Huw Irranca-Davies, Member of the Senedd for Ogmore, visited Caerau Pharmacy to learn about the benefits of pharmacist prescribers and clinical services from community pharmacies. This pioneering initiative is supported by Welsh Government, NHS Wales, and Community Pharmacy Wales with the objective of ensuring every patient has access to an independent prescriber by 2030.

Huw met with Pharmacist Jonathan Jones who explained how the ability to now prescribe to patients means a reduced pressure on GP practices and allows patients with non urgent conditions to be seen in a timely manner.

At the visit to Caerau Pharmacy, Huw also discussed the challenges and opportunities for this model of health and care with staff, and the desire for more Pharmacy’s in Ogmore to take up the fantastic opportunity supported by Welsh Government to become independent prescribers.

Speaking after the visit Huw said ” I would like to thank Jonathan and his team in Caerau Pharmacy for taking the time to explain to me the important work they do. The pharmacy team are passionate about the work they do to promote health and well-being to local residents. I encourage local residents to use this fantastic service provided by Jonathan and his team.”

Judy Thomas from Community Pharmacy Wales added: “The growth in independent prescribing is making a real difference to the people of Wales as more and more community pharmacies are able to offer these services.

“The community pharmacy network is committed to the objective of all pharmacies having an independent prescriber, as detailed in Pharmacy Delivering a Healthier Wales, which is a vision document for the future sharing common goals between government, health boards and pharmacists.”

Huw also praised the work of community pharmacist prescribers such as Jonathan Lloyd Jones in the Senedd during First Minister’s Questions.  Watch the exchange and the First Minister’s response here