'The development of the new pharmacy contract also holds potential to support improvements in chronic disease management'states a recent report published by the NHS modernisation agency. For more information on community pharmacy's potential go to the recent news article 'Chronic Disease Management - whats new?' via the homepage or resources section The full report 'Learning distillation of Chronic Disease Management programmes in the UK' can be found at nhsconfed.org

Helping patients get the best from their medicines is an important role for community pharmacists. It is something that they do each day, and the more formal, structured methods fall under the title of Medicines Management services. These services are set to increase in importancy - patients expect to understand their medicines and PCTs need to make best use of their resources. The two go hand in hand and it is the community pharmacist who can make the difference.

The news article that discusses Medicines Management for Older People is still available on the website. Click medicines management and older people to go straight to the article. It proposes that community pharmaciy has a lot to offer in helping older patients remain independent.