https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/xml/rss.xml Keep up to date with all the latest news from Pharmacy Life Alzheimer's disease can be detected decades before onset, using a virtual reality test, a new study has suggested.People aged 18 to 30 were asked to navigate through a virtual maze to test the function of certain brain cells. Those with a high genetic risk of Alzheimer's could be identified by their performance, according to the team of German neuroscientists, who were led by Lukas Kunz of the German Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases in Bonn.The scientists found that the high-risk group navigated the maze differently and had reduced functioning of a type of brain cell involved in spatial navigation, according to the report which appeared in the journal Science. The findings, say the scientists, could give an insight into why people with dementia can find navigating the world around them challenging.Although genes play a role in dementia, their effects are complex with many unknowns.Dr Laura Phipps of Alzheimer’s Research says that ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/314/virtual-reality-maze-predicts-alzheimers-disease https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/314/virtual-reality-maze-predicts-alzheimers-disease Thu, 29 Oct 2015 00:00:00 GMT Stroke professionals throughout Scotland can now develop a better understanding of how stroke patients are managed during the stroke pathway thanks to a new, educational board game!Developed by Focus Games, the Stroke Game is designed to improve understanding of patients at the four key stages of the pathway: emergency, acute, rehabilitation and community. The game - which is suitable for all professionals, whether specialist or non-specialist – should last between 45 and 60 minutes and works for between four and twelve players working in two teams, and is designed to stimulate discussion and reflection.The Stroke Game has been backed by ABPI Scottish Cardiovascular Disease Industry Group in partnership with Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland and NHS Lanarkshire Stroke Services and was officially launched at the Scottish Stroke Nurses Forum annual conference last month. The ABPI has already bought 100 copies of the game and has distributed them to every stroke ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/975/game-on-for-stroke-professionals https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/975/game-on-for-stroke-professionals Mon, 19 Oct 2015 00:00:00 GMT A new web resource to enable people to access average waiting time information for local Emergency Departments has been launched in Northern Ireland.The Emergency Department (ED) Waiting Times Information Page is an online tool that allows the public to check the average ED waiting times at hospitals across Northern Ireland.The online facility is hosted at www.nidirect.gov.uk/emergency-department-average-waiting-times on the NI Direct website, the official Government website for Northern Ireland, which provides a single point of access to public sector information and services.The Health and Social Care Board (HSCB), Public Health Agency (PHA), Patient and Client Council (PCC) and Business Services Organisation have developed this useful facility working with representatives of patients and service users from the Patient and Client Council User Group.‘The waiting time information is updated hourly and shows the average waiting time to be treated by a doctor or nurse,’ said Mary Hinds, Director of Nursing with the PHA. ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/298/innovative-time-tool-marks-end-of-guessing-game https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/298/innovative-time-tool-marks-end-of-guessing-game Mon, 19 Oct 2015 00:00:00 GMT Japan has become the first country in the world to approve Merck’s MARIZEV (omarigliptin), a once-weekly DPP-4 inhibitor indicated for the treatment of adults with type 2 diabetes. While this is the first time that omariglitpin has been registered in any country around the world, Marizev can’t claim to be the world’s first weekly DPP-4 inhibitor, since that accolade goes to Takeda, which gained approval for its Zafatek in March of this year. Marizev has gained approval on the back of global phase III trials involving 8000 patients, which showed that the drug was as effective at controlling blood glucose as daily DPP-4 inhibitors. It’s intended that the new, once-weekly drugs will reduce the burden for diabetics of taking daily pills and will also improve compliance. Merck said it plans to submit omarigliptin for regulatory approval in the United States by the end of 2015. Other worldwide regulatory submissions ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/220/going-japanese-innovative-inhibitor-reduces-burden-for-diabetics https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/220/going-japanese-innovative-inhibitor-reduces-burden-for-diabetics Mon, 19 Oct 2015 00:00:00 GMT Cancer Research UK has launched a new initiative to unite teams of the best scientists around the world to come up with answers about how to save more lives from cancer.Grand Challenges is a £100 million investment by the charity to set seven challenges which cover some of the most important unanswered questions in cancer research. Cancer Research UK brought together a panel of influential scientists, cancer researchers and patients worldwide to come up with the challenges and will now invite international scientists across all disciplines from academia, technology and business to come up with innovative, ambitious approaches to tackle these problems. The first winning proposal will be announced in the autumn of 2016, with the successful team awarded up to £20 million to fund five or more years of research. Over the next five years, Cancer Research UK plans to make at least five Grand Challenge awards to stimulate ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/298/the-race-is-on https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/298/the-race-is-on Mon, 12 Oct 2015 00:00:00 GMT The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has recommended Keytruda (pembrolizumab) for treating advanced skin cancer in final draft guidance.Manufactured by Merck, Sharp & Dohme, pembrolizumab has a marketing authorisation in the UK as monotherapy ‘for the treatment of advanced (unresectable or metastatic) melanoma in adults’, and is recommended as an option in adults: • for treating advanced melanoma that has not been previously treated with ipilimumab, and• when the company provides pembrolizumab with the discount agreed in the patient access scheme.The independent Appraisal Committee decided that an initial appraisal consultation document (ACD) was not needed for this appraisal, so the recommendations could go straight to a final appraisal determination (FAD). This happens when the Committee recommends a treatment in line with its licensed indication, or as in this case, in line with the ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/702/new-option-for-advanced-melanoma-patients https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/702/new-option-for-advanced-melanoma-patients Mon, 12 Oct 2015 00:00:00 GMT Apollo Endosurgery has reacted to doubts over the safety and efficacy of its obesity device, Lap-Band, by announcing the results of a multicentre pivotal study, which detailed five-year health outcomes for Lap-Band patients with a BMI between 30-39.9.Apollo recently gained approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its Orbera Intragastric Balloon – which was the third obesity device to be approved by the agency this year. (FDA had also approved another gastric balloon by ReShape Medical and a controversial neurostimulation implant from EnteroMedics.) Apollo had, however, been stung by criticism in 2011 by FDA of its advertising claims for Lap-Band. ‘FDA’s concern is that these ads glamorize the Lap-Band without communicating any of the risks,’ Steven Silverman, director of the Office of Compliance in FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health said at the time. ‘Consumers, who may be influenced by misleading advertising, need to be fully aware ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/427/apollo-responds-to-gastric-band-criticism https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/427/apollo-responds-to-gastric-band-criticism Mon, 12 Oct 2015 00:00:00 GMT ‘Those who go beneath the surface do so at their peril’. Oscar Wilde’s preface to The Picture of Dorian Gray may have referred to art, but his words now apply in a much more sinister way to today’s healthcare technology. Wilde’s words came to me the other night as I watched a re-run of an old episode of Homeland: the one where the Vice President of the US is assassinated by terrorists who hacked into his pacemaker. Having taken remote control of the pacemaker, the assassins were able to administer large electrical shocks, bringing on a fatal heart attack. Great entertainment but scary when you consider how great the threat from such implanted devices now is!In 2012, when this episode of Homeland was first shown, many viewers were actually shocked that something like this was possible in real life, but delegates at a conference a short time later were absolutely ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/878/blog-skin-deep https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/878/blog-skin-deep Wed, 30 Sep 2015 00:00:00 GMT The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has recommended granting a marketing authorisation for Entresto (sacubitril/valsartan) for the treatment of adults with symptomatic chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, a condition where the heart muscle does not contract effectively and less oxygen-rich blood is pumped out to the body. Around half of people with heart failure will have reduced ejection fraction.Standard medicines used for patients with heart failure are angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin-receptor blockers (ARBs) if ACE inhibitors are not tolerated by the patient, in conjunction with beta-blockers and/or mineralocorticoid antagonists (MRAs). These medicines have been available for many years.Entresto is a combination of valsartan (an ARB) and sacubitril. Sacubitril is the first in a new class of medicines called neprilysin inhibitors. Entresto works in two ways – valsartan blocks the angiotensin II type-1 receptor, suppressing the harmful effects of angiotensin II on the cardiovascular system while sacubitril ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/941/new-heart-failure-medicine-recommended-for-approval https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/941/new-heart-failure-medicine-recommended-for-approval Mon, 28 Sep 2015 00:00:00 GMT Ulster University vision scientists have taken an important first step towards the world’s first cure for hereditary blindness, pioneering a personalised medicine that targets and repairs genetic damage in part of the eye.The scientists have discovered a treatment that can repair damage caused by cloudy deposits in the cornea. The cornea is the outer clear part of the eye that allows light to pass through to the back of the eye and the condition, called corneal dystrophy, worsens with age, eventually leading to blindness. Using a novel DNA editing technology called CRISPR, Ulster University’s vision science experts have designed a method of targeting the specific DNA or gene in the eye that is responsible for the cloudy deposits. The highly advanced treatment has been developed by treating mice with the same eye disease and the University team is now progressing towards human trials.The treatment involves injecting a medicine into the ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/314/professors-discovery-creates-hope-for-the-blind https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/314/professors-discovery-creates-hope-for-the-blind Mon, 28 Sep 2015 00:00:00 GMT New data being presented at the European Respiratory Society (ERS) conference in Amsterdam is to show that Roche’s Esbriet (pirfenidone) can improve survival rates in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) by more than a third.The discovery is a clinical first in the treatment of IPF and is a terrific boost for Esbriet, which was acquired by Roche last year. It’s already added $234m to the company’s top line in the first six months of the year.The data is to reveal that, after two years’ therapy, Esbriet can reduce the risk of death by 38 per cent. IPF is a rare and life-threatening illness, which is most common in those over 50 years of age. It involves permanent scarring of the lungs and decreases the amount of oxygen the lungs can supply to major organs of the body, until the patient can no longer breathe adequately. ‘Roche is committed to ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/928/new-drug-reduces-risk-of-death-by-more-than-a-third https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/928/new-drug-reduces-risk-of-death-by-more-than-a-third Mon, 28 Sep 2015 00:00:00 GMT Last week, Professor Stephen Hawking opened the inaugural Cambridge Rare Disease Summit and this week it has been announced that the ninth international Rare Disease Day will take place on February 29 next year. But what exactly constitutes a ‘rare disease’ and why is big pharma increasingly interested in something that is so ‘rare’?By definition, a rare disease is defined by the European Union as one that affects fewer than five in 10,000 of the general population. One in 17 people will be affected by such a disease at some point in their lives, equating to approximately 3.5 million people in the UK and 30 million across Europe.In the UK, a single rare disease may affect up to about 30,000 people, although the vast majority of rare diseases will affect far fewer people. Some will, in fact, only affect a handful - or even a single person - in the ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/618/pharma-finally-goes-rare-well-done https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/618/pharma-finally-goes-rare-well-done Wed, 23 Sep 2015 00:00:00 GMT A treatment capable of delaying the onset of dementia by five years would reduce the number of dementia cases by a third. That’s just one of the findings of research carried out by Alzheimer’s Research UK, which also revealed that one in three people born this year will develop the condition during their lifetime.The findings, revealed today - World Alzheimer’s Day - foreshadow a looming national health crisis as the UK population ages, and underlines the need for global efforts to develop new treatments to succeed.Dementia affects 850,000 people in the UK and is caused by brain diseases, most commonly Alzheimer’s, which result in the loss of brain cells and impair the brain’s ability to function properly. Early symptoms can include problems with memory and thinking, but as brain cell death becomes more widespread, physical functions such as walking and even swallowing can be affected. Currently there are no treatments ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/652/new-treatment-capable-of-delaying-dementia-onset-urgently-required https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/652/new-treatment-capable-of-delaying-dementia-onset-urgently-required Mon, 21 Sep 2015 00:00:00 GMT New data presented at the 51st European Association for the Study of Diabetes Annual Meeting in Stockholm, Sweden, and simultaneously published in the New England Journal of Medicine, has wowed diabetes specialists from around Europe!The results of the landmark, 7000-patient trial for Eli Lilly and Boehringer Ingelheim’s Jardiance (empagliflozin) showed that the medication can significantly reduce the risk of the combined endpoint of cardiovascular (CV) death, non-fatal heart attack or non-fatal stroke by fourteen per cent when added to standard of care in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) at high risk of CV events. The study also showed a 38 per cent reduction in CV death, with no significant difference in the risk of non-fatal heart attack or non-fatal stroke.Jardiance also resulted in a lower risk of all-cause mortality (32 per cent reduction) and hospitalisation for heart failure (35 per cent reduction).‘These results are both novel and exciting for ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/364/new-medication-data-wows-specialists-at-annual-meeting https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/364/new-medication-data-wows-specialists-at-annual-meeting Mon, 21 Sep 2015 00:00:00 GMT You are invited to a one-hour live webcast: ESYMA® (ULIPRISTAL ACETATE) TRANSFORMS THE MANAGEMENT OF UTERINE FIBROIDSThe webinar will take place on 15 October at 6pm, or on 16 October at 1pm with Professor Jacques Donnez and Anne Deans, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist.To register click here...  https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/941/your-opportunity-to-take-part-in-an-informative-and-innovative-webinar https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/941/your-opportunity-to-take-part-in-an-informative-and-innovative-webinar Mon, 21 Sep 2015 00:00:00 GMT There’s no doubt that the brain is the most complex system of the body – one in which tens of billions of intertwines neurons compute precisely-timed signals. But now, as it’s announced that a laser that bounces beams of light off the brain has been used in UK surgery for the first time, it seems that optogenetics is finally coming to the fore.There’s no doubt that optogenetics is a hot topic in the medical community at the moment, with as many opponents as proponents. Taken from the Greek word for ‘seen’ or ‘visible’, optogenetics uses light to control neurones, which have been genetically sensitised to light. Powerful lasers are then used to stimulate and control their expression.The purpose of the technique – which, in 2010, was chosen as the ‘method of the year’ by research journal Nature Methods - is to control the brain’s activity with light: an action ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/765/blog-cant-remember-where-youre-going-jerry https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/765/blog-cant-remember-where-youre-going-jerry Thu, 17 Sep 2015 00:00:00 GMT Many women are unaware they have fibroids because they do not have any symptoms. Here, Professor Neil McClure, Clinical Professor at the School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences at Queen’s University, Belfast, provides a comprehensive overview of the subject… Fibroids remain a gynaecological enigma: although we know that they are commoner in nulliparous women, in women of Afro-Caribbean origin and in older women and that some have a familial tendency, we still don’t know what actually causes them. There is an association with a deletion on chromosome 7 but that is present in only 50% of cases1.We also don’t know if they arise from one cell or multiple cells and even from which cell type. However, we do know that they are benign tumours made up of well organised whorls of myometrial muscle in a well structured connective tissue framework and that they can cause significant morbidities.  One of the biggest problems ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/878/fibroids-a-gynaecological-enigma https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/878/fibroids-a-gynaecological-enigma Thu, 17 Sep 2015 00:00:00 GMT The Pharmacists’ Defence Association (PDA) has launched a campaign to support their locum membership. The campaign will, says a PDA statement, assist ‘locum pharmacists who have found themselves the victims of poor treatment at the hands of some employers on an individual basis’. The main PDA concerns are that:• locums are increasingly receiving poor treatment at the hands of some employers• locum rates are being reduced and travelling expenses cancelled• locums are being forced to work with staffing levels that represent a risk to public safety, and that • locums are being cancelled because a cheaper, less experienced locum is foundThe PDA locum membership group committee recently convened a meeting which was attended by a number of concerned locums and an action plan which included targeted measures was agreed.The main aim will be to address the unprofessional behaviours of some employers in relation to locums and employees and to focus on protecting patient safety ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/170/pda-launches-campaign-to-support-locums https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/170/pda-launches-campaign-to-support-locums Mon, 14 Sep 2015 00:00:00 GMT Smoking is the number one cause of death in the UK – which has also seen an increase in deaths due to alcohol use – according to a new global study published in The Lancet. Northumbria University’s Dr Ivy Shiue is one of the co-authors of a new paper published by the Global Burden of Disease study, which looked at the leading health risk factors most likely to cause death in 188 countries between 1990 and 2013. The study found that smoking contributed to 106,981 deaths in the UK in 2013, making it the top risk factor for both men and women, closely followed by high blood pressure and obesity. Although the UK has made progress against the leading global risks of death – with significant decreases in high blood pressure and high cholesterol – there has been a 9.5 per cent increase in the number of deaths due to ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/944/smoking-and-drinking-are-in-top-ten-causes-of-death-in-uk https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/944/smoking-and-drinking-are-in-top-ten-causes-of-death-in-uk Mon, 14 Sep 2015 00:00:00 GMT The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted approval of Addyi: the first and only approved treatment for acquired, generalised, hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in premenopausal women. HSDD is defined as a persistent absence of sexual thoughts, fantasies, responsiveness and willingness to engage in sexual activity that causes personal or relationship distress and cannot be accounted for by another medical condition or substance. Now, Addyi – a ‘little pink pill’ which contains the non-hormonal drug flibanserin - is designed to work on serotonin receptors in the prefrontal cortex of the brain to restore normal sexuality in women who may have experienced a reduced libido.‘It has been a remarkable journey to get to this breakthrough moment,’ said Cindy Whitehead, chief executive officer of Sprout. ‘Today we celebrate what this approval means for all women who have long awaited a medical treatment option for this life impacting condition. We applaud ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/154/fda-approves-first-drug-for-reduced-sexual-desire-in-women https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/154/fda-approves-first-drug-for-reduced-sexual-desire-in-women Mon, 14 Sep 2015 00:00:00 GMT New research that’s being undertaken by Ulster University could revolutionise the diagnosis of abnormal heart rhythms and cardiovascular disease globally, so it’s great to know that Professor Omar Escalona, expert in cardiovascular research at the university, will be appearing at the Northern Ireland Integrated Healthcare Conference on Wednesday to showcase his fantastic technology.Professor Escalona will, however, be only one of many innovators appearing at the conference, which takes place at La Mon Hotel in Belfast on 9 September. In addition to a wide range of forward-looking, dynamic companies, who will be presenting their innovative ideas to hundreds of delegates, there will also be an opportunity for NI healthcare professionals to discuss and debate the future for healthcare in the province and to consider how technology and innovative processes can be best harnessed to move the process forward faster.For more information on the conference, click here….To register NOW (only a few places ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/301/cvd-expert-to-showcase-wearable-technology-at-innovation-conference https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/301/cvd-expert-to-showcase-wearable-technology-at-innovation-conference Mon, 07 Sep 2015 00:00:00 GMT Researchers at Queen’s University Belfast are leading a €50 million, Europe-wide, project to develop new drug treatments that could improve the lives of patients with cystic fibrosis and bronchiectasis.The iABC (inhaled Antibiotics in Bronchiectasis and Cystic Fibrosis) consortium, which is made up of world-leading lung specialists from across Europe, will develop new ‘inhaled antibiotics’ to manage chronic lung infection, the main cause of disease and death in patients with cystic fibrosis and bronchiectasis.The new antibiotics, which are to be trialled over a five-year period and are being developed in response to an urgent need for new forms of inhaled antibiotics, are expected to improve patients’ quality of life by reducing lung infections and flare ups, improving lung function, and overcoming antibacterial resistance which frequently occurs in patients with these conditions.The programme will also establish the first European patient register for bronchiectasis, providing a platform to improve the quality of care ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/427/qub-leads-50m-programme-to-develop-new-antibiotic-treatments https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/427/qub-leads-50m-programme-to-develop-new-antibiotic-treatments Mon, 07 Sep 2015 00:00:00 GMT A new molecular test, which can indicate how well a person is ageing, could transform the way ageing is approached in medical research by assessing a person’s ‘biological age’ rather than the number of years they have lived.The findings, published in Genome Biology, could help improve management of age-related disease by identifying people most at risk of diseases affected by age, as well as improve the way anti-ageing treatments are evaluated.The seven-year collaborative study at King’s College London, Karolinska Institutet in Sweden and Duke University in the USA, used a process called RNA-profiling to measure and compare gene expression in thousands of human tissue samples. Rather than looking for genes associated with disease or extreme longevity, the Medical Research Council (MRC)-funded researchers discovered that the ‘activation’ of 150 genes in the blood, brain and muscle tissue were a hallmark of good health at 65 years of age. The researchers were ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/975/researchers-develop-novel-test-to-show-how-well-we-are-ageing https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/975/researchers-develop-novel-test-to-show-how-well-we-are-ageing Mon, 07 Sep 2015 00:00:00 GMT Boehringer Ingelheim and Circuit Therapeutics have announced that they will investigate neuronal circuits involved in obesity to develop new ways of treating metabolic diseases. This new three-year collaboration will focus on investigating metabolic disorders with the aim of developing novel medicines to improve the treatment of obesity and associated diseases. Eating disorders are among the major contributing factors to the development of overweight and obesity which are major risk factors for type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and other health problems.Circuit’s optogenetics technology will be used to identify targets in central nervous circuits relevant for obesity, and central and peripheral circuits relevant for coordinating food intake. These insights will provide both companies with a better understanding of the mechanisms involved in obesity and will also enable the prioritisation of novel targets with a potential for therapeutic intervention superior to current standard of care in obesity. ‘Boehringer Ingelheim is ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/862/new-innovative-collaboration-to-discover-novel-medicines-for-obesity https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/862/new-innovative-collaboration-to-discover-novel-medicines-for-obesity Mon, 31 Aug 2015 00:00:00 GMT New Zealand researchers have shown that a kanuka honey formulation can help with the scourge of teenage life - acne. A large clinical trial of Honevo, developed by New Zealand pharmaceutical company HoneyLab, found that study participants using the honey treatment had a reduction in acne severity, fewer acne lesions and even an improvement in their quality of life. Assessments by study investigators found that twice as many of the participants had an improvement in their acne after using Honevo compared with those who did not use the product. Participants reported improvements in their acne after two weeks’ treatment with Honevo, with further improvements over the following six-ten weeks. There were 135 participants in the twelve-week study; all washed with antibacterial soap twice a day and half of the participants applied Honevo twice daily as a mask and then washed it off. HoneyLab Science Director Dr Shaun Holt said that ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/846/clinical-trial-shows-honey-could-prove-answer-to-teenage-acne https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/846/clinical-trial-shows-honey-could-prove-answer-to-teenage-acne Mon, 31 Aug 2015 00:00:00 GMT In the week in which three new crew members are bound for the International Space Station, one man’s attention will remain firmly focussed on his life’s ambition: finding an innovative way in which British astronauts will one day be able to go into space.In 1975, Dr Kevin Fong, currently Consultant Anaesthetist at University College London (UCL) Hospital and an Honorary Senior lecturer in physiology at UCL, woke in the middle of the night and sat in front of a flickering TV screen where he watched grainy black and white images of the US Apollo module docking with a Russian Soyuz spacecraft. The images were to have a long-lasting effect on the ten five year old – to the extent that – 40 years later – Fong spent six months in Houston working out with NASA scientists the effects on humans of long-term space exploration.Dr Fong’s desire to send British astronauts ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/524/the-northern-ireland-integrated-healthcare-conference-boldly-goes https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/524/the-northern-ireland-integrated-healthcare-conference-boldly-goes Mon, 31 Aug 2015 00:00:00 GMT According to a recent survey carried out by Opinion Health of 200 community pharmacists and 200 GPs, when it comes to Specials, the balance is tipping in favour of quality, but say IPS Specials, education is still required…. Introduction of the Drug Tariff The introduction of the Specials Tariff in 2011 has fulfilled its purpose by providing regulation and transparency in pricing. As a result, the increasing value of specials to the NHS is constantly reviewed and managed and has led to a stabilisation of the Specials’ market. As noted by the APSM White Paper, in the three years since the Specials Tariff was introduced, the mean cost per item has reduced by more than 28% - this reflects the effects of the regulations and standardisation of prices brought by the Drug Tariff. Cutting costs and risks The APSM urges that there is a high risk that if the pressure to cut costs ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/749/specials-why-more-education-is-needed https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/749/specials-why-more-education-is-needed Thu, 27 Aug 2015 00:00:00 GMT Biopharmaceutical company Intarcia Therapeutics has announced that its novel sub-dermal pump ITCA 650 has significantly outperformed Merck’s Januvia in phase III trials. ITCA 650 is a matchstick-sized pump, which continuously delivers exenatide with just one or twice-yearly dosing. If approved, ITCA 650 would be the first diabetic treatment capable of delivering up to a whole year's treatment from a single subdermal osmotic pumpThe 52-week Phase 3 trials, which were known as FREEDOM, saw ITCA 650 pitted against Januvia in 535 patients. Results showed that the pump’s continual delivery system lowered HbA1c levels more and also led to a greater weight reduction in patients (4kg v Januvia’s 1.3kg).‘Our third Phase 3 trial results mark another major milestone for our company,’ said Kurt Graves, Chairman, President and CEO of Intarcia. ‘The comparative results on all study endpoints for ITCA 650 vs Januvia were unambiguous and compelling, particularly in light of how widely ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/752/novel-sub-derma-diabetes-pump-could-deliver-a-whole-years-treatment https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/752/novel-sub-derma-diabetes-pump-could-deliver-a-whole-years-treatment Mon, 24 Aug 2015 00:00:00 GMT Scientists at The Ohio State University (OSU) have developed a nearly complete human brain in a dish that equals the brain maturity of a five-week-old fetus. The brain organoid, which was engineered from adult human skin cells, is believed to be the most complete human brain model yet developed. The lab-grown brain, which is about the size of a pencil eraser, has an identifiable structure and contains 99 per cent of the genes present in the human fetal brain. Such a system will enable ethical and more rapid and accurate testing of experimental drugs before the clinical trial stage and advance studies of genetic and environmental causes of central nervous system disorders.‘It not only looks like the developing brain, its diverse cell types express nearly all genes like a brain,’ said Rene Anand, professor of biological chemistry and pharmacology at OSU. ‘We’ve struggled for a long time trying to ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/220/most-complete-human-brain-model-to-date-is-a-brain-changer https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/220/most-complete-human-brain-model-to-date-is-a-brain-changer Mon, 24 Aug 2015 00:00:00 GMT Yes, it’s almost here. The inaugural Northern Ireland Integrated Healthcare Conference is only two weeks away so, unless you want to miss out on this dynamic and innovative event, it’s time to register now!The conference – which takes place at La Mon Hotel and runs from 2pm to 9pm to allow healthcare professionals to attend despite daytime work commitments – features an exciting line-up of speakers who will be well-known to delegates. Colette Goldrick, Director ABPI Northern Ireland will speak about the importance of collaboration for innovation, while David Bingham, Chief Executive BSO will talk about the best means of harnessing innovation. (Incidentally, David and his team will also hold a series of ‘five-minute surgeries’ in which you can present on an innovative product or idea that you’ve come up with)! Meanwhile, Trevor Gore, Global Training Manager at Reckitt Benckiser – who is nationally renowned for his informative, passionate and entertaining ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/671/time-running-out-to-register-for-fascinating-innovation-conference https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/671/time-running-out-to-register-for-fascinating-innovation-conference Mon, 24 Aug 2015 00:00:00 GMT The number of people living with diabetes in the UK has soared by 59.8 per cent in a decade, according to a new analysis by Diabetes UK.The new figures, extracted from official NHS data, show that there are now 3,333,069 people diagnosed with diabetes, which is an increase of more than 1.2 million adults compared with ten years ago when, in 2005, there were 2,086,041 people diagnosed with the condition. This doesn’t take into account the 590,000 adults estimated to have undiagnosed diabetes in 2013-2014.Diabetes UK is warning that this exponential growth in numbers reflects an urgent need for effective care for people living with diabetes, as well as highlighting the importance of prevention and that failure to act on this threatens to bring down the NHS.At present only six in ten people with diabetes in England and Wales receive the eight care processes recommended by the National Institute for ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/571/number-of-people-with-diabetes-up-60-per-cent-in-last-decade https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/571/number-of-people-with-diabetes-up-60-per-cent-in-last-decade Mon, 17 Aug 2015 00:00:00 GMT A 'brain training' iPad game developed and tested by researchers at the University of Cambridge may improve the memory of patients with schizophrenia, helping them in their daily lives at work and living independently.Schizophrenia is estimated to cost £13.1 billion per year in total in the UK, so even small improvements in cognitive functions could help patients make the transition to independent living and working and could therefore substantially reduce direct and indirect costs, besides improving the wellbeing and health of patients.There are as yet no licensed pharmaceutical treatments to improve cognitive functions for people with schizophrenia. However, there is increasing evidence that computer-assisted training and rehabilitation can help people with schizophrenia overcome some of their symptoms, with better outcomes in daily functioning and their lives.In this new study, which was published in the journal ‘Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society’, a team of researchers led by Professor Barbara Sahakian ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/718/new-ipad-app-helps-schizophrenia-patients https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/718/new-ipad-app-helps-schizophrenia-patients Mon, 17 Aug 2015 00:00:00 GMT The latest issue of Northern Ireland Healthcare Review is out now and available to download and read here.This issue contains everything you need to know about the upcoming Northern Ireland Integrated Healthcare Conference so read all about it and register here.   https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/139/read-all-about-it https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/139/read-all-about-it Mon, 17 Aug 2015 00:00:00 GMT Experts have hailed a ‘new era’ in drug development as the FDA approves the first ever 3D-printed drug.The drug Spritam (levetiracetam) has been given the green light for oral use as a prescription adjunctive therapy in the treatment of partial onset seizures, myoclonic seizures and primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures in adults and children with epilepsy. Treatments already exist for the condition, but the reason why this drug has piqued the industry’s interest is because of how it is developed.Spritam is created by Aprecia’s proprietary ZipDose® Technology platform, a groundbreaking advance that uses three-dimensional printing (3DP) to produce a porous formulation that rapidly disintegrates with a sip of liquid. While 3DP has been used previously to manufacture medical devices, this approval marks the first time a drug product manufactured with this technology has been approved by the FDA. ‘For the last 50 years we have manufactured tablets in factories and shipped ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/571/fda-approves-worlds-first-3d-printed-drug https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/571/fda-approves-worlds-first-3d-printed-drug Mon, 10 Aug 2015 00:00:00 GMT A couple of months ago, Northern Ireland’s Health Minister, Simon Hamilton, said that a transformed health and social care sector would be one that 'embraced innovation'.‘The very best innovation comes from the ground up, ‘he said, ‘from the doctors, nurses and other colleagues working on the frontline, and I want them to have the freedom and indeed responsibility to step forward and drive change.’But how – and where - do these healthcare professionals ‘step forward’? That was the burning question. Well, now you have the answer…On September 9, Northern Ireland’s healthcare professionals will have the opportunity to ‘step forward’ and introduce their ground-breaking ideas, products and systems to both their peers and industry ‘movers and shakers’ at the inaugural Northern Ireland Integrated Healthcare Conference at La Mon Hotel. The day will feature a range of the province’s policy makers and top professionals presenting their views as to how NI healthcare ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/991/the-countdown-is-on-to-the-innovation-event-of-the-year https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/991/the-countdown-is-on-to-the-innovation-event-of-the-year Mon, 10 Aug 2015 00:00:00 GMT Anyone, who was present at The Thistle Hotel in Glasgow on 12 November last year, will know about the fabulous work that’s being done in Scottish pharmacy. Attendees on the evening heard about a range of initiatives that are being undertaken across Scotland – from the great management of substance misuse work that’s being done by the team at Abbey Chemist, Trongate, for example, to the innovations in prescribing, quality and efficiency that are being managed by the Prescribing Efficiency Team at NHS Forth Valley and by Joan Macleod from Aberdeen CHP. (See last year's winners here).We know that there are fantastic projects being run across Scotland both in community and hospital pharmacy and we’d like to let everyone else know about them. That’s where you come in! We’d like you to tell us about your work by applying for this year’s Scottish Pharmacy Awards.Applications are welcome from any pharmacist/pharmacy ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/251/get-your-application-in-now-for-this-years-scottish-pharmacy-awards https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/251/get-your-application-in-now-for-this-years-scottish-pharmacy-awards Mon, 10 Aug 2015 00:00:00 GMT The news that Teva has bought a 51 per cent share in Immuneering as part of a drive to develop personalised medicines for central nervous system diseases is just the latest step in targeting groups of patients with specific genetic signatures.To read more click here...To hear more about a fantastically innovative conference, click here... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/991/blog-if-youre-having-probs-getting-your-donkey-into-the-bathroom https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/991/blog-if-youre-having-probs-getting-your-donkey-into-the-bathroom Sun, 09 Aug 2015 00:00:00 GMT Cancer cells in neuroblastoma contain a molecule that breaks down a key energy source for the body’s immune cells, leaving them too physically drained to fight the disease, according to new research published in the journal Cancer Research.Cancer Research UK-funded scientists have discovered that the cells in neuroblastoma – a rare type of childhood cancer that affects nerve cells – produce a molecule that breaks down arginine, one of the building blocks of proteins and an essential energy source for immune cells.This molecule – called arginase - creates a huge dip in the level of arginine found in the area around the tumour. As soon as the body’s immune cells get close to the cancer, the sudden lack of their favourite energy source makes them lethargic and ineffective.