Sapphire Medical Clinics (“Sapphire Medical”), a multi-award-winning medical cannabis clinic and the first Care Quality Commission (CQC) and Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS) registered clinic, has today launched a patient focused education service within the Sapphire Institute for Medical Cannabis Education.
Medical cannabis patient access, education and research form the foundation of Sapphire Medical. Having set up the CPD-certified Sapphire Institute for Medical Cannabis Education in 2020 with a focus on healthcare professional training, Sapphire Medical announces a new education centre focused on individual patients. This service will allow patients and carers of those with chronic conditions such as pain and anxiety to understand how to safely access medical cannabis treatment. The centre includes an overview of the medicine, common misconceptions, Q&A videos, a research blog and opportunities to ask questions.
Dr Simon Erridge, Head of Research and Access at Sapphire Medical Clinics, commented on the launch of the education centre for patients. “At Sapphire Medical we understand that patients and carers may have a lot of questions about treatment with medical cannabis, whether that be its legal status, how to access it safely, what conditions it can be considered for and when, and the costs involved in the medicines. This free patient education centre, which builds on the CPD-certified healthcare professional training available, is the first step for patients who want to find out more. We are constantly involving patients in our service and processes, including this education centre, and look forward to incorporating more learning ideas from patients going forward.”
Welcoming this development in education on medical cannabis is PLEA (Patient Led Engagement for Access). PLEA champions the patient community, standing for ‘Quality of life with Medicinal Cannabis’. Lucy Stafford, Advocacy Director of PLEA and patient at Sapphire Medical Clinics commented, “We welcome this new initiative and The Sapphire Institute’s free education centre for patients. Medical cannabis can be considered for a range of conditions, but patients need accurate and up to date information on treatment. PLEA’s patient working group is delighted to have provided feedback on the content and development of this Patient Education Centre.”
Footnotes:
In February 2023, Sapphire Medical Clinics were informed that Health Improvement Scotland would no longer regulate virtual healthcare services who have their headquarters outside of Scotland. Sapphire Medical Clinics still retains an address at One Allan Park, Stirling and continues to be regulated by the Care Quality Commission.
