The first week of the new year in Parliament last week was a
busy one, with the Brexit Bill passing through the House of Commons and now
undergoing debate in the House of Lords. This was a significant step forward
and all is now on course for us to leave the EU at the end of this month.
As well as supporting this momentous Bill I was also pleased
to question the Prime Minister in the chamber and again get his support on
preserving and enhancing the replacement for EU funding for Cornwall, as well
as for our transport and health infrastructure after we have left.
Over the weekend it was great to get an update on the
community pharmacist consultation service (CPCS), which was introduced in
October 2019. The service enables NHS 111 health advisers to refer patients
with minor illnesses to their local pharmacy for assessment and treatment. It
is something I pushed for as part of my role as Vice Chair of the All Party
Parliamentary Group for Pharmacies, a group of MPs from different political
parties who work together to raise awareness of the role of pharmacies, and to
promote pharmacists' current and potential contribution to the health of the
nation.
Since the scheme began I have been pleased to see that
114,275 patients with minor illnesses or who needed medicines have been
referred to a local pharmacist as part of it.
The appointments involved 64,067 urgent medication requests
for conditions, such as diabetes or asthma and 50,208 people with a minor
illness given clinical advice, such as for a sore throat or earache.
CPCS is funded as part of the £2.5 billion per year in the
community pharmacy 5-year contract agreed last year. The role of pharmacists is
an important part of the NHS Long Term Plan, encouraging the public to make
better use of clinical expertise closer to home, as pharmacists are highly
skilled health professionals who have 5 years of training, giving them expert
knowledge on how to use medicines to support patients.
At a time where our local hospitals are busy due to increased
use brought about by winter pressures, the successful results from the CPCS as
shown above will undoubtedly help ease pressure on hospitals such as Treliske
as well as community hospitals such as those we have in St Austell and Newquay.
I will continue to do all I can to highlight and promote the
work of our excellent community pharmacies, both in Cornwall and across the
country, and ensure that they continue to receive their fair share of funding in
the future.
My team and I are here to serve the whole constituency and
work hard to make a real difference to the lives of everyone needing support.
The office is open to the public Monday – Friday 10.00am – 4.00pm (no
appointment necessary). If there is an issue you would like my assistance on
then please, either visit the office or contact me on either 01726 829379 or
office@stevedouble.org.uk. Additionally, I hold regular, appointment only,
advice surgeries across the constituency. Dates of these can be found at: www.stevedouble.org.uk/events
