Primary Care: Targets

Baroness Wall of New Barnet Excerpts

Tuesday 13th October 2015 Lords Chamber

[Lord Prior of Brampton]

I fully accept, of course, that diagnosis is extremely important but I think that advanced nurse practitioners can play a role in diagnosis, as well as in treatment, as can physician associates, given that both are supervised by GPs. I believe that high-street or community pharmacists can play a big part in supporting the role of clinical pharmacists.

[Baroness Wall of New Barnet (Lab)]

The noble Lord will recall yesterday’s discussion about how the integration of care is crucial. I am absolutely in agreement with the noble Baroness, Lady Walmsley—this is what integration in the health service really means. Providing the opportunity for pharmacists in hospitals to work in those practices should be encouraged.

[Lord Prior of Brampton]

I completely agree with those comments. Over the next five years, we will see much greater integration of acute hospitals and primary care and community care.