Project Name: Bexhill PCN: Pharmacist-Led Lipid Management Model of Care at PCN level

Project Summary:

The main objective of the CWP is to improve the quality of care for patients and support the early identification, review, and medical optimisation of patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) who are at high risk of cardiovascular events and who are not achieving lipid levels as specified in national and/or local guidance, in response to the needs of the CW Partner. 

This will be achieved by the funding for an additional Lipid Pharmacist (Band 8c) to develop a new Lipid Optimisation service within the PCN.

Planned Milestones:

MilestoneDescription
1

Project Kick off meeting

Collection of baseline data

Confirmation of clinical and operational pathway, policy and protocol creation, 
and readiness to begin the clinical activity (CW Partner shall ensure that the 
clinical staff covered by the Novartis Financial Contribution are in place, 
trained and ready to begin clinical activity). 

2

CW Partner:

Collection & submission of 3 months: clinical activity data 

CW Partner & Novartis: 

Project Review meeting to discuss project progress.

3

CW Partner:

Collection & submission of 6 months: clinical activity data 

CW Partner & Novartis: 

Project Review meeting to discuss project progress.

4

CW Partner:

Collection & submission of 9 months: clinical activity data 

CW Partner & Novartis: 

Project Review meeting to discuss project progress.

5

CW Partner: 

Development of business case with 9 months data to continue the service offered by this project

6

CW Partner: 

Analysis of CWP data, submission of Final Project Report, Submission of Outcomes Summary

Expected Benefits:

ANTICIPATED BENEFITS FOR PATIENTS

  • Improved access to lipid management care leading to optimal diagnosis and management of ASCVD treatments.  
  • Enhanced experience around ASCVD with ongoing management of the condition.  
  • Improved access to appropriate medication for suitable patients to preserve health and prevent long-term events.
  • The additional capacity will provide additional time and support from PCN HCP with their lipid management, focusing on patients who may have previously not attended GP appointment or been lost to follow-up. Thus, leveling health inequalities within the PCN.

 

ANTICIPATED BENEFITS FOR THE ORGANISATION(S)

  • Increased proportion of ASCVD patients reviewed by primary care.  
  • Increased proportion of ASCVD patients receiving expert and timely review closer to home.
  • Reduction in ASCVD referral rates to secondary care.
  • Increased proportion of patients receiving guideline-directed pharmacotherapy.
  • Insight into benefits of primary care pharmacist led lipid management clinics in primary care.  
  • Support aligned to NHS Long Term Plan, CVDPREVENT, and Network Contract DES.

 

ANTICIPATED BENEFITS FOR NOVARTIS

  • Insight on the appropriate use of ASCVD licensed medicines in line with NICE guidelines, including Novartis’s medicines, where appropriate.
  • Enhanced reputation, and supporting Novartis’ vision that no patient should have to wait for an extraordinary life, by supporting high quality Collaborative Working with healthcare organisations which addresses the problem of health inequalities.
  • Ethical, professional, and transparent relationship between Novartis and the Healthcare Organisation.  

Start Date & Duration: November 2024 for 15 months

FA-11294769-1

Project Name: Pharmacist-led Lipid Management Model of Care at PCN level - Collaborative Working Project

Organisation(s): Novartis Pharmaceuticals UK Limited and Little Common Surgery (On behalf of Bexhill Primary Care Network (PCN))

Completion Date: September 2025

Outcome Summary: 

The project successfully delivered against its original aims and impacted an increased number of patients than anticipated. 

High-risk patients were proactively identified and reviewed, supporting timely intervention before cardiovascular events. Patients’ treatment was either initiated or optimised. Where treatment was not suitable, clinical rationale was clearly recorded (e.g., frailty, intolerance), ensuring care remained person-centred.

Key Project Outcomes Data:

472 patients attended review appointments (a structured lipid optimisation consultation)

306 accessed NICE approved lipid lowering therapies.

Outcomes: 

Pharmacist-led clinics reduced GP burden and improved review turnaround times. 

Empowerment and Engagement:
Patients received clear, personalised information during pharmacist-led reviews, with improved understanding of cardiovascular risk and the role of lipid-lowering therapy. Shared decision-making was encouraged and recorded, and patient education resources were provided for all cohorts.

The pharmacist provided direct education and support to nursing staff and GPs, increasing their clinical confidence and competence in lipid management. This included case-based learning, guidance updates, and prescribing tips tailored to primary care challenges.

Sustainable Practices:
Longer-acting therapy options were adopted where appropriate to reduce treatment burden and improve adherence. Standardised templates, stratification tools, and care pathways are now embedded, enabling continuity and replicability across the wider PCN.

Conclusion: 

The project delivered meaningful change in cardiovascular care through pharmacist-led intervention, improved clinical processes, and multidisciplinary upskilling. It resulted in wider use of effective therapies, faster treatment access, and a more empowered healthcare team.

FA-11551592 | November 2025