Clinical Pharmacists

What can a Clinical Pharmacist help with?

Long-term conditions

If you have a long-term condition such as asthma, type 2 diabetes, arthritis or high blood pressure, the Clinical Pharmacist can discuss the medicines you are taking to make sure they are working for you. They can also help you with lifestyle changes to help you manage your condition.

Experiencing side effects

If you are experiencing side effects from your medicines, you can discuss these with the Clinical Pharmacist and work together to find a solution, such as changing your medicine or the dosage. If you are taking a number of different medicines, the Clinical Pharmacist can help make sure they are working well together.

Medicine reviews

If you are taking medicines long-term, you should be seen for a review at least once a year. You may be invited for a Structured Medication Review (SMR), a comprehensive review of your medicines, taking into consideration all aspects of your health. In an SMR, you will work together with the Clinical Pharmacist as equal partners to understand the balance between the risks and benefits of – and alternatives of – taking medicines. The shared decision-making conversation is led by your individual needs, preferences and circumstances. Health-checks, such as taking your blood pressure and arranging for blood and other tests, are also part of this process.

• After a hospital stay, or when treatment is recommended from outpatients.
• If your medicines have changed while you were in hospital, the Clinical Pharmacist can help explain these changes and ensure you get the maximum benefit from these medicines.