We caught up with the Pharmacist/Pharmacy Team of the Year Award shortlist ahead of this year’s General Practice Awards ceremony to be held on 6 December at the Novotel London West.

The St Austell Healthcare Group Clinical Pharmacist Team has established itself as a beacon in patient care within its local area.

Over the past year, the team has significantly improved patient outcomes and practice efficiency, particularly by reducing repeat prescription processing times from four days to just one, and an impressive 98.6% in Atrial Fibrillation Review QOF for 2023-24.

The team’s commitment to leveraging technology is demonstrated by its implementation of Viso for managing hypertensive patients. With over 1,300 patients enrolled, the harnessing of this digital solution has resulted in tangible improvements in blood pressure control, with better health outcomes and a reduction in systolic levels.

The patients that use the Viso app have registered a satisfaction rate of over 90% and would recommend the app to a friend. It's not all about the technology, however; the success is testimony to the effort put in by the clinical pharmacists in responding back to the patients and managing their needs.

Additionally, the collaboration of the team with local pharmacies to establish Pharmacy First services has improved access to care, freeing up nurse appointments and allowing patients to receive timely advice and treatment.

The team also plays a crucial role in nurturing the next generation of pharmacists by offering support and guidance to trainee pharmacists, contributing to the growth and development of the profession.

Each pharmacist in the St Austell team has an area of special interest, allowing them to provide targeted support across a range of conditions, including hypertension, Parkinson’s disease, asthma, diabetes, HRT and pain management.

The team’s organisation of responsibilities by special interest areas has ensured that patients receive focused and high-quality care. This approach not only supports the primary care network in achieving its QOF markers but also ensures that patients with complex conditions receive the best possible management.

Alan Lawler, executive strategic business manager, says he is ‘immensely proud’ of the team of clinical pharmacists for their ‘outstanding dedication and innovative contributions’ to patient care that have earned them a place on the shortlist for the 2024 General Practice Awards.

He adds: ‘Their commitment to improving patient care through effective medication management and collaborative multidisciplinary teamwork has significantly enhanced our practice's efficiency and patient outcomes.

‘They play a crucial role in elevating the standard of care we provide. Their recognition as finalists is a testament to their hard work and the positive impact they make within our PCN.’