The Newham Self-Management Support Programme is being rolled out across pharmacies in the east London borough. The scheme, which has been developed by Newham CCG in partnership with the North East London Pharmaceutical Committee, Newham council and local patient groups, encourages local people to develop personalised plans to improve their health and wellbeing. 

The programme will see accredited pharmacists invite patients with two or more long-term conditions, such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease, for one-to-one sessions where they will talk about their concerns. During three sessions over the course of 12 weeks, patients will be able to discuss issues such as their understanding of their condition, managing medications and looking at how they can improve overall health and wellbeing.

Patients will work with the pharmacist to develop a ‘My Wellbeing Plan’ that identifies their health goals, such as increasing activity levels, making improvements to their diet or getting more involved with their community.

Dr Ashwin Shah, a local GP and clinical lead for integration at NHS Newham Clinical Commissioning group said: “We want to help local people to take more control over their health and wellbeing. That’s why each ‘My Wellbeing Plan’ is completely driven by what each individual person feels is most important to them. 

“We know that making lifestyle changes such as stopping smoking, eating healthy food and losing weight can be tough, but they can make a huge difference to your health and wellbeing. Your pharmacist is trained to help you to feel confident in your ability to manage your condition and to make sure that you have all the support you need to live your life to the full.”