PRESTEIGNE Medical Practice has teamed up with its local pharmacy to benefit patients and improve capacity in the healthcare system.

The practice was added to Shropdoc in 2023 as it expanded its presence in Powys.

The practice has opened its doors to its local pharmacist Ian Whyatt, who is helping push the role of the community pharmacy further, in order to relieve pressure on doctors and GP surgeries.

Natalie Mclaughlin, of Presteigne Medical Practice, said: “Ian is the pharmacist at Presteigne Pharmacy and we have always worked collaboratively and well together.

“He recently asked us whether we would consider supporting him with his independent prescribing with Bangor University.

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“This means Ian can become a prescriber within his own right, working to his own prescribing formulary.

“Once qualified after May 2025, for patients who have acute medical conditions that fall within Ian’s remit for treatment, he will be able to provide this care and treatment in the pharmacy setting.

“Greater use of pharmacist-independent prescribers within the multi-professional team will increase patient access to care, improve capacity in the healthcare system and improve individual outcomes. Presteigne patients will definitely benefit from this service.”

Ian is now working with nurse practitioner Tom Hansen for the next six months, shadowing acute clinics at the practice to help gain knowledge and experience to be able to prescribe treatment for these types of conditions in the future.

Ian said: “The NHS is very keen for community pharmacy to extend its role beyond the scope of dispensing, medication advice and the sale of over-the-counter medicines.

“Following the successful implementation of the common ailments service in Wales and Pharmacy First in England, it is hoped that community pharmacies can play an important role in minor ailments, freeing up GP capacity to deal with more complex health issues.

“Pharmacists qualifying after summer 2026 will be independent prescribers; however, if pharmacists are to fulfil this role, then it is imperative that those of us who are already practising can gain this qualification.”

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He added: “Having the independent prescriber qualification will allow me to assess and treat patients safely without the restrictions of working under patient group directions.

“This in turn will provide greater accessibility to treatment within the local community and relieve pressure on the local GP surgeries.

“I am enormously grateful to all at Presteigne Medical Practice for providing me with the opportunity to complete my supervised practice-based learning with them – learning more during these sessions than I could possibly learn in a classroom.”