Community pharmacies in Wales are missing a “clear chance” to provide basic procedures and ease pressure on GPs.
That’s according to Welsh Conservatives, who have today accused the Welsh government of failing to realise the full potential of the service.
Latest figures reveal none of Wales’ 707 community pharmacies offer seasonal flu jabs or tests for blood pressure and cholesterol.
Just one per cent provides support for alcohol misuse and only two per cent offer weight management services.
Shadow Minister for Health, Darren Millar AM, said:
“Community pharmacies offer an invaluable service – but their full potential is being ignored.
“The Welsh Labour government has missed the opportunity to take advantage of the medical expertise that’s available.
“There is a clear chance to expand what’s on offer, relieve the burden on GPs, and increase support for local people.
“A fifth of the adult population is obese – yet only two per cent of community pharmacies provide weight management services. More than 1,000 deaths result from alcohol abuse every year – yet just one per cent of community pharmacies offer support for the problem.
“Despite the hard work of its staff, our NHS is currently under immense pressure from Labour’s decision to cut its budget by a billion pounds.
“Making greater use of community pharmacies would ease the strain and should be a top priority for this government.”