‘We’ve known for a while that harnessing the power of the immune system could be an effective way to treat neuroblastoma,’ said Dr ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/524/childhood-cancer-cells-drain-immune-systems-batteries-research https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/524/childhood-cancer-cells-drain-immune-systems-batteries-research Mon, 03 Aug 2015 00:00:00 GMT Community Pharmacy Wales (CPW) has welcomed the publication of the Evaluation of the Common Ailments service that has been running as a Pathfinder scheme in Cynon Valley and Gwynedd since October 2013 prior to potential national roll-out. CPW has said that it is pleased to see that the evaluation concludes that ‘the impact and economic evaluation suggests a positive return on investment in Choose Pharmacy over the next five years based on the performance of the service in the two pathfinders’. ‘CPW supports the introduction of a national common ailments service in community pharmacies across Wales and welcomes this important evaluation of the initial Pathfinder stage of the service,’ said Russell Goodway, Chief Executive of Community Pharmacy Wales. ‘The evaluation suggests that the service has been most effective where GP surgeries and pharmacies work closely together and where the service has been best understood by NHS Wales stakeholders. Clearly, as ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/173/community-pharmacy-wales-welcomes-evaluation-of-choose-pharmacy https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/173/community-pharmacy-wales-welcomes-evaluation-of-choose-pharmacy Mon, 03 Aug 2015 00:00:00 GMT Public Health England (PHE) has welcomed the start of the new MenACWY vaccination programme that will offer teenagers protection against meningitis (inflammation of the brain) and septicaemia (blood poisoning) caused by four meningococcal strains including MenW.From today, GPs will be inviting teenagers aged 17 and 18 (born between 01 September 1996 and 31 August 1997) for the vaccine. All adolescents born between 01 September 1996 and 31 August 1997 in England are eligible for vaccination regardless of their future plans.PHE has stressed the importance of anyone who plans to go to university this year getting vaccinated before they leave as this group is at increased risk of getting meningococcal disease due to the fact that many of them will be mixing closely with lots of new people at university, some of whom may unknowingly carry the meningococcal bacteria.The vaccine is being introduced in response to a rapidly growing increase in ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/668/innovative-meningococcal-vaccination-programme-expected-to-save-lives https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/668/innovative-meningococcal-vaccination-programme-expected-to-save-lives Mon, 03 Aug 2015 00:00:00 GMT A revolutionary new smartphone app, developed by scientists at Ulster University in collaboration with Utah State University in the US, could hold the key to preventing the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. Unveiled at the world’s largest convention for Alzheimer’s research in Washington DC, the Gray Matters smartphone app encourages individuals to set lifestyle goals, ranging from exercise and nutrition to stress management and brain stimulation - all of which are known to have an impact on the onset and progression of Alzheimer’s disease.The app provides daily facts on the link between healthy lifestyle behaviours and improved cognitive wellbeing. Through the app, users can track their lifestyle across a range of areas, including diet, physical activity, mental well-being and social engagement. It also provides visual progress reports to help individuals be more aware of their general health and encourage healthy behavioural change. ‘Ulster University’s leading research in assistive technologies is ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/154/new-app-could-hold-key-to-preventing-onset-of-alzheimers https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/154/new-app-could-hold-key-to-preventing-onset-of-alzheimers Mon, 27 Jul 2015 00:00:00 GMT The global market for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) therapeutics will rise in value from $23.5 billion in 2014 to an estimated $39 billion by 2021, driven primarily by rising disease prevalence and the continued uptake of recently approved and emerging branded treatments, according to business intelligence provider GBI Research.The company’s latest report states that this increase, which will occur across the eight major markets of the US, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the UK, and Japan, represents a strong Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7.5 per cent.Fiona Chisholm, Associate Analyst for GBI Research, says the more recently approved drug classes, namely Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors, and Sodium–Glucose Cotransporter 2 inhibitors, have already achieved considerable uptake and are expected to increase their market share over the forecast period.‘In comparison to many previously marketed therapies, several recently approved and pipeline treatments provide beneficial effects, such ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/975/type-2-diabetes-market-to-reach-39-billion-by-2021gbi-research https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/975/type-2-diabetes-market-to-reach-39-billion-by-2021gbi-research Mon, 27 Jul 2015 00:00:00 GMT The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has recommended granting a marketing authorisation for Intuniv (guanfacine) to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adolescents aged six to 17 years old for whom stimulants, another type of ADHD medicines, are not suitable or tolerated or have shown to be ineffective.In its scientific opinion, EMA’s Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) stressed that Intuniv, like other medicines authorised for the treatment of ADHD, must only be used as part of a comprehensive treatment programme typically incorporating psychological, educational and social measures. Intuniv is the first treatment for ADHD in the European Union (EU) to be recommended through the centralised authorisation procedure.ADHD is a chronic neurobehavioral disorder characterised by symptoms that include inattentiveness (a short attention span or being easily distracted), impulsivity, and hyperactivity (restlessness, constant fidgeting or over-activity). Most cases are diagnosed in children between the ages of six ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/991/ema-recommends-approval-of-new-treatment-for-adhd-in-children https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/991/ema-recommends-approval-of-new-treatment-for-adhd-in-children Mon, 27 Jul 2015 00:00:00 GMT Johnson & Johnson (J & J) has announced that it is to begin enrolling volunteers into a trial of its HIV vaccine after encouraging results in non-human primates (NHPs). Preclinical data, which was published in the journal Science, has suggested that the J & J vaccine provided complete protection from simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV), a virus similar to HIV that infects NHPs.Usually vaccines are given in multiple doses. The first dose ‘primes’ the immune system, while subsequent doses increase the response in a process known as ‘prime-boost’. The same vaccine is generally used each time, but J & J’s researchers are investigating whether changing the formulation of the vaccine antigens during the regimen can improve immune responses. In the J & J trial, the regiment involved an adenovirus serotype 26 (Ad26) vectored vaccine to prime the immune system, followed by a boost of a purified HIV envelope protein, which is ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/173/encouraging-results-for-hiv-vaccine-after-string-of-failures https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/173/encouraging-results-for-hiv-vaccine-after-string-of-failures Mon, 20 Jul 2015 00:00:00 GMT India’s honorary consul to Wales, Raj Aggarwal OBE, has been awarded an honorary fellowship by the University of South Wales. The fellowship is in recognition of Raj’s ‘outstanding contribution to pharmacy’ and the successful chain of pharmacies which he has established in Cardiff and the surrounding area.Raj was awarded an OBE in 2007 for his charitable work and is currently President of the Honorary Consular Association of Wales, which is instrumental in building business links with foreign countries. He is also the chairman of Kidney Wales Foundation which, under his leadership, has campaigned for ‘soft opt out’ which will be implemented in Wales from December 1 2015. This will increase the number of organs available and save more lives.Raj graduated from the Welsh School of Pharmacy at Cardiff University in 1972. The pharmacy department at Cardiff University was voted second best in the country by the Guardian newspaper’s University Guide ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/314/cardiff-based-entrepreneur-recognised-for-his-contribution-to-pharmacy https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/314/cardiff-based-entrepreneur-recognised-for-his-contribution-to-pharmacy Mon, 20 Jul 2015 00:00:00 GMT The Precision Medicine Catapult (PMC), the UK's new innovation centre for precision medicine, has announced the launch of its national network, which will be centred in Cambridge.Precision medicine uses diagnostic tests or data-based insights to understand a patient's disease more precisely, and so select treatments with more predictable, safer, cost-effective outcomes. The UK’s research and clinical expertise, combined with government investment of around £1 billion in relevant research infrastructure, has placed it in a leading position in this area.At present, however, the UK’s existing precision medicine strengths vary in different parts of the country. Since working nationally is essential for delivery of PMC’s strategy of helping to accelerate the introduction of new products and services, it now plans to partner with centres of excellence across the UK, covering the North of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and Southern England.Under the regional relationships in development, these centres are expected to play ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/621/innovative-centre-makes-great-progress-by-launching-national-network https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/621/innovative-centre-makes-great-progress-by-launching-national-network Mon, 20 Jul 2015 00:00:00 GMT This month, The Physiological Society marked the 100th anniversary with the launch of a book entitled ‘To dine with ladies smelling of dog’ highlighting the contributions of women physiologists to science and healthcare.While medicine has changed greatly over the last 100 years, however, medical training has not....Read more here...To find out more about an exciting new innovative conference, click .here https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/446/blog-from-smelling-of-dog-to-the-next-top-model https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/446/blog-from-smelling-of-dog-to-the-next-top-model Wed, 15 Jul 2015 00:00:00 GMT A new study by researchers at King’s College London suggests that smoking tobacco is associated with an increased risk of developing psychosis.People who suffer from psychosis are three times more likely to smoke cigarettes than healthy controls, according to the meta-analysis which was published on Friday in Lancet Psychiatry. Although the association between smoking cigarettes and psychosis - particularly schizophrenia - has been acknowledged before, scant attention has been directed towards the possibility that cigarettes themselves may increase the risk of psychosis.Researchers at King’s Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN) conducted a meta-analysis of 61 observational studies comprising almost 15,000 tobacco users and 273,000 non users. They analysed rates of smoking in people presenting with their first episode of psychosis and found that 57 per cent of these individuals were smokers.People with a first episode of psychosis were three times more likely to be smokers than those in the ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/715/smoking-associated-with-increased-risk-of-psychosis-say-researchers https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/715/smoking-associated-with-increased-risk-of-psychosis-say-researchers Mon, 13 Jul 2015 00:00:00 GMT It may have been a staple of crime and hospital dramas for years, but now the much-loved ‘forensic scientist cuts into victim lying on slab in morgue’ scene may be a little less gut-wrenching thanks to innovative technology. Read more here... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/364/blog-can-digital-autopsies-really-cut-it-see-for-yourself https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/364/blog-can-digital-autopsies-really-cut-it-see-for-yourself Mon, 13 Jul 2015 00:00:00 GMT Adults with atrial fibrillation (AF) should be prescribed newer medications instead of aspirin for the prevention of stroke, says National Institute for health and Care Excellence (NICE).Aspirin has been used for years to help protect patients from strokes, but the risks of taking aspirin – which can cause stomach bleeds – now outweigh any benefits of taking the drug. NICE’s latest quality standard, which sets out advice on the treatment and management of AF, recommends that people with AF who have a CHA2DS2-VASC stroke risk score of two or above are offered newer anticoagulants, such as apixaban, dabigatran etexilate, rivaroxaban or a vitamin K antagonist like warfarin. However, it is important to note that many adults with AF may already be taking aspirin for other conditions. If so, this may result in the patient taking aspirin as well as anticoagulants. If a patient chooses not to take anticoagulants, this ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/781/anticoagulants-not-aspirin-for-stroke-prevention-says-nice https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/781/anticoagulants-not-aspirin-for-stroke-prevention-says-nice Mon, 13 Jul 2015 00:00:00 GMT Pfizer has announced that it has begun enrolling patients into a Phase 2b, mid-stage clinical trial of its candidate vaccine for 'superbug' methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).The purpose of the study, which has been named STRIVE (Staphylococcus Aureus Surgical Inpatient Vaccine Efficacy), is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the vaccine to determine if it prevents post-operative invasive MRSA infections in patients undergoing elective spinal surgery.Surgical site infections (SSIs) are a significant and growing concern and Pfizer is trying to find an effective way of protecting patients from developing MRSA infections: something which has eluded vaccine developers for years. In recent years, attempts to develop effective MRSA vaccines have all ended in failure, with companies like Merck & Co and Nabi Biopharmaceuticals both abandoning the development of candidates following failure in trials. ‘We are pleased to take this important next step in the development of our S. aureus vaccine,’ said ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/590/pfizer-takes-mrsa-vaccine-into-phase-iib-trial https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/590/pfizer-takes-mrsa-vaccine-into-phase-iib-trial Mon, 13 Jul 2015 00:00:00 GMT A few years ago, Walt Disney World featured a ride called 'Body Wars' in which people - or 'riders' - sitting in hydraulic chairs facing a wide screen, would be 'shrunk' to microscopic size and 'injected' into a human body through which they would travel, seeking to diagnose and treat a flesh wound.Now, in yet another example of life imitating art, such technology now exists in the form of digestible sensors: edible microchips - smaller than a grain of sand - which record the precise details of a patient's pill regime and transmit information about the patient to medical professionals to help them customise the care to the individual.To read more, click here...For more information on a fantastic new innovation conference click here....   https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/427/blog-no-sauce-required-the-chips-that-are-easy-to-swallow https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/427/blog-no-sauce-required-the-chips-that-are-easy-to-swallow Sun, 05 Jul 2015 00:00:00 GMT Vertex Pharmaceuticals has won approval for Orkambi, the first medicine to treat the underlying cause of the genetic disease cystic fibrosis (CF) in people aged twelve and older.Orkambi combines Vertex's already approved CF treatment Kalydeco (ivacaftor) with a new drug called lumacaftor that targets a different genetic mutation and - according to analysts - could become a five billion dollar a year product.Kalydeco is suitable for CF patients with the Gly551Asp mutation in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene - representing just four or five per cent of the total patient population - but adding lumacaftor means that it can be prescribed for around 45 per cent of patients. Lumacaftor targets those carrying two copies of the much more common F508del mutation, which represents the largest group of people with CF. Vertex claim that there are currently 8,500 people with CF who are aged twelve and older who ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/396/first-medicine-to-treat-underlying-cause-of-cf-gains-fda-approval https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/396/first-medicine-to-treat-underlying-cause-of-cf-gains-fda-approval Sun, 05 Jul 2015 00:00:00 GMT The Parkinson’s disease treatment market value across the eight major countries of the US, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the UK, Japan, and Brazil will reach $4.7 billion by 2022, driven primarily by an aging population and increasing disease prevalence, according to research and consulting firm GlobalData.The company’s latest report states that most late-stage pipeline agents are set to meet the needs of advanced Parkinson’s disease patients, with three drugs expected to launch by 2022, namely CVT-301, opicapone, and tozadenant.In a strong first quarter for Parkinson's disease treatment, Impax’s Rytary was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in January 2015, while Newron’s Xadago was approved in Europe in February and accepted for a New Drug Application by the FDA in March. Additionally, AbbVie’s Duopa, which has been available for over ten years in Europe, also gained US approval in Q1 2015. Heather Leach, PhD, GlobalData’s Senior Analyst covering ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/621/drug-approvals-will-boost-parkinsons-therapeutics-market-globaldata https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/621/drug-approvals-will-boost-parkinsons-therapeutics-market-globaldata Sun, 05 Jul 2015 00:00:00 GMT The UK can - and should - do better in preventing unnecessary hospital admissions and improving survival from some of the biggest killer diseases, a new report comparing performance across high-income countries has revealed. The Nuffield Trust and Health Foundation report: 'Focus on: international comparisons of healthcare quality' shows that, while the UK’s performance has improved on almost every measure since the start of the millennium, it also lags behind most other countries (where data are available) in several areas of care, including higher rates of preventable hospital admissions, lower cancer survival and higher mortality rates from heart attacks and strokes. The report is based on analysis of 27 care quality indicators in up to fifteen OECD countries between 2000 and the last year for which data are comparable (usually 2011 or 2012) and key findings include:* The UK performs better than other countries in achieving high flu vaccination rates ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/975/uk-could-do-better-says-international-comparison-health-report https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/975/uk-could-do-better-says-international-comparison-health-report Sun, 05 Jul 2015 00:00:00 GMT A Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) survey into sunscreen use has revealed a worrying lack of understanding about the degree of sun protection different products provide. In particular, many are unaware that the SPF rating alone displayed in sunscreen labelling does not guarantee good all round protection from potential sun damage. In the survey of 2,000 GB adults, only eight per cent of those surveyed knew that the SPF rating on the product label refers to protection from UVB rays only – and does not also include protection from harmful UVA rays – typically indicated by a separate ‘star’ rating. More than 80 per cent said they either thought the SPF was an indication of levels of protection from both UVB and UVA (56 per cent) or they simply did not know what the rating stood for (25 per cent). Less than a third of those surveyed said they ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/251/sunscreen-causing-concern-says-royal-pharmaceutical-society https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/251/sunscreen-causing-concern-says-royal-pharmaceutical-society Sun, 28 Jun 2015 00:00:00 GMT The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has recommended several measures, including the introduction of more effective educational material, to ensure that patients and carers use adrenaline auto-injectors successfully. Adrenaline auto-injectors are potentially life-saving treatments for anaphylaxis (severe allergic reactions) while the patient waits for emergency medical assistance.EMA carried out a review of adrenaline auto-injectors following concerns that currently available devices may deliver adrenaline under the skin instead of into a muscle, and this may delay response to treatment.Having assessed all the available data, EMA’s Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) acknowledged that giving the medicine by injection into the muscle is the preferred way to obtain a rapid response in anaphylaxis. However, the CHMP noted that several factors may affect whether adrenaline is actually delivered into a muscle; these include needle length, the thickness of fat under the skin, the way the auto-injector works (e.g. if it is spring ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/301/better-training-tools-for-adrenaline-auto-injectors-patients-ema https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/301/better-training-tools-for-adrenaline-auto-injectors-patients-ema Sun, 28 Jun 2015 00:00:00 GMT National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has published preliminary recommendations on ciclosporin (Ikervis, Santen Pharmaceutical) for treating severe keratitis in adults with dry eye disease which has not improved despite treatment with artificial tears, and has asked for more information from the company.Dry eye disease is chronic inflammation of the eyes caused by reduced tear production or excessive tear evaporation. It can be triggered by a number of factors, including dry or air-conditioned environments, auto-immune diseases (such as rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus), and the adverse effects of some medications. Symptoms include irritation and redness in the eyes, blurred vision, and a sensation of grittiness or a foreign body in the eye.The independent Appraisal Committee noted that it had not been presented with evidence on the relative cost and clinical effectiveness of ciclosporin compared with established clinical practice. The Committee concluded that it needed additional evidence from the company ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/348/dry-eye-treatment-nice-consults-asks-for-more-information https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/348/dry-eye-treatment-nice-consults-asks-for-more-information Sun, 28 Jun 2015 00:00:00 GMT In the Seventies, no Saturday night was complete without an episode of the Six Million Dollar Man. You remember the story? Steve Austin, a crippled test pilot is rebuilt with nuclear powered limbs and implants and serves as a unique intelligence agent. With his right arm, both legs and left eye replaced with ‘bionic’ implants that enhance his strength, speed and vision far above human norms, he can run at speeds of 60 mph (97 km/h); his eye has a 20:1 zoom lens and infrared capabilities, and his bionic limbs have the equivalent power of a bulldozer.Wow! Total out-of-this-world stuff!Or was it?Read more here.... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/574/blog-steve-austin-a-true-visionary https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/574/blog-steve-austin-a-true-visionary Tue, 23 Jun 2015 00:00:00 GMT The government has announced that all newborn babies in England and Scotland are to be offered a vaccine to combat meningitis B. The scheme is the first national and publicly-funded programme against the deadly infection in the world.For decades, meningococcal bacteria has been the single largest cause of meningitis and septicaemia in the UK, with young children and adolescents most at risk. It leads to death in ten per cent of all cases and to long-term after effects in a further 36 per cent. Each year it costs the NHS millions of pounds in medical litigation, and the long-term costs to government of a severe case can exceed £3 million. Now, in a move that has been warmly welcomed by all meningitis charities, babies aged two months will be offered the Men B vaccine, which protects against meningococcal B disease, followed by a second dose at four months and a ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/398/men-b-vaccine-to-be-offered-to-all-babies-in-england-and-scotland https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/398/men-b-vaccine-to-be-offered-to-all-babies-in-england-and-scotland Sun, 21 Jun 2015 00:00:00 GMT The National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has published a draft multiple technology appraisal (MTA) appraisal consultation document, which provisionally recommends continued access to biologic medicines for patients living with severe rheumatoid arthritis. The Department of Health had asked NICE to produce guidance on using adalimumab, etanercept, infliximab, certolizumab pegol, golimumab, tocilizumab and abatacept in the NHS in England, and, as a result, the Appraisal Committee considered the evidence submitted and the views of non-company consultees and commentators, clinical experts and patient experts. The document summarises the evidence and views that were considered, and sets out the draft recommendations made by the Committee. NICE has now invited comments from the consultees and commentators for this appraisal and is particularly interested in receiving comments on issues such as whether the evidence has been taken into account and whether the provisional recommendations provide a suitable basis for guidance to the ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/477/nice-proposes-to-maintain-medicines-access-for-patients-with-severe-ra https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/477/nice-proposes-to-maintain-medicines-access-for-patients-with-severe-ra Sun, 21 Jun 2015 00:00:00 GMT Bayer AG has sold its Diabetes Care business to Panasonic Healthcare Holdings Co Ltd for €1.02bn. The sale covers blood glucose monitoring products such as Contour electronic meters and test strips, as well as other medical devices used to take blood for analysis, such as Breeze 2, Elite and Microlet lancing devices. Last year, the business accounted for sales of €909m, with Contour the principal product portfolio.The company's decision to sell the Diabetes Division is another example of big pharma companies streamlining their operations in a bid to focus on a smaller portfolio of product categories. (Bayer recently announced that it had purchased Merck & Co's US OTC unit and was also to shed its material science operations.) Panasonic, which has been acting as Bayer's sales and distribution partner for the products for several years, and which is majority-owned by private equity group KKR - says gaining full control ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/204/bayer-sells-diabetes-division-to-panasonic-healthcare https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/204/bayer-sells-diabetes-division-to-panasonic-healthcare Sun, 21 Jun 2015 00:00:00 GMT As we enter Diabetes Week 2015, it's alarming to find that over 40 per cent of British people do not realise that blindness is one of the major complications of diabetes, according to a survey published by Diabetes UK.The survey of 1,994 adults aged fifteen and over, conducted by by Ipsos Mori, found that 41 per cent of people are unaware that diabetes can lead to blindness, as diabetes can lead to blood vessels to the retina becoming blocked, leaky or growing haphazardly. This is despite the fact that, actually, diabetes is the biggest cause of preventable blindness among working age people in the UK and diabetes also puts people at increased risk of developing glaucoma (a build-up of pressure in the eye) and cataracts.This is worrying because if people are unaware of the potentially devastating health complications among people with diabetes, they may not realise how important it is ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/396/more-than-40-per-cent-of-people-unaware-diabetes-can-lead-to-blindness https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/396/more-than-40-per-cent-of-people-unaware-diabetes-can-lead-to-blindness Sun, 14 Jun 2015 00:00:00 GMT NHS England is stumping up £190m to pay for new hepatitis C treatments from AbbVie and Gilead that are yet to receive full funding from the country's health service.The NHS's main commissioning body said that the existing budget for these drugs would be increased to £190m - up from the £40m budget that began last year.This is the NHS's single largest investment in new treatments this year (except for the £280m Cancer Drugs Fund), but comes after a long delay for this extra funding stream.The money will go to the roughly 3,500 hepatitis C patients in England and Wales with cirrhosis of the liver, and will gain access by the end of this year to AbbVie's Viekirax, a three-drug combination therapy for the disease, and Exviera (dasabuvir), as well as Gilead's hep C pills Sovaldi and Harvoni.To read more of this story, which first appeared on PMiLive, click here. https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/490/nhs-england-sets-up-new-190m-hep-c-fund https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/490/nhs-england-sets-up-new-190m-hep-c-fund Sun, 14 Jun 2015 00:00:00 GMT A PhD student from Ulster University has won a top global engineering award for his outstanding research into heart monitoring technology that provides early detection of heart disease and could save the lives of millions. Alan Kennedy has been recognised by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) for his sensor technology research that will develop a low-cost, disposable solution for monitoring abnormal heart rhythms. It will provide significantly more accurate heart rhythm analysis compared to current technology, helping to deliver both time and cost efficiencies for the healthcare industry. 'I am delighted to have beaten off tough international competition to win this prestigious award,' Alan said. 'At the University, we are using world-leading engineering skills to advance healthcare and improve patient care across the globe.'The £10,000 scholarship will be used to further develop my research for application in the global healthcare sector. As well as this it will ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/540/global-engineering-award-for-ulster-university-researcher https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/540/global-engineering-award-for-ulster-university-researcher Sun, 14 Jun 2015 00:00:00 GMT The potential for a new cancer drug which was invented at Cardiff University has been praised at the Asco conference: the world’s largest gathering of oncologists in Chicago.Acelarin is designed to stop patients becoming resistant to common therapies in treating cancer of the lung, ovary, breast, colon and pancreas. The drug was given to late-stage patients at Hammersmith Hospital in London, who were failing to respond to treatment – including ovary, pancreas, lung, colon and breast cancers. Of 68 patients, 56 per cent had their disease brought under control; the tumour growth was stopped and in some cases reversed. Of patients able to take Acelarin for two months or more, 78 per cent managed to achieve control of their disease. With five patients, the tumours shrank by 30 per cent or more in size.Acelarin is the first in a new class of anti-cancer agents, ProTides, which are specifically designed to ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/618/new-cancer-drug-praised-at-world-oncology-conference https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/618/new-cancer-drug-praised-at-world-oncology-conference Sun, 31 May 2015 00:00:00 GMT Antipsychotic medication should only be used in particular circumstances and not as a first resort when managing behaviour that challenges in people with learning disabilities, says National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE).NICE's recommendation comes from latest guidance which covers the support and interventions that should be available for family members and carers of people with a learning difficulty and behaviour that challenges.It's estimated that between five and fifteen per cent of people with learning disability develop behaviour that challenges. This can rise to 30 to 40 per cent in hospital settings, and is particularly high among teenagers and people in their early 20s.Challenging behaviour - which includes aggression, self-injury, withdrawal and disruptive or destructive behaviour - can affect services, family members and carers. This year, the Learning Disability Census 2014 revealed that, in spite of general concerns of overmedication for behaviour that challenges, use of antipsychotic medication ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/398/antipsychotic-medication-not-first-call-for-challenging-behaviour-nic https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/398/antipsychotic-medication-not-first-call-for-challenging-behaviour-nic Sun, 31 May 2015 00:00:00 GMT Today marks the beginning of a month-long series of events throughout Wales to raise awareness in people with Parkinson's, their families and carers of the importance of undertaking Medicines Use Reviews and of the importance of taking medicines at the right time, every time. ‘Parkinson's Medication – Talk To Your Pharmacy Team' is a national community pharmacy public health campaign, which will be taking place in all 714 community pharmacies in Wales throughout June. Around 8,000 people in Wales have a diagnosis of Parkinson’s, making it one of the most common neurological conditions. The main symptoms - tremor, slowness of movement and rigidity - worsen over time and, although medication does help symptom management, its progression cannot be prevented or slowed. There is also no known cure. The drug regimes associated with Parkinson’s are complex and it's vital that people with Parkinson’s take their medicines at the right time, every ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/427/innovative-campaign-launched-in-wales-to-help-parkinsons-patients https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/427/innovative-campaign-launched-in-wales-to-help-parkinsons-patients Sat, 30 May 2015 00:00:00 GMT Visiongain’s prediction that the 3D printing market for healthcare will reach $4043m in 2018 is breathtaking but, given that the multidimensional printing method is so well suited to manufacturing products for the healthcare industry, it’s hardly surprising! Read more here...For more information on an upcoming innovative conference click here. https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/443/blog3d-printing-great-news-for-broken-hearted-rats https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/443/blog3d-printing-great-news-for-broken-hearted-rats Wed, 27 May 2015 00:00:00 GMT The cream of Wales' pharmacy industry took a bow last week as the seventh annual Welsh Pharmacy Awards took place at The Mercure Holland House Hotel in Cardiff. The glittering gala, which is organised by ourselves - Medical Communications Ltd - gives Wales' pharmacists the opportunity to both showcase their own work and receive the accolades of their peers. A total of nine awards were presented on the evening to pharmacists from both the community and hospital sectors and the awards ceremony ended with the presentation of the Special Recognition Award to Chris Martin, who is currently Independent Chairman Pharmacy Remuneration Group (Wales) and a member of the Bevan Commission, but has previously served as Chairman of Hywel Dda University Health Board, the Welsh NHS Confederation and as co-ordinating chairman of all health organisations in Wales. The complete list of winners was as follows:Winners - Welsh Pharmacy Awards 20151. ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/941/welsh-pharmacy-takes-a-bow https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/941/welsh-pharmacy-takes-a-bow Sun, 24 May 2015 00:00:00 GMT Boehringer Ingelheim and Sutter Health, a not-for-profit health system in Northern California, have announced the start of a five-year research and health care innovation collaboration, which will explore and test the value of digital health solutions, mobile technologies, and insights from advanced data analytics in the delivery of healthcare.The organisations will work on initiatives that bring together Boehringer Ingelheim’s research and development expertise in novel medications to address unmet therapeutic needs with Sutter Health’s research and clinical experience from caring for a diverse population of more than three million patients in its network of hospitals and healthcare providers.The first collaborative initiative will focus on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Chronic lower respiratory diseases, which include COPD, rank third in leading causes of death in the United States, and, to date, healthcare providers have told approximately fifteen million Americans that they have COPD. Through this initial project, the team hopes to ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/251/boehringer-launches-digital-health-collaboration-with-sutter-health https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/251/boehringer-launches-digital-health-collaboration-with-sutter-health Sun, 24 May 2015 00:00:00 GMT The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has recommended authorising Repatha (evolocumab) as treatment to lower high levels of cholesterol in the blood of people who are unable to control their cholesterol despite taking optimal doses of statins or who cannot take statins. Repatha is also indicated to treat people with homozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia, a rare inherited disorder in which levels of LDL-cholesterol (‘bad cholesterol’) are higher than normal from birth. It is intended for injection under the skin either once every two weeks, or once a month.Repatha is the first monoclonal antibody (a type of protein) in this therapeutic area and provides a new treatment option for patients who are unable to control their high cholesterol despite taking currently available therapies. Repatha blocks the PCSK9 protein, which would otherwise lower the number of LDL-receptors in the liver and through this, diminishes its ability to remove LDL-cholesterol from the blood.The efficacy of ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/524/repatha-recommended-by-ema-as-first-in-class-treatment-for-cholesterol https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/524/repatha-recommended-by-ema-as-first-in-class-treatment-for-cholesterol Sun, 24 May 2015 00:00:00 GMT Just a few days ago, the Australian government announced that pharmacists could receive public funding to dress wounds, deliver vaccinations and provide weight loss advice as a result of a $19 billion dollar deal with the powerful Pharmacy Guild. Little do they know what they're in for.....read more here. https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/477/blog-if-someone-only-had-a-brain https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/477/blog-if-someone-only-had-a-brain Wed, 20 May 2015 00:00:00 GMT https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/749/welsh-pharmacy-awards-2015 https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/749/welsh-pharmacy-awards-2015 Tue, 19 May 2015 00:00:00 GMT A ground-breaking new drug combination that could prolong the lives of cystic fibrosis patients, has been trialled by researchers at Queen’s University Belfast.Researchers from the School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences at Queen’s and the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust (BHSCT), were part of an international research team who showed that a combination of two drugs - Lumafactor and Ivacaftor – can improve lung function and reduce hospital treatments for cystic fibrosis sufferers.The team carried out clinical trials in centres across the world with over 1,100 people who have the most common form of cystic fibrosis, F508del, a life-limiting genetic disease which can affect the lungs, liver, pancreas and kidneys.The results of the combination drug trial showed:● A reduction in the number of hospital courses of antibiotic treatment● An improvement in patient’s breathing tests● Improvements in patient’s weight and in quality of lifeThe combination treatment, which has been ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/972/new-treatment-trialled-to-extend-life-of-cystic-fibrosis-patients https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/972/new-treatment-trialled-to-extend-life-of-cystic-fibrosis-patients Sun, 17 May 2015 00:00:00 GMT Pharmaceutical giant, Teva, has announced that its novel migraine drug TEV-48125 is to start phase III trials shortly, after phase II results showed positive outcomes for patients. Phase IIb trial data, which was reported at the International Headache Society in Valencia, Spain, on Friday, revealed that two doses of TEV-48125 achieved a significant reduction in the number of headache hours after one week, with more than half of patients in each arm experiencing a 50 per cent or greater reduction in headache frequency.At present, migraine sufferers have to try and recognise the onset of a migraine and attempt to interrupt it or stop it completely by using triptans and analgesics, but, for the last few years, Teva, along with rivals such as Amgen and Eli Lilly, has been attempt to bring an anti-calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) targeting antibody to market. Given the number of chronic migraine sufferers around the world ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/540/teva-announcement-brings-hope-for-chronic-migraine-sufferers https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/540/teva-announcement-brings-hope-for-chronic-migraine-sufferers Sun, 17 May 2015 00:00:00 GMT Wearable technology may still be in its infancy, but it’s already a $3 billion dollar industry, and smart glasses are generating an increasing portion of this revenue. Google Glass was the first to offer the product in 2013 at a spectacular unveiling, which saw skydivers jump out of an aircraft wearing Glass and beam what they were seeing to a conference in San Francisco, but, while early users of Glass were very excited about the product, which enabled them get information in a small screen above their right eye, take photos and videos, and get directions, there were also concerns about privacy and safety, with some bars and restaurants banning their use. Despite these concerns, however, many still voiced surprise at Google’s announcement that it was stopping production of Glass. Read more of this blog on wearable technology here... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/443/blog-smart-glassesclever-technology https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/443/blog-smart-glassesclever-technology Sun, 17 May 2015 00:00:00 GMT Everyone's agreed that GPs are under a great deal of pressure in terms of appointments and that a new approach is needed to how GPs' time is used most productively. While the NHS looks for solutions to the problem, a free community health service and general practice that's been offered since 2008 to Native Americans in Anchorage, Alaska, may provide one viable option! Read more here...In the meantime, if you want to find out more about an exciting new conference on innovation in healthcare click here. https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/540/blog-is-alaska-moving-closer-to-the-uk https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/540/blog-is-alaska-moving-closer-to-the-uk Wed, 13 May 2015 00:00:00 GMT Contrary to earlier news releases, Simon Hamilton MLA, has been named as Northern Ireland's new Health Minister, contrary to earlier reports that Jonathan Bell had been appointed to the post.Simon Hamilton has said he will continue to drive the momentum of change across the health service.'The health and social care sector in Northern Ireland is something we should all be very proud of and it is a privilege for me to hold the position of Minister,' Mr Hamilton said on his first day in the job. 