For more than 100 years, 25th September has officially marked World Pharmacists Day, celebrating the profession and its encompassing sectors. As pharmacists ensure the availability and appropriate use of medicines and preventative care, in co-ordination with 2025’s theme of ‘Think Health, Think Pharmacist’, we’re sharing how pharmacists across the UK utilise our Enhanced Advice & Guidance (A&G) service to care for patients:
Managing a patient with type 2 diabetes
In one NHS area in the Midlands, our National Consultant Network (NCN) supports locally challenged or unavailable specialties. The NCN comprises out-of-area NHS consultants who support primary care clinicians by providing A&G, helping patients receive the right care in the right place the first time.
‘I saw a patient with type 2 diabetes who needed a GLP-1 during Ramadan. Because he was fasting, my initial thought was to delay it until after Ramadan, but I decided to speak with a diabetologist on the NCN to confirm my plan. The consultant advised that introducing the GLP-1 would help with fasting because it would reduce the patient’s hunger and increase feelings of fullness. This was invaluable advice, and when I relayed this to the patient, he was very satisfied with the decision.’
– Clinical Pharmacist in Diabetes.
Interpreting abnormal blood results
In Medway & Swale ICP, clinicians have had access to specialist advice via Consultant Connect for six years, speeding up the process and enabling healthcare professionals to make decisions within a consultation. A pharmacist prescriber shares how a patient’s blood test showed elevated alanine aminotransferase levels, so she contacted a consultant paediatric gastroenterologist via Consultant Connect:
‘The consultant advised me to order an ultrasound scan for the patient and repeat liver function tests. His advice was helpful, truthful, and non-judgmental, which ultimately helped me provide the best care for my patient. The service streamlines my day-to-day job in a relaxed and easy way, and I feel much more informed.’
– Shenaz Khan, Pharmacist Prescriber.
Initiating a mental health medication management plan
Mental Health Telephone A&G has been available to clinicians in South East London ICB via Consultant Connect since October 2019, and is provided by mental health specialists at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust. The principal pharmacist for medicines information explained how providing A&G via Consultant Connect has allowed them to be flexible with their service and fit with current service demands:
‘A GP contacted me about the management of a complex psychotropic medication regimen and akathisia in a young man. His diagnosis was anxiety and antisocial personality disorder, ADHD as a child and illicit substance use. The patient had rung the surgery as he was concerned about his jumpy legs and feeling twitchy, which had been ongoing since he came off using street drugs some 4-5 months previously.
‘Since the patient had a history of substance misuse and Procyclidine can cause euphoria, I advised [the GP] to reduce the dose to 5mg daily for one week and then stop. Aripiprazole can also cause akathisia, so I suggested withdrawal by reducing the dose to 10mg weekly to stop. The management plan was initiated, and this was a great result for both the GP, who got the advice she needed quickly and efficiently, and the patient, as a clear and thorough plan was constructed.’
– Dr Anne Connolly, Principal Pharmacist for Medicines Information.
If you would like to set up a Consultant Connect service, please email the team at hello@consultantconnect.org.uk or call us on 01865 261467.
