In recent years community pharmacy has taken an increasing role in public health. Pharmacies are uniquely placed to offer services from convenient, widely frequented locations with long opening hours and without the need for an appointment. They are also often regularly visited by people from higher risk groups who may not otherwise be tested.
In 2010 we launched a programme for hepatitis C and hepatitis B (and in some areas HIV) testing in pharmacies, designed to roll-out a very successful pilot in 2009 (click here for the report). This pilot diagnosed 1 in 6 of the people tested with either hepatitis C or hepatitis B, and the Trust is now offering free training and supporting materials for pharmacists to introduce this service. Funding for the tests will need to be identified locally.
For more information contact Leila Reid at Leila.reid@hepctrust.org.uk or on 020 7089 6200.