'I can assure the public that despite the budget and resource challenges I face, I will continue to strive for excellence in the care we provide. There will be tough decisions ahead, but I will not shy away from doing what’s right.'I enter this post during an exciting period of change. While there is much good work across the sector, there are a number ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/267/simon-hamilton-new-health-minister-for-northern-ireland https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/267/simon-hamilton-new-health-minister-for-northern-ireland Mon, 11 May 2015 00:00:00 GMT We’re all so used to texting umpteen times on a daily basis that it’s just par for the course now, but when I read last week about an innovative text message service in NHS Lanarkshire in Scotland, I was reminded of how sometimes the simplest of steps can mean so much to people! Read more about the importance of texting in our blog...here https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/991/blog-little-things-mean-a-lot https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/991/blog-little-things-mean-a-lot Mon, 11 May 2015 00:00:00 GMT Although AstraZeneca (AZ) is still leading the field when it comes to global sales of heart drugs, a new report from GlobalData, which was published exclusively on PMLiVe this week, has shown that pharma firms are continuing to see revenues fall as patent expiries continue to bite.The GlobalData report found that, while AZ is still the top seller, sales of its cardiovascular medicines still fell by one per cent to $7.65bn last year.This slide was in fact one of the better statistics from the top ten firms in this space: second-placed Sanofi saw sales drop by three per cent to $6.6bn, while Merck & Co, Daiichi Sankyo and Pfizer - which were third, fourth and fifth respectively - all experienced a ten per cent fall in CV drug revenue in 2014.The biggest slide in sales came from Novartis, in sixth place, with a 25 per cent drop and ninth place ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/139/heart-drug-sales-continue-downward-spiral https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/139/heart-drug-sales-continue-downward-spiral Sun, 10 May 2015 00:00:00 GMT The inaugural Northern Ireland Integrated Healthcare Conference in September will give healthcare professionals throughout the province - and beyond - the opportunity to share innovative products and processes. But here's a REALLY innovative idea...one that we hope you'll participate in...The conference will be a day of 'lightbulb moments' when dynamic and radical new ways of working will be on display. Are YOU a healthcare professional who's already had your own 'lightbulb moment'? Have you, in the course of your daily work as a GP, consultant, pharmacist or nurse suddenly thought of a better way of working? An innovative way of improving patient outcomes? A new of delivering a service that will have cost savings for the NHS?Have you felt frustrated at not being able to share it with anyone who could make your dream come true?Well, thanks to the NIIHC, you could see your great idea become a reality!Valerie Watts ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/718/do-you-have-an-innovative-healthcare-idea-youd-like-to-share https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/718/do-you-have-an-innovative-healthcare-idea-youd-like-to-share Sun, 10 May 2015 00:00:00 GMT Well, they're almost here! The Welsh Pharmacy Awards will take place on Thursday 21 May at The Mercure Holland House Hotel In Cardiff and, as always, they'll provide the industry with the opportunity to highlight the great work that's being done around Wales - both in hospital and community! We can't wait to see the best of Welsh pharmacy showcased on the evening but, if you can't wait, take a peek at the latest issue of Welsh Pharmacy Review to find out exactly why the finalists were chosen! here.  https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/314/latest-issue-of-welsh-pharmacy-review-out-now https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/314/latest-issue-of-welsh-pharmacy-review-out-now Sat, 09 May 2015 00:00:00 GMT The global treatment market value for prostate cancer, excluding hormonal and bone therapies, will expand more than threefold from $2.6 billion in 2013 to an estimated $8.2 billion by 2023, according to research and consulting firm GlobalData.The company’s latest report states that this increase, which will occur across the nine major markets (9MM) of the US, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, UK, Japan, Brazil, and Canada, will be driven by a rapidly ageing population, the introduction of nine new, premium-priced therapies by 2023, and the expected label extensions for both Zytiga and Xtandi in the treatment of hormone-sensitive prostate cancer.Furthermore, says Raksha Mudbhary, PhD, GlobalData’s Senior Analyst covering Oncology, Japan and Brazil will experience particularly impressive market growth during the forecast period, due to the increased screening of prostate cancer resulting in higher incidence in Japan, as well as the introduction of several branded products for the treatment of castration-resistant prostate cancer ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/941/prostate-cancer-market-to-treble-to-82-billion-by-2023-report https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/941/prostate-cancer-market-to-treble-to-82-billion-by-2023-report Sun, 03 May 2015 00:00:00 GMT Sales of Bayer and Regeneron's eye disease therapy Eylea grew by two thirds in the first quarter of the year. The sales - which topped €250m - mean that Eylea can now compete with rival Lucentis, which is sold by Roche and Novartis. Although Lucentis is still selling more than Eylea by value, it's beginning to show signs of weakness, with Roche reporting US sales down nine per cent in the first quarter of the year to €394m and Novartis - which sells it outside the US - posting a thirteen per cent decline to $539m.Read more of this story which first appeared on PMiLive here. https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/477/eylea-growth-closes-the-gap-with-lucentis https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/477/eylea-growth-closes-the-gap-with-lucentis Sun, 03 May 2015 00:00:00 GMT The pharmaceutical industry is becoming increasingly reliant on social media as a key platform for communicating with multiple stakeholders. But who exactly are the big players?That's what Ogilvy Healthworld wanted to find out, so the company carried out a major study of the big pharma players and assessed how each company was performing across six key categories including: the number of social networks they were present on, the freshness of their content and their engagement with their users.The results of Ogilvy Healthworld's research has now been released in a new report, 'Connecting the dots: Which Pharma Companies are Succeeding in the Social Media Space?', the first of its kind to provide insights into the social media marketing strategies of the major pharma companies.The results provided some very interesting statistics! According to the report, Boehringer Ingelheim, which was the first pharma firm to totally engage with social media, was highlighted as ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/267/boehringer-ingelheim-leads-the-way-in-social-media-says-report https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/267/boehringer-ingelheim-leads-the-way-in-social-media-says-report Sun, 03 May 2015 00:00:00 GMT Read blog here... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/170/blog-the-generation-game-an-innovative-approach-to-care-of-elderly https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/170/blog-the-generation-game-an-innovative-approach-to-care-of-elderly Fri, 01 May 2015 00:00:00 GMT Northern Ireland's Health Minister, Jim Wells, has resigned.The resignation of Mr Wells, who took up the role in the Northern Ireland Executive in September last year, came less than a week after he hit the headlines for remarks he made at a hustings, where he linked same-sex relationships with child abuse; comments for which he later apologised.'The last few weeks have been extremely difficult for me personally,' Mr Wells said in a statement on Friday. 'I had just come from a hospital visit and my focus was not on the debate. Indeed, during the event, I received several messages from the hospital.'I accept that one line of what I said caused offence and deep concern amongst members of the audience and beyond. I regret having wrongly made that remark about abuse and I'm sorry those words were uttered. The comment did not reflect my view, nor that of my party.'Mr ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/668/northern-ireland-health-minister-resigns https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/668/northern-ireland-health-minister-resigns Mon, 27 Apr 2015 00:00:00 GMT More than 400,000 people with diabetes in England are not having an annual foot check, despite these being important for preventing diabetes-related amputation, according to new analysis by Diabetes UK.The new figures, based on NHS data, reveal that an estimated 414,784 people with diabetes in England are not getting the check, which equates to 27.7 per cent of people with Type 1 diabetes and 13.3 per cent of people with Type 2 diabetes. This is despite the National Institute for Health Care and Excellence (NICE) saying that everyone with the condition should get one once a year. Foot checks are vital for people with diabetes because poor control of blood glucose levels can lead to nerve damage, poor circulation and reduced feeling in the feet and legs. This in turn can lead to serious foot problems, such as ulcers, that can lead to amputation. More than 100 diabetes-related amputations are ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/749/400000-diabetics-missing-annual-foot-checks https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/749/400000-diabetics-missing-annual-foot-checks Mon, 27 Apr 2015 00:00:00 GMT The EU’s pharmaceuticals regulator, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has warned that children under twelve years of age should not take codeine for the treatment of coughs and colds.Since 2013, codeine has been subject to restrictions which meant that it was only recommended for pain relief by people over the age of twelve and, even then, only if other alternatives, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, had proved ineffective.This new guidance says that codeine for cough and cold is now contraindicated in children below twelve years of age and must not be used in this patient group.The new measures follow a review by EMA’s Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee (PRAC), which considered that, although morphine-induced side effects may occur in patients of all ages, the way codeine is converted into morphine in children below twelve is more variable and unpredictable, making this population at special risk of such side effects. In ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/524/codeine-not-for-under-12s-for-cough-and-cold-ema https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/524/codeine-not-for-under-12s-for-cough-and-cold-ema Mon, 27 Apr 2015 00:00:00 GMT The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) and the Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee (PSNC) have come together to provide a solution for independent pharmacies who wish to assess their prescription business performance and reassure themselves that they are being accurately remunerated by the NHS.The NPA has obtained the exclusive right to make PSNC’s new 'Check34' service available to independent community pharmacies in England. Check34 analyses pharmacies’ FP34 data so that contractors can identify trends and anomalies in prescription payments, and track key performance indicators, which will enable them to better manage and understand their NHS payments.Check34 is an online prescription information system which presents and analyses eleven key performance indicators from the monthly FP34 Schedule of Payment report that all contractors receive so that they can:* Monitor NHS payments and troubleshoot potential problem areas* Compare their performance with other pharmacies at local and national level* Identify lost revenue from prescription switches and ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/891/joint-venture-by-npa-and-psnc-focuses-on-prescription-business https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/891/joint-venture-by-npa-and-psnc-focuses-on-prescription-business Mon, 27 Apr 2015 00:00:00 GMT Read blog here... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/796/blog-some-pain-but-plenty-of-gain-with-genomics https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/796/blog-some-pain-but-plenty-of-gain-with-genomics Fri, 24 Apr 2015 00:00:00 GMT The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the first generic version of Copaxone (glatiramer acetate injection), used to treat patients with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS).Sandoz has received FDA approval to market generic glatiramer acetate in a 20 mg/1 ml daily injection.'Healthcare professionals and patients can be assured that FDA-approved generic drugs have met the same rigorous standards of quality as the brand-name drug,' said Janet Woodcock, MD, director of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. 'Before approving this generic product, given its complexity, we reviewed additional information to make sure that the generic product is as safe and effective as the brand name product.'In the clinical trials for Copaxone, the most common adverse reactions reported by those taking Copaxone were skin problems at the injection site (redness, pain, swelling and itching), flushing (vasodilation), rash, shortness of breath and chest pain. https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/975/fda-approves-first-generic-copaxone-to-treat-multiple-sclerosis https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/975/fda-approves-first-generic-copaxone-to-treat-multiple-sclerosis Fri, 17 Apr 2015 00:00:00 GMT Smokers with a specific genetic variation are more likely to keep smoking longer than those who don’t have the gene variant, new research indicates. They’re also more likely to be diagnosed with lung cancer at a younger age.Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis led an analysis of 24 studies involving more than 29,000 smokers of European ancestry and found that smokers with a particular variation in a nicotine receptor gene were more likely to continue smoking for four years after those without the variant had quit. Those with the genetic variant also were more likely to be diagnosed with lung cancer four years earlier than those without the variation in the CHRNA5 gene.The findings may result in changes to efforts to screen patients for lung cancer. They are published April 14 in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.'People with the risk variant average a four-year ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/781/clinical-implications-of-smoking-study-enormous-say-researchers https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/781/clinical-implications-of-smoking-study-enormous-say-researchers Fri, 17 Apr 2015 00:00:00 GMT The widely-held belief that depression is due to low levels of serotonin in the brain - and that effective treatments raise these levels - is a myth, argues a leading psychiatrist in The BMJ this week. David Healy, Professor of Psychiatry at the Hergest psychiatric unit in North Wales, points to a misconception that lowered serotonin levels in depression are an established fact, which he describes as 'the marketing of a myth'.The serotonin reuptake inhibiting (SSRI) group of drugs came on stream in the late 1980s, nearly two decades after first being mooted, writes Professor Healy. The delay centred on finding an indication. After concerns emerged about tranquilliser dependence in the early 1980s, drug companies marketed SSRIs for depression, 'even though they were weaker than older tricyclic antidepressants, and sold the idea that depression was the deeper illness behind the superficial manifestations of anxiety,' he explains. The approach was an ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/781/link-between-serotonin-and-depression-is-a-myth-says-top-psychiatrist https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/781/link-between-serotonin-and-depression-is-a-myth-says-top-psychiatrist Fri, 17 Apr 2015 00:00:00 GMT Professor Rose Marie Parr has been appointed as the Scottish Government's new Chief Pharmaceutical Officer.Professor Parr has held the post of Director of Pharmacy at NHS Education for Scotland (NES) since its inception in April 2002 and has worked in the pharmaceutical profession since 1982. As Director of Pharmacy at NES, she was responsible for providing leadership, management and advice to the NES Board on all pharmacy educational matters.Professor Parr succeeds Professor Bill Scott, who retired on March 31, 2015. Professor Scott held the post of Chief Pharmaceutical Officer for 22 years and his leadership of the pharmacy profession in Scotland has been widely acknowledged by colleagues from around the UK and Europe.The Chief Pharmaceutical Officer's primary role is to provide professional leadership to NHS pharmaceutical care in Scotland and policy lead for NHS pharmaceutical practice in the community, primary care, secondary care and public health.'It is a tremendous honour ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/170/new-chief-pharmaceutical-officer-appointed-for-scotland https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/170/new-chief-pharmaceutical-officer-appointed-for-scotland Sun, 12 Apr 2015 00:00:00 GMT A drug that breaks up blood clots in stroke patients’ brains could be used more widely without increased risk, a study by researchers at University of Edinburgh has shown. The drug - called alteplase - is the only treatment for stroke caused by a blocked blood vessel in the brain.In the study, researchers analysed more than 3,000 people involved in a clinical trial assessing the effectiveness of alteplase as a stroke treatment.It had previously been thought that giving the drug to people with signs of early brain damage caused by a stroke would increase the chances of them suffering a bleed - which can be fatal, but this study is the first to show that early tissue damage seen in brain scans does not necessarily indicate an increased risk of bleeding. Researchers found there is only an increased risk of bleeds in patients with multiple signs of tissue damage caused ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/652/stroke-drug-could-be-used-more-widely-says-edinburgh-study https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/652/stroke-drug-could-be-used-more-widely-says-edinburgh-study Fri, 10 Apr 2015 00:00:00 GMT Pfizer and Pharmacy Voice have launched a new version of the Right Route: Right Care campaign, which aims to support pharmacy teams in encouraging the public to make the most effective use of their local NHS services using a simple traffic light system. Accident and Emergency (A&E) departments are facing increasing pressure, with the number of people attending A&E for minor ailments rising eleven times the rate of the population increase between 2004/5 and 2012/13. This revised version of the campaign uses a traffic light system to highlight that pharmacists are well positioned to provide general health advice in the community and welcome people to come and discuss their health concerns with them, such as minor ailments, rather than going to A&E. ‘This winter just passed has shown once again that A&E departments face overwhelming demand,’ said Rob Darracott, Chief Executive of Pharmacy Voice, ‘and we need to start to ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/799/new-right-route-to-effective-use-of-local-nhs-launched https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/799/new-right-route-to-effective-use-of-local-nhs-launched Fri, 10 Apr 2015 00:00:00 GMT Middle-aged and older people who are underweight with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of less than 20 kg/m2 are a third more likely to develop dementia than people of similar age with a healthy BMI.That’s according to new research just published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology journal.Researchers based at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and OXON Epidemiology analysed data from almost two million people in the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD), a large database of patient information recorded during routine general practice over nearly 20 years, representing around nine per cent of the UK population.The report highlights that evidence shows:• People who were underweight in middle and older age were a third (34 per cent) more likely to be diagnosed with dementia than those of a healthy weight, and this increased risk of dementia persisted even fifteen years after the underweight was recorded.• As participants' BMI increased between ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/427/new-study-suggests-overweight-at-decreased-risk-of-dementia https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/427/new-study-suggests-overweight-at-decreased-risk-of-dementia Fri, 10 Apr 2015 00:00:00 GMT About 80,000 people could die if the UK is hit by a widespread outbreak of an antibiotic-resistant blood infection says a new government document. The National Risk Register of Civil Emergencies says that antimicrobial resistance is an increasingly serious issue and that, without effective antibiotics, even minor surgery and routine operations could become high-risk procedures. 'Much of modern medicine (for example, organ transplantation, bowel surgery and some cancer treatments) may become unsafe due to the risk of infection,' says the document, adding that 'influenza pandemics would become more serious without effective treatments.' 'The numbers of infections complicated by AMR are expected to increase markedly over the next 20 years. If a widespread outbreak were to occur, we could expect around 200,000 people to be affected by a bacterial blood infection that could not be treated effectively with existing drugs, and around 80,000 of these people might die. High numbers of ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/217/80000-might-die-if-widespread-infection-breaks-out-says-government https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/217/80000-might-die-if-widespread-infection-breaks-out-says-government Tue, 07 Apr 2015 00:00:00 GMT AbbVie's Humira has become the first biologic drug approved in Europe to treat plaque psoriasis in children as young as four. Already one of the world's biggest-selling drugs with sales of $8.5bn last year - Humira (infliximab) can now be used in the EU for children and adolescents with psoriasis, who have had an inadequate response to, or are inappropriate candidates for topical therapy and phototherapies, as well as adults.The tumour necrosis factor (TNF) blocker is currently licensed in the EU for the treatment of psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.Humira has been a spectacular product for AbbVie but is facing increased competition in the anti-TNF drug class, with a biosimilar version of one of its main rivals - Janssen and MSD's Remicade (infliximab) - now on the market in around a dozen countries. Read more of this story which first appeared on ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/699/humira-gets-ok-for-childhood-psoriasis-in-europe https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/699/humira-gets-ok-for-childhood-psoriasis-in-europe Tue, 07 Apr 2015 00:00:00 GMT A desire to do more for Parkinson’s patients in care homes has not only delivered a new tool to monitor their care, but has also been recognised with a top industry innovation award.The ‘traffic light dashboard’ was developed by two NHS healthcare professionals in conjunction with UCB Pharma to distribute to care home staff, helping them to improve patient care by detecting and recording Parkinson’s Disease symptom changes.Their efforts have now been recognised by winning an award in the Joint Working With the Pharmaceutical Industry category of the 2014 PresQUIPP Innovation Awards. The idea began two more than years ago when Jackie Smith, Care Homes Lead Pharmacist at the NHS Bedfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group and Hazel White, Parkinson’s Disease Nurse Specialist (PDNS) met with Matt Ives, Regional Business Manager at UCB. They discussed options around how they could improve the levels of care for Parkinson’s patients within the local service. ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/928/innovative-dashboard-tool-for-parkinsons-disease-receives-accolade https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/928/innovative-dashboard-tool-for-parkinsons-disease-receives-accolade Tue, 07 Apr 2015 00:00:00 GMT Intrexon and Merck Serono - the biopharmaceutical arm of Germany's Merck KGaA - have announced a strategic collaboration and licence agreement worth $941m to work together on the development of a therapy for cancer based on the emerging chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) cancer therapy. 'The collaboration with Intrexon underlies Merck Serono’s focus on innovation, and enhances its R&D technology portfolio in immuno-oncology,' says Belen Garijo, President and CEO of Merck Serono. 'Moreover, it showcases Merck Serono’s commitment to developing therapies that have the potential to significantly evolve the way cancer is treated.'CAR-T cells are genetically engineered T-cells with synthetic receptors that recognise a specific antigen expressed on tumor cells. When CAR-T cells bind to a target, an immunological attack against the cancer cells is triggered. Utilising Intrexon’s cell engineering techniques and RheoSwitch® platform, the collaboration aims to develop leading-edge products that empower the immune system in a regulated manner ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/796/two-more-major-players-join-car-t-race https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/796/two-more-major-players-join-car-t-race Wed, 01 Apr 2015 00:00:00 GMT The European Medicines Agency has fast-tracked its review of Eisai's new oncology drug for people with a rare type of thyroid cancer. The CHMP, the drug safety and efficacy arm of the EU regulator, has recommended Lenvima (lenvatinib) for the treatment of adults with progressive, locally advanced or metastatic differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC), whose disease has progressed despite receiving radioactive iodine.Lenvima was reviewed under the EMA's accelerated assessment programme, as it provides a new treatment option for these patients, and speeds up the overall time it takes to assess a new medicine.'Lenvatinib represents a paradigm shift in the treatment of advanced thyroid cancer, and will bring new options to patients and clinicians,' said Martin Schlumberger, primary investigator and Professor of Oncology at the Institut Gustave Roussy, University Paris Sud. 'Clinicians will be excited to prescribe a treatment with significant benefits in progression-free survival.'The drug is an oral kinase inhibitor that ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/380/eisais-thyroid-cancer-drug-lenvima-nears-eu-approval https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/380/eisais-thyroid-cancer-drug-lenvima-nears-eu-approval Mon, 30 Mar 2015 00:00:00 GMT A new vaccine to prevent meningitis caused by meningococcal group B bacteria has been given the go-ahead to be made available on the NHS for all babies. Provided that the vaccine can be obtained at a cost-effective price, the meningitis B (Men B) vaccine will now be given to babies as part of the routine childhood vaccination programme. If and when it launches the vaccine, the UK will become the first country in the world to introduce a national Men B vaccination programme.Meningococcal group B bacteria is a serious cause of life-threatening meningitis and septicaemia (blood poisoning) and the leading infectious killer of young children in the UK. Around 1,200 people, mainly babies and children, get meningitis caused by meningococcal group B bacteria each year in the UK, with around one in ten dying from the infection. Many of those who survive suffer terrible permanent disability such as limb loss ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/749/meningitis-b-vaccine-gets-green-light https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/749/meningitis-b-vaccine-gets-green-light Sun, 29 Mar 2015 00:00:00 GMT Rivaroxaban (Xarelto), in combination with clopidogrel and aspirin, or with aspirin alone, can now be used as an option for preventing blood clots in people who have had an acute coronary syndrome, following latest guidance.Given as a tablet, rivaroxaban helps to maintain blood flow to the heart muscle to prevent further damage to the heart.In latest guidance, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends that rivaroxaban can be used in combination with aspirin plus clopidogrel, or aspirin alone, for preventing atherothrombotic events in people who have had an acute coronary syndrome with elevated biomarkers.The guidance recommends that before starting treatment, doctors should carry out a careful assessment of a person’s bleeding risk. This is because rivaroxaban is associated with a higher risk of causing bleeding than clopidogrel in combination with aspirin or aspirin alone.The decision to start treatment should be made after an informed discussion between the ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/941/nice-recommends-rivaroxaban-to-prevent-blood-clots-in-heart-attack-pat https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/941/nice-recommends-rivaroxaban-to-prevent-blood-clots-in-heart-attack-pat Sun, 29 Mar 2015 00:00:00 GMT According to new research from the USA, a shocking majority of Alzheimer’s Disease patients - or their care givers - are never told of their AD diagnosis by their doctors! The statistics from Alzheimer's Association have been called 'disturbing', particularly given the emphasis that healthcare professionals put on the 'crucial window of time' when patients and their loved ones could be planning for their future medical care and getting their affairs in order. According to the research, only 45 per cent of patients on Medicare who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease are told the diagnosis by their doctor. The statistics were published in the 2015 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report. Although similar research findings are not currently available in the UK, Alzheimer's and dementia support groups are alarmed by the US findings!According to Alzheimer's Society, 52 per cent of people with dementia in the UK currently don't receive ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/928/shocking-statistics-on-alzheimers-information-in-usa https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/928/shocking-statistics-on-alzheimers-information-in-usa Sun, 29 Mar 2015 00:00:00 GMT After being turned down two years ago, and armed with new clinical data, Novo Nordisk now intends to resubmit its marketing applications for diabetes therapies Tresiba and Ryzodeg to the FDA. The US regulator rejected its marketing application for basal insulin product Tresiba (insulin degludec) and combination therapy Ryzodeg (insulin degludec and insulin aspart) in February 2013, despite a vote in favour of approval of the two drugs by its own advisory committee the previous November.The FDA said at the time it turned down the two drugs because it wanted additional proof of the products' safety from a cardiovascular outcomes trial, setting back Novo Nordisk's plan to mount an assault on Sanofi's $8bn-a-year blockbuster Lantus (insulin glargine) by at least two years.Read more of the story which first appeared in PMiLive here. https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/398/rejected-diabetes-duo-to-be-refiled-by-novo-nordisk-in-us https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/398/rejected-diabetes-duo-to-be-refiled-by-novo-nordisk-in-us Fri, 27 Mar 2015 00:00:00 GMT The Royal College of General Practitioners Northern Ireland (RCGPNI) – in conjunction with the Public Health Agency - has published new guidelines which will help GPs to provide the best care possible to their Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans (LGB&/T) patients.It is estimated that on average, GP surgeries in NI will have around 300 patients who identify as LGB, and some of these patients will have specific medical needs that often go unmet. To address these, the cutting-edge guidelines have been developed in collaboration with members of the LGB&/T community in NI, as well as LGB&/T rights groups. Guidelines for the Care of Trans* Patients in Primary Care is thought to be the first guidance of its kind in Europe to educate and inform GPs of the patient pathways available for those who identify as Trans. Copies of the guidance will be sent to every GP practice in NI ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/154/ground-breaking-guidelines-will-help-ni-gps-to-support-lgbt-patients https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/154/ground-breaking-guidelines-will-help-ni-gps-to-support-lgbt-patients Wed, 25 Mar 2015 00:00:00 GMT The number of full-time equivalent GPs in the UK has increased by 1.7 per cent since 2013, with an increase in the numbers of GPs overall, official figures have revealed.However, the statistics from the Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC) reveal that the number of GP partners and principals is continuing to decrease.The figures show that:• There are 40,584 headcount GPs in the UK, an increase of 348 since 2013 and a rise of 5729 since 2004 (an average annual increase of 1.5 per cent).• This represents 36,920 Full Time Equivalent (FTE) GPs, an increase of 626 since 2013 and an increase of 5899 (19 per cent) since 2004: an average annual increase of 1.8 per cent.* There's been a 3.7 per cent increase in the numbers of FTE consultants, which now stands at 40,400.Other notable statistics include:• Last year, female GPs outnumbered male GPs for the first time and this year’s ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/944/gp-numbers-have-grown-since-2013-says-hscic https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/944/gp-numbers-have-grown-since-2013-says-hscic Wed, 25 Mar 2015 00:00:00 GMT New statistics show the majority of UK parents believe stopping children being exposed to junk food adverts could cut childhood obesity, as the British Heart Foundation (BHF) delivered a 30,000 strong petition to ban the adverts before 9pm to Britain’s most famous street. The BHF polled 2,000 UK parents and found 60 per cent of parents believe that stopping children being exposed to junk food adverts could help towards tackling the obesity crisis in children. Almost seven in ten (69 per cent) parents polled feel the UK Government should introduce stricter regulations on the food industry to better control how junk food is advertised to children. Six in ten parents (60 per cent) say that adverts promoting foods that are high in saturated fat, salt and sugar affect what their children want to eat. Well over half (58 per cent) say junk food adverts make it harder for them ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/781/will-banning-junk-food-tv-ads-cut-childhood-obesity https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/781/will-banning-junk-food-tv-ads-cut-childhood-obesity Wed, 25 Mar 2015 00:00:00 GMT As publishers of four UK-wide pharmacy/healthcare magazines, Medical Communications is always keen to support positive developments in community pharmacy, so we’re delighted to publicise the fact that the National Pharmacy Association (NPA) and the Independent Pharmacy Federation (IPF) have announced they are joining forces to strengthen support and leadership for the independent pharmacy sector! The announcement is made in the light of recent developments in pharmacy leadership, which include the evolution of Pharmacy Voice and the refocus by the NPA on the needs of independent pharmacies. ‘When the IPF was established in 2006,’ the statement said, ‘NPA represented national multiples as well as independents. However, since 2013, full membership of the NPA has been reserved solely for independents, which was a paradigm shift for leadership of the independent sector. ‘Both organisations are looking forward to working together to maximise the expertise, relationships and networks which have been built ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/345/npa-ipf-join-forces-to-strengthen-leadership-of-independent-pharmacy https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/345/npa-ipf-join-forces-to-strengthen-leadership-of-independent-pharmacy Tue, 24 Mar 2015 00:00:00 GMT The global treatment market for Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) will expand from $6.6 billion in 2013 to an estimated $13.6 billion by 2023, representing a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7.6 per cent, according to research and consulting firm GlobalData.The company’s latest report states that across the eight major markets of the US, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, UK, Japan, and Canada, growth will be driven primarily by increasing T1D incidence and the substantially higher annual cost of therapy (ACoT) in the US.The US had a 74 per cent share of the global T1D treatment space in 2013 with revenues of $4.8 billion. This share will rise to 78 per cent by 2023, with the market expanding at a CAGR of 8.2 per cent to reach $10.5 billion.‘The US will remain the leading market largely thanks to its average insulin price, which is about five to six times greater than ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/796/type-1-diabetes-market-to-double-to-136bn-globaldata https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/796/type-1-diabetes-market-to-double-to-136bn-globaldata Fri, 20 Mar 2015 00:00:00 GMT Researchers at Mayo Clinic have developed a new scoring system to help determine which elderly people may be at a higher risk of developing the memory and thinking problems that can lead to dementia. The study was published in the March 18, 2015, online issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.'Our goal is to identify people who are at the highest risk for dementia as early as possible,' said study author Ronald Petersen, MD, PhD, Chester. 'Early detection of individuals at high risk of developing memory and thinking problems that we call mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is crucial, because people with MCI are at a greater risk of developing dementia. This allows for a wider window of opportunity to initiate preventative measures.'The study involved 1,449 randomly selected people from Olmsted County, Minnesota between the ages of 70 and 89 who did not have memory ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/862/dementia-or-just-normal-ageing-new-us-tool-may-help-triage https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/862/dementia-or-just-normal-ageing-new-us-tool-may-help-triage Fri, 20 Mar 2015 00:00:00 GMT Cardiff businessman, Raj Aggarwal, has been appointed president of the Consular Association of Wales. Raj, who was selected for the position at the association’s AGM, will be responsible for running CAW – which helps further the commercial, academic and cultural activities of Wales around the world.‘Quite simply my job is to bring Wales to the world, and the world to Wales,’ said Raj, who received the OBE in 2007. ‘In my Presidency I hope to show all the amazing strengths and fantastic attributes of Wales and its people, its commerce, education, tourism and cultural endeavours.’One of the main duties of the president of the CAW is to convene the meetings of the Association, and deal with its relations with the UK Government, the National Assembly for Wales and the Welsh Government, councils, and other public bodies.The CAW currently has honorary consuls for 29 countries around the world and the association ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/799/welsh-community-pharmacist-receives-major-accolade https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/799/welsh-community-pharmacist-receives-major-accolade Fri, 20 Mar 2015 00:00:00 GMT Yes, they're here again: the sixth Welsh Pharmacy Awards are now open for applications! We want to hear from your pharmacy about the great work that you're doing for your community, so don’t be hiding your light under a bushel! Just take a look at our application forms and find an award that's suitable for you and your staff. Good luck! Read more here... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/126/welsh-pharmacy-awards-launched-apply-now https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/126/welsh-pharmacy-awards-launched-apply-now Fri, 20 Mar 2015 00:00:00 GMT The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) and the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) have come up with radical plans in a bid to ease current pressures in general practice and address the severe shortage of GPs. They say that the move will improve patient safety and care and, crucially, reduce waiting times for GP appointments.GPs and their teams are estimated to make 370 million patient consultations this year – 70 million more than five years ago and this is reckoned to be due to an ageing population and more patients being treated for long-term and complex conditions. But as demand has risen rapidly, the number of GPs in England has remained relatively stagnant.By contrast there is an over-supply of pharmacists who train as clinicians for five years - one year less than a doctor, one year more than a nurse – and could step in to treat patients directly at ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/878/radical-proposals-for-pharmacists-to-work-in-gp-surgeries https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/878/radical-proposals-for-pharmacists-to-work-in-gp-surgeries Wed, 18 Mar 2015 00:00:00 GMT The use of freshly donated blood in transfusions offers no major benefits to patients over the current practice of using older blood, a study has suggested.Blood given to patients that has been stored for around 21 days, which is the current standard, is as effective and safe as blood held for less than eight days before use, according to research led by Edinburgh University and the University of Ottawa in Canada. The study is the first to show conclusively that there are no major benefits to patients from using fresher blood for transfusions.Read more of this story which first appeared in Herald Scotland here. https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/251/fresh-blood-supplies-no-better-for-transfusions-study-finds https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/251/fresh-blood-supplies-no-better-for-transfusions-study-finds Wed, 18 Mar 2015 00:00:00 GMT Health secretary, Jeremy Hunt, has announced the launch of a $100m Dementia Discovery Fund. Mr Hunt made the announcement at the World Health Organization’s Conference on Global Action Against Dementia yesterday. Major pharmaceutical companies Biogen, GlaxoSmithKline, Johnson & Johnson, Lilly and Pfizer have all committed in principle to investing in the project, alongside Alzheimer’s Research UK and the UK government.These commitments mark a significant first step towards launching the ground-breaking fund. The companies involved will be working together in the coming months to develop the fund further.Read more here. https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/446/health-secretary-announces-100m-fund-for-dementia-discovery https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/446/health-secretary-announces-100m-fund-for-dementia-discovery Wed, 18 Mar 2015 00:00:00 GMT PSNC, NHS England and NHS Employers have agreed that the national community pharmacy clinical audit on the emergency supply of medicines will now go ahead over two revised audit periods:Period 1: Monday 23rd March until Sunday 5th April 2015Period 2: Monday 6th April until Sunday 19th April 2015The audit was agreed as part of the community pharmacy settlement for 2014/15. The audit documentation has now been published and can be downloaded from psnc.org.uk/nationalauditPharmacy contractors must now undertake the audit over one of the two audit periods.'We are very pleased that we are now in a position to take forward this important audit,' the three organisations said in a joint statement. 'We believe the outcomes of the audit will provide valuable information on the existing community pharmacy service and will influence how the service is configured in the future.'Read more here... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/862/new-dates-announced-for-national-audit https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/862/new-dates-announced-for-national-audit Mon, 16 Mar 2015 00:00:00 GMT According to two new reports, the delays and rejections associated with the current NICE appraisal system are both delaying and preventing patients in the UK from accessing new cancer medicines. Read more of this story which appeared on PMiLive here https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/524/nice-system-slowing-market-access-to-cancer-meds-say-reports https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/524/nice-system-slowing-market-access-to-cancer-meds-say-reports Mon, 16 Mar 2015 00:00:00 GMT The ABPI and the Department of Health have announced a fourth quarter payment from industry of £81 million to underwrite the growth of the medicines bill under the 2014 Pharmaceutical Price Regulation Scheme (PPRS). This takes the total payment made by industry during 2014 to £310 million. In 2014, the growth for the full year was 5.2 per cent - less than the quarter three growth of 5.93 per cent. While this represents growth above the original joint forecast of 3.87 per cent, when compared to the same quarter in 2013, it indicates growth is 3.2 per cent. These rebates will continue each quarter and each year until 2019, when a new deal is re-negotiated. Read more here.... