The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS), professional membership body for pharmacists and pharmacy, has published its manifesto for the general election,
highlighting key issues facing the next government after the election on July 4.
Local candidates are urged to recognise and support the vital role pharmacists play in supporting people's health.
The RPS teams are gearing up to influence government policy in various crucial areas. Their key asks include:
Ensuring Secure Patient Access to Medicines
Supporting a Better-Connected NHS
Enhancing Accessible Prescribing in Local Communities
Maximizing Health Improvement through Locally Accessible Pharmacy Teams
Supporting the Workforce to Deliver Patient Care
Unlocking the Potential of New Advances in Medicines
Supporting the UK's Global Position in Science and Research
Acknowledging the efforts of pharmacists and their teams, Professor Claire Anderson, President of the RPS, noted that they are "working incredibly hard to
maintain patient access to care amid workforce challenges, medicines shortages and financial pressures."
Over the past two years, the Covid pandemic has resulted in a backlog of elective care within the NHS, with record numbers of patients on waiting lists
across the UK. Despite efforts to catch up after the first wave, subsequent waves have put further strain on an already stretched NHS system.
This has had a tremendous impact on many patients waiting for routine dermatology appointments and, while every effort has been made to see patients with suspected
serious skin cancers within two weeks, this target is not always achieved.
With rising waiting times, pharmacists are increasingly the first port of call for patients suffering with a broad range of skin problems. From acne and rosacea,
eczema or psoriasis, to changing skin lesions or simple insect bites, pharmacists can give helpful advice, allowing some customers to find quick relief to their
skin complaint in mild cases, while directing others to see their GP without delay.
Below is some practical advice that pharmacists can give to their customers with commonly encountered skin complaints.
Acne
Acne is a common skin condition that not only affects teenagers but adults too. It is estimated that up to 40 per cent of women continue to suffer with acne into
their adult years. Acne has been linked to an increased incidence of depression, anxiety and even suicidal ideation.
Patients have reported feeling overlooked and often dismissed in their concerns by health care professionals.
Unfortunately, these issues have been further compounded by delays in being seen and treated due to the ongoing Covid pandemic. Pharmacists are well placed to help
acne patients choose the right skincare. This should consist of lightweight products, such as gel or milky cleansers, with moisturisers in serum, lotion or light
cream preparations. Some acne suitable products are further labelled as non-comedogenic.
Oil-based or occlusive preparations are best avoided. There are many good quality, non-comedogenic sun blocks suited