The School of Primary Care Research (SPCR) is pleased to highlight the work of SPCR Commercial Pharmacy Fellow Ade Williams, whose innovative community outreach is helping more men engage with healthcare by taking health checks into local pubs.
Based at Bedminster Pharmacy in Bristol, Ade has been working with venues including the Robert Fitzharding JD Wetherspoon to offer blood pressure checks and informal conversations about health in a familiar, non-clinical setting. The initiative aims to reach men who may be less likely to seek advice in traditional healthcare environments and to build confidence in using community pharmacy services.
The outreach follows findings from the Men's Health Forum, which show that while most men regularly visit a pharmacy, many leave without discussing a health concern. The report highlights the importance of taking healthcare into community settings, such as pubs and workplaces, to help build trust and encourage earlier conversations about health.
As one of SPCR's Commercial Pharmacy Fellows, Ade is supported through an NIHR School for Primary Care Research fellowship that provides ring-fenced time for UK-registered pharmacy professionals to develop expertise in commercial research delivery. The fellowship supports participants to develop pathways that increase commercial clinical research in out-of-hospital settings and build collaborations within the community.