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/348/industry-pays-310m-to-underwrite-medicines-bills https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/348/industry-pays-310m-to-underwrite-medicines-bills Mon, 16 Mar 2015 00:00:00 GMT The latest issue of Welsh Pharmacy Review is out now! This issue contains the launch of the Welsh Pharmacy Awards, so have a look at the application forms and put forward the great work that your pharmacy has been doing over the last year! You should be receiving your hard copy of the magazine in the post any day now, but, in the meantime, you can view a digital copy here. https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/765/latest-issue-of-welsh-pharmacy-review-out-now https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/765/latest-issue-of-welsh-pharmacy-review-out-now Fri, 13 Mar 2015 00:00:00 GMT Many cancer doctors in the UK are deeply unhappy about NHS England's decision to cut 16 drugs and 25 licences from the Cancer Drugs Fund (CDF), according to a new survey. Over three-quarters (79 per cent) of the UK oncologists polled 'agree' or 'strongly agree' that the cuts will compromise their ability to make optimal treatment choices for their patients.A similar number (74 per cent) believe the CDF panel placed budgetary considerations ahead of what's best for cancer patients when they made their decisions about cuts to the CDF.The online survey, undertaken by doctors.net on behalf of Sanofi UK, asked 115 senior oncologists about the cuts, with the majority (77) being prostate cancer specialists.Read more about this story which first appeared on PMiLive here.  https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/928/cancer-drugs-fund-cull-wont-save-nhs-money-survey https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/928/cancer-drugs-fund-cull-wont-save-nhs-money-survey Wed, 11 Mar 2015 00:00:00 GMT A new report by the Children and Young People's Health Outcomes Forum (CYPHOF) has said that five children die in the UK every day who would have survived if they had been living elsewhere in Europe.'Improvement in child and adolescent mortality has been less in the past 40 years than in comparable developed countries,' says the report, 'which puts us towards the bottom of countries in the European Union. This is perhaps most starkly illustrated by comparing ourselves with the country with the lowest mortality for children and young people, Sweden. After controlling for population size among other variables, we find that in the UK every day five children under the age of fourteen die who would not die in Sweden.'The report did, however, illustrate some notable improvements in the heath of children, such as teenage pregnancy rates at an historic low and a fall in road accident deaths. But ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/846/five-children-die-in-uk-every-day-needlessly-says-forum-report https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/846/five-children-die-in-uk-every-day-needlessly-says-forum-report Wed, 11 Mar 2015 00:00:00 GMT UCB has announced that it will sponsor a two-city epilepsy hackathon – ‘Hack Epilepsy’ - with a single purpose to improve the lives of people living with epilepsy. The hackathon will be held simultaneously in Brussels, Belgium, and Atlanta, US, on the 24th-26th April 2015, and is expected to attract developers, designers and digital experts.'Epilepsy affects millions of people all over the world,' said Erik Janssen, Vice President Global Patient Solutions Epilepsy. 'At UCB, we want to support patients, their families and caregivers, with digital solutions that can connect them to valuable sources of knowledge and experience that can make a meaningful difference to their day-to-day living. Hackathons are rapidly establishing themselves as a fast, effective way to develop innovative digital healthcare solutions. Creative, highly-skilled online developers and designers relish the challenge of coming up with practical, workable prototypes that can be of real value to people with a severe ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/668/innovative-epilepsy-event-launched-by-ucb https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/668/innovative-epilepsy-event-launched-by-ucb Wed, 11 Mar 2015 00:00:00 GMT Eli Lilly has suffered a serious legal setback in Germany after a court cleared the way to market a generic version of its cancer drug Alimta later this year. The patent challenge was not for the compound patent on pemetrexed disodium - the active ingredient in Alimta - but for a vitamin regimen used alongside the drug that is designed to limit side effects. The German verdict means that Actavis will be able to launch a generic version of the drug after its compound patent expires in December of this year, almost six years early, which would mean hundreds of millions of dollars in lost revenues for Lilly. Read more of the story which first appeared on PMiLive here. https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/123/german-court-decision-could-cost-lilly-millions https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/123/german-court-decision-could-cost-lilly-millions Mon, 09 Mar 2015 00:00:00 GMT 107 unlicensed St John’s Wort products were removed from the UK Amazon website this week following a joint investigation by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA). According to an MHRA factsheet, products containing St John's Wort have been proven to interact with other medicines by affecting drug metabolism or levels of neurotransmitters, causing serious side effects. Although they've been removed from Amazon, they continue to be sold on other sites, making it difficult for MHRA to police products that are unlicensed in the UK. Read more of this story which first appeared in Nutra Ingredients here. https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/894/107-st-johns-wort-products-pulled-from-amazon-uk https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/894/107-st-johns-wort-products-pulled-from-amazon-uk Sun, 08 Mar 2015 00:00:00 GMT The 'virtualisation' of healthcare is creating a new breed of company - often from emerging economies - that is turning the sector on its head, says a new report.New mobile, digital and wireless technologies have created a new kind of consumer that no longer relies on the person-to-person interaction that has traditionally been the nexus of healthcare, and erasing healthcare boundaries as they 'enable care anywhere', according to PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC).Stepping up to meet those needs are a number of new entrants who are 'pioneering pathways into virtual healthcare, more affordable and convenient care options, wellness and fitness, and more,' it says.The $9.59tn global healthcare market is receptive to innovations, according to the authors of the report who note that 'consumers want a healthcare experience that mirrors the convenience and transparency of banking, retail and other services'.The report also points to a 'democratisation of healthcare' which means for example that 'a ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/571/person-to-person-interaction-being-eradicated-in-healthcare-says-pwc https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/571/person-to-person-interaction-being-eradicated-in-healthcare-says-pwc Sun, 08 Mar 2015 00:00:00 GMT A new report by the NI Assembly's Public Accounts Committee has revealed millions of pounds could have been saved if doctors prescribed less expensive medicines. The report on Primary Care Prescribing found 'significant savings' could be made if lower cost prescriptions – which are effective as ones that are more expensive – were given to patients. It also looked at why local prescribing costs appear to be more expensive than in England, Scotland and Wales. The local cost, per head of population, increased slightly in Northern Ireland, while it fell in the rest of the UK. Primary care prescribing costs £460m each year in NI, which accounts for around ten per cent of all health and social care expenditure. However, the report said some £73m could have been saved if GPs in the region prescribed medicines in line with their colleagues in Wales. In addition, an estimated £54m could be ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/925/ni-gps-could-have-saved-73m-says-public-accounts-committee https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/925/ni-gps-could-have-saved-73m-says-public-accounts-committee Sun, 08 Mar 2015 00:00:00 GMT Awareness campaigns have boosted public awareness of lung and bowel cancer symptoms, according to one of a series of papers published in a special edition of the British Journal of Cancer (BJC). Read more of the story which first appeared in PMiLive here. https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/891/public-now-on-lookout-for-cancer-symptoms https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/891/public-now-on-lookout-for-cancer-symptoms Fri, 06 Mar 2015 00:00:00 GMT Children throughout the UK with severely active ulcerative colitis (UC) will be able to now access a biologic therapy. Previously, access was limited to children with acute severe UC as an alternative to ciclosporin, and in Scotland only. Now the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has recommended REMICADE®, within its marketing authorisation, as an option for treating severely active UC in children and young people aged six to 17 years whose disease has responded inadequately to conventional therapy, including corticosteroids and mercaptopurine or azathioprine, or for those who cannot tolerate, or have medical contraindications for, such therapies.  The guidance comes at a time when research from the Ulcerative Colitis Condition, Attitude, Resources and Educational (UC CARES) study, funded by MSD, suggests that the majority of UC patients treated with conventional therapies are not well controlled and nearly half of patients are not satisfied with their current UC treatment.New analyses from the research were ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/220/kids-to-benefit-from-biologic-therapy-for-ulcerative-colitis https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/220/kids-to-benefit-from-biologic-therapy-for-ulcerative-colitis Wed, 04 Mar 2015 00:00:00 GMT In the latest issue of Northern Ireland Healthcare Review, we looked at how antimicrobial copper could play a role in halting the spread of the Ebola virus (view here page 56). Now, in a world first, a Brazilian supermarket has introduced supermarket trolleys with antimicrobial copper handles to help reduce the spread of disease-causing pathogens! Typically made of plastic, trolley handles are touched by many different hands, in rapid succession, every day, making them a major vector for spreading contamination. A US study of shopping trolleys found 72 per cent of those tested were positive for faecal bacteria and half showed traces of E Coli. Such pathogens can survive on hard surfaces for days or even months. The research team’s recommendation was the handles were disinfected before each use. Varanda Frutas – a gourmet supermarket in São Paulo used by around 5.5 thousand customers daily – has opted for brass handles on ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/317/ebola-virus-off-its-trolley https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/317/ebola-virus-off-its-trolley Wed, 04 Mar 2015 00:00:00 GMT The GPhC has published a report looking at the quality of the education and training of pharmacy technicians in England, Scotland and Wales. The report, which was produced by the Centre for Pharmacy Workforce Issues at the University of Manchester, represents the first comprehensive study into the quality of pharmacy technician education and training since it became a fully-regulated profession in 2010. Among the report's findings were: * technicians training in community pharmacy are more likely to feel isolated than their hospital colleagues - almost a fifth of trainee community pharmacy technicians felt isolated in their place of work, compared to just over a tenth of those in hospitals * trainee hospital technicians were significantly more likely to feel well supported, have a good work-life balance and a 'clear and well-defined role' * Most survey respondents agreed that they had been well supported by their employing ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/477/community-technicians-feel-more-isolated-than-hospital-colleagues https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/477/community-technicians-feel-more-isolated-than-hospital-colleagues Wed, 04 Mar 2015 00:00:00 GMT GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and Novartis have completed the swap of vaccine and cancer drug businesses and the creation of a joint consumer healthcare unit. Under the terms of the deal GSK is paying $5.25bn in case for Novartis' vaccines business while Novartis is stumping up $16bn for GSK's oncology business. The two companies are also pooling their resources in consumer health, creating a joint venture that will be 63.5 per cent owned by GSK. Read more of this story which first appeared on PMiLive here. https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/298/gsk-divests-cancer-drugs-to-bring-novartis-deal-to-completion https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/298/gsk-divests-cancer-drugs-to-bring-novartis-deal-to-completion Mon, 02 Mar 2015 00:00:00 GMT A combination of Bristol-Myers Squibb's daclatasvir and Gilead Sciences' sofosbuvir has cured 97 per cent of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections in patients co-infected with HIV in a phase III trial. The once-daily regimen is big news for the sizeable community of HIV/HCV - estimated at around seven million people worldwide - who often cannot tolerate or take standard treatments for hep C because of adverse events, including drug interactions with antiretroviral therapies used to treat HIV. Read more of this story which first appeared on PMiLive here. https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/126/sovaldi-daklinza-combo-cures-hep-c-in-co-infected-hiv-patients https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/126/sovaldi-daklinza-combo-cures-hep-c-in-co-infected-hiv-patients Sun, 01 Mar 2015 00:00:00 GMT New treatments for autism could be developed after scientists identified the neurons that help people predict what someone else will do. Now a study has discovered two groups of neurons that play key roles in social interactions between primates – one that is activated when deciding whether to co-operate with another individual and another group involved in predicting what the other will do. Read more of this story which first appeared in The Scotsman here. https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/702/behaviour-study-could-help-autism-treatment https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/702/behaviour-study-could-help-autism-treatment Sun, 01 Mar 2015 00:00:00 GMT Janssen - in partnership with NHS England - has announced the three winning diabetes teams who will share a £200,000 prize fund in 2015. Janssen has sponsored two challenge prizes in the annual NHS Innovation scheme which aims to drive the spread and adoption of home-grown innovation across the NHS:• Challenge 1 looked for ventures that could demonstrate improved outcomes and enhanced quality of life for people with Type 1 (T1) or Type 2 (T2) diabetes through the implementation of integrated care services• Challenge 2 sought innovative solutions to help improve diabetes outcomes amongst black and minority ethnic (BME) communities, for whom the prevalence of T2 diabetes is up to six times greater compared to the UK’s white population[1]In light of the high quality of the entries, the judging panel decided to nominate two winners for Challenge 1, so in all, three teams will now benefit from the financial reward. ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/139/successful-diabetes-initiatives-demonstrate-improved-patient-outcomes https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/139/successful-diabetes-initiatives-demonstrate-improved-patient-outcomes Sun, 01 Mar 2015 00:00:00 GMT The cream of Northern Ireland’s healthcare industry took a bow last night as the sixteenth annual Northern Ireland Healthcare Awards took place at the Europa Hotel in Belfast. The glittering gala gives the Province’s healthcare professionals the opportunity to highlight their own work and to receive the accolades of their peers. Organised by Medical Communications Ltd, publishers of pharmacy and healthcare magazines across the UK, the awards allow NI’s healthcare professionals to showcase their work in front of many of the profession’s current movers and shakers. Among those receiving awards this year was Professor Ian Young, Professor of Medicine at Queen’s University, Belfast and Director of the Centre for Public Health, one of four research centres within the School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences.To view all of the winner at last night’s awards ceremony click here. https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/846/northern-irelands-healthcare-professionals-take-a-bow https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/846/northern-irelands-healthcare-professionals-take-a-bow Fri, 27 Feb 2015 00:00:00 GMT More than 10,000 people have now signed a petition opposing proposals to introduce state assisted suicide in Scotland. The Care Not Killing (CNK) umbrella group which is spearheading the campaign against the controversial legislation says opposition is 'growing every day'. Read more of this feature which appeared in The Scotsman here.  https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/314/scots-lodge-opposition-to-assisted-suicide-bill https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/314/scots-lodge-opposition-to-assisted-suicide-bill Wed, 25 Feb 2015 00:00:00 GMT Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has asked for feedback on proposals to change the legal classification of Otrivine extra dual relief nasal spray solution from POM to P. Read more here. https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/298/mhra-noses-around-for-feedback-on-nasal-spray https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/298/mhra-noses-around-for-feedback-on-nasal-spray Wed, 25 Feb 2015 00:00:00 GMT According to the World Health Organization (WHO), use of the same syringe or needle to give injections to more than one person is driving the spread of a number of deadly infectious diseases worldwide. WHO is therefore launching a new policy on injection safety - with the use of 'smart syringes' - to help all countries tackle the pervasive issue of unsafe injections. Read more here. https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/878/smart-move-may-prevent-spread-of-deadly-diseases-worldwide https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/878/smart-move-may-prevent-spread-of-deadly-diseases-worldwide Wed, 25 Feb 2015 00:00:00 GMT A nationwide online and telephone service that helps people to take part in dementia research studies has been launched today.Join Dementia Research promises to accelerate the pace of dementia research by allowing people with and without dementia to register their interest in studies, helping researchers find the right participants at the right time. Join Dementia Research is a collaboration between the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), Alzheimer’s Research UK, Alzheimer’s Society, Alzheimer Scotland and UCL Partners, and has been funded by the Department of Health and NHS England through the SBRI Healthcare Programme. Dementia affects over 850,000 people in the UK, with 25 million of the UK population having a close friend or family member affected. A new national poll has shown that almost two thirds of the general public (62 per cent) would be willing to take part in dementia research, but more than four out of five ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/524/ground-breaking-dementia-research-campaign-launched-today https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/524/ground-breaking-dementia-research-campaign-launched-today Tue, 24 Feb 2015 00:00:00 GMT Regulators in Europe have followed the example of their US counterparts and have expanded approval on Celgene’s big-selling multiple myeloma (MM) drug Revlimid to include newly-diagnosed patients. The European Commission has approved Revlimid (lenalidomide) for adults with previously untreated MM who are not eligible for transplant. Read more of this story from Pharma Times here.  https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/490/european-boost-for-big-selling-multiple-myeloma-drug https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/490/european-boost-for-big-selling-multiple-myeloma-drug Sun, 22 Feb 2015 00:00:00 GMT The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) has reacted angrily to media reports which highlighted that the NHS Business Services Authority had started issuing fines of up to £100 to patients with long-term conditions if they have not renewed their medical exemption certificate. 'No-one should be labelled a ‘fraudster’,' said RPS spokesman, Neal Patel, 'just because they have forgotten to renew their medical exemption certificate. People need better access to their medicines, not a financial penalty for a minor mistake. 'The effect of this fine is to punish people with long-term conditions for their illness. We’d like to see a far more constructive approach which supports and informs patients rather than makes them bear the bureaucratic burden of an unfair system. 'Pharmacists want to be talking to patients about their condition and their medicines, not having conversations about fines.' https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/314/no-one-should-be-labelled-a-fraudster-says-rps https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/314/no-one-should-be-labelled-a-fraudster-says-rps Sun, 22 Feb 2015 00:00:00 GMT Health economists at the University of York have said that the price the NHS pays for new medicines in England is too high. The researchers were particularly critical of the special cancer drugs fund, saying that it is of particularly poor value and diverts money from other patient services. Read more of the researchers' findings here. https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/878/new-drug-prices-will-only-increase-harm-done-to-nhs-patients https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/878/new-drug-prices-will-only-increase-harm-done-to-nhs-patients Sun, 22 Feb 2015 00:00:00 GMT While the world's attention has recently been focused on the threat posed by Ebola, there's alarming news from tests, published in Lancet Infectious Diseases, which have shown that resistance to the drug that has saved millions of lives from malaria has been detected over a wider area than previously thought. Experts have called the development 'alarming' and an 'enormous threat'. Read more of the story which first appeared on BBC News here. https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/540/enormous-threat-posed-by-malaria-say-researchers https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/540/enormous-threat-posed-by-malaria-say-researchers Fri, 20 Feb 2015 00:00:00 GMT A new study claims that pharma companies in the UK and Sweden are adopting unethical marketing practices 'on average more than once a week'.The report by researchers at the University of Lund in Sweden says its findings show that the industry is failing to adhere to its own system of self-regulation on marketing of medicines and that the penalties imposed on violations are inadequate.The authors - Anna Zetterqvist, Juan Merlo and Shai Mulinari - carried out an analysis on the self-regulation schemes operating in the UK and Sweden along with data from the overseeing bodies on complaints, complainants and rulings between 2004 and 2012.In total, Swedish and UK bodies ruled that 536 and 597 cases, respectively, were in breach, equating to an average of more than one case per week for each country. Over half of the cases related to misleading promotion, while, in other examples, the violation concerned marketing of ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/364/pharma-violations-still-turn-up-with-swedes-says-study https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/364/pharma-violations-still-turn-up-with-swedes-says-study Wed, 18 Feb 2015 00:00:00 GMT New figures from Public Health England have found a six per cent increase in antibiotic prescriptions between 2010 and 2013 and warned that up to half may be ‘inappropriate’.As a result, National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has issued a draft guideline warning - once again - of the dangers of increased antibiotic prescribing and has suggested that health professionals ‘question antimicrobial prescribing practices of colleagues’. ‘The more we use antibiotics, the less effective they become as diseases evolve and become resistant to existing antimicrobial medicines,’ said Professor Alastair Hay, Professor of Primary Care and chair of the committee, which developed the guideline. ‘Resistance to all antimicrobials is increasing and, combined with a lack of new antimicrobial medicines, there is a heightened risk in the future that we may not be able to treat infections effectively.‘NICE’s recent guidance on diagnosing and treating pneumonia takes as its starting point ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/251/antibiotics-health-professionals-asked-to-blow-whistle-on-colleagues https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/251/antibiotics-health-professionals-asked-to-blow-whistle-on-colleagues Wed, 18 Feb 2015 00:00:00 GMT The proportion of women screened for breast cancer in England has fallen for the third consecutive year, latest figures from the Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC) show.At 31 March 2014, 75.9 per cent (4.28 million) of the 5.64 million eligible women aged 53 to 70 had been screened within the last three years – a figure known as coverage. This compares to 76.4 per cent at the same point in 2013, 77.0 per cent in 2012 and a peak of 77.2 per cent in 2011.Although coverage has fallen for the third year running, it is still above the NHS Cancer Screening Programme’s minimum standard of 70 per cent.HSCIC’s report, which features statistics on the Breast Screening Programme in England, also shows that of the 17,961 women aged 45 and over with cancers detected by the programme in 2013-14, 39.9 per cent (7,175 women) had invasive but small cancers ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/796/breast-cancer-screening-figures-fall-for-third-year-running https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/796/breast-cancer-screening-figures-fall-for-third-year-running Wed, 18 Feb 2015 00:00:00 GMT Recently, we’ve been looking at the issue of needlestick or sharps injuries. The human cost – not to mention the financial cost – to the NHS is one that is not only unwelcome, but absolutely unnecessary!In December, Public Health England (PHE) released a report that warned of healthcare workers’ continued risk of exposure to bloodborne viruses through occupational sharps injuries. Although the report focused on English figures, there’s no doubt that the research findings apply just as much to NI as to England!The report warned that healthcare workers continue to be at risk of exposure to bloodborne viruses (BBV) through occupational sharps injuries, despite the fact that safety-engineered devices to prevent these injuries are now available.Since 1997, Public Health England (previously the Health Protection Agency) had received reports of healthcare workers sustaining significant occupational exposures in healthcare settings in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Reports were voluntarily submitted where healthcare ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/718/work-exposure-to-hiv-hepatitis-b-and-hepatitis-c-still-rising https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/718/work-exposure-to-hiv-hepatitis-b-and-hepatitis-c-still-rising Tue, 17 Feb 2015 00:00:00 GMT Alzheimer’s Research UK has announced a £30m Drug Discovery Alliance, launching three flagship Drug Discovery Institutes at the Universities of Cambridge, Oxford and UCL (University College London). The Drug Discovery Institutes will see 90 new research scientists employed in state-of-the-art facilities to fast-track the development of new treatments for Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Read more here. https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/972/new-alliance-to-fast-track-treatments-for-alzheimers https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/972/new-alliance-to-fast-track-treatments-for-alzheimers Tue, 17 Feb 2015 00:00:00 GMT Media headlines constantly refer to the fact that the community pharmacy is the most accessible healthcare resource available to the public. Yet, as Sultan ‘SID’ Dajani, Treasurer, Royal Pharmaceutical Society, points out, community pharmacists are operating from an information vacuum....‘We all know six million people visit community pharmacies every day, which naturally makes us the most accessible and most visited healthcare professionals in the UK even though, technically, we’re the third largest healthcare profession. When you consider too that our main remit is the safe supply and use of medicines and given that shared care liability on prescriptions already exists then how crazy is it that we don’t already have access to the patients’ medical record? ‘So the reality is that we use the information available to us and yet we are operating in an information vacuum. Each consultation is an incomplete picture but we piece together fragmented experiences of ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/574/communication-is-the-name-of-the-game https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/574/communication-is-the-name-of-the-game Tue, 17 Feb 2015 00:00:00 GMT A recently published book ‘Ultraviolet Voices’ features fifteen women’s personal stories of life with autism. Here the book’s author, Dr Elisabeth Hurley, Research Officer at Autism West Midlands, tells us why it’s more difficult for women to be diagnosed with the condition.....'Growing up in the 21st century is a challenge for all young women, but for women on the autism spectrum, the challenge of getting everything ‘right’ is even greater. 'Autism affects around 1.1 per cent of the population, with more men diagnosed than women. The current estimates say that there are around four times as many men diagnosed with autism than women, but this depends on who you are counting. In people with autism and learning disabilities, there are only twice as many men diagnosed than women, whereas in people with Asperger syndrome, there are up to ten or eleven times as many men diagnosed as women. Why are ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/991/autism-diagnosis-shades-of-pink-and-blue https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/991/autism-diagnosis-shades-of-pink-and-blue Tue, 17 Feb 2015 00:00:00 GMT Clinical care home pharmacists from NHS Leeds West Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) have been improving disease management and reducing medicine waste in care home patients as part of a pharmacist-led project.An excellent project in NHS Leeds West CCG, the Care Homes and Medicines Optimisation Implementation Service (CHAMOIS) has not only helped to ensure that patients are on the most appropriate care pathways, reducing the risk of unnecessary admission to hospital and medication errors, but has already delivered a net saving of £80,000 for the CCG! Since launching last year, just under 500 patients have had their medicines reviewed to ensure they are receiving treatment that is most appropriate for them. The reviews have also identified patients requiring additional support for their care, such as assistance from specialised dementia services. CHAMOIS has also helped reduce the number of care home residents requiring admission ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/944/care-homes-ccg-initiative-produces-better-patient-outcomes https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/944/care-homes-ccg-initiative-produces-better-patient-outcomes Tue, 17 Feb 2015 00:00:00 GMT Gilead and Achillion have posted impressive clinical study results for a new, all-oral combination hepatitis C treatment. The phase II study involved twelve previously untreated patients with genotype 1 hep C. Three months after the completion of therapy, all twelve (100%) of the patients achieved sustained viral response (SVR12), which is in clinical terms tantamount to a cure. Read more of article which first appeared on PMiLive here. https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/574/new-all-oral-combination-hep-c-treatment-tantamount-to-cure https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/574/new-all-oral-combination-hep-c-treatment-tantamount-to-cure Fri, 13 Feb 2015 00:00:00 GMT With new drug driving legislation coming into force on 2 March, Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee (PSNC) has produced a briefing on it. Healthcare professionals have been asked to raise awareness of the changes with display campaign materials such as the leaflet above. Read more here. https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/427/drug-driving-legislation-change-are-you-up-to-date https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/427/drug-driving-legislation-change-are-you-up-to-date Fri, 13 Feb 2015 00:00:00 GMT Eating oily fish may not only keep your heart healthy but may actually help to fix damaged blood vessels faster, reducing your risk of cardiovascular disease, University of Reading scientists have found.It is well know that these high in omega-3 fatty acid foods can improve the elasticity of blood vessels and potentially protect against heart disease. However the reasons for these positive effects are less clear. This study tested two new emerging markers of cardiovascular disease that are of particular interest to researchers in the quest for answers.The first was endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), stem cells made in the bone marrow that repair the linings of blood vessels when they become damaged. Previous studies associate a higher number of EPCs with a lower risk of heart disease.Over a period of eight weeks the researchers introduced small amounts (three grammes per day) of fish oils to a volunteer group of people ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/314/sound-fishy-new-way-to-mend-broken-hearts https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/314/sound-fishy-new-way-to-mend-broken-hearts Fri, 13 Feb 2015 00:00:00 GMT A new study is to determine if a simple breath test could help detect Parkinson's Disease. Researchers will study around 200 people to see if their breath can be used to determine which have Parkinson's. Scientists have already shown in a smaller study of 57 people that breath alone could differentiate between people with Parkinson's and healthy individuals. Read more from Parkinsons UK here. https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/891/every-breath-they-take https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/891/every-breath-they-take Wed, 11 Feb 2015 00:00:00 GMT Figures produced by the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) have shown that certain areas of the country will need at least a 50 per cent increase in the number of GPs working in the community over the next five years - due both to the growing population, and shortages of family doctors that already exist locally. Read more from the RCGP here. https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/702/the-doctor-will-see-you-nin-a-week https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/702/the-doctor-will-see-you-nin-a-week Wed, 11 Feb 2015 00:00:00 GMT A new breathalyser device that was originally employed as a bomb detector in airports is to be trialled in two NHS hospitals in a £1m clinical study. The device was invented by engineer Billy Boyle who, after his wife was diagnosed with colon cancer three years ago, decided to try and adapt it for medical use. The test has now been developed for lung cancer, and is known as the LuCID (lung cancer indicator detection) project. Read more of this fascinating story which first appeared in PMLiVE here. https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/204/cancer-breathalyser-explodes-onto-scene https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/204/cancer-breathalyser-explodes-onto-scene Wed, 11 Feb 2015 00:00:00 GMT Cutting-edge new research from Queen’s University Belfast is aiding in the global fight to prevent cardiovascular disease, one of the biggest causes of heart disease and strokes worldwide.Dr Andriana Margariti, a researcher at Queen’s University’s Centre of Experimental Medicine (CEM), has established an innovative method of generating stem cells and using them to re-build damaged blood vessels in the human body that can lead to strokes or heart attacks. She is now leading a research team at the CEM that will build on her breakthrough by studying new ways to take cells from human skin and convert them into the stem cells.'The cause and progression of cardiovascular disease begins with the dysfunction of specialised cells that line our arteries,' said Dr Margariti. 'Understanding what causes this dysfunction and replacing these damaged cells will provide new therapies to treat these patients. We are proposing to generate functional cells based on this ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/493/queens-university-develops-stem-cells-to-fight-cardiovascular-disease https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/493/queens-university-develops-stem-cells-to-fight-cardiovascular-disease Tue, 10 Feb 2015 00:00:00 GMT Scottish Health Secretary, Shona Robinson, and the UK's medical watchdog, Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Products Agency (MHRA), are to be called in front of the Public Petitions Committee to explain why mesh implant operations are still being carried out despite a ban. The medical watchdog is to be questioned over their system of reporting adverse conditions after it was revealed that, despite almost 350 operations to correct damage to Scottish patients, only twelve were reported to the MHRA by doctors. Read more of this story which first appeared in the Scottish Daily Record here.  https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/524/msps-caught-up-in-mesh-surgery-web https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/524/msps-caught-up-in-mesh-surgery-web Sun, 08 Feb 2015 00:00:00 GMT Senior A&E specialists are profiting from chronic NHS staff shortages by working as locum doctors and charging hospitals £1,760 a day for their services, according to a parliamentary inquiry.The NHS in England’s bill for agency staff has risen to £2.6bn a year because of hospital trusts’ difficulty in recruiting and retaining enough doctors and nurses, the public accounts committee also discloses.Read more of this article which first appeared in The Guardian here.   https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/267/a-e-specialists-quids-in-thanks-to-nhs-shortages https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/267/a-e-specialists-quids-in-thanks-to-nhs-shortages Sun, 08 Feb 2015 00:00:00 GMT They're less than three weeks away... so now's the time to meet the finalists of the Northern Ireland Healthcare Awards. From community pharmacists, who are going the extra mile for their patients, to hospital consultants who are transforming the care of their inpatients, we have them all! Meet them here.... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/298/meet-the-healthcare-professionals-with-the-rx-factor https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/298/meet-the-healthcare-professionals-with-the-rx-factor Sun, 08 Feb 2015 00:00:00 GMT Is personalised medicine the panacea that many have suggested it is? Or has it been overhyped? Has NI community pharmacy moved forward at all in the last four years, or is it now actually stagnant?How can GPs help diabetic patients successfully manage hypoglycaemia?At what point does a family/friend intervention actually help an addict begin to recover?These - and many other issues - come under the microscope in the latest issue of Northern Ireland Healthcare Review. Now available to view online here.    https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/571/breaking-news-latest-nihr-now-online https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/571/breaking-news-latest-nihr-now-online Fri, 06 Feb 2015 00:00:00 GMT As the most recent Census of Drug and Alcohol Treatment Services in Northern Ireland shows, addiction in Northern Ireland is still a major problem for both healthcare and community services. NIHR looks at one particular project that's helping to address the problem in Belfast.Established in 1992 by the Presbyterian Board of Social Witness, Carlisle House in Belfast is a residential treatment centre for addiction problems. Each year, an average of 105 people are referred to the service, which offers a six-week rehabilitation programme. On completion of the course, Carlisle House also provides a range of support systems, including supportive living accommodation. The centre recently undertook a Building Community Pharmacy Partnership project to increase the awareness and confidence of service users in making better use of their local pharmacy and to increase the pharmacist’s awareness of the issues around substance misuse. Located next to Carlisle House, Paul Wilkinson of Mooney’s Pharmacy ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/301/a-local-solution-to-a-national-problem https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/301/a-local-solution-to-a-national-problem Thu, 05 Feb 2015 00:00:00 GMT As end-of-life care increasingly takes centre stage in NI healthcare, the Northern Ireland Hospice is quietly pioneering the delivery of education, training and research in the field of end-of-life care.As NI Hospice strives to improve palliative care provision across Northern Ireland, a number of leading global specialists recently visited the hospice to see their groundbreaking education and outreach work in action. Dr Sanjeev Arora, founder of Project ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) – a cutting-edge medical education technology that’s being trialled in Northern Ireland for the first time by NI Hospice – visited the Hospice whilst in Belfast for the NICON eHealth conference.First developed by Dr Arora at the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center (UNMHSC) as a means of delivering complex medical care to underserved populations, Project ECHO is an innovative educational technology that has been proven to improve healthcare results in remote communities. The goal of ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/878/project-echo-reverberates-throughout-end-of-life-care-in-ni https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/878/project-echo-reverberates-throughout-end-of-life-care-in-ni Thu, 05 Feb 2015 00:00:00 GMT By Professor Mark Lawler, Chair in Translational Cancer Genomics, Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, Queen’s University BelfastOn May 14 2013, an article appeared in the New York Times which marked the moment when personalised medicine and genomic technologies came of age for our society at large. In the article, entitled ‘My Medical Choice’, its author, the actor Angelina Jolie, highlighted how her family history of breast cancer had prompted her to seek genetic counselling and genetic testing, followed by a prophylactic mastectomy. In the article, Ms Jolie wrote that ‘I can tell my children that they don’t need to fear they will lose me to breast cancer’. The test that she took, which looks for genetic changes or mutations in the breast cancer genes BRCA1 and BRCA2, was positive, increasing her risk of developing breast cancer to almost 90 per cent. Her optimism came from the fact that ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/941/personalised-cancer-medicine-providing-hope-or-promoting-hype https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/941/personalised-cancer-medicine-providing-hope-or-promoting-hype Thu, 05 Feb 2015 00:00:00 GMT Four years ago, NIHR ran an extensive feature: 'Community pharmacy: the clock is ticking'. At the time, NI community pharmacy was in dire straits, with the profession embroiled in legal action against the Department of Health and pharmacists operating without a contract. Fast forward four years....As community pharmacy in the rest of the UK continues to move forward - and at quite a pace in some areas - NI community pharmacy continues to languish in the doldrums. As I said a few issues ago, there's as much chance of seeing a contract any time soon as there is of seeing Lord Lucan riding Shergar up University Street, but the 'lack of contract' has now been joined in the doldrums by 'lack of Cost of Service Investigation (CoSi)' and 'lack of needs assessment'. You have to ask: who is going to take the profession by the scruff of the neck and ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/123/plus-a-change-plus-cest-la-mme-chose https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/123/plus-a-change-plus-cest-la-mme-chose Thu, 05 Feb 2015 00:00:00 GMT By Dr Hamish Courtney, Consultant Diabetologist, Royal Victoria Hospital, BelfastHypoglycaemic episodes or 'hypos' as they are more frequently known, are a significant problem in the management of diabetes - both for the patients themselves and for the healthcare professionals involved in their care. Indeed, if we ask patients what their biggest fears are with regard to diabetes, hypos always come out top in surveys across the world!What is a hypo?The definition of hypos is much debated but we tend to follow the US definition of 'blood glucose less than 4mmol/l' as being a hypo. More meaningfully, there are two definitions with regard to levels of hypo:A 'mild' hypo is one in which the patient can recognise what is happening and can treat themselves.A 'severe' hypo is one in which they will require third-party assistance.Why does a hypo occur?As the blood sugar falls, a patient's sympathetic nervous system - the adrenalin ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/123/hypoglycaemia-falling-blood-sugars-rising-concern https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/123/hypoglycaemia-falling-blood-sugars-rising-concern Thu, 05 Feb 2015 00:00:00 GMT As yet another medic dies in the US from Ebola, one University of Southampton researcher has offered promising evidence that antimicrobial copper – engineering materials with intrinsic hygiene benefits – could be a valuable addition to the existing measures. Peer-reviewed and published data from laboratory studies conducted by Professor Bill Keevil, Chair of Environmental Healthcare at the University of Southampton, demonstrates copper’s ability to rapidly and completely inactivate norovirus. Recent work in Germany has also explored its effectiveness against other viral biothreat agents. Clinical trials conducted in the UK, US and Chile have shown surfaces made from solid copper or copper alloys – collectively termed ‘antimicrobial copper’ – continuously reduce surface contamination by greater than 80 per cent. These results indicate a potential role for antimicrobial copper touch surfaces in preventing the spread of Ebola.