Patients with asthma and who are registered with St Michael’s Medical Centre in Dumfries can now request an ‘eco-review’ of their inhaler prescription.
This review will assess how they are managing their condition, the most effective treatment and include a discussion on the environmental sustainability of reliever inhalers.
Inhalers are essential for managing asthma and other respiratory conditions, but many inhalers use propellants that are powerful greenhouse gases to administer the medication. Close management of asthma using a preventer inhaler and choosing a more environmentally friendly option like a Dry Powder Inhaler (DPI), can reduce reliance on the reliever or more environmentally harmful Metered Dose Inhalers (MDI).
NHS Dumfries and Galloway is leading the way nationally through the work taking place at St Michael’s Medical Centre, where patients are offered this opportunity to discuss how treatment impacts the environment and what an individual can do to manage their condition in a more sustainable way.
The initiative is part of wider NHS Scotland efforts to improve sustainability and reduce environmental impact.
Dumfries-based Clinical Pharmacist Dr Emily Kennedy, who is working with the Scottish Government’s Effective Prescribing and Therapeutics Division on Sustainable Prescribing, said this was an opportunity for patients to have a conversation with both their health and the environment in mind.
Dr Kennedy said: “Our goal is to ensure each patient has the best treatment while also contributing to the fight against climate change.
“We know how important inhalers are for managing asthma, and we are not asking anyone to change inhalers unless it’s clinically appropriate.”
How to Request a Review
Patients registered with St Michaels can contact the practice to schedule a review by calling 01387 244950 or emailing: [email protected]
For opening times see: Home – St Michaels Medical Centre
