Pharmacists perform home visits in Merthyr and Rhondda

The Royal Pharmaceutical Society broadly backs the move

Housebound patients in Merthyr and Rhondda Cynon Taf will soon receive home visits from their pharmacist.

The initiative by Cwm Taf Health Board is an attempt to reduce wasted medicines and ensure prescription drugs are taken in the most effective manner.

It is a continuation of a service offered by community pharmacies in the area since 2005.

It follows successful trials by other health boards - Abertawe Bro Morgannwg, Betsi Cadwaladr, and Cardiff and Vale.

A spokesman for Cardiff and Vale said: "We have piloted a clinical pharmacist review service targeting patients who have fallen and those with compliance or other difficulties in taking their medication."

"Over 40% of falls are thought to be medication-related. The results of the pilot show an increase in compliance with medication and a cost savings due to decreasing or stopping inappropriate medication."

NHS Cymru estimates that each year inappropriate or no longer needed medicines cost £50m, and lead to between 100 and 200 preventable deaths.

Emma Hinks, Cwm Taf Health Board's community pharmacy facilitator, said: "Remember you can ask your pharmacist questions at any time, but a review will give you both more time to concentrate on you and your medicines.

"The reviews are important for patients, as they can help improve the effectiveness of your medicines, identify easier ways to take them or you may find you need fewer medicines than before."

She said the review of medicine use also helped the NHS prevent prescription waste by ensuring the right medicines were being prescribed and taken properly.

The idea has received broad backing from the Royal Pharmaceutical Society in Wales, whose director for Wales, Paul Gimson, said: "Pharmacists are the experts in medicine and we believe that all patients taking medication should have the best possible access to the expertise and support of their pharmacist".

"By talking face-to-face, pharmacists can check that patients understand their drugs and are taking them correctly, and are managing symptoms day-to-day."

However he warned that medical disciplines should not be blurred, and that the input of pharmacists should complement rather than replace visits from other health professionals.

"Medication use reviews such as those in Cwm Taf are a key part of the coordinated care service for people on long-term medication, linking in with and complementing the work of other healthcare professions such as GPs and nurses."