‘Based on our research on viruses of similar genetic structure, we expect copper surfaces to ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/154/stopping-the-spread-of-ebola-can-copper-play-a-preventative-role https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/154/stopping-the-spread-of-ebola-can-copper-play-a-preventative-role Thu, 05 Feb 2015 00:00:00 GMT https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/605/test https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/605/test Tue, 03 Feb 2015 00:00:00 GMT National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has developed its first guideline to reduce the numbers of people dying from the skin cancer melanoma. The draft guideline is aimed at tackling wide variation across the country in diagnosis and treatment.Melanoma is a type of skin cancer which can spread to other parts of the body. It is most common in people who have pale skin, or many moles or tend to burn in the sun. It occurs when some cells in the skin begin to develop abnormally and is thought to be caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light from natural or artificial sources. There are currently around 13,500 new cases diagnosed each year in the UK and more than 2,000 people die each year from melanoma – more than all other skin cancers combined – and incidence is predicted to increase by 50 per cent in the next ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/396/nice-consults-on-new-guideline-to-identify-and-treat-melanoma-earlier https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/396/nice-consults-on-new-guideline-to-identify-and-treat-melanoma-earlier Mon, 02 Feb 2015 00:00:00 GMT One third of children in England are overweight/obese, a 20-year King's College London study of electronic health records has found. But the rapid rise in prevalence may be starting to level off - at least in younger children - the findings indicate, although there are no grounds for complacency, warn the researchers.They scrutinised the anonymised electronic health care records of more than 370,500 children, aged between two and fifteen, who had accumulated more than half a million weight assessments between them over a period of 20 years (1993 to 2013).The researchers wanted to track any changes in the prevalence of overweight and obesity over these two decades. The children were patients at 375 general practices across England. Their anonymised health data had been entered into the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink, a large database containing the records of around 5.5 million patients registered with 680 general practices around the UK.The ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/752/one-third-of-children-in-england-now-overweightobese https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/752/one-third-of-children-in-england-now-overweightobese Mon, 02 Feb 2015 00:00:00 GMT Being conscious during an operation can make patients feel anxious and is often painful. However, new research from the University of Surrey has found that simple distraction techniques, such as talking to a nurse, watching a DVD or using stress balls, can help patients to relax during varicose vein surgery and reduce their pain.The study, published today in the European Journal of Pain, analysed 398 patients, splitting them into four groups.The first group was played music during their surgery, while the second was offered a choice of DVD to watch from a wall-mounted monitor. In the third group, a dedicated nurse was positioned next to the patient's head to interact with them throughout the procedure. The nurse was instructed not to touch the patient's hand during surgery, but to try and engage them in conversation. In the fourth group, two palm-sized stress balls were given to participants once they were ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/925/stress-balls-and-dvds-ease-pain-and-anxiety-during-surgery https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/925/stress-balls-and-dvds-ease-pain-and-anxiety-during-surgery Mon, 02 Feb 2015 00:00:00 GMT A community pharmacy project involving 44 pharmacies has helped to identify 128 carers in just the first nine weeks.The Carer-Friendly Pharmacy initiative, organised by Carers Trust and Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee (PSNC), working with nine LPCs, aims to increase the support made available to unpaid carers within local communities. The project will be independently evaluated and, if successful, may pave the way for future commissioned pharmacy services in this area.Carers make up one in eight adults in England, but many do not receive all the support that they could. In the Five Year Forward View, NHS England set out plans to improve engagement with carers; community pharmacies are ideally placed to help with this due to their accessibility.In this pilot project community pharmacies and carers support organisations are working together to identify carers, give them support and, where necessary, refer carers to other relevant resources within their local areas. ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/799/early-success-for-carer-friendly-pharmacy-pilot https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/799/early-success-for-carer-friendly-pharmacy-pilot Mon, 02 Feb 2015 00:00:00 GMT Each year in the UK, around 150,000 people are admitted to accident and emergency with a head injury. Now, a new app which could help save the lives of those with brain injuries has been launched by Northern Ireland Health Minister, Jim Wells.As part of last year’s Action for Brain Injury Week, the Acquired Brain Injury Working Group, a partnership forum comprising representatives from the Cedar Foundation, Child Brain Injury Trust, Headway UK and Reconnect, supported by the Health and Social Care Board and Public Health Agency, designed and launched a ‘Know the Risks’ information card regarding mild brain injury.The Group wanted to make the information as widely accessible as possible, so teamed up with Belfast-based tech firm TotalMobile, which provides innovative software solutions to revolutionise the way frontline healthcare staff work.TotalMobile, working with experts from the health and voluntary sector, came up with the initial idea for the ‘Know ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/477/new-app-helps-identify-risks-of-mild-brain-injury https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/477/new-app-helps-identify-risks-of-mild-brain-injury Mon, 02 Feb 2015 00:00:00 GMT The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has agreed to reclassify Nexium Control from a pharmacy (P) medicine to a general sales list medicine (GSL) in the UK for the short-term treatment of reflux symptoms (eg heartburn and acid regurgitation) in adults.For more information  http://www.mhra.gov.uk/home/groups/s-par/documents/websiteresources/con504924.pdf https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/671/mhra-approves-nexium-control-to-gsl-product-status https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/671/mhra-approves-nexium-control-to-gsl-product-status Thu, 29 Jan 2015 00:00:00 GMT - Vaults Actavis to #1 Position in UK Generics -   Actavis plc, a leading global specialty pharmaceutical company, and the owners of Auden Mckenzie Holdings Limited, a dynamic and fast growing company focused on the development, licensing and marketing of niche generic medicines and proprietary brands in the UK, today announced that they have reached a definitive agreement, under which Actavis will acquire Auden Mckenzie for approximately £306 million in cash, plus a two-year royalty on a percentage of gross profits of one of Auden Mckenzie’s products. Auden Mckenzie will be acquired on a debt free basis, and the transaction will exclude Auden Mckenzie’s real estate portfolio. The acquisition will make Actavis the number one supplier of generic pharmaceuticals in the UK. Following the close of the acquisition, and the anticipated combination of Actavis and Allergan later this year, Actavis will hold the number three position ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/718/actavis-acquires-auden-mckenzie-for-306m https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/718/actavis-acquires-auden-mckenzie-for-306m Wed, 28 Jan 2015 00:00:00 GMT The European Medicines Agency has recommended granting a marketing authorisation for Saxenda (liraglutide) for weight management in overweight or obese adults. The medicine is recommended for use in addition to a reduced-calorie diet and physical activity.The medicine, which will only be available on prescription, provides a treatment option for adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m2 or greater (obese), as well as adults with a BMI of 27 kg/m2 to <30 kg/m2 (overweight) who also have one or more complications related to their weight, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or obstructive sleep apnoea.Saxenda is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. The intended dose for its use in weight management is 3 mg to be administered as an injection once a day. Its active substance, liraglutide, is currently approved in the European Union (EU) under the trade name Victoza for the treatment of ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/126/saxenda-recommended-for-approval-in-weight-management-in-adults https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/126/saxenda-recommended-for-approval-in-weight-management-in-adults Fri, 23 Jan 2015 00:00:00 GMT Patients having cosmetic surgery should be able to make informed decisions about their treatment, including being able to check if their surgeon is listed on an approved register, according to new proposals made today by the Royal College of Surgeons to improve standards of care.The Cosmetic Surgery Interspecialty Committee (CSIC), which was set up by the Royal College of Surgeons in 2013, proposes that patients considering paying for cosmetic surgery privately – where they choose to have an operation for aesthetic, rather than medical reasons – should have access to clear, unbiased and credible information about their surgeon, care provider, procedure and likely outcomes. The vast majority of cosmetic surgery takes place in the private sector. Currently, a surgeon must be registered and licensed by the GMC to undertake such procedures. However, there is no common qualification available for those performing cosmetic surgery because it covers a number of surgical ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/975/proposals-for-stronger-protection-for-cosmetic-surgery-patients https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/975/proposals-for-stronger-protection-for-cosmetic-surgery-patients Fri, 23 Jan 2015 00:00:00 GMT A revolutionary device has been shown to significantly lower blood pressure among patients with uncontrolled high blood pressure, compared to those treated with usual drug measures – according to research from Queen Mary University of London and published in The Lancet.The device – developed by ROX Medical and named the ‘Coupler’ – is a paper clip-sized implant which is inserted between the artery and vein in the upper thigh, in a procedure lasting around 40 minutes under local anaesthetic.Researchers led a randomised, blinded endpoint clinical trial with patients from multiple European Centres of Hypertension Excellence – including the Barts Blood Pressure Clinic at Barts Health NHS Trust in east London – all of whom had resistant high blood pressure and had not responded to at least three types of drug treatment.The team compared the effects of the Coupler versus usual medical treatment in 83 patients of whom 44 received the ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/314/revolutionary-device-found-to-lower-blood-pressure https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/314/revolutionary-device-found-to-lower-blood-pressure Fri, 23 Jan 2015 00:00:00 GMT GSK has announced that the first batch of its candidate Ebola vaccine has been shipped to west Africa.The shipment, containing an initial 300 vials of the candidate vaccine, is the first to arrive in one of the main Ebola affected countries and will be used to start the first large-scale efficacy trial of experimental Ebola vaccines in the coming weeks.The candidate vaccine is currently being tested in five small phase I clinical trials in the UK, USA, Switzerland and Mali, involving around 200 healthy volunteers in total. Initial data from these trials show that the candidate vaccine has an acceptable safety profile, including in a west African population, and across the different doses evaluated. Based on the safety and immunological data available from these trials, GSK has selected the most appropriate dosage level to advance to the next phases of clinical testing. Results from the first of the phase I ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/878/ebola-vaccine-shipped-to-liberia-for-use-in-phase-iii-clinical-trial https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/878/ebola-vaccine-shipped-to-liberia-for-use-in-phase-iii-clinical-trial Fri, 23 Jan 2015 00:00:00 GMT Research from the University of Surrey has found that the potassium salts (bicarbonate and citrate) plentiful in fruit and vegetables, play an important part in improving bone health.For the first time, the results also showed that these potassium salts reduce bone resorption, the process by which bone is broken down, therefore increasing their strength. In addition, the study, published in the journal Osteoporosis International, revealed that high intake of potassium salts significantly reduces the excretion of calcium and acid in urine. 'This means that excess acid is neutralised and bone mineral is preserved,' said lead author Dr Helen Lambert.'Excess acid in the body, produced as a result of a typical Western diet high in animal and cereal protein, causes bones to weaken and fracture. Our study shows that these salts could prevent osteoporosis, as our results showed a decrease in bone resorption.'Although bone resorption and bone formation is a natural ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/477/potassium-salts-limit-osteoporosis-risk-new-research-finds https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/477/potassium-salts-limit-osteoporosis-risk-new-research-finds Fri, 23 Jan 2015 00:00:00 GMT Governments in twelve European countries are to implement the recommendations of research into why more European patients are not receiving essential painkillers. The five-year project called 'Access to Opioid Medication in Europe (ATOME), funded by the European Union, looked at why opioid medicines – like morphine and codeine- are not widely available in countries from Poland to Turkey.The World Health Organisation (WHO) considers opioids to be essential medicines for the treatment of moderate to severe pain, relieving unbearable suffering in illnesses like AIDS and cancer. In the twelve countries surveyed, 300,000 people die from cancer each year.Opioids also include methadone which is a heroin substitute given to users in an attempt to wean them off the drug and reduce the risk of death through overdose or infection with hepatitis and HIV.Professor Sheila Payne from the International Observatory on End of Life Care at Lancaster University is one of the authors ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/139/opioids-treated-as-narcotics-in-some-euro-countries-says-report https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/139/opioids-treated-as-narcotics-in-some-euro-countries-says-report Sun, 18 Jan 2015 00:00:00 GMT New research from the Royal Pharmaceutical Society shows that common ailments such as coughs and sore throats cost the NHS an extra £1.1 billion a year when patients are treated at A & E or GP surgeries, rather than at community pharmacies. Treatment results were equally good regardless of whether patients were treated at a pharmacy, A & E or GP practice.The cost of treating common ailments in community pharmacies was found to be £29.30 per patient. The cost of treating the same problems at A & E was found to be nearly five times higher at £147.09 per patient and nearly three times higher at GP practices at £82.34 per patient. Overall, the study estimates that three per cent of all A & E consultations and 5.5 per cent of GP consultations for common ailments could be managed in community pharmacies. This equates to over 650,000 visits to ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/490/rps-minor-ailment-research-reveals-major-savings-for-nhs https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/490/rps-minor-ailment-research-reveals-major-savings-for-nhs Sun, 18 Jan 2015 00:00:00 GMT A new, interactive e-learning resource has been developed to help Northern Ireland's midwives understand their responsibilities when supplying and administering medicines.At the moment, midwives can only supply and administer medicines without the need of a prescription within their professional role, when there is a Midwives Exemption (ME) or Patient Group Direction (PGD).The new resource 'Midwives and Medicines (NI) 2014', was developed through a partnership arrangement with midwives and pharmacists from Northern Ireland (NI) and aims to provides midwives with up to date information on medicines management through:* links to legislation and other supporting documentation;* learning scenarios to assist midwives in understanding their role in relation to medicines and the relevance to midwifery practice;* self assessments to deepen their knowledge and skills;l* inks to a list of commonly used medicines in maternity care including midwives exemptions and medicines monographs.'Despite the legislation,' said Chief Nursing Officer, Charlotte McArdle, 'there has been confusion ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/637/new-interactive-e-learning-resource-developed-for-ni-midwives https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/637/new-interactive-e-learning-resource-developed-for-ni-midwives Sun, 18 Jan 2015 00:00:00 GMT Healthcare professionals need to liaise with diabetes patients with regard to an anomaly with insulin pumps after Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) asked people with a particular insulin pump to check the clock resets to the correct time and date when they change the battery or when the power is interrupted.A fault with the Accu-Chek Spirit Combo insulin pumps, manufactured by Roche Diagnostics Ltd, means that, if the power is interrupted, eg during a battery change, the pump will reset to the default date and time. If this change goes unnoticed, it may affect the time of insulin delivery.'It is vital that people check their pumps after an interruption in power supply,' said John Wilkinson, MHRA’s Director of Medical Devices. 'People should not stop using these pumps, or switch to an alternative device, without first discussing it with a healthcare professional.'If the pump is affected by this fault, people should ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/637/regulator-issues-warning-over-problem-with-insulin-pumps https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/637/regulator-issues-warning-over-problem-with-insulin-pumps Sun, 18 Jan 2015 00:00:00 GMT National Institute for health and Care Excellence (NICE) has issued guidance for healthcare professionals on gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR). NICE has said that GPs and other professionals should reassure parents that reflux is very common in well infants and does not require treatment, but should be alert to red flag symptoms which may suggest GORD or other disorders.Bringing up food is a common physiological process that usually happens after eating in healthy infants, children, and young people. It is most common in babies – affecting four in ten infants – but can happen to almost everyone at some point in their lives. GORD refers to gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR), which is so severe that medical treatment is required.However, it is difficult to differentiate between GOR and GORD, and the terms are used interchangeably by health professionals and families alike.GORD affects many children and families in the UK, who commonly seek medical advice ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/380/nice-issues-guidance-on-gastro-oesophageal-reflux https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/380/nice-issues-guidance-on-gastro-oesophageal-reflux Sun, 18 Jan 2015 00:00:00 GMT Launched by David Cameron in 2011, the Cancer Drugs Fund was the government's initiative to pay for very expensive cancer drugs that the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) didn't consider cost effective. It has been widely recognised for some time, however, that the Cancer Drugs Fund has massively overspent - in fact it's estimated that the figure will hit £380m by the end of the financial year - but now, only four years in, a new review looks likely to end the use of some of the high-priced cancer medicines which are currently being offered by the NHS.Among the cancer drugs that could be ejected from the NHS are at least one breast cancer, one prostate and one bowel cancer drug. Naturally, the manufacturers say the decision is arbitrary and unfair and they have, in fact, raised the possibility of legal action against NHS England.Eisai, manufacturer of ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/862/time-running-out-for-some-nhs-cancer-drugs https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/862/time-running-out-for-some-nhs-cancer-drugs Sun, 11 Jan 2015 00:00:00 GMT We're all aware of the fact that antibiotics are losing their effectiveness at an increasing rate and that antibiotic resistance is one of the most significant threats to patients' safety, so it's obvious that new antibiotics are needed - and quickly!While antibiotics had their heyday in the 1950s and 1960s, however, there's been nothing found since the late 80s that has found its way into GPs' surgeries. Now, after a decades-long drought in antibiotic discovery, US scientists have made a major breakthrough in the search for new antibiotics, and their novel method for growing bacteria has so far yielded 25 new antibiotics!Researchers at the Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts, turned to the source of nearly all antibiotics - soil, which is teeming with microbes. The researchers created a 'subterranean hotel' for bacteria and then placed one bacterium in each 'room'. The whole device was then buried in soil. This process ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/972/major-antibiotic-breakthrough-by-us-scientists https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/972/major-antibiotic-breakthrough-by-us-scientists Sun, 11 Jan 2015 00:00:00 GMT Latest figures from Public Health England (PHE) have indicated that flu is continuing to circulate in the community.Overall, levels are now higher than the peak of flu activity observed in the last three seasons, but have not reached the levels seen in the last notable seasons of 2010 to 2011 and 2008 to 2009. The number of patients hospitalised due to flu remains low at a rate of 1.99 per 100,000.Once flu is spreading, apart from vaccination, hygiene is the main method that can help prevent spread, and the recent increase in activity has led to the relaunch of the annual ‘Catch it. Bin it. Kill it’ campaign, consisting of national press, radio, video-on-demand and digital advertising, to run for approximately three weeks.'Through this campaign,' said Professor Nick Phin, head of the respiratory diseases department at PHE, ''we are urging everyone to carry tissues and to use them to ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/317/flu-levels-continue-to-rise-campaign-relaunched https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/317/flu-levels-continue-to-rise-campaign-relaunched Sun, 11 Jan 2015 00:00:00 GMT A new report published by the Welsh Cancer Intelligence and Surveillance Unit has highlighted the rapidly increasing number of new lung cancer cases diagnosed in women who are pensioners. Lung cancer is in the top four most common cancers in Wales and over a ten-year period between 2003-2012, annual numbers remained similar in men but increased in women by over a third. In 2003 there were 1294 cases of lung cancer in men; in 2012 the figure was 1249. In 2003 there were 825 cases of lung cancer in women; in 2012 the figure was 1121. The report estimates that the women’s lung cancer incidence rate in Wales is the third highest of 40 other European countries. The rate in men is higher than eleven of those 40 countries. These rates reflect smoking patterns in the 1970s, 80s and early 90s – while men’s cigarette smoking peaked in the 1940s ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/348/lung-cancer-cases-in-women-keep-rising-in-wales https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/348/lung-cancer-cases-in-women-keep-rising-in-wales Sun, 11 Jan 2015 00:00:00 GMT The celiac disease treatment market value will expand more than tenfold from an estimated $49.6 million in 2013 to $551.1 million by 2023, according to research and consulting firm GlobalData.The company’s latest report states that the US will continue to account for almost all of the celiac disease therapeutics space, which also includes the five European countries (5EU) of France, Germany, Spain, Italy and the UK. The US share will slip slightly from 99 per cent in 2013 to just under 98 per cent by the end of the forecast period.Abhilok Garg, PhD, GlobalData’s analyst covering immunology, says that the market will be driven primarily by the potential introduction of two novel pipeline drugs, Alba/Teva’s larazotide acetate and Alvine/AbbVie’s latiglutenase, which are designed to be used as adjunctive treatments to the current standard of care, a gluten-free diet.'Larazotide acetate is forecast to launch in the US in Q1 2018,' Garg ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/571/celiac-disease-treatment-market-to-grow-more-than-tenfold-by-2023 https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/571/celiac-disease-treatment-market-to-grow-more-than-tenfold-by-2023 Sun, 11 Jan 2015 00:00:00 GMT Pharmacists should advise patients to check their insulin pen lots following a warning issued by The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) over insulin pens manufactured by Owen Mumford. MHRA has advised that if patients find that they have pens from the list of affected lots below, then they should stop using them and receive a replacement from their pharmacist at the earliest opportunity.Owen Mumford initiated a voluntary recall of affected lots due to a dosage fault with the pens which could lead to hyperglycaemia if an underdose of insulin is given.The fault with the four specific pens Autopen Classic 1 unit pen, Autopen Classic 2 unit pen, Autopen 24 1 unit pen and Autopen 24 unit 2 pen, can cause the dose selector to suddenly revert to zero which could lead to people receiving an underdose of insulin or no insulin at all.The failure rate of these 4,290 ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/317/mhra-issues-faulty-insulin-pens-recall https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/317/mhra-issues-faulty-insulin-pens-recall Sun, 04 Jan 2015 00:00:00 GMT Optometrists are to join the fight to cut smoking rates in Wales by alerting patients to the impact smoking is having on their eyesight, and by referring smokers to the NHS Stop Smoking Wales service for the first time. In Wales, 21 per cent of adults still smoke. Tobacco use is now linked with loss of sight from eye conditions including macular degeneration, cataracts and vascular disease of the eye, in addition to the well-known risks of cancer and heart disease. From today (5 January 2015), ophthalmic practitioners across Wales will be trained to start a conversation at eye care appointments with patients that use tobacco. Patients will be asked about their smoking behaviour, and the risk to their eyesight will be discussed with them. If the patient says they want to stop smoking, the ophthalmic practitioner will be able to refer them to Stop Smoking Wales. Public Health Wales ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/699/welsh-optometrists-to-support-action-against-smoking https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/699/welsh-optometrists-to-support-action-against-smoking Sun, 04 Jan 2015 00:00:00 GMT Patients at risk of recurrent blood clots can now be offered dabigatran (Pradaxa) as an alternative to warfarin, says National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).In its latest guidance, NICE recommends the drug as an option for treating and preventing recurrent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism in adults. Around one in every 1000 people in the UK is affected by DVT, a condition that increases in risk with age. Further risk factors include a previous DVT or pulmonary embolism, obesity and the presence of comorbidities such as heart disease.In current practice, people with suspected DVT or a pulmonary embolism are generally treated immediately with anticoagulant drugs, most commonly with injections of low molecular weight heparin.When the diagnosis has been confirmed, it is overlapped with an oral anticoagulant, such as warfarin. The usual length of treatment is for three months or more, though this can be life-long in certain ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/941/nice-green-lights-dabigatran-for-treatment-of-blood-clots https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/941/nice-green-lights-dabigatran-for-treatment-of-blood-clots Sun, 04 Jan 2015 00:00:00 GMT Eleven new centres across England have been chosen to deliver the three-year 100,000 Genomes project, which was launched by the Prime Minister earlier this year, and which aims to improve diagnosis and treatment for patients with cancer and rare diseases.The initiative involves collecting and decoding 100,000 human genomes – complete sets of people’s genes – that will enable scientists and doctors to understand more about specific conditions.The project has the potential to improve our ability to predict and prevent disease. It may also lead to new and more precise diagnostic tests, and the ability to more accurately personalise drugs and other treatments to specific genetic variants.It is anticipated that over 75,000 people will be involved, which will include some patients with life threatening and debilitating disease.After samples are collected, they will be sent securely to Illumina who have been procured by Genomics England to sequence the whole genome and to ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/944/eleven-new-centres-chosen-to-deliver-100000-genomes-project https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/944/eleven-new-centres-chosen-to-deliver-100000-genomes-project Sun, 04 Jan 2015 00:00:00 GMT Dr Hilary Cass, President of the Royal College of Paediatric and Child Health RCPCH, has received an OBE for services to child health in the 2015 New Year Honours. The RCPCH President, who has been in the role for nearly three years, has been vocal in her belief that child health outcomes in the UK are not as good as they should be – calling for new ways of delivering care in ‘child health hubs’, all GPs to be trained in child health and fewer, more specialist centres of care. Dr Cass has pursued her vision of more multi-professional collaboration across the child health workforce, through joint initiatives with a range of allied health groups and other organisations. During her presidency, she has overseen RCPCH campaigns to reduce childhood mortality, raise awareness of vitamin D deficiency and tackle childhood obesity – as well as development of pioneering resources such as ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/891/rcpch-president-dr-hilary-cass-awarded-obe-in-new-year-honours-list https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/891/rcpch-president-dr-hilary-cass-awarded-obe-in-new-year-honours-list Sun, 04 Jan 2015 00:00:00 GMT A new advance in biomedical research at the University of Leicester could have potential in the future to assist with tackling diseases and conditions associated with ageing – as well as in treating cancer. The research, which has shown promise in clinical samples, has been published in the prestigious scientific journal, Cell Death and Disease. The group of scientists coordinated by Dr Salvador Macip from the Mechanisms of Cancer and Ageing Lab and the Department of Biochemistry of the University of Leicester carried out the study to find new ways of identifying old cells in the body. This is important because the accumulation of old cells (called “senescent”) in human tissue can contribute to symptoms of ageing. But old cells can also appear as a result of the activation of the internal anti-cancer mechanisms of the human body. ‘What we have found,’ said Dr Macip, ‘is a series of novel ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/652/leicester-study-offers-future-hope-for-tackling-signs-of-ageing https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/652/leicester-study-offers-future-hope-for-tackling-signs-of-ageing Fri, 12 Dec 2014 00:00:00 GMT Final guidance published by National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has recommended that further research is carried out on a promising test to help monitor doses of the chemotherapy drug 5-FU (fluorouracil) for people with colorectal, head and neck, stomach and pancreatic cancers.The My5-FU assay (Saladax Biomedical Inc.) is a test for guiding dose adjustment of 5-FU chemotherapy when it’s given by continuous infusion. Blood plasma is tested at the end of each infusion cycle, and the results of the My5 FU test are used to guide the dosing of 5-FU in the next cycle.The test helps clinicians to decide whether an individual is receiving the most advantageous (optimal) therapeutic dose of 5-FU and then to adjust the dose accordingly (a process known as pharmacokinetic dose adjustment). By ensuring people receive an optimal therapeutic dose of 5-FU, this could potentially increase overall survival or delay the disease returning. ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/928/more-research-needed-on-chemotherapy-dose-test-my5-fu-nice https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/928/more-research-needed-on-chemotherapy-dose-test-my5-fu-nice Fri, 12 Dec 2014 00:00:00 GMT Sixty-seven per cent (78,609) of colorectal cancer patients diagnosed between 1 April 2008 and 31 March 2011 survived for at least two years, according to a report published by the Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC).Two-year survival is 80 per cent for patients who have major surgery and 43 per cent if not, according to the National Bowel Cancer Audit.There were variations in both two-year mortality rates and length of hospital stay across Strategic Clinical Networks (SCN). The estimates are not adjusted for patient case mix and differences could be caused by differences in patient groups and data quality.The data showed that:• Across England and Wales the two-year mortality for bowel cancer patients undergoing major surgery was 24 per cent.• Wales had a higher than expected adjusted two-year mortality rate (27.5 per cent). A factor in this may be the lack of detailed data available to further refine the estimate (mode ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/204/80-per-cent-two-year-survival-rate-for-bowel-cancer-patients-study https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/204/80-per-cent-two-year-survival-rate-for-bowel-cancer-patients-study Fri, 12 Dec 2014 00:00:00 GMT People with a high level of education who complain about memory lapses have a higher risk for stroke, according to new research published in the American Heart Association journal Stroke.The study found that those who suffer memory lapses were found to have a 39 per cent greater risk of stroke compared with those with a lower level of education.The researchers – from Erasmus University Rotterdam – tracked around 9000 people over 20 years. All of those involved were over 55 and generally healthy. By 2012, 1134 strokes had occurred among the study group and, following analysis of the results, the researchers discovered that there was an increased risk of stroke among those who had earlier complained of memory lapses. The risk was even greater if participants had had a high level of education. ‘In people with a high level of education, it takes longer for the brain to be ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/493/memory-loss-may-signal-stroke-risk-say-dutch-researchers https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/493/memory-loss-may-signal-stroke-risk-say-dutch-researchers Fri, 12 Dec 2014 00:00:00 GMT The global search for an Ebola vaccine has received a setback when a clinical trial currently being carried out in Geneva, Switzerland, had to be interrupted due to patients complaining of joint pains in their hands and feet. The University of Geneva Hospital announced that it was terminating the trial a week early in all 50 volunteers as a ‘measure of precaution’. The vaccine being used in the clinical trial is one that has been developed by NewLink, and recently bought by Merck.At present there is no vaccine licensed for use to protect against Ebola, and the Geneva trial is one of several currently being carried out across the world. While the termination of this clinical trial has been disappointing for all concerned, the hospital has said that human safety trials would resume on 5 January in up to fifteen volunteers, once checks have taken place to ensure the joint ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/618/joint-pain-setback-in-search-for-ebola-vaccine https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/618/joint-pain-setback-in-search-for-ebola-vaccine Fri, 12 Dec 2014 00:00:00 GMT Personalised medicine would reduce chemotherapy use in breast cancer patients by 34 per cent according to a new study from Vlerick Business School.The study says that if women with breast cancer underwent a genetic test before treatment, the need for chemotherapy use in patients would drop.Personalised medicine is a medical model that proposes the customisation of healthcare using molecular analysis – this means that each treatment can be tailored to individual patients.By combining data from molecular diagnostic tests with a patient’s medical history and circumstances, healthcare providers can develop targeted prevention and treatment plans.'Personalised medicine is not only able to deliver better medicine through better diagnosis and treatment,' said Professor Walter Van Dyck. ' It also allows early detection of disease at the molecular level. This enhances the chances of early, better treatment. It saves costs to society by keeping patients out of later, more expensive treatments.'Healthcare would be much ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/251/personalised-medicine-would-reduce-chemotherapy-use-by-a-third-study https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/251/personalised-medicine-would-reduce-chemotherapy-use-by-a-third-study Fri, 05 Dec 2014 00:00:00 GMT Pharmacy Voice, Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee (PSNC) and the Independent Pharmacy Federation (IPF) have challenged policy makers and commissioners to champion community pharmacy.The 2015 Community Pharmacy Manifesto, launched by Rt Hon Sir Kevin Barron MP, Chair of the All Party Pharmacy Group, at the House of Commons calls for politicians to sign up to five key pledges:* Encourage patients to think ‘pharmacy first’, and use pharmacy to help relieve pressure on GPs and emergency departments;* Improve patient choice and healthcare by making it easier to commission pharmacy services and backing more national services;* Help improve the public’s health, recognising the accessibility and support community pharmacy can provide;* Enable patients, especially those with long-term conditions, to get more from their medicines through better use of community pharmacy;* Help pharmacies to get access to the records, information and support they need to provide more effective and safer care to patientsRob Darracott, chief ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/396/new-manifesto-unites-the-community-pharmacy-sector https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/396/new-manifesto-unites-the-community-pharmacy-sector Fri, 05 Dec 2014 00:00:00 GMT The NHS Alliance and the Royal Pharmaceutical Society have produced a new report 'Pharmacists and general practice: A practical and timely part of solving the primary care workload and workforce crisis' on pharmacists and the role that they could play in general practice.The report contains excerpts from a round table held with GPs, practice pharmacists and members of the public on 30 September this year, and explores the current role of pharmacists working within general practice, why this isn’t more widespread, what the barriers might be, and how they might be overcome.Pharmacists are currently seen by many as an under-used resource in the healthcare system, and when asked why they thought clinical pharmacy had not become more established in primary care, attendees stipulated that 'most GPs have no idea pharmacists can work in GP practices'. One attendee observed this lack of understanding may be because pharmacists and GPs don’t train ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/796/gppharmacist-collaboration-key-to-success-says-report https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/796/gppharmacist-collaboration-key-to-success-says-report Fri, 05 Dec 2014 00:00:00 GMT Young children across Wales are experimenting with e-cigarettes, a research study published by the Welsh Government has revealed. The findings show six per cent of ten-eleven-year-old children report having used an e-cigarette, compared with two per cent who report having smoked a tobacco cigarette. The latest Childhood Exposure to Tobacco Smoke (CHETS Wales 2) study – commissioned by the Welsh Government – assesses changes in children’s exposure to smoking in cars and homes since the original study took place in 2007 and 2008. In addition, the 2014 study included data on children’s use of e-cigarettes.Key findings include:• E-cigarette use appears to represent a new form of childhood experimentation with nicotine – more ten-eleven-year-olds have said they have tried e-cigarettes than cigarettes containing tobacco• The vast majority of those children who reported having used an e-cigarette had never smoked a tobacco cigarette• E-cigarette use is more common among children whose parents smoke. Among children ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/267/children-experimenting-with-e-cigarettes-new-research-finds https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/267/children-experimenting-with-e-cigarettes-new-research-finds Fri, 05 Dec 2014 00:00:00 GMT Pharmacies across the UK now have access to a comprehensive diabetes resource pack. Specifically created for community pharmacy by the National Pharmacy Association (NPA), Managing Diabetes in Community Pharmacy is being distributed to NPA Members from Monday 8 December. This resource has been designed to help community pharmacists and their staff rise to the challenge of providing excellent pharmaceutical care to people with diabetes; an increasingly prevalent long-term condition. According to Diabetes UK, there are now over three million people with diabetes in this country, and up to 750,000 yet to be diagnosed. 'Community pharmacists are in an ideal position to help improve outcomes for people with diabetes and those at risk of developing diabetes,' said Leyla Hannbeck, the NPA’s Head of Pharmacy Services. 'This NPA resource pack provides a clinical overview, together with guidance and practical tools to help community pharmacists support people with diabetes and provide relevant pharmacy ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/972/managing-diabetes-in-community-pharmacy-npa-resource-pack-available https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/972/managing-diabetes-in-community-pharmacy-npa-resource-pack-available Fri, 05 Dec 2014 00:00:00 GMT Northern Ireland's Health Minister, Jim Wells, has announced that Dr Michael McBride has been appointed Chief Executive of Belfast Health and Social Care Trust on a limited-term basis from 8 December.'Dr McBride is a natural leader and gifted strategist,' said Mr Wells. 