What's The Point Of... A Medicines Information Service?

Following on from last time's podcast, we continue on a theme of having a look at some of the less often seen bits of pharmacy departments and services. This time out, it's Medicines Information (or Medicine Advice) services in the NHS. Back in the 1970s when they started, the world was a different place and information was hard to come by. But now, when you can get millions of guidelines and papers after a quick search of the internet, what function do they serve? With thanks to all those who helped to give me a pharmacy history lesson last year when MI in the UK turned 50!