Pharmacist

[jennyjoan]

About two years ago I was referred to the "pharmacist in my surgery" for a "talk".

I honestly do not know what this pharmacist does apart from talking.

if we want medicine then it is the GP or receptionist who doles the prescription.

No, he doesn't belong to the pharmacy "next door" etc.

Anybody know exactly what this guy does in the surgery. Thanks

[Old_Geezer]

Doesn't he fill the prescription ?

[hc4361]

He should make sure you understand what your medicines are for, how to take them, when to take them and how often.
He should also make sure you know what to do if you vomit shortly after taking your medicine and any side effects to watch out for.

And for that he gets £30. Ker ching!

[hc4361]

Ah. If you are in Ireland I don't know if they get paid for the service.

[Mamyalynne]

You often don't see the Pharmacist as they are busy in the back working - until you are due for a review which they do for those on regular medications.

List of duties here.

http://www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/AboutNHSservices/pharmacists/Pages/pharmacistsandchemists.aspx

[Jomlett]

My chemist's assistants always used to tell me if drugs were cheaper off the prescription!

[hc4361]

My mistake, the pharmacist gets £28 for the MUR. I offered to go halves when my pharmacist wanted to do one for me, but he wouldn't :(

[jennyjoan]

this guy is actually sitting in the surgery - last time I visited him - he told me he was taking me off a certain medication - surely that was up to the doctor - who the hell does he think he is.

[jennyjoan]

guy is NOT in a pharmacy but employed by my surgery's doctors - a little conceited barsteward he is too

[trt]

Jenny,
I had a letter from my surgery about 2 weeks ago, informing me that they have taken on a medicational advisor, or something like that.

His or her job will be to advise patients on their medication, and will contact me to make an appointment, which will be on a Tuesday only!

[jennyjoan]

right trt - but why have they (doctors) employed the likes of him (who doesn't know you or anything about you) for said pharmacist to make an important decision re your medication

[Mamyalynne]

With more information , I suggest you ask the practice manager more about the role of this person and also mention any unpleasant attitude you have experienced JJ.

[jennyjoan]

thanks Mamy - just sorta an attitude "I am telling you" - a little sprick

[Mamyalynne]

Just smile sweetly and be assertive - 'I really need these (name of med) they help me so much and the Doctor agrees'.

[hc4361]

Believe it or not, the pharmacist knows far more about drugs, side effects and counter indications than your GP.
If he is employed by your surgery he will have full access to your medical records and history and can know as much about you as your GP.

At my practice the nurse issues prescriptions for asthma, diabetes, blood pressure and statins.

[jennyjoan]

if I am correct Mamy - the doctor would agree with him

[ummmm]

They are highly trained, JJ, and far more qualified about drugs, side effects, combination of drugs etc etc.

If I have a minor ailment I'd go and see the pharmacist before the doctor.

[jennyjoan]

Ummmm - do you see the actual pharmacist based in your surgery?

[Mamyalynne]

Ah - I seem to have misunderstood all this, he agrees with the GP.

[ummmm]

No...we don't have a pharmacist in the actual surgery and the chemist on site is always busy. I use a side street chemist.

[jennyjoan]

yes - that's why he is actually in the surgery