'He has been at the forefront of medicine in Northern Ireland for two decades both as an accomplished physician and a highly respected government advisor. He possesses all the skills and the wealth of experience required to lead Northern Ireland’s largest provider of health and social care services. He is a perfect fit for this role.'Dr McBride, a former Medical Director at the Royal Victoria Hospital, will combine his new role with his current position as Chief Medical Officer.'I am very much looking forward to returning to Belfast Health and Social Care Trust and meeting with staff at every level across all services,' said the new Chief Executive. ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/446/new-chief-executive-for-belfast-health-and-social-care-trust https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/446/new-chief-executive-for-belfast-health-and-social-care-trust Mon, 01 Dec 2014 00:00:00 GMT The value of the global Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) therapeutics market will increase moderately from $632.6 million in 2013 to $878.6 million by 2020, representing a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 4.8 per cent, says business intelligence provider GBI Research.The company’s latest report states that this growth, which will occur across eight major markets (the US, UK, Canada, Germany, France, Italy, Spain and Japan), is attributable to rising AML prevalence and the anticipated launches of five premium-priced drugs into a market dominated by generics.Promising novel treatments, CPX-351, midostaurin, quizartinib, StemEx and treosulfan, have demonstrated encouraging efficacy and safety benefits in small patient cohorts in early clinical trials.These drugs are expected to show similar positive results in later studies, resulting in their approval during the forecast period, following which they are expected to outcompete inferior drugs and increase treatment rates.'The current developmental pipeline for AML has a strong number of ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/267/acute-myeloid-leukemia-treatment-market-to-witness-growth-by-2020 https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/267/acute-myeloid-leukemia-treatment-market-to-witness-growth-by-2020 Mon, 01 Dec 2014 00:00:00 GMT Talk therapy sessions can help reduce the risk of suicide among high-risk groups, suggests a US study.Researchers from John Hopkins University tracked more than 5,000 Danish people who had attempted suicide and later received psychosocial counselling.They found suicides went down by 26 per cent after five years, compared to people who had no therapy sessions.The findings are published in Lancet Psychiatry.The participants in the study volunteered to have six to ten talking therapy sessions at suicide prevention clinics in Denmark.Their outcomes were compared with around 17,000 people who had attempted suicide but had not gone for treatment afterwards.Participants were then followed up for up to 20 years.The aim of this therapy was to give people time and space to talk about their troubles and explore difficult feelings with a trained professional.During the first year, those who received therapy were 27 per cent less likely to attempt suicide again. They were ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/668/suicide-risk-reduced-after-talk-therapy-study-suggests https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/668/suicide-risk-reduced-after-talk-therapy-study-suggests Mon, 01 Dec 2014 00:00:00 GMT Wider availability of low-cost supplements could help prevent health problems in millions of people at risk of vitamin D deficiency, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has said. In England, around a fifth of adults and a sixth of children – approximately ten million people –may have low vitamin D status. This is partly because the main source for vitamin D is from natural sunlight, and for six months of the year – from mid-October to the beginning of April – there is no sunlight at the correct wavelength for skin to create vitamin D.Certain groups of people in the UK are also more likely to have lack of vitamin D. These include pregnant women, children and older adults. People with darker skin are also at risk of having low vitamin D levels.While people from these groups are advised to take a vitamin supplements, they do not ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/862/improve-access-to-vitamin-d-supplements-nice https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/862/improve-access-to-vitamin-d-supplements-nice Mon, 01 Dec 2014 00:00:00 GMT New research published by the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) shows that the UK uses branded medicines less per person than many other countries but tends to use older rather than the latest medicines. This means that fewer patients in the UK are receiving new, innovative medicines than the average in a range of comparable, developed countries.The report, International Comparison of Medicines Usage: Quantitative Analysis, was compiled by the Office of Health Economics (OHE) and updates the 2010 Richards Report which examined the extent and causes of variations in international medicines use.Despite showing an increase in usage per person for eleven of the 16 therapy classes surveyed from 2008/09, the report shows that the UK remains ninth out of thirteen countries, with France maintaining its position at the top of the rankings and New Zealand still thirteenth. In seven of these eleven classes the UK usage per ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/267/abpi-publishes-report-on-medicines-usage https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/267/abpi-publishes-report-on-medicines-usage Mon, 01 Dec 2014 00:00:00 GMT The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has recommended a marketing authorisation for Exviera (dasabuvir) and Viekirax (ombitasvir + paritaprevir + ritonavir) for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in adults in combination with other medicinal products for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C.HCV infection is a major European public health challenge. It affects between 0.4 per cent and 3.5 per cent of the population in different European Union (EU) Member States and is the most common single cause of liver transplantation in the EU.Exviera and Viekirax belong to a new generation of medicines for chronic HCV infection that have high cure rates and have recently reshaped the way this disease is treated. Both Exviera and Viekirax block the action of proteins which are essential for HCV replication. Exviera targets the protein NS5B while Viekirax targets the proteins NS5A and NS3/4A.This new generation of medicines allows cure of patients ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/396/two-new-medicines-recommended-for-treatment-of-chronic-hepatitis-c https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/396/two-new-medicines-recommended-for-treatment-of-chronic-hepatitis-c Mon, 24 Nov 2014 00:00:00 GMT The Royal College of Ophthalmologists has recommended that UK regulatory bodies appraise the use of bevacizumab for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) potentially saving the NHS over £100 million a year.AMD is the commonest cause of blindness among elderly people in the developed world. The ageing population in the UK and associated eye conditions and diseases is adding to the capacity issues facing many hospital eye care services, impacting resources and funding. Ranibizumab (Lucentis), the first drug used to treat this condition was licensed for AMD treatment and approved by NICE in 2008. Two major studies, the CATT2 and the IVAN3 studies, found that an alternative drug, bevacizumab (Avastin), which is licensed for the treatment of some cancers, but does not have a licence for use in AMD, was as effective as the licensed ranibizumab. Several other studies and a Cochrane review have supported the effectiveness and safety of the two ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/298/eye-specialists-call-for-nhs-to-use-avastin https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/298/eye-specialists-call-for-nhs-to-use-avastin Mon, 24 Nov 2014 00:00:00 GMT Well, we said that integration was the name of the game for the future of Scottish healthcare and the great response to the inaugural Scottish Integrated Healthcare Conference proved we were right!Delegates who attended the one-day conference at The Marriott Hotel in Glasgow were treated to an excellent line-up of speakers – including Professor Alison Strath, Annamarie Macgregor of RPS Scotland, Dr Simon Hurding and Professor Bill Scott – who produced evidence of initiatives that have already drawn together various strands of Scottish healthcare with great results!The breakout sessions included a riveting debate between Mark Koziol of the Pharmacists’ Defence Association and community pharmacist, George Romanes, who discussed whether the future of pharmacy was a clinical or commercial one in front of a packed audience and, by the end of the day, everyone agreed that the conference had not only been desirable but absolutely vital in ensuring a strong and ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/812/scottish-integrated-healthcare-conference-a-resounding-success https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/812/scottish-integrated-healthcare-conference-a-resounding-success Mon, 24 Nov 2014 00:00:00 GMT A proposal for Boots salary review for 2015 will have the effect of reducing pharmacists’ pay in real terms,the Pharmacists' Defence Association (PDA) has said.Boots recently released a YouTube video in which a senior manager explains how it intends to approach pharmacists’ salary review for 2015 and going forward. It explains that salaries will be researched across the market and a median rate will be established. Pharmacists will have their current salary compared to the median market rate. Those who are above the rate will either get a small increase in salary or none at all.‘If ever there was a reason for Boots to fight the PDAU tooth and nail to deprive pharmacist employees of the right to negotiation on their terms and conditions then the content of this video is evidence enough,’ says John Murphy, General Secretary of the PDA. ‘The recent Judicial Review decision allows Boots to deny ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/267/boots-salary-proposals-signal-more-bad-news-for-employees-pda https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/267/boots-salary-proposals-signal-more-bad-news-for-employees-pda Mon, 24 Nov 2014 00:00:00 GMT The cost of patients not taking their medications as prescribed can be substantial in terms of their health. Although a large amount of research evidence has tried to address this problem, there are no well-established approaches to help them, according to a new systematic review published in The Cochrane Library. The authors of the review examined data from 182 trials testing different approaches to increasing medication adherence and patient health. Even though the review included a significant number of the best studies to date, in most cases, trials had important problems in design, which made it hard to determine which approaches actually worked.Only about half of all patients who are prescribed medication that they must administer themselves actually take their medication as prescribed. Many stop taking medication all together and others do not follow the instructions for taking it properly. This has been the case in many different diseases for ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/527/only-half-of-patients-take-medications-as-prescribed-cochrane-library https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/527/only-half-of-patients-take-medications-as-prescribed-cochrane-library Mon, 24 Nov 2014 00:00:00 GMT NICE has published final medical technology guidance on two different technologies which are found to be promising – but which both need more evidence on their use in clinical practice before they can be supported for routine use in the NHS. The first guidance covers the ReCell Spray-On Skin system, a device that aims to help improve the healing of acute burns. The ReCell system uses a small piece of the patient’s skin to create a solution containing a suspension of skin cell components which is then sprayed on to the site of the burn. The cells in the suspension then multiply quickly and embed themselves in the base of the wound. The regenerative nature of these skin cells is intended to encourage the growth of healthy skin so that the burn wound can heal rapidly.The benefits which the ReCell system manufacturer claims that the device can provide ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/123/nice-issues-interesting-final-guidance-on-two-promising-technologies https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/123/nice-issues-interesting-final-guidance-on-two-promising-technologies Sun, 16 Nov 2014 00:00:00 GMT The 'cream' of Scottish pharmacy was gathered together on Wednesday night at The Thistle Hotel in Glasgow as almost 400 pharmacists, industry members and their respective guests attended the twelfth annual Scottish Pharmacy Awards.The awards, which are hosted by ourselves - Medical Communications Ltd, the publishers of Scottish Pharmacy Review - provide the industry with the opportunity to not only showcase the great work that's currently being done in the industry across Scotland, but also gives hospital and community pharmacists the opportunity to share best practice.Awards were presented for achievements across pharmacy in terms of innovative practice, business development and the progression of pharmacy across the region. This year's winners were:Business Development of the Year - Gordon Winter and Vicky Hartzig, Dalston Pharmacy;Pharmacy Practice of the Year - Rowlands Pharmacy, Austen, Glasgow;Hospital Pharmacist of the Year - Gwen Shaw, Glasgow Royal Infirmary;Innovations in Prescribing, Quality and Efficiency - (Joint winners) ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/749/scottish-pharmacists-take-a-well-deserved-bow-at-awards-ceremony https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/749/scottish-pharmacists-take-a-well-deserved-bow-at-awards-ceremony Sun, 16 Nov 2014 00:00:00 GMT How close you are to fast-food outlets may be linked to your risk of Type-2 diabetes and obesity a new study led by the University of Leicester has discovered. The research found that there was a higher number of fast-food outlets within 500 metres of inner-city neighbourhoods described as non-white as well as in socially deprived areas. The researchers warn that their findings, based on a study of over 10,000 people, have important implications for diabetes prevention and for those granting planning permission for fast-food outlets. 'Our study suggests that for every additional two outlets per neighbourhood, we would expect one additional diabetes case, assuming a casual relationship between the fast-food outlet and diabetes,' the study authors write in the study published in Public Health Nutrition. The research was carried out by a team from the University of Leicester’s Diabetes Research Centre, Department of Health Sciences and Department of Geography ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/844/toxic-mix-of-inner-city-fast-food-outlets-fuelling-obesity-epidemic https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/844/toxic-mix-of-inner-city-fast-food-outlets-fuelling-obesity-epidemic Sun, 16 Nov 2014 00:00:00 GMT Public Health England (PHE) has announced the availability of £10 million of capital funding for services that are helping people in England with drug or alcohol problems to recover from their addiction. Local authorities and service providers are able to apply for capital funding to support recovery-focused projects, following a similar process earlier this year. Public Health Minister, Jane Ellison, announced her support for the funding when she visited a recovery service in Brixton - Lambeth Recovery Hub - that received funding last year, and met with staff and service users in recovery. 'Drug addiction can destroy lives,' said Jane Ellison, 'and I have seen first-hand this week the difference that continued investment in the right services can make.'I was highly impressed with the service I visited in Lambeth, where I met the dedicated staff who are working to change people’s lives. I look forward to receiving this year’s applications ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/671/new-funding-available-for-drug-and-alcohol-recovery https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/671/new-funding-available-for-drug-and-alcohol-recovery Sun, 16 Nov 2014 00:00:00 GMT The US Centres for Disease Control (CDC) has said that it believes a 'major milestone' has been reached in the battle to eliminate polio globally. The announcement comes after the publication of a report by CDC's experts, in which they state that a second of the three forms of poliovirus has been eliminated after mass vaccination campaigns.'In 1988,' says the report, 'the World Health Assembly resolved to eradicate polio worldwide. Since then, four of the six World Health Organization (WHO) regions have been certified as polio free: the Americas in 1994, the Western Pacific Region in 2000, the European Region in 2002, and the South-East Asia Region in 2014. Currently, nearly 80 per cent of the world's population lives in areas certified as polio-free. Certification may be considered when ≥3 years have passed since the last isolation of wild poliovirus (WPV) in the presence of sensitive, certification-standard surveillance.' Polio is ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/380/major-milestone-reached-in-eliminating-polio-globally-experts https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/380/major-milestone-reached-in-eliminating-polio-globally-experts Sun, 16 Nov 2014 00:00:00 GMT The Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen University Hospitals NHS Trust, Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) and LloydsPharmacy have established a unique joint research project aiming to improve the way patients use their medicines outside hospital.This research collaboration between a hospital, university and community pharmacist is the first of its kind in the UK. The research will be carried out in the newly opened Centre for Pharmacy Innovation at the LJMU School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences. Professor Alison Ewing, clinical director of pharmacy at the Trust and chair in Pharmacy Innovation at LJMU’s Faculty of Science is leading the strategy for the research programme. 'Many patients find it difficult to manage their medication when they are discharged from hospital,' said Professor Ewing, 'and this often leads to their health deteriorating and they end of having to come back into hospital. The NHS aims to make greater use of community pharmacies to ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/878/research-to-improve-medicines-management-launched-in-liverpool https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/878/research-to-improve-medicines-management-launched-in-liverpool Mon, 10 Nov 2014 00:00:00 GMT Intermediate care services for frail older people must double in capacity to meet increased demand due to an ageing population, a new report reveals today. The 2014 National Audit of Intermediate Care (NAIC) shows that, in spite of similar findings in 2012 and 2013, there has still been no national increase in funding for intermediate care services, which provide an important link between GPs, social care and hospitals. Despite this, the NAIC audit shows that outcomes for intermediate care patients are extremely positive, and continuing to improve. The vast majority of people experienced a positive outcome from their care; 92 per cent of service users in home based care and 94 per cent in bed-based care maintained or improved their level of functioning across a range of everyday activities. The audit also reveals excellent indicators for patient experience: 89 per cent of patients receiving intermediate care felt that they were ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/891/national-audit-highlights-continuing-shortfall-in-resources https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/891/national-audit-highlights-continuing-shortfall-in-resources Mon, 10 Nov 2014 00:00:00 GMT After months of planning and anticipation, we're almost there! Yes, it's only TWO DAYS until the inaugural Scottish Integrated Healthcare Conference and, with only a few seats remaining, you need to book quickly! We've already signed up attendees from industry, academia and GP land, but you need to make sure that pharmacy is equally represented since, as you all know, community pharmacy is taking an increasingly important role in providing healthcare to the man on the street and, as such, you have a pivotal role to play!Integration is the name of the game for the future of Scottish healthcare and this conference will clearly show what you, as a healthcare professional, need to know about your role in this integrated future. The conference will act as a forum for discussion and give all interested parties the opportunity to inform and be informed. The Scottish Integrated Healthcare Conference takes place at ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/668/only-two-days-to-go-to-the-scottish-integrated-healthcare-conference https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/668/only-two-days-to-go-to-the-scottish-integrated-healthcare-conference Mon, 10 Nov 2014 00:00:00 GMT Personalised medicine would reduce chemotherapy use in breast cancer patients by 34 per cent, according to a new study from Vlerick Business School.The study says that if women with breast cancer underwent a genetic test before treatment, the need for chemotherapy use in patients would drop.Personalised medicine is a medical model that proposes the customisation of healthcare using molecular analysis – this means that each treatment can be tailored to individual patients.By combining data from molecular diagnostic tests with a patient’s medical history and circumstances, healthcare providers can develop targeted prevention and treatment plans.The same study also shows that genetic tests would prevent 17,000 heart strokes every year.'Personalised medicine is not only able to deliver better medicine through better diagnosis and treatment,' said Professor Walter Van Dyck. 'It also allows early detection of disease at the molecular level. This enhances the chances of early, better treatment. It saves costs to ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/527/personalised-medicine-plans-would-reduce-need-for-chemotherapy https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/527/personalised-medicine-plans-would-reduce-need-for-chemotherapy Mon, 10 Nov 2014 00:00:00 GMT Results published in Cell Stem Cell from researchers based at Lund University, Sweden have taken a key step forward in using stem cells to replace the nerve cells lost in Parkinson's. Stem cells are 'unspecialised' cells which can develop into almost any cell in the body. They are found in early embryos, foetuses, umbilical cords and also in some adult tissues. This important research is a key step along the way in helping to understand how stem cells might shape future Parkinson's treatments. The research team converted human embryonic stem cells into the dopamine producing nerve cells that are lost in Parkinson's. They injected these new cells into the brains of a rat model of Parkinson's in which the dopamine producing nerve cells had been damaged on one side. Results showed that the nerve cells produced from human embryonic stem cells successfully repaired this damage. The new nerve cells were ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/862/research-in-stem-cells-brings-positive-news-for-parkinsons-patients https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/862/research-in-stem-cells-brings-positive-news-for-parkinsons-patients Mon, 10 Nov 2014 00:00:00 GMT After months of planning and anticipation, we're almost there! Yes, it's only ten days until the inaugural Scottish Integrated Healthcare Conference. Have YOU booked your seat? If not, you need to do so quickly, as seats are filling up at a great rate of knots! We've already signed up attendees from industry, academia and GP land, but you need to make sure that pharmacy is equally represented since, as you all know, community pharmacy is taking an increasingly important role in providing healthcare to the man on the street and, as such, you have a pivotal role to play!Integration is the name of the game for the future of Scottish healthcare and this conference will clearly show what you, as a healthcare professional, need to know about your role in this integrated future. The conference will act as a forum for discussion and give all interested parties the opportunity to ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/443/sihc-only-ten-days-to-go-book-your-seat-now https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/443/sihc-only-ten-days-to-go-book-your-seat-now Sun, 02 Nov 2014 00:00:00 GMT In draft guidance published on Friday, NICE has recommended the anti-blood clotting drug dabigatran (Pradaxa,  Boehringer Ingelheim) as an option for treating and preventing recurrent and potentially fatal blood clots in the legs (deep vein thrombosis) and lungs (pulmonary embolism) in adults.Deep vein thrombosis (or ‘DVT’) occurs when a blood clot (thrombus) forms in the deep veins of the leg or pelvis. Blood flow through the affected vein can be limited by the clot, and it can cause swelling and pain in the leg.If the blood clot dislodges and travels to the lungs, this can lead to a potentially fatal pulmonary embolism (or ‘PE’) when the clot blocks the blood supply to the lungs. Even if blood clots are not fatal, they can still result in long-term illness, including venous ulceration and chronic pain, swelling and skin changes in the affected limb which can have a significant impact on ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/345/potentially-fatal-blood-clots-nice-recommends-dabigatran-pradaxa https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/345/potentially-fatal-blood-clots-nice-recommends-dabigatran-pradaxa Sun, 02 Nov 2014 00:00:00 GMT Wales’s top health officials have urged people with long-term health conditions to get protected against flu. Those suffering from heart, chest, kidney, liver or respiratory problems, as well as diabetics and people who have suffered a stroke or mini stroke, are at higher risk of becoming very ill with flu than the general population.'It was encouraging to see an increase in the number of people receiving the flu vaccination last year,' said Wales’s Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr Ruth Hussey. 'However, if you did have it last year you still need to do so again now as immunity decreases over time and flu viruses can change each year, which is why new vaccines are produced annually.'The vaccination offers good protection against flu, with protection starting around a week to ten days after the vaccination is given. People with long-term conditions, as well as those aged 65 and over and pregnant ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/928/beat-flu-top-wales-health-officials-unite-behind-campaign https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/928/beat-flu-top-wales-health-officials-unite-behind-campaign Sun, 02 Nov 2014 00:00:00 GMT Hand washing, disinfectants and quarantine procedures alone have been found to be insufficient to contain the spread of the virus. Now, research by Professor Bill Keevil at the University of Southampton has offered promising evidence that antimicrobial copper – engineering materials with intrinsic hygiene benefits – could be a valuable addition to these existing measures.The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have noted that the Ebola virus is transmitted through direct contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person, or through exposure to contaminated objects. Viruses similar to Ebola are susceptible to a broad range of surface disinfectants, however testing against Ebola itself cannot currently be conducted due to limited access to laboratories with the required safety clearances. The CDC has therefore instructed hospitals to use disinfectants with proven efficacy against resistant viruses such as norovirus, adenovirus and poliovirus.Peer-reviewed and published data from laboratory studies conducted by ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/123/could-copper-prevent-spread-of-ebola-university-of-southampton-scien https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/123/could-copper-prevent-spread-of-ebola-university-of-southampton-scien Sun, 02 Nov 2014 00:00:00 GMT Researchers at Queen’s University Belfast have called for earlier diagnosis of autism on the back of increasing evidence that earlier interventions have more positive outcomes.Professor Karola Dillenburger, from Queen’s School of Education, led a three-year research project which analysed early behaviour interventions in children with autism. The research found that professionals were reluctant to diagnose autism early out of fear of labelling young children with what has traditionally been viewed as a lifelong condition. Many children are put on waiting lists rather than offered early diagnosis.Professor Dillenburger argues that early behaviour analytic interventions were not only more medically hopeful – arguing that early support can improve quality of life for children with autistic spectrum and their families – but more ethical.'What our research has shown is that autism could – and should – be diagnosed much earlier than is common practice,' said Professor Dillenburger. 'International evidence shows that early ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/668/queens-university-researchers-call-for-earlier-diagnosis-of-autism https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/668/queens-university-researchers-call-for-earlier-diagnosis-of-autism Sun, 02 Nov 2014 00:00:00 GMT The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has announced the UK’s biggest ever single seizure of smart drugs, also known as cognitive enhancers or nootropics. With over 20,000 units, of thirteen different types of cognitive enhancement medicines, the seizure represents an approximate value of £200,000.The raid saw seizures of a large range of cognitive enhancers including noopept, phenylpiracetam, centrophenoxine, oxiracetam, sunifiram, citicoline and aniracetam, and illustrated the burgeoning demand and variety of new active substances entering the marketplace. The seizure also highlighted concerns around the increasing experimentation amongst users. One of the products seized, Sunifiram has never been tested or been subject to clinical trials involving humans. The seizure came following intelligence from the Norwegian Medicines Agency after a number of packages were detained by Norwegian customs. A full investigation was initiated after a UK source was identified and found to be selling the unlicensed Russian cognitive enhancement drug ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/173/medicines-watchdog-makes-record-seizure-of-experimental-smart-drugs https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/173/medicines-watchdog-makes-record-seizure-of-experimental-smart-drugs Fri, 24 Oct 2014 00:00:00 GMT Pharmacy Voice has secured agreement from MHRA to carry out a packaging review of chloramphenicol eye drops and ear drops to help reduce dispensing incidents associated with these products. Patient safety research figures released today by Pharmacy Voice suggest that preventable dispensing incidents may occur about 100 times per year with the commonly prescribed antibiotic eye drop, chloramphenicol. The review will help ensure that medicines packaging is made as safe as possible to help prevent picking errors.Over 1.75 million chloramphenicol prescriptions are written each year in England. Given the similarities in the name of the products because of the same active ingredient, and the strengths (0.5% versus 5%); there is opportunity for the incorrect selection of the product. The risks associated with topical chloramphenicol preparations have long been recognised and yet incidents continue to persist with these liquid preparations.Pharmacy Voice patient safety research of over 5,000 pharmacies showed 42 incidents involving ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/540/pharmacy-voice-seeks-reduction-in-chloramphenicol-dispensing-incidents https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/540/pharmacy-voice-seeks-reduction-in-chloramphenicol-dispensing-incidents Fri, 24 Oct 2014 00:00:00 GMT The British Geriatrics Society has welcomed the launch of NHS England’s Five-Year Forward View. The report offers a bold set of recommendations for meeting the changing needs of patients, in particular the complex needs of frail older people.BGS research and guidance on the care of older patients supports the Forward View’s assertion that traditional divides between primary care, community services and hospitals are increasingly a barrier to integrated and patient-centred health services.This is especially true for older patients living with multiple conditions including frailty and dementia, the 350,000 residents of care homes (whose needs the report explicitly prioritises), and the vulnerable ‘oldest old’.NHS England’s recognition of the needs of frail older people is therefore extremely welcome: providing high-quality care to this specific group of patients will be crucial for building an effective system of health and social care for patients of all ages.‘This report is a major step towards building ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/317/british-geriatrics-society-welcomes-nhs-england-forward-view-report https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/317/british-geriatrics-society-welcomes-nhs-england-forward-view-report Fri, 24 Oct 2014 00:00:00 GMT As always, this year's applications for the Scottish Pharmacy Awards were of an extremely high standard and gave the judges some very difficult choices. But, now, after much deliberation, they've managed to whittle the many applications down to the worthy finalists! You can read about the potentially award-winning projects/careers by clicking here. https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/652/scottish-pharmacy-awards-meet-your-finalists https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/652/scottish-pharmacy-awards-meet-your-finalists Fri, 24 Oct 2014 00:00:00 GMT New research from the Royal Pharmaceutical Society shows that common ailments such as coughs and sore throats cost the NHS an extra £1.1 billion a year when patients are treated at A&E or GP surgeries rather than at community pharmacies. Treatment results were equally good regardless of whether patients were treated at a pharmacy, A&E or GP practice.The cost of treating common ailments in community pharmacies was found to be £29.30 per patient. The cost of treating the same problems at A&E was found to be nearly five times higher at £147.09 per patient and nearly three times higher at GP practices at £82.34 per patient.Overall, the study estimates that three per cent of all A&E consultations and 5.5 per cent of GP consultations for  common ailments could be managed in community pharmacies. This equates to over 650,000 visits to A&E and over 18 million GP consultations every year ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/123/pharmacists-could-save-nhs-more-than-1-billion-a-year https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/123/pharmacists-could-save-nhs-more-than-1-billion-a-year Mon, 20 Oct 2014 00:00:00 GMT A new report by the think tank Demos has urged the Government to set up ‘all-in-one’ centres combining GPs with advisors to encourage migrants to seek health treatment despite concerns over their immigration status.The report argues that encouraging earlier detection of health conditions amongst migrant communities would reduce NHS spending on treatment and reduce the wider public health risk by catching transmittable diseases early.The ‘all-in-one’ centres would bring together frontline NHS staff with expert advisors from support agencies, such as Citizen’s Advice or the Mary Ward Legal Centre, who would confidentially be able to inform patients what they areeligible for, where they can access care and what charges they might incur. The research builds on evidence from a Doctors of the World survey of 1,000 migrants – which found that 90 per cent have not registered with a General Practitioner even though they were eligible to do so. Twenty per ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/524/migrant-health-access-fears-put-vulnerable-people-at-risk https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/524/migrant-health-access-fears-put-vulnerable-people-at-risk Mon, 20 Oct 2014 00:00:00 GMT As we've been saying over the last few weeks, integration is the key to the future of Scottish healthcare services and the fact that seats at the inaugural Scottish Integrated Healthcare Conference, which takes place at The Marriott Hotel in Glasgow on 12 November, are filling up fast, shows that healthcare professionals across the region agree!Over the last few years, the Scottish Government has put great emphasis on the fact that services being integrated is the most effective means for achieving better outcomes, so it's vital that all those involved are brought together to discuss the best way forward. The Scottish Integrated Healthcare Conference will act as the forum for these discussions and will give all interested parties the opportunity to inform and be informed. With only three weeks to go, seats are filling up fast. We've already signed up attendees from industry, academia and GP land, but you need to ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/765/ground-breaking-conference-proving-to-be-a-great-draw https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/765/ground-breaking-conference-proving-to-be-a-great-draw Mon, 20 Oct 2014 00:00:00 GMT Perinatal mental health problems carry a total economic and social long-term cost to society of about £8.1 billion for each one-year cohort of births in the UK, according to a new report, 'The costs of perinatal mental health problems', which has been released by the London School of Economics and Centre for Mental Health. However the report also finds that the NHS would need to spend just £337 million a year to bring perinatal mental health care up to the level recommended in national guidance. The report is part of the Maternal Mental Health Alliance's 'Everyone's Business' campaign, which calls on national Government and local health commissioners to ensure that all women throughout the UK who experience perinatal mental health problems, receive the care they and their families need, wherever and whenever they need it.Launching today in Parliament, the report finds that the costs of mental health problems among ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/752/new-mums-mental-health-problems-costing-over-8bn-report https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/752/new-mums-mental-health-problems-costing-over-8bn-report Mon, 20 Oct 2014 00:00:00 GMT Following the BBC Watchdog investigation into the availability of stimulant laxatives in the UK, first broadcast on Thursday 16 October, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has issued its response. 'Most laxative medicines are used by patients safely,' a spokesman said, 'and in accordance with the instructions for use on the patient information leaflet (PIL). However, we do recognise that some patients misuse or abuse them. The Patient and Public Engagement Expert Advisory Group (EAG), which reports to the Commission on Human  Medicines (CHM), has recently reviewed the patient information for non-prescription laxatives and has recommended that stronger warnings should be added emphasising that taking laxatives regularly for a long time is harmful and they do not aid weight loss. We are currently working with companies of stimulant laxative products to introduce these updated warnings which should provide consistency across the range of stimulant laxative products available.'We continuously ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/298/mhra-issues-statement-on-misuse-of-laxatives https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/298/mhra-issues-statement-on-misuse-of-laxatives Mon, 20 Oct 2014 00:00:00 GMT Diabetes UK has given a cautionary welcome to the recent announcement that a cure for Type 1 diabetes had taken a 'tremendous step forward'. Researchers from Harvard University, led by Dr Doug Melton (himself a father of two children with Type 1 diabetes), had worked in the lab with human stem cells, which can develop into many different human cell types. Using a series of complex steps, the stem cells were encouraged to become beta cells, which are the insulin-producing cells that are destroyed when Type 1 diabetes develops.Crucially, when the new beta cells were transplanted into mice, they could produce and release insulin in response to changes in blood glucose – a key indication that they were working effectively. The researchers were also able to produce hundreds of millions of the cells in one go, making them a potentially useful resource for transplants on a large scale.Teams of ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/427/a-step-forward-but-more-hurdles-to-overcome-diabetes-uk https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/427/a-step-forward-but-more-hurdles-to-overcome-diabetes-uk Mon, 13 Oct 2014 00:00:00 GMT Over the last few years, the Scottish Government has put great emphasis on the fact that better integration is  required if Scotland is to ensure the ongoing provision of high-quality, appropriate, sustainable services. But integration is not an end in itself – it will only improve the experience of people using services when everyone works together to ensure that services are being integrated as an effective means for achieving better outcomes.The inaugural Scottish Integrated Healthcare Conference, which takes place at The Marriott Hotel in Glasgow on 12 November, will give healthcare professionals across the region the opportunity to discuss the best way in which services can be integrated to achieve optimum outcomes for patients. Medical Communications knew that Scotland was crying out for such an event, and how right we were! As publishers of magazines which deliver national news with a regional focus, we listen to what our readers - healthcare ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/891/integration-is-the-name-of-the-game https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/891/integration-is-the-name-of-the-game Mon, 13 Oct 2014 00:00:00 GMT Of the estimated 37,100 people living in Scotland with chronic HCV infection, just over half (55 per cent) are thought to have been diagnosed by 2013. The virus is a significant public health threat: it is highly infectious, often has no symptoms and can lead to fatal liver conditions. Of those who develop hepatitis C an estimated 30 per cent will develop cirrhosis (deterioration of the liver), others will develop liver cancer, some of whom may require liver transplantation. Hepatitis C is the most common reason for liver transplants in Europe.Now, however, there's some good news for hepatitis C patients, with the announcement that the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) has recommended that OLYSIO® (simeprevir) should be made available for the treatment of genotype 1 and 4 chronic hepatitis C, with other medicinal products, in adults in Scotland who have not previously had treatment and adult patients for whom treatment has ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/699/unique-pay-as-you-clear-scheme-for-hepatitis-c-patients-in-scotland https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/699/unique-pay-as-you-clear-scheme-for-hepatitis-c-patients-in-scotland Mon, 13 Oct 2014 00:00:00 GMT Data released at the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology annual congress has shown that two thirds of UK moderate to severe psoriasis patients treated with biologic therapies are failing to achieve effective control of their symptoms, defined as a 75 per cent improvement.It is estimated that poorly-controlled moderate to severe psoriasis patients could cost the NHS up to approximately £6 million each year, and the condition is known to severely affect both physical and mental health and can lead to  reduced levels of employment and increased depression.Additionally, the PICTURE study demonstrated that 54 per cent of patients, who failed to achieve effective control had no treatment change six months later. Furthermore, almost all (92 per cent) of patients who lost effective control  had no treatment change six months later. This data suggests UK clinicians may be maintaining patients on initial biologic treatment even though a response has not ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/398/two-thirds-of-uk-psoriasis-patients-failing-to-control-their-symptoms https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/398/two-thirds-of-uk-psoriasis-patients-failing-to-control-their-symptoms Mon, 13 Oct 2014 00:00:00 GMT The 16th annual Northern Ireland Healthcare Awards have been launched and now it's time for YOU, Northern Ireland's healthcare professionals, to take centre stage by applying for the awards and allowing the spotlight to shine on the innovative and inspirational work that you and your colleagues have been doing. Whether it's a new project that you've been piloting, or an initiative that is proving to be cost effective for your practice or surgery, we want to hear about it. So, don't delay, apply today! Download your application form here. Who knows? Maybe this February you'll be taking to the stage to receive your award just as Dr George O'Neill did this year! https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/925/dont-delayapply-today-for-the-16th-ni-healthcare-awards https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/925/dont-delayapply-today-for-the-16th-ni-healthcare-awards Mon, 13 Oct 2014 00:00:00 GMT With only five weeks to go, seats are filling up quickly at the inaugural Scottish Integrated Healthcare Conference. We knew that Scotland was crying out for such an event, and how right we were! But don’t forget everyone, the focus of the conference is on integration. We’ve already signed up attendees from industry, academia and GP land, but you need to make sure that pharmacy is equally represented since, as you all know, community pharmacy is taking an increasingly important role in providing healthcare to the man on the street and, as such, you have a pivotal role to play! So, don’t miss out on what is already stacking up to be the ‘must see’ event in this year’s Scottish healthcare calendar. Book your seat now at The Marriott Hotel in Glasgow on 12 November. We’ve already started to leak details of our star-studded agenda and stellar speakers. Watch out ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/846/integrated-healthcare-conference-certainly-attracting-attention https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/846/integrated-healthcare-conference-certainly-attracting-attention Mon, 06 Oct 2014 00:00:00 GMT New figures show that diabetes patients aged under 40 receive fewer vital checks and less often hit treatment targets than older age groups. The National Diabetes Audit 2012-2013 presents findings for the care of over two million people in England and Wales with diabetes. It found that of approximately 130,000 patients under the age of 40, only 29.1 per cent with Type 1 diabetes and 46.3 per cent with Type 2 diabetes received eight of the nine NICE recommended care processes. These annual checks assess the effectiveness of diabetes treatment, as well as cardiovascular risk factors such as blood pressure (BP), serum cholesterol, body mass index (BMI) and smoking and the emergence of early complications including eye screening, foot surveillance and kidney surveillance.Patients aged 65 to 79 had the highest rate of receiving eight care processes, at 59.9 per cent for those with Type 1 diabetes and 66.7 per cent ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/251/young-diabetes-patients-receive-fewer-vital-checks-than-older-patients https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/251/young-diabetes-patients-receive-fewer-vital-checks-than-older-patients Mon, 06 Oct 2014 00:00:00 GMT National Institute for Health & Care Excellence (NICE) has recommended Selincro (nalmefene) as a treatment option for certain dependent drinkers struggling to control their alcohol consumption. The news will be welcomed by many of the UK’s harmful drinkers who may be eligible for the treatment. For the first time, dependent drinkers unable to reduce their consumption of alcohol on their own can take a pill, which, along with counselling (medical advice and support), may help more than halve the amount they drink (by an average of 61 per cent after six months). This is different from other medicines available for the condition, which are licensed to help patients maintain abstinence from alcohol. The reduction of alcohol consumption of 61 per cent seen in the key trials is equivalent to approximately 28 fewer bottles of wine consumed per person over one month. Nalmefene is licensed and recommended by ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/317/welcome-news-for-uks-dependent-drinkers https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/317/welcome-news-for-uks-dependent-drinkers Mon, 06 Oct 2014 00:00:00 GMT NHS England is proposing changes to the way its Cancer Drugs Fund (CDF) operates, in order that it delivers maximum benefit for patients, within the resources available.Clinicians and cancer specialists believe the changes, if adopted, would:* improve patient access to the most clinically effective drugs available through the fund;* encourage pricing that delivers value for money for patients and the public; andput the fund on a much firmer footing for the future, as it faces increasing demand and growing financial pressure.