The Prescribing Support Team has achieved a significant milestone, setting a new standard in pharmacist professional development.
The success has come through the NHS Education for Scotland (NES) General Practice Clinical Pharmacist (GPCP) advanced practice programme.
Lloyd Kennett, Senior Pharmacist Education and Training, said: “The team’s leadership and innovation have been instrumental in implementing the GPCP Competency and Capability Framework, a pioneering initiative designed to advance the skills of Pharmacist Independent Prescribers.
“Developed collaboratively with GP Clinical Pharmacists, GPs, the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) and the Royal College of General Practitioners, it draws on the RPS Advanced Practice Framework and equips pharmacists with enhanced clinical consultation, decision-making and physical assessment capabilities.
“Pharmacist participation in the GPCP programme has delivered remarkable results across the GP Practice teams supported by the Prescribing Support Team in Lanarkshire. With the conclusion of the GPCP programme, 27 pharmacists have been accredited at Advanced Level I and one at Advanced Level II – the highest number of advanced practice accreditations achieved by any health board in NHS Scotland.
“The framework’s success not only strengthens workforce capability but also ensures that patients across Lanarkshire benefit from safer, more effective and more efficient care.
“By empowering pharmacists to manage complex clinical scenarios and optimise treatment pathways, the programme contributes to improved outcomes in chronic disease management and overall patient health.
“This accomplishment aligns closely with NHS Lanarkshire’s healthcare strategy, Our Health Together, which focuses on delivering better care through innovation and collaboration. The Prescribing Support Team’s efforts represent a significant step forward in achieving these goals while setting a benchmark for excellence in pharmacist-led care.
“With their commitment to advancing pharmacy practice, fostering innovation and building a resilient healthcare workforce, the NHS Lanarkshire Prescribing Support Team is leading the way in transforming healthcare delivery and ensuring patients receive the best possible care.”
