Project Description
Dr Sarah Jarvis, GP
Self-care is a valuable life skill which makes a real and positive difference to the way people are able to navigate common minor health problems. The pandemic, and the pressures on the NHS which persist as a result, have highlighted the need for all of us to understand when and how self-care is appropriate.
There is a clear desire among the public to practise self-care in order to help themselves and relieve pressure on the NHS – but they need to feel able and supported to self care when that’s the best option for them.
We need to empower individuals to recognise and manage self-treatable symptoms quickly and effectively, with advice from a pharmacist where necessary but without the need for a GP consultation.
Embedding the role of the pharmacist as a key and integral part of the primary healthcare team can empower patients and make the best use of the invaluable skills of our community pharmacy colleagues. This blueprint for a national self care strategy recognises the urgent need to make the best use of the resources available to us by incorporating an enhanced role for pharmacists.
I very much hope the blueprint will attract the support it deserves across the NHS and beyond, and that those projects already operating to support and encourage self-care can serve as inspiration for a more systematic approach.
HEAR FROM OUR SUPPORTERS
Dr Sarah Jarvis GP
Dr Sarah Jarvis on how a self care strategy will help support appropriate use of valuable NHS resources.
Michelle Riddalls, PAGB CEO
PAGB's CEO Michelle Riddalls on self care as a vital part of the health system.
Jonathan Ashworth, Shadow Health
Shadow Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Jonathan Ashworth provided a video message in support of the blueprint for a self care strategy.
Stephen Goundrey-Smith MRPharmS FFCI
Stephen speaks about community pharmacy and its role in self care.