* NHS England will publicly consult for four weeks on a number of proposals, which include – for the first time – consideration of the cost of cancer drugs, when deciding whether a drug should be available or not on the national cancer drug fund list.The consultation, which opened on Friday, follows NHS England’s announcement in August of a £160m boost for the CDF over two years.While the extra funding ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/891/nhs-england-consults-on-plans-for-a-sustainable-cancer-drugs-fund https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/891/nhs-england-consults-on-plans-for-a-sustainable-cancer-drugs-fund Mon, 06 Oct 2014 00:00:00 GMT Research from Cardiff University has found that, over a 22-year period, more than one in ten of all antibiotic treatments in a primary care setting have failed. This rate has increased and continues to rise, according to the study which analysed almost eleven million antibiotic prescriptions in the UK.Much data has been gathered about antibiotic resistance in hospitals, but virtually nothing is known about the frequency and pattern of antibiotic failure in primary care.Researchers from Cardiff University therefore set out to assess antibiotic treatment failure rates in UK primary care with particular focus on four of the most common kinds of infection: upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs), lowerrespiratory tract infections (LRTIs), skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs), and acute otitis media (AOM – middle-ear infection). Findings revealed that between 1991 and 2012 - more than 20 years - overall antibiotic treatment failures had risen from 13.9 per cent (1991) ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/991/one-in-ten-antibiotics-fails-in-primary-care-study https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/991/one-in-ten-antibiotics-fails-in-primary-care-study Mon, 29 Sep 2014 00:00:00 GMT The weather has been unseasonably mild this year, but there may be a price to pay for hay fever sufferers this autumn.  Researchers at the University of Leicester have recorded a rare type of pollen that is a potent trigger of hay fever and asthma symptoms at record levels for the first time in four decades.Ragweed, which grows in late-summer and early autumn, is one of the most notorious hay fever-causing plants in North America, but is rarely found in the United Kingdom as it requires long-lasting autumns before the first winter frost to grow and survive.However, scientists from the University's Aerobiology and Clinical Mycology research group observed ragweed - which is not normally found in the air at all - for four consecutive days in the East Midlands earlier this month. On the third day, the level of ragweed was high enough tocause hay fever and asthma symptoms ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/443/rare-type-of-pollen-at-record-levels-for-first-time-in-forty-years https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/443/rare-type-of-pollen-at-record-levels-for-first-time-in-forty-years Mon, 29 Sep 2014 00:00:00 GMT A new awareness campaign has been launched which aims to encourage people with diabetes to report hypoglycaemia (hypos) to their doctor or nurse. The TALK Hypos campaign, which is supported by Novo Nordisk and Diabetes UK, has been launched to coincide with Hypo Awareness Week (29 September–5 October 2014).There are currently around 3.2 million people diagnosed with diabetes in the UK and hypos are one of the most common diabetes complications. Symptoms can include a pounding heart, trembling, hunger, difficulty concentrating and blurred vision and, if left untreated, hypos can become serious and cause unconsciousness. Despite this, they remain under-recognised and under-reported by patients.‘People with diabetes can fail to report hypos to clinicians for a range of reasons,’ said Simon O’Neill, Director of Health Intelligence for Diabetes UK, ‘including lack of awareness, a fear of losing their driving licence and a belief that their healthcare professional is unable to make ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/812/new-health-campaign-urges-people-with-diabetes-to-talk-hypos https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/812/new-health-campaign-urges-people-with-diabetes-to-talk-hypos Mon, 29 Sep 2014 00:00:00 GMT Researchers in Germany have found that aromatic turmerone, a compound found in the plant turmeric, can boost the generation of stem cells in the brains of rats. Researchers at the Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine in Jülich, studied the effect of aromatic turmerone on rats’ neural stem cells – cells that are found within the brain and can become nerve cells. These neural stem cells can play a role in helping the brain to repair damage, by generating the growth of new nerve cells.The scientists first looked at the effects of aromatic turmerone on neural stem cells in a dish. They found that when these cells were treated with the compound, they multiplied faster and the production of new nerve cells was accelerated.They then injected rats with the compound and used brain scanning techniques to study the effects on the rats’ neural stem cells. The results showed that in ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/928/turmeric-compound-boosts-brain-stem-cells-in-rats https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/928/turmeric-compound-boosts-brain-stem-cells-in-rats Mon, 29 Sep 2014 00:00:00 GMT The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) has launched a consultation on its draft guidance for registered pharmacies providing internet and distance sale, supply or service provision. Reflecting on some of the dramatic changes that have been taking place in pharmacy delivery in the past decade, the draft guidance, which underpins GPhC's standards for registered pharmacies, is designed to help pharmacy owners ensure that current and future pharmacy services, including the management of medicines and medicinal devices, continue to safeguard the health, safety and wellbeing of patients and the public.Internet pharmacies, click and collect, mail order services, hub and spoke, and other models of pharmacy delivery are becoming increasingly common. These innovations can both support increased access to medicines and additional benefits to the health and wellbeing of patients if managed and run well, but can also bring different or additional risks. Regulation therefore needs to strike the right balance between ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/301/gphc-launches-draft-guidance-on-internet-and-distance-sales https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/301/gphc-launches-draft-guidance-on-internet-and-distance-sales Sun, 21 Sep 2014 00:00:00 GMT The child health and wellbeing charity Best Beginnings is inviting professionals and parents to use and give feedback on a free mobile phone app, the first version of which aims to support young mothers through pregnancy to when the baby is six months old.The app comprises around 40 short films, mostly from Best Beginnings’s From Bump to Breastfeeding and Small Wonders DVDs, which encourage young parents, and especially mothers, to improve their health choices and well-being by increasing knowledge, improving confidence and enhancing bonding and attachment.The app has been endorsed by numerous professional organisations including the Royal College of Midwives and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. ‘It is important that babies receive the best possible start in life,’ said Dr Damian Roland, Honorary Senior Lecturer at the University of Leicester’s Department of Health Sciences, who lent his expertise in reviewing the material used in its production and will ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/154/feedback-sought-on-baby-buddy-app-for-expectant-and-new-parents https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/154/feedback-sought-on-baby-buddy-app-for-expectant-and-new-parents Fri, 19 Sep 2014 00:00:00 GMT The latest report from the Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC) has revealed that the average income before tax of contractor GPs in the UK was £102,000 in 2012/13, a drop of 0.9 per cent on 2011/12.The gradual fall continues in contractor GP incomes from their peak at £110,000 in 2005/06, the year after new contracting arrangements were introduced.The average gross earnings for contractor GPs was £271,800, an increase of 1.4 per cent on 2011/12. However, their expenses rose by 2.9 per cent to £169,700. Contractor GPs form the majority of the GP workforce (around 80 per cent), from their gross earnings they pay for expenses such as premises and practice staff wages.The GP Earnings and Expenses report 2012/13 provides a detailed study of the NHS and private earnings and expenses of GPs contracted to the NHS.The report also shows that in 2012/13:• The average income before tax for GPs ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/217/report-shows-gps-and-dentists-income-in-decline https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/217/report-shows-gps-and-dentists-income-in-decline Fri, 19 Sep 2014 00:00:00 GMT The latest edition of Northern Ireland Healthcare Review (NIHR) is now available to read online - and what an exciting issue it is! At the moment, England, Wales and Scotland have Assisted Suicide/Dying Bills progressing through Parliament. Should these Bills be successful, Northern Ireland may at some point have to face the prospect of a similar Bill so, in this issue we take a look at what assisted suicide/dying means for healthcare professionals - who will, after all, be placed in a central role. This issue also sees the launch of the 16th NI Healthcare Awards. Take a look at the categories available and put your practice or surgery in the spotlight!Long-term conditions are now part and parcel of daily life for many and, as a result, the issue of self management is becoming increasingly important. In this issue we see how one Arthritis Care NI programme has transformed the ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/991/latest-issue-of-northern-ireland-healthcare-review-out-now https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/991/latest-issue-of-northern-ireland-healthcare-review-out-now Fri, 19 Sep 2014 00:00:00 GMT The judge who invited the PDA Union to make an application for a declaration of incompatibility which could have changed the law so as to lead to the formal recognition of the PDAU by Boots, has had a change of heart following the government’s direct representations at the hearing which was to decide the issue. He has rejected the application of the PDAU which would have enabled it to seek changes to the law in Parliament.The hearing to seek the declaration of incompatibility was the most recent in a long line of legal proceedings to decide the issue as to whether Boots pharmacists could have their terms and conditions of employment negotiated on their behalf by a union of their choice: something that Boots has consistently resisted.In the initial stages the PDAU made an application to the Central Arbitration Committee (CAC) for formal recognition because Boots had refused its voluntary ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/618/judge-rules-in-boots-favour-following-government-intervention https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/618/judge-rules-in-boots-favour-following-government-intervention Mon, 15 Sep 2014 00:00:00 GMT National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) will ask for access to clinical trial data from the European regulatory authorities if pharmaceutical companies fail to supply all the relevant data.The move follows calls for increasing transparency from pharmaceutical companies and comes after Roche was criticised for its handling of data for the pandemic flu drug Tamiflu.The AllTrials group was set up in the UK on the back of the Tamiflu revelations to call for all past and present clinical trials to be registered and their full methods and summary results reported. To date, 79,855 people and 507 organisations have signed the AllTrials petition including NICE and patients involved in NICE (PIN).NICE has outlined its drive for greater access to trial data in an update to the process guide usedfor developing technology appraisal recommendations. This follows a public consultation which received responses from over 50 external organisations, including a ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/446/nice-seek-greater-access-to-clinical-trial-data-when-appraising-drugs https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/446/nice-seek-greater-access-to-clinical-trial-data-when-appraising-drugs Sun, 14 Sep 2014 00:00:00 GMT The Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee (PRAC) has concluded its regular benefit-risk assessment (known as a periodic safety update report or PSUR) of Valdoxan/Thymanax (agomelatine): two identical medicines used to treat major depression in adults.As part of this assessment, the PRAC looked at cumulative data on severe side effects on the liver with Valdoxan/Thymanax and recommended further measures to minimise this risk, particularly in vulnerable populations. The PRAC recommended that the warnings in the product information regarding liver injury be strengthened to further clarify that liver function tests should be performed before and regularly during treatment. As patients aged 75 years and above may be at an increased risk of severe side effects on the liver, and beneficial effects have not been documented in these patients, the Committee recommended that Valdoxan/Thymanax should now be contraindicated in patients aged 75 and above. The Committee further recommended that a letter be sent to healthcare professionals ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/443/depression-drug-contraindicated-in-the-over-75s-prac https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/443/depression-drug-contraindicated-in-the-over-75s-prac Sun, 14 Sep 2014 00:00:00 GMT The National Hip Fracture Database's (NHFD) 2014 report - in association with the British Geriatrics Society - has shown that increasing numbers of patients are surviving after hip fracture. The average 30-day mortality rate for hip fracture patients in 2013 dropped to 8.05 per cent, improving on the 2011-12 figure of 8.1 per cent. This small percentage change translates to a very substantial real-world impact: over 300fewer people died within 30 days of hip fracture in 2013 than in 2011-12.The NHFD report links these improvements to better hip fracture care for patients, including the time taken to get patients to theatre and their access to orthogeriatric specialists. More patients (71.7 per cent) are getting to theatre ‘on the day of admission or the day after’ for surgery. Similarly, more patients (81.6 per cent) now have access to an orthogeriatrician, compared with only a quarter of patients in 2009.Dr Adam ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/944/more-patients-surviving-hip-fracture-due-to-improved-care-new-audit https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/944/more-patients-surviving-hip-fracture-due-to-improved-care-new-audit Sun, 14 Sep 2014 00:00:00 GMT People who provide care on a voluntary basis in Wales will be eligible to receive the seasonal flu vaccine free of charge this autumn.The change affects those individuals who volunteer and are not paid to provide frequent care to one or more elderly, disabled or vulnerable people as part of an organisation. A carer who has flu could pass the infection to someone in their care, risking their welfare, as older people and those with existing health conditions are more susceptible to the complications of flu.Volunteers working in a caring capacity on behalf of an organisation can have the vaccine by taking a letter from their organisation confirming their eligibility to their GP.People who care voluntarily but not as part of an organisation – for example those who look after a relative or friend – are also eligible for vaccination and need only tell their GP they are a carer.As ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/427/welsh-voluntary-carers-eligible-for-free-flu-vaccination https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/427/welsh-voluntary-carers-eligible-for-free-flu-vaccination Sun, 14 Sep 2014 00:00:00 GMT The National Pharmaceutical Association (NPA) is urging its members to be cautious about hub and spoke dispensing, following the latest meeting of the association’s Policy and Practice Committee.The Committee, a standing-committee of the NPA Board, met last week, where it also discussed medication error reporting, electronic prescribing, pharmacy supervision and the EU’s Falsified Medicines Directive.'Hub and spoke’ models for dispensing prescriptions are currently being developed by some multiple pharmacy groups, including independent multiples. Opportunities for small independents are more limited due to legislation and other challenges.'There needs to be a level playing field for community pharmacies irrespective of ownership,' said Committee Chairman, Nitin Sodha. 'However, in pursuit of this end, there should be no setting aside of governance standards and sober consideration of unintended consequences.'There are a number of risks associated with the spread of hub and spoke dispensing. As community pharmacy owners consider opportunities to improve efficiency in ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/251/npa-issues-warning-on-hub-and-spoke-dispensing https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/251/npa-issues-warning-on-hub-and-spoke-dispensing Sun, 14 Sep 2014 00:00:00 GMT Health Minister, Lord Howe, has called for the NHS to make better use of medicines. The Conservative minister was giving a speech at yesterday's Royal Pharmaceutical Society Conference on the theme of improving pharmaceutical care by optimising the use of medicines. In his speech, Lord Howe asked pharmacists to support patients in areas such as medicines optimisation. 'We need to optimise the use of medicines, Lord Howe told delegates. 'This means the right patient getting the right medicine at the right dose at the right time in the right place. This can have a positive and life changing benefit for patients.'The minister also pointed out various areas where he felt that use of medicines was below expectations and stressed that this is one area where community pharmacists can help by avoiding unnecessary medicines, reducing wastage and improving safety. On a more positive note, he acknowledged the work that pharmacists are doing ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/715/medicines-use-comes-under-spotlight-at-rps-conference https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/715/medicines-use-comes-under-spotlight-at-rps-conference Wed, 10 Sep 2014 00:00:00 GMT Consultation on a Bill containing provisions aimed at restricting the age of sale of nicotine-containing products (NCPs), including electronic cigarettes, has been launched in Northern Ireland by Health Minister Edwin Poots.The provisions on e-cigarettes form part of a wider consultation on a draft Bill which also contains proposals for amending the Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) (NI) Act 2008.‘The popularity of e-cigarettes has grown rapidly in recent years,’ the Health Minister said. ‘While they are likely to be less harmful than tobacco products, e-cigarettes are currently unregulated and, as such, we cannot confidently state that they are safe to use.‘At present, there are no legal restrictions on the age of sale for e-cigarettes. Given that the nicotine levels and additional chemical components can vary from product to product, I believe that they should be age restricted in line with alcohol and tobacco products and should not be available for sale to children ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/718/northern-ireland-moves-step-closer-to-restricting-e-cigarette-sales https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/718/northern-ireland-moves-step-closer-to-restricting-e-cigarette-sales Fri, 05 Sep 2014 00:00:00 GMT As of 4 September 2014, people taking domperidone to treat nausea and vomiting will only be able to get it on prescription from their doctor, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has announced. This follows advice previously issued by the MHRA in April 2014 about new information on effects on the heart and that domperidone should no longer be used for heartburn, bloating or relief of stomach discomfort.‘Patient safety is our priority,’ said Dr Sarah Branch, Deputy Director of the MHRA’s Vigilance and Risk Management of Medicines Division, ‘we continually monitor the safety of medicines after they are licensed so that we can take action if the need arises.‘People who have been prescribed domperidone from their doctor should continue to take their medicine as instructed as their medical history and any tests will have been assessed before they are given this medicine. That is why we have changed ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/540/domperidone-now-only-available-on-prescription https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/540/domperidone-now-only-available-on-prescription Fri, 05 Sep 2014 00:00:00 GMT If YOUR company is interested in becoming a sponsor - major or associate - of this exciting and innovative event, please download our sponsorship pack here! https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/314/sihc-sponsorship-dont-miss-out https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/314/sihc-sponsorship-dont-miss-out Fri, 05 Sep 2014 00:00:00 GMT More than 800 000 people die by suicide every year – around one person every 40 seconds, according to World Health Organisation's first global report on suicide prevention. Some 75 per cent of suicides occur in low- and middle-income countries.Pesticide poisoning, hanging and firearms are among the most common methods of suicide globally. Evidence from Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, the United States and a number of European countries reveals that limiting access to these means can help prevent people dying by suicide. Another key to reducing deaths by suicide is a commitment by national governments to the establishment and implementation of a coordinated plan of action. Currently, only 28 countries are known to have national suicide prevention strategies.Suicide occurs all over the world and can take place at almost any age. Globally, suicide rates are highest in people aged 70 years and over. In some countries, however, the highest ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/540/suicides-a-global-problem-but-a-preventable-one-who https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/540/suicides-a-global-problem-but-a-preventable-one-who Fri, 05 Sep 2014 00:00:00 GMT Medicine management and stroke prevention will be at the centre of a conference this month for non-medical healthcare professionals in the north-east of Scotland, who have prescribing responsibilities.More than 60 nurses, pharmacists and allied health professionals have already signed up to attend the fifth Non-Medical Prescribing Conference on Wednesday, September 24.Funded by NHS Grampian and facilitated in collaboration with Robert Gordon University (RGU), the free conference will provide learning and networking opportunities for all non-medical prescribers within Grampian.The event, entitled ‘Assessment to Prescribing: Cradle to Grave’, will be held in RGU’s Faculty of Health and Social Care from 9.30am to 4pm at the university’s Garthdee campus.The conference will offer Continuous Professional Development opportunities for non-medical prescribers in NHS Grampian. Delegates will also attend a series of presentations and workshops delivered by experts from academic and clinical backgrounds.Linda Harper, associate senior lecturer at RGU, is one of the main forces behind ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/941/rgu-to-host-non-medical-prescribing-conference-2014 https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/941/rgu-to-host-non-medical-prescribing-conference-2014 Fri, 05 Sep 2014 00:00:00 GMT The Conference: Step Forward Scotland‘Those who have cautiously done no more than they believed possible have never taken a single step forward.’ (Mikhail Bakunin).Medical Communications is delighted to announce its inaugural Scottish Integrated Healthcare Conference. The conference adds to our successful portfolio of print, digital, awards and conference products across the UK. To be held in Glasgow on November 12th 2014 the conference will address the changes across Scottish Healthcare resulting from the Integrated Health & Social Care Bill.This fundamental change will impact all who deliver Healthcare in Scotland. Do you understand how this will affect the scope of your role? Will new care pathways determine who and how you interact with others? By what criteria will you be judged? Will your responsibilities increase? Will this lead to pressure on rural services, forcing consolidation? Who holds what budget? Which pilots are likely to be the role models? What opportunities and ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/477/inaugural-scottish-integrated-healthcare-conference-register-now https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/477/inaugural-scottish-integrated-healthcare-conference-register-now Fri, 05 Sep 2014 00:00:00 GMT GPs are calling for a COBRA-style emergency taskforce to be set up to tackle the rising epidemic of childhood obesity.Health leaders are warning that unless urgent action is taken now, an entire generation will be ‘destroyed’ by a diet of junk food and sugary drinks - and the NHS will be completely overwhelmed as a result.In an open letter to the Chief Medical Officer for England, Professor Dame Sally Davies - timed to coincide with the start of the new school term - the RCGP and eleven partner organisations are recommending that a national Child Obesity Action Group (COAG) be set up as a matter of urgency.COAG will involve collaboration between doctors, nurses, midwives, dieticians, dentists and schools. It aims to balance existing prevention approaches with better obesity treatment services that will support children to make  healthy lifestyle choices from a young age to prevent them from storing up ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/380/health-leaders-declare-state-of-emergency-on-childhood-obesity https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/380/health-leaders-declare-state-of-emergency-on-childhood-obesity Mon, 01 Sep 2014 00:00:00 GMT Cardiovascular disease is currently costing the UK €19.8 billion a year, and this figure is set to reach €23.1 billion by 2020, according to new research.The research, which has been launched by the Centre for Economic and Business Research (Cebr), looks at the costs of cardiovascular disease in six major European markets (France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Sweden and the United Kingdom) which account for 74 per cent of the European Union’s GDP and 64 per cent of its population.Across these six countries, the total financial impact of CVD, including direct and indirect costs, is estimated to be €102.1 billion by the end of 2014. By the end of the decade this is set to rise to €122.6 billion.The Cebr research was commissioned by AstraZeneca to gain a better understanding of the direct financial impact of CVD to healthcare systems, alongside the indirect costs from lost productivity due to premature ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/941/uk-cvd-costs-to-reach-231-billion-by-2020-study https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/941/uk-cvd-costs-to-reach-231-billion-by-2020-study Mon, 01 Sep 2014 00:00:00 GMT A fast-sensitive 'electronic-nose' for sniffing the highly infectious bacteria C-diff, which causes diarrhoea, temperature and stomach cramps, has been developed by a team at the University of Leicester.Using a mass spectrometer, the research team has demonstrated that it is possible to identify the unique ‘smell’ of C-diff which would lead to rapid diagnosis of the condition.What is more, the Leicester team say it could be possible to identify different strains of the disease simply from their smell – a chemical fingerprint - helping medics to target the particular condition.The research is published on-line in the journal Metabolomics.'The rapid detection and identification of the bug Clostridium difficile (often known as C-diff) is a primary concern in healthcare facilities,' said Professor Paul Monks, from the Department of Chemistry. 'Rapid and accurate diagnoses are important to reduce Clostridum difficile infections, as well as to provide the right treatment to infected patients.'Delayed treatment ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/812/electronic-nose-developed-for-rapid-detection-of-c-diff-infection https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/812/electronic-nose-developed-for-rapid-detection-of-c-diff-infection Mon, 01 Sep 2014 00:00:00 GMT Researchers in the Hiom lab, based at the University of Dundee Medical School’s Jacqui Wood Cancer Centre, have identified key information about the function of the BRCA1 gene, which is defective in around 20 per cent of all inherited early-onset breast and ovarian cancers. To date the only known biochemical activity of BRCA1 is as an ubiquitin ligase, an enzyme that adds a chemical tag onto proteins to regulate their function in cells. However, the target for this tagging activity of BRCA1 was unknown. The Hiom lab has shown that BRCA1 adds a ubiquitin tag onto histone proteins, which make the scaffold around which our genetic material, DNA, is packaged in each cell.'The tagging of histone H2A with ubiquitin is thought to help package regions of our DNA more tightly - making it less accessible so that the packaged genes do not get turned on,' explained Professor Kevin Hiom, the ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/590/important-research-on-brca1-from-dundee-university https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/590/important-research-on-brca1-from-dundee-university Mon, 01 Sep 2014 00:00:00 GMT The UK medicines watchdog, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is to review the safety of alteplase, a clot-busting drug that's often used to treat strokes.Most strokes are caused by a clot blocking the flow of blood to the brain. Many patients are given alteplase to break down and disperse the clot that is preventing blood from reaching the brain: a treatment known as thrombolysis. Not all stroke patients are eligible for thrombolysis. At present only fifteen per cent of people who are admitted to hospital with a stroke are eligible to receive it. Alteplase does create an increased risk of dangerous bleeding in the brain, but regulators have concluded this is outweighed by the benefits of improved recovery. However, some experts disagree. Now, in response to an which appeared in the Lancet about the use of alteplase for ischaemic stroke, MHRA hasstated that it believes the ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/267/safety-review-into-stroke-clot-buster-drug-alteplase https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/267/safety-review-into-stroke-clot-buster-drug-alteplase Sat, 23 Aug 2014 00:00:00 GMT A new report has found that all health boards in Wales have made progress in developing specialist services for people with obesity problems.The 2014 progress report evaluates how each of the seven health boards in Wales is delivering the four levels of the All-Wales Obesity Pathway, which was launched in 2010. It sets out a four-phase approach to manage and treat obesity in Wales which includes community-based prevention and early intervention services, specialist weight management services and bariatric surgery. The pathway involves health boards working with local authorities and other services and groups to tackle the obesity problem in Wales and all health boards, working with their partners, are currently providing level one and two services.The report confirms that although only Aneurin Bevan University Health Board offers a level three weight management service which meets all the minimum standards, five other health boards are providing evidence of meeting some ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/699/report-on-obesity-treatment-in-wales-published https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/699/report-on-obesity-treatment-in-wales-published Sat, 23 Aug 2014 00:00:00 GMT The Coordination Group for Mutual Recognition and Decentralised Procedures – Human (CMDh) has endorsed the use of bromocriptine-containing medicines by mouth to prevent or suppress breast milk production (lactation) after childbirth.The CMDh agreed that the medicines should only be used for this purpose (in strengths up to 2.5 mg) when there are compelling medical reasons for stopping lactation, such as the need to avoid further distress after loss of the baby during or just after childbirth, or in mothers with HIV infection, who should not breastfeed.Bromocriptine should not be used routinely for preventing or stopping milk production, and must not be used in women at increased risk of serious side effects, including women with various disorders that increase blood pressure or who have or have had heart disease or severe psychiatric disorders. Blood pressure should be monitored so that  early signs of an increase can be detected and treatment ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/540/use-of-bromocriptine-for-stopping-breast-milk-production-endorsed https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/540/use-of-bromocriptine-for-stopping-breast-milk-production-endorsed Sat, 23 Aug 2014 00:00:00 GMT eHealth is viewed by many as the 'way forward' for healthcare. Thanks to a ground-breaking and innovative upcoming conference, Northern Ireland's healthcare professionals now have the opportunity to find out how Health and Social Care Northern Ireland (HSCNI) is transforming care through information and technology, and establishing itself as a world leader in eHealth. The 'Celebrating Success/Planning for the Future' conference, which is to be held 8-9 October 2014, is open to anyone working in the public sector in NI, as well as colleagues working in private or voluntary sector organisations providing health or social care services.The conference will inform healthcare professionals on: * how HSCNI has successfully implemented a population wide electronic care record for every citizen * discover how they can build on opportunities for collaboration with industry and academia.* hear keynote addresses from Mr Edwin Poots MLA, Minister for Health Social Services & Public Safety and Ms Arlene Foster MLA, Minister ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/975/ni-healthcare-professionals-given-major-ehealth-opportunity https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/975/ni-healthcare-professionals-given-major-ehealth-opportunity Sat, 23 Aug 2014 00:00:00 GMT Picking potential sexual partners because they have ‘attractive’ facial symmetry doesn’t guarantee they’ll also be healthy, new research has found. Studies into the psychology of choosing a mate have often made the assumption that people have a preference for symmetry in faces because it provides a cue to good health during development, while asymmetrical features suggest poor health. However, a new study led by Dr Nicholas Pound from the Department of Life Sciences at Brunel University London calls into question the idea that subtle facial asymmetries may be a cue to underlying health issues. The team found that a type of facial asymmetry in adolescents (known as fluctuating asymmetry) wasn’t associated with early experiences of common childhood illnesses such as coughs, diarrhoea or vomiting; specific infections such as measles, chicken pox, or influenza; or physical indicators of health such as birth weight or later height. ‘Overall,’ said Dr Pound, ‘this ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/173/facial-symmetry-attractive-but-not-because-it-indicates-good-health https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/173/facial-symmetry-attractive-but-not-because-it-indicates-good-health Mon, 18 Aug 2014 00:00:00 GMT On Friday, a 58-year-old man was sentenced to 16 weeks in prison at Wood Green Crown Court for the sale and supply of a potent, unlicensed erection dysfunction medicine containing four times the maximum dose of tadalafil, the active ingredient in the prescription-only medicine Cialis.Xiao Ping Yan, of Barnet first became known to the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in 2009 when he was officially cautioned for possession with intent to supply Jia Yi Jian, a fake ‘herbal’ product which actually contained up to four times the dose of erection drug taladafil and more than four times the dose of withdrawn slimming medicine sibutramine. Both these drugs in combination posed a serious health risk through a dangerously increased heart rate, risk of heart attack and stroke, with sibutramine withdrawn from legitimate pharmaceutical products in 2010 due to evidence regarding its health risks.In 2010 Mr Yan was then stopped ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/540/man-sentenced-for-selling-dangerous-super-strength-erection-drugs https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/540/man-sentenced-for-selling-dangerous-super-strength-erection-drugs Sun, 17 Aug 2014 00:00:00 GMT In further draft guidance NICE has recommended sofosbuvir (Sovaldi, Gilead Sciences) as a treatment option for some people with chronic hepatitis C. The positive recommendation follows receipt of additional information about the drug’s cost effectiveness from the manufacturer.Hepatitis C is a virus that infects the liver. It is spread by contact with infected blood, for instance by using contaminated needles for injecting drugs or sharing razors or toothbrushes. The virus can cause inflammation of, and damage to the liver, preventing it from working properly.Although fifteen to 20 per cent of people infected with the hepatitis C virus naturally clear their infections within six months, the remainder develop chronic hepatitis which can be life-long.Figures from 2012 suggest that around 160,000 people are chronically infected with the hepatitis C virus in England. More than half of people with chronic hepatitis C do not know they are infected because they only ;ave mild ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/380/nice-consultson-draft-guidance-on-sofosbuvir-for-treating-hepatitis https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/380/nice-consultson-draft-guidance-on-sofosbuvir-for-treating-hepatitis Sun, 17 Aug 2014 00:00:00 GMT WalesPublic Health Wales is urging parents to ensure their children have received two doses of the MMR vaccine as it investigates an outbreak of measles linked to a Neath nursery school. Two children attending the Miles of Smiles nursery school have been confirmed as having measles, and five other children are being tested for the infection. While vaccination uptake at the nursery is good, some children are at risk as they are too young to have received one or both doses of the vaccine. A year since the end of Wales’s biggest ever measles outbreak, which was centred on the nearby Swansea area and resulted in more than 1,200 cases, Public Health Wales is again reminding parents of the importance of MMR vaccination. Dr Jörg Hoffmann, Consultant in Communicable Disease Control for Public Health Wales, said: 'While two cases of measles may not sound a lot, we have five other ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/991/mmr-vaccination-urged-as-outbreak-is-declared-in-neath https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/991/mmr-vaccination-urged-as-outbreak-is-declared-in-neath Sun, 17 Aug 2014 00:00:00 GMT A new Swiss study has demonstrated the potential benefits of a new treatment option that has been able to cure rheumatoid arthritis in lab mice for the first time.The team from ETH Zurich, one of the world's leading universities for technology and natural sciences, have developed a biotechnologically-produced active substance that consists of two components working in tandem to completely neutralise the disease.One of these components is interleukin-4 (IL-4), a natural messenger of the immune system that has previously been shown to play a role in protecting against cartilage and bone damage. This was coupled with an antibody that specifically binds to a form of protein that is found only in inflamed tissue in certain diseases.This new fusion molecule, known as an armed antibody, was administered alongside the commonly-used arthritis  drug dexamethasone in mice with swollen, inflamed toes and paws as a result of rheumatoid arthritis.According to results published in ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/314/new-study-demonstrates-potential-cure-for-rheumatoid-arthritis-in-mice https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/314/new-study-demonstrates-potential-cure-for-rheumatoid-arthritis-in-mice Mon, 11 Aug 2014 00:00:00 GMT Northern Ireland's University of Ulster has been revealed as the UK 's top university for studying pharmacy. In the survey carried out by the Guardian newspaper, the UU's School of Pharmacy , which was only established in 2009, was ranked first overall out of 28 top UK universities. https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/894/prescription-for-success https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/894/prescription-for-success Mon, 11 Aug 2014 00:00:00 GMT Leading cancer charities have joined NICE in calling on Roche to lower the price for its advanced breast cancer drug Kadcyla (trastuzumab emtansine).Breakthrough Breast Cancer said that NICE had gone 'over and above their usual processes' to try to approve the drug, while Breast Cancer Campaign recognised the flexibility shown by NICE in its assessment of the drug. NICE applied its flexibility for assessing the cost-effectiveness of end-of-life cancer drugs, but concluded in final draft guidance that the high price of the treatment is still unaffordable for use on the NHS.Generally if a treatment costs more than £30,000 per quality-adjusted life years (QALY), it would not be recommended as cost-effective by NICE. In terms of Kadcyla, the QALY value was estimated at about £166,000.Currently, the drug is being funded at its full list price of more than £90,000 per patient via the government’s Cancer Drugs Fund.Kadcyla combines Herceptin (trastuzamab) with a ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/220/pressure-grows-on-roche-to-lower-breast-cancer-drug-price https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/220/pressure-grows-on-roche-to-lower-breast-cancer-drug-price Mon, 11 Aug 2014 00:00:00 GMT Yes, it’s that time of year again! The time for pharmacists throughout Scotland to put their work forward for this year’s Scottish Pharmacy Awards, which take place at The Thistle Hotel in Glasgow on 12 November 2014. Applications are welcome from any pharmacist/pharmacy team which has been involved in innovative or groundbreaking work in the community, so don't hide your - or your team's great work - under the proverbial bushel! Apply now and share your good practice with your peers throughout Scotland. Don't just assume that, because you've been running a successful project, everyone else is doing the same. Let the rest of Scottish pharmacy know what you've been up to: it can only be for the good of the industry. Apply now by contacting Events Manager, Bridget McCabe, on 028 9077 5500 or at bridget.mccabe@nimedical.info. Alternatively, download your application form here.  https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/749/scottish-pharmacy-steps-into-spotlight-once-again https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/749/scottish-pharmacy-steps-into-spotlight-once-again Mon, 11 Aug 2014 00:00:00 GMT Researchers at the University of Leeds have discovered how endothelial cells, which line the inside of blood vessels, detect the flow of blood. The findings could lead to important developments in treatments to prevent cardiovascular disease.Healthy blood vessels are vital to prevent people from having heart attacks and strokes. Responding to changes in the flow of blood is an essential part of keeping blood vessels healthy. These changes are common in people with cardiovascular disease and cancer. Knowing how endothelial cells detect and respond to these changes could be an important part of staving off disease.It has long been known that endothelial cells are reactive to blood flow, but up until now, just how they detect it has remained a mystery. Now, Professor David Beech and his team at the University of Leeds, who were funded by British Heart Foundation, have discovered how a protein called Piezo 1 provides endothelial ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/317/new-discovery-could-lead-to-important-developments-in-cvd https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/317/new-discovery-could-lead-to-important-developments-in-cvd Mon, 11 Aug 2014 00:00:00 GMT Over the last few weeks, we've followed the progress of Inphaserve, a brand new offering to community pharmacy. As the membership continues to grow, we speak to one pharmacist, whose pharmacies joined Inphaserve as 'pilot sites' last January, and hear how he feels his business has benefited from joining Inphaserve. Mark Stakim is an independent contractor with perhaps an almost unique perspective on community pharmacy. Mark currently has six pharmacies: three in Scotland and three in England , so he has wide-ranging experience on the nuances of the profession on both sides of the border. In January, Mark signed his English pharmacies up to the Inphaserve pilot scheme, but left his Scottish businesses in the AlbaPharm scheme, to which he had belonged for some years. Almost immediately, Mark began to see the benefits that Inphaserve could bring to his business. 