable of GPs, practice pharmacists and the public, the Pharmacists and general practice report explores the current and potential work of pharmacists within general practice and the barriers that prevent it. The report highlights examples in which pharmacists have been successfully integrated into general practice, but points out that these are not widespread due to lack of awareness among GPs of the benefits of practice pharmacists, which could be tackled through more joint learning.

Mark Robinson, medicines, pharmacy and medicines optimisation lead at NHS Alliance, said: €Primary care is facing an immediate crisis with up to 500 GP practices at risk of closure due to an ageing workforce, as well as recruitment and retention issues. The roundtable clearly showed that pharmacists can help offer a practical and timely solution.€