Wirral sets up screeening and brief interventions in 56 pharmacies

Wirral PCT has launched Screening and Brief Interventions (SBIs) in 56 of the district's pharmacies, aiming to have all 86 covered as part of the 2007-2010 local alcohol strategy. The developments follow SBIs being set up across GP surgeries in Wirral last year, a setting well suited for SBIs and supported by national guidance. In pharmacy settings, people will be screened by being asked to fill in a short questionnaire and being provided with advice, information or onward referral as appropriate. Follow-up telephone calls will also be made to assess how clients may have responded to the intervention or to deliver any further support.

Wirral has amongst the highest rates for alcohol misuse in the country, with over half of men in Merseyside regualrly drinking more than the reccomended guidelines. According to the Liverpool Daily Post, Andy Mills, head of partnership and engagement at Wirral PCT, said:

“Wirral is leading the way nationally, and many pharmacists have already started running routine alcohol screenings. Wirral PCT is now looking to get all pharmacies involved in providing this service.”

Trusts across the country are increasingly commisisoning SBIs as part of local approaches to reducing alcohol misuse, particularly in primary care, A&E and criminal justice settings. Recently a guidance framework for commissioners was relesaed by the NHS, the Alcohol Primary Care Service Framework.