'I have always been loyal to my AlbaPharm suppliers,' Mark told Pharmacy ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/298/the-benefits-of-inphaserve-from-a-pharmacist-in-the-know https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/298/the-benefits-of-inphaserve-from-a-pharmacist-in-the-know Mon, 11 Aug 2014 00:00:00 GMT Pharmacy Voice has issued a response to Healthwatch England’s special inquiry into unsafe discharge. From the inquiry, Healthwatch England aim to gain a deeper understanding of what happens to people who experience ‘unsafe discharge’ from a hospital, nursing or care home, or mental health setting in England and how it was that they were able to fall through the gaps within the NHS. In its submission, Pharmacy Voice made the following key recommendations:1. To achieve truly coordinated person-centred care we need a new culture and new ways of working together. Pharmacy Voice, in its response to NHS England’s pharmacy Call to Action, proposed a commissioning framework for community care created, co-produced and owned by the public, patients, commissioners and providers. 2. NHS England should work with Clinical Commissioning Groups and Health and Wellbeing Boards to take to overcome some of the barriers to better health outcomes in discharge planning. 3. ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/571/pharmacy-voice-responds-to-healthwatch-inquiry-into-unsafe-discharge https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/571/pharmacy-voice-responds-to-healthwatch-inquiry-into-unsafe-discharge Mon, 04 Aug 2014 00:00:00 GMT The UK is set to become the world leader in ground-breaking genetic research into cancer and rare diseases, which will transform how diseases are diagnosed and treated, thanks to a package of investment worth more than £300 million, the Prime Minister has announced.The four-year project will allow scientists to do pioneering new research to decode 100,000 human genomes – a patient’s personal DNA code: a landmark project not yet seen anywhere else in the world.Sequencing the genome of a person with cancer or someone with a rare disease will help scientists and doctors understand how disease works. The project has the potential to transform the future of health care, with new and better tests, drugs and treatment. It is expected to provide a lifeline to thousands of families affected by rare genetic diseases and cancers.The Prime Minister has pledged that the UK will map 100,000 human genomes by 2017.Now, as ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/991/300-million-investment-to-transform-how-diagnosis-of-disease https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/991/300-million-investment-to-transform-how-diagnosis-of-disease Mon, 04 Aug 2014 00:00:00 GMT A series of annual checks to monitor and improve the health of people with diabetes are among measures proposed by NICE for its latest Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) indicator menu. NHS England, and health administrations from Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, can use NICE’s QOF menu to determine which indicators are used within the QOF within their own countries. For the latest QOF menu, NICE proposes a bundled indicator of eight checks for people with diabetes. Around 3.2 million people are diagnosed with diabetes in the UK, with numbers of people diagnosed with the condition increasing sharply in the last year. NICE recommends that people with diabetes should receive annual health checks to monitor and manage their condition, as well as reduce the risk of complications associated with the condition, such as heart disease and amputations. However, NHS figures suggest less than ten per cent of people are being offered the full ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/944/annual-diabetes-checks-proposed-for-latest-nice-qof-menu https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/944/annual-diabetes-checks-proposed-for-latest-nice-qof-menu Mon, 04 Aug 2014 00:00:00 GMT Medical Communications Ltd is delighted to announce its inaugural Scottish Integrated Healthcare Conference. The conference, which will be held in Glasgow on 12 November 2014, will seek to address the issues which will be key in progressing Prescription for Excellence as smoothly as possible.There is no doubt that Prescription for Excellence is the most progressive and dynamic document to hit Scottish pharmacy in years, but for it to succeed, there needs to be a major change in mindset coupled with a desire to both innovate and collaborate on a hitherto unseen level.SPR is reflecting the need for collaboration with this inaugural Integrated Healthcare Conference, which will give delegates the opportunity to put some ‘meat on the bones’ of Prescription for Excellence, by discussing how change can be implemented and how patients and service users can be engaged in the process.This year’s event will also have more of an international ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/220/scottish-integrated-healthcare-conference https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/220/scottish-integrated-healthcare-conference Tue, 29 Jul 2014 00:00:00 GMT Latest evidence from Public Health England (PHE) about the risks from Legionella associated with heated birthing pools used at home has been published in the European scientific journal Eurosurveillance.In the article PHE reinforces its advice not to use heated birthing pools, filled in advance of labour, for home births after 4 pools tested positive for ‘Legionella’, the bug which can cause Legionnaires’ disease.A total of ten heated birthing pools, sourced from several suppliers, were tested after they had been returned following the recommended recall in June 2014.Test results are currently available for six of them. Of these six, four tested positive for Legionella, and three of these also tested positive for other potentially harmful organisms, including ‘Pseudomonas aeruginosa’.In addition to publishing the article in Eurosurveillance, PHE has also written to all known suppliers of heated birthing pools, sharing the latest test results and reinforcing the advice that they are not ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/348/phe-reinforces-advice-not-to-use-heated-birthing-pools-for-home-births https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/348/phe-reinforces-advice-not-to-use-heated-birthing-pools-for-home-births Mon, 28 Jul 2014 00:00:00 GMT NICE has updated its clinical guideline on chronic kidney disease (CKD) to include new recommendations on the diagnosis and classification of the condition, and on its relationship with acute kidney injury.Early diagnosis of CKD is important as it can help lower the risk of morbidity, mortality and associated healthcare costs. In 2009/10, the NHS spent £1.45 billion on CKD alone, with more than half of this going towards renal replacement therapy for the two per cent of people with CKD which progresses to kidney failure.As the disease carries no symptoms it can often be hard to recognise, leading to late presentation. In addition, the way CKD has been previously classified has raised concerns that it may have been overdiagnosed in the past.The updated guideline proposes a new system for classification of CKD, which takes into consideration recently published guidance by Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes on the evaluation and management ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/590/ckd-guidance-updated-to-help-improve-diagnosis-of-the-condition https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/590/ckd-guidance-updated-to-help-improve-diagnosis-of-the-condition Mon, 28 Jul 2014 00:00:00 GMT Emergency contraceptives continue to be suitable for all women who need them, regardless of the woman’s weight the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has said. These medicines may continue to be used to prevent unintended pregnancies and should be taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure. This follows a European review that concluded that the benefits of emergency contraceptives continue to outweigh the risks in all women.The European review looked at whether the effectiveness of Levonelle (containing levonorgestrel) and ellaOne (containing ulipristal acetate) was reduced with increased body weight. They concluded that based on the data available the benefits of using these emergency contraceptives remains positive and it cannot be concluded that body weight has an impact on the effectiveness of these medicines.The results of the studies will be reflected in the UK product information for the emergency contraceptives Levonelle and ellaOne.‘Women should be ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/317/european-review-backs-positive-benefit-risk-of-emergency-contraception https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/317/european-review-backs-positive-benefit-risk-of-emergency-contraception Mon, 28 Jul 2014 00:00:00 GMT Almost 150 independent pharmacies have now signed up to enjoy the benefits offered by Inphaserve: the most innovative offering that community pharmacy has experienced for many years. Inphaserve's fast-growing membership proves beyond all doubt that collaboration, combined with clear thinking and courage, is one way to approach the challenges that community pharmacy is facing in this difficult economic climate. Have you joined yet? No? Well, what are you waiting for? Simply read on....Inphaserve was born out of leading pharmacy support group AlbaPharm’s recognition of the fact that community pharmacy needed to adopt the competitive advantages of an independent pharmacy, ie, loyalty and personal service, and create a range of service support features combined with an outward approach to future development to level the playing field.Over the past decade, this approach attracted over 300 pharmacies into AlbaPharm, but now the industry is facing a period of change not encountered in decades. A new ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/891/inphaserve-membership-continues-to-go-from-strength-to-strength https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/891/inphaserve-membership-continues-to-go-from-strength-to-strength Mon, 21 Jul 2014 00:00:00 GMT The joint committee on vaccination and immunisation (JCIV) has advised the Department of Health (DH) to continue with their routine whooping cough vaccination programme in pregnant women for a further five years.This comes after both Public Health England (PHE) and Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) published research showing the high levels of safety and efficacy of the vaccine. Vaccinating pregnant women means antibodies in the bloodstream are passed onto the unborn baby through the placenta, protecting the baby until their first immunisation at two months old.‘Babies too young to start their vaccinations are at greatest risk from whooping cough,’ said Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Professor John Watson. ‘It’s an extremely distressing illness that can lead to young babies being admitted to hospital and can potentially be fatal. The JCVI’s advice will be welcomed by families and we will work with NHS England to ensure the programme continues to ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/139/whooping-cough-vaccination-programme-advised-to-continue https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/139/whooping-cough-vaccination-programme-advised-to-continue Mon, 21 Jul 2014 00:00:00 GMT With TYC now underway, many aspects of NI healthcare are up for debate. With that in mind, Northern Ireland Healthcare Review has partnered with The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) to conduct a series of 'Healthy Debates'. Chaired by West Belfast GP, Dr George O'Neill, the first in the series was held recently at HSC Leadership Centre in Belfast and, as you will read, the debate was both frank and insightful. George O’Neill (GO’N): The motion of this first Healthy Debate is 'this house believes that poor communication across the service could cause TYC to falter'. Could we have the first proposer please?Mark Roberts (MR): Thank you very much Mr Chairman. My background is in secondary care in acute medicine and I speak for myself and not for any particular Trust. I would also say that my view is unashamedly secondary care-based, and apologise if some people find ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/204/will-poor-communication-across-the-service-cause-tyc-to-falter https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/204/will-poor-communication-across-the-service-cause-tyc-to-falter Mon, 21 Jul 2014 00:00:00 GMT The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) and the Bioindustry Association (BIA) have jointly developed materials on biological medicines, including biosimilar medicines, to enhance prescribers’ and other stakeholders’ understanding of these medicines and answer any frequently asked questions. The new materials provide an interesting overview on this ever growing market at a significant time, with biological medicines - which include biosimilar medicines - now amongst today’s most important medicines. Interesting facts in the materials include:• It is predicted that by 2016 seven of the top ten medicines worldwide will be biologics.• Since 2006, over 18 branded biosimilar medicines have been granted marketing authorisations in the EU.• The introduction of biological medicines in the early 1980s revolutionised treatment for some life-threatening and rare diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, blood conditions, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and autoimmune disorders.• The number of biosimilar medicines available in the UK is expected to increase with biosimilar medicines entering ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/975/materials-launched-to-enhance-understanding-of-biosimilar-medicines https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/975/materials-launched-to-enhance-understanding-of-biosimilar-medicines Mon, 21 Jul 2014 00:00:00 GMT Researchers at Queen’s University in Belfast have made a significant breakthrough that may benefit patients with bowel cancer.Dr Sandra van Schaeybroeck and her team have discovered how two genes cause bowel cancer cells to become resistant to treatments used against the disease. The research, which was funded by Cancer Research UK, was published this month in the prestigious international journal Cell Reports. The activity of the two genes, called MEK and MET, was uncovered when the researchers looked at all the different pathways and interactions taking place in bowel cancer cells.Dr van Schaeybroeck and her group found that these bowel cancers switch on a survival mechanism when they are treated with drugs that target faulty MEK genes. But when the researchers added drugs that also block the MET gene, the bowel cancer cells died.The team are now testing a new approach to target these two genes in the most aggressive ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/298/bowel-cancer-breakthrough-may-benefit-thousands-of-patients https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/298/bowel-cancer-breakthrough-may-benefit-thousands-of-patients Mon, 21 Jul 2014 00:00:00 GMT Health researchers have suggested new body mass index (BMI) thresholds for defining overweight and obese individuals in ethnic communities. Being overweight or obese increases the risk diabetes. Presently, a BMI of 30kg/m2 or above is defined as obese but South Asian, Chinese and Black populations have an equivalent risk of diabetes at lower BMIs than White people. The National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) has previously issued guidance on the subject to health professionals but recommended that further studies be undertaken to define the thresholds for ethnic minorities. In an attempt to define new thresholds, researchers from the University of Glasgow analysed data on 490,288 people who participated in UK Biobank. They found that the rate of diabetes observed among Whites classified as obese with a BMI of at least 30, was matched by South Asians with a BMI of at least 22, Chinese with a BMI at least 24 ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/364/new-bmi-thresholds-suggested-for-ethnic-minorities https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/364/new-bmi-thresholds-suggested-for-ethnic-minorities Mon, 21 Jul 2014 00:00:00 GMT The General Practitioners' Committee (GPC) has written to ministers to voice concern over a number of ‘prescription direction’ schemes that are pointing patients to specific pharmacies to have their prescriptions processed.In the letter, which was jointly signed with the Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee (PSNC) and Pharmacy Voice, the BMA warns that influencing a patient’s choice of pharmacy has the potential to undermine patient relationships and damage trust and cooperation between healthcare professionals.‘Prescription direction’ occurs where a patient is being directed by their GP practice to a certain pharmacy to have their prescription dispensed. Patients have a free choice between any community pharmacy and in some cases, a GP dispensary. Actions by practices seeking to influence a patient’s choice of pharmacy can undermine relationshipswith patients, as well as damaging trust and cooperation between healthcare professionals. Financial arrangements between community pharmacies and GP practices should be transparent. The British Medical Association ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/718/department-of-health-warned-over-prescription-direction-schemes https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/718/department-of-health-warned-over-prescription-direction-schemes Tue, 15 Jul 2014 00:00:00 GMT A ban on people smoking in private vehicles when children are present is to be introduced in Wales, First Minister Carwyn Jones and Health Minister Mark Drakeford has announced.A consultation on the landmark proposal will be launched shortly.The ban will protect children from the avoidable harms associated with passive smoking, which can lead to a range of chronic diseases. Children are particularly at risk from exposure to second-hand smoke, in the confined spaces of a vehicle where they cannot escape from the noxious chemicals in tobacco smoke.The decision to move to a ban comes after Wales became the first country in the UK to tackle the issue of smoking in vehicles when children are present. In 2011, the First Minister announced the Welsh Government’s intention to mount a campaign to tackle children’s exposure to second-hand smoke in cars. He also said legislative options would be considered if such exposure ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/154/wales-to-ban-people-smoking-in-cars-carrying-children https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/154/wales-to-ban-people-smoking-in-cars-carrying-children Tue, 15 Jul 2014 00:00:00 GMT A medical devices alert for Accu-Chek home glucose blood meters is warning of the potential for falsely low blood glucose readings in patients taking ceftriaxone.The alert affects: * Accu-Chek Compact meter and test strips* Accu-Chek Mobile meter and test cassette* Accu-Chek Active meter and test stripsThe manufacturer Roche Diagnostics has updated the product leaflets for the devices and has also issued a Field Safety Notice. The MHRA is advising health professionals to identify patients with diabetes who are taking ceftriaxone and alert them and relevant healthcare staff not to use Accu-Chek Compact, Accu-Chek Mobile or Accu-Chek Active devices while taking the antibiotic. Patients should use an alternative blood glucose testing device if continuing with ceftriaxone therapy.Roche Diagnostics' Accu-Chek careline is on 0800 701 000. https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/894/medical-devices-alert-issued-for-home-use-blood-glucose-meters https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/894/medical-devices-alert-issued-for-home-use-blood-glucose-meters Tue, 15 Jul 2014 00:00:00 GMT The Scottish Stroke Care audit 2014 National Report, which was recently published, shows that overall improvements are still being made in most of the health boards in Scotland. The publication measures hospitals’ performance in Scotland against standards for stroke care to ensure patients are receiving the best package of care upon arrival into hospital."As in previous years, there are overall improvements, although the Scottish Stroke Care Audit report acknowledges that there are still wide variations in service and treatment across the country including stroke unit admission, receiving a swallow screen, receiving a brain scan and being treated with aspirin.'I am pleased to see that see that once again overall improvements are being made in most of the health boards in Scotland,' said Andrea Cail, Director Scotland of the Stroke Association. 'However the Scottish Stroke Care Auditreport acknowledges that there are still wide variations in service and treatment across the ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/621/national-report-of-stroke-services-in-scottish-hospitals-published https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/621/national-report-of-stroke-services-in-scottish-hospitals-published Tue, 15 Jul 2014 00:00:00 GMT Newly-released figures have shown that NHS Scotland has spent nearly £230m on drugs to treat diabetes and obesity in the last three years. The diabetes drugs bill for Scotland was £75.7m in 2013-14, £73.2m last year and £74.2m in 2011-12. Another £6.1m went on obesity prescriptions in the three-year period, with 3.34 million items dispensed to treat diabetes in Scotland in 2013-14.The most recent statistics suggested nearly a quarter of a million people in Scotland now have diabetes, almost five per cent of the population, with the majority of sufferers – about 220,000 – suffering from type 2 diabetes.The official figures revealed that obese patients were prescribed more than 52,000 items in the same period - about 1,000 a week - at a cost of £1.9m: an increase from £1.5 million in 2012-13. ‘Our diabetes action plan, which will be updated this summer, sets out a clear commitment to the ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/170/alarming-diabetes-statistics-from-scotland https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/170/alarming-diabetes-statistics-from-scotland Mon, 07 Jul 2014 00:00:00 GMT One hundred and twenty-two independent pharmacies are now enjoying the benefits offered by Inphaserve: the most innovative offering that community pharmacy has experienced for many years. Have you joined yet? No? Well, what are you waiting for?Inphaserve was born out of leading pharmacy support group AlbaPharm’s recognition of the fact that community pharmacy needed to adopt the competitive advantages of an independent pharmacy, ie, loyalty and personal service, and create a range of service support features combined with an outward approach to future development to level the playing field.Over the past decade, this approach attracted over 300 pharmacies into AlbaPharm, but now the industry is facing a period of change not encountered in decades. A new approach, if not adopted now, will result in inevitable decline and the prospect of independent pharmacies becoming zombies, selling out to the multiples, or closing. Taking a long-term view, AlbaPharm analysed the impact of ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/571/inphaserve-breaks-120-customer-barrier https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/571/inphaserve-breaks-120-customer-barrier Mon, 07 Jul 2014 00:00:00 GMT On Thursday, Health Minister Edwin Poots launched a conference entitled ‘A Draft Mental Capacity Bill for NI: reducing stigma, empowering the individual’.The conference was organised by Chambré Public Affairs, in partnership with Disability Action, timed to coincide with the public consultation on the draft Northern Ireland Mental Capacity Bill, which launched on 27 May. The event was designed to inform a wide range of stakeholders on both the detail of the draft Bill and its implications.‘This is major reform of the law about decision making,’ said Edwin Poots. ‘It makes it a legal requirement to help and support people to make their own decisions and puts in place new and improved safeguards when a decision needs to be made for a person who is unable to decide themselves.‘The Bill will cover decisions relating to a person’s care, treatment or personal welfare. It also covers decisions about property and financial affairs. ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/204/mental-health-takes-centre-stage-in-northern-ireland https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/204/mental-health-takes-centre-stage-in-northern-ireland Mon, 07 Jul 2014 00:00:00 GMT Alcohol problems are often undetected in primary care but by asking two simple questions, GPs could quickly uncover which patients have drinking problems - including patients who would otherwise remain undetected - according to new research by University of Leicester experts. Patients’ answers could either rule out alcohol issues, or could bring to light potentially excessive or unsafe drinking habits. However in the latter case, GPs should follow up the short questions with a longer screening test to find out whether the patient is in need of help, according to the researchers’ paper in the British Journal of General Practice. The research team, led by Dr Alex Mitchell, honorary senior lecturer at the University's Department of Cancer Studies and Molecular Medicine and an NHS consultant in psycho-oncology at Leicestershire Partnership Trust, believe the findings could make it easier for GPs to identify drinking problems which would otherwise remain hidden. GPs ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/799/simple-questions-can-identify-patients-with-drink-problems-study https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/799/simple-questions-can-identify-patients-with-drink-problems-study Mon, 07 Jul 2014 00:00:00 GMT The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) and Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) have published a joint statement aimed at highlighting the importance of regulatory and professional standards and guidance as a way to protect patient safety and to promote responsibility and professionalism. The joint statement explains that regulatory and professional standards have the same overarching purpose, to provide a framework that helps to ensure good care which is focused on patients. The statement makes clear that pharmacists should always consider what is in the best interests of the patient. It also states that pharmacy professionals must be guided by their education and training and ongoing CPD; consider the standards and guidance (both regulatory and professional) that are relevant to the situation; and understand the legal framework in which they are operating. The joint statement was launched at a joint RPS/GPhC event in which key pharmacy stakeholders discussed ways in which patient advice ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/894/best-interests-of-patients-primary-focus-joint-gphcrps-statement https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/894/best-interests-of-patients-primary-focus-joint-gphcrps-statement Mon, 07 Jul 2014 00:00:00 GMT The European Medicines Agency's Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) has recommended granting a marketing authorisation for Daklinza (daclatasvir) in combination with other medicines for the treatment of chronic (long-term) hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in adults.HCV infection is a major European public-health challenge. It occurs in between 0.4 per cent and 3.5 per cent of the population in different European Union (EU) Member States and is the most common single cause of liver transplantation in the EU.The treatment paradigm of hepatitis C is currently rapidly shifting with the development of several new classes of direct-acting antivirals. Among these is Daklinza, which is the first representative of a new class of antivirals that block the action of NS5A, a protein which is essential for HCV to replicate.Until very recently, the standard of care for hepatitis C included a combination of the medicines pegylated interferon and ribavirin, with or ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/571/ema-recommends-marketing-authorization-for-daklinza https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/571/ema-recommends-marketing-authorization-for-daklinza Fri, 27 Jun 2014 00:00:00 GMT Public Health Wales is warning of an increase in cases of infectious syphilis across Wales and is urging anyone who may have been at risk to seek testing. Last month, Public Health Wales warned of an increase in cases in North Wales, with 39 cases reported since the middle of 2013 compared with around a usual average of around seven per year. It has since become apparent that syphilis is also circulating in other areas of Wales with 55 cases reported so far this year in South Wales. There is evidence that the infection is spreading particularly quickly in people who use dating websites and apps to meet other people for casual sex. ‘We are seeing an increase in cases of syphilis across Wales, the majority being in men who have sex with men,’ said Dr Gwen Lowe, Consultant in Communicable Disease Control for Public Health Wales. ‘However, we also ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/928/public-health-wales-warns-of-syphilis-risk https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/928/public-health-wales-warns-of-syphilis-risk Fri, 27 Jun 2014 00:00:00 GMT The latest issue of Northern Ireland Healthcare Review is NOW available to read online or to download at your convenience.This publication is packed with the latest in healthcare in Northern Ireland. With features on needlestick injuries, addiction, ethnic density, Specials and aggression replacement training, you’re sure to find something of interest in this issue of Northern Ireland Healthcare Review.View the latest issue here  https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/314/latest-issue-of-northern-ireland-healthcare-review-now-online https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/314/latest-issue-of-northern-ireland-healthcare-review-now-online Fri, 27 Jun 2014 00:00:00 GMT A new independent evaluation into pharmacy weight management services in four PCTs has demonstrated the value of pharmacy services in delivering effective public health outcomes.The report: ‘Effectiveness of a community pharmacy weight management programme’ - just published in the International Journal of Clinical Pharmacy - also shows that pharmacy weight loss services can be effectively replicated across geographies. The IJCP paper follows an independent evaluation of pharmacy weight loss services in 34 pharmacies in four PCTs, completed recently by the University of Nottingham. Studying weight loss and health outcomes in 281 patients, the findings show that around a quarter of participants achieved the goal of reducing their body weight by five per cent at three months. These effects were also seen at six months. Additionally there was a reduction in blood pressure, which was not seen at three months. The report author, Dr Helen Boardman, Lecturer in Pharmacy Practice at ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/220/independent-evaluation-builds-base-for-pharmacy-weight-loss-programme https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/220/independent-evaluation-builds-base-for-pharmacy-weight-loss-programme Fri, 27 Jun 2014 00:00:00 GMT One hundred and thirteen independent pharmacies are already enjoying the benefits offered by Inphaserve: the most innovative offering that community pharmacy has experienced for many years. Have you joined yet? No? Well, what are you waiting for? Inphaserve was born out of leading pharmacy support group AlbaPharm’s recognition of the fact that community pharmacy needed to adopt the competitive advantages of an independent pharmacy, ie, loyalty and personal service, and create a range of service support features combined with an outward approach to future development to level the playing field.Over the past decade, this approach attracted over 300 pharmacies into AlbaPharm, but now the industry is facing a period of change not encountered in decades. A new approach, if not adopted now, will result in inevitable decline and the prospect of independent pharmacies becoming zombies, selling out to the multiples, or closing. Taking a long-term view, AlbaPharm analysed the ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/154/inphaserve-marches-on https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/154/inphaserve-marches-on Fri, 27 Jun 2014 00:00:00 GMT I don’t usually ‘hijack’ the comment page, but as Editor of three UK pharmacy magazines, I need to bring something to your attention... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/571/ni-pharmacy-focus-moves-to-the-lolly https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/571/ni-pharmacy-focus-moves-to-the-lolly Fri, 27 Jun 2014 00:00:00 GMT Cancer Focus NI has called for an overhaul of the current process to fund life-extending cancer medicines in Northern Ireland.The charity recently hosted an event with 20 key clinicians, politicians and health professionals to discuss the inequality of access to specialist drugs for local cancer patients.‘Currently there is a clear inequality between cancer treatments available in Northern Ireland compared to the rest of the UK,’ said Cancer Focus NI Chief Executive, Roisin Foster, who chaired the meeting, ‘and the purpose of this campaign is to ensure that the most effective drugs will be made available to local cancer patients in their time of need.’There are 39 life-extending cancer drugs available to patients living in England through the Cancer Drugs Fund (CDF). The Fund offers treatments that have not been approved by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and are not routinely funded by the NHS.More recently in ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/844/cancer-charity-calls-for-cancer-drugs-equality-in-ni https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/844/cancer-charity-calls-for-cancer-drugs-equality-in-ni Mon, 23 Jun 2014 00:00:00 GMT Campaign group, Action on Sugar, has been called upon by the Coalition Government, at a meeting with Jeremy Hunt MP to address the childhood obesity crisis. Action on Sugar has responded with a strategy document of seven critical areas of policy to prevent childhood obesity in the UK, presented to Jeremy Hunt MP, Secretary of State for Health.With one in five 10-11 year olds now obese and one in three overweight, the plan details the following key actions to change the food environment, which is responsible for the obesity epidemic.1. Reduce added sugars by 40 per cent by 2020 by reformulating.2. Cease all forms of targeted marketing of ultra-processed, unhealthy foods and drinks to children3. Disassociate physical activity with obesity via banning junk food sports sponsorships4. Reduce fat in ultra-processed foods, particularly saturated fat – fifteen per cent reduction by 20205. Limit the availability of ultra-processed foods and sweetened soft ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/862/sugar-targeted-in-childhood-obesity-battle https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/862/sugar-targeted-in-childhood-obesity-battle Mon, 23 Jun 2014 00:00:00 GMT The new national service to help people experiencing chronic pain will be based in Glasgow, Public Health Minister Michael Matheson has said. A dedicated specialist team, which will be located at the Gartnavel Hospital site, will deliver residential courses for patients and carers on how to cope with the effects of chronic pain, and how to manage their condition. The first patients will be seen by the new service by January 2015, with the facility running at full capacity during 2016. Currently patients in Scotland have to travel to a unit in Bath for this highly specialised care. ‘I am delighted to be able to announce that the new national centre of excellence for chronic pain will be based at the Gartnavel Hospital site in Glasgow,’ said Mr Matheson. ‘This is an excellent location for the new service, with good transport links, and a large population within easy reach. ‘Chronic ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/540/location-announced-for-new-centre-of-excellence https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/540/location-announced-for-new-centre-of-excellence Mon, 23 Jun 2014 00:00:00 GMT Last year we gave the sad news that Buchanhaven Pharmacy owner, Samantha Melrose’s 16-year-old daughter, Catherine, had been diagnosed with leukemia. Over the course of the last year, however, we had been cheered by the news that Catherine had received a transplant and seemed to be well on the road to recovery.Last week, however, Samantha released heartbreaking news: not only had Catherine's leukaemia returned, but that there were no more treatment options open to her.‘Catherine's care will now be palliative, making her as comfortable and relaxed as we can,’ Sam told Pharmacylife. ‘This news has taken us totally unawares. At diagnosis Catherine was given a terrible prognosis. However, when she achieved remission a few months ago, we had allowed ourselves to believe she had been one of the lucky ones and beaten the terrible odds she had been told.’Despite their struggles throughout the last year Samantha, Catherine, friends and family ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/972/fundraising-samantha-melrose-asks-for-your-support https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/972/fundraising-samantha-melrose-asks-for-your-support Mon, 23 Jun 2014 00:00:00 GMT The EMA's Pharmacovigilance and Risk Assessment Committee (PRAC) has started a review to evaluate the cardiovascular risks with systemic ibuprofen medicines (such as those taken by mouth but not topical medicines like creams and gels).The cardiovascular risks being evaluated concern high-dose ibuprofen (2,400 mg per day) taken regularly for long periods. Ibuprofen is usually taken at lower doses and for short periods of time.There is therefore no suggestion of a similar cardiovascular risk with ibuprofen as used by the overwhelming majority of patients. Ibuprofen is one of the most widely used medicines for pain and inflammation and has a well-known safety profile, particularly at usual doses.Ibuprofen belongs to a class of medicines known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The safety of these medicines including their cardiovascular risks has been under close review by the EMA and national regulatory authorities for many years. Data, in particular the results of a published ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/524/ema-starts-review-of-ibuprofen-medicines https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/524/ema-starts-review-of-ibuprofen-medicines Mon, 16 Jun 2014 00:00:00 GMT The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued a call for people to stop washing raw chicken to reduce the risk of contracting campylobacter, a potentially dangerous form of food poisoning. The call comes as new figures show that 44 per cent of people always wash chicken before cooking it – a practice that can spread campylobacter bacteria onto hands, work surfaces, clothing and cooking equipment through the splashing of water droplets.Campylobacter is the most common form of food poisoning in the UK, affecting an estimated 280,000 people a year. Around four in five of these cases come from contaminated poultry. The resulting illness can cause abdominal pain, severe diarrhoea and vomiting. In certain cases, it can lead to irritable bowel syndrome, reactive arthritis