Specialised pharmacy service opens for people with mental health problems and learning disabilities

South West Yorkshire Mental Health Trust, which provides mental health and learning disability services to people in Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield has opened a specialised pharmacy service today to provide more individualised care for people who use the Trust’s services.

The new pharmacy sees a move from a service provided in part by external pharmacies. It will be run exclusively by the Trust and deliver an integrated service to the in patient wards at Fieldhead as well as all the community based services across the organisation.

The new service allows for a dedicated team of pharmacy staff whose only focus will be on service users with mental health problems. These staff will work within each of the Trust’s localities to deliver the specialist service and give advice.

Chief pharmacist Lynn Haygarth said, "The relocation of the pharmacy is a very positive move for the Trust. It will streamline services whilst ensuring that dispensing procedures across all our localities, whether on wards or out in the community are regulated and consistent. It is important to note that the majority of mental health care is delivered via community based teams and the new pharmacy will have a positive impact on the way treatment is provided to local people via these services."