A PHARMACIST is being recruited in Darlington to offer help to elderly patients.

The new recruit will support local doctors' practices by reviewing medication for patients aged 75 and over.

The post has been created to ensure elderly patients are taking their medicines properly and have the most appropriate prescriptions for their conditions.

Statistics show that four out of five people over 75 take at least one prescribed medicine, with 36 per cent taking four or more drugs.

Colin Morris, chief executive of the Darlington Primary Care Trust, said: "With the help of the new pharmacist, all people over 75-years-old in Darlington should have their medicines reviewed at least annually, and those taking four or more medicines should have a six-monthly review.

"These reviews not only help us to improve patient care, but also result in a financial saving which can be ploughed back into local health services."

The pharmacist will also help practices to implement national guidelines on medicine-related issues and help to promote initiatives.