Chemist may be open if GPs are shut
OLDER people worried about the lack of GP surgeries opening late must make more use of pharmacists, says a Bolton organisation for the over-50s.
Unless an illness or injury is complex and requires hospital attention, the advice is to go to a GP, said Professor Arup Banerjee, president of Bolton Over-50s Federation.
But if surgeries are not open when needed, the next step is to consult pharmacies at chemists, which are often open in the evenings and at weekends, he said.
The over-50s group, which meets on a regular basis, discusses and offers advice on issues such as health and finance for people approaching retirement.
Prof Banerjee said: "A big issue at the moment is the lack of surgeries staying open late.
"Our family doctors are being pressurised to keeping open for longer, which may not always improve the situation.
"The high street chemists are one group of professionals who are not properly utilised and involved a lot of the time.
"A qualified pharmacist is as knowledgeable as a nurse or therapist.
"They go through several years of training on the workings of medications, their interactions, side-effects and scientific evaluation and usage.
"All through my working life in hospitals, I always consulted my pharmacist colleagues and invited them to join me on ward rounds and outpatient clinics for advice.
"People can find out about this sort of thing and more by coming along to our meetings."
The Bolton Over 50s Federation will hold its annual meeting at the Friends Meeting House in Silverwell Street, Bolton town centre, at 2pm on Tuesday, April 8.
More information can be obtained from the federation's Mike Hallam at hallam173@btinternet.
com
3:23pm Thursday 27th March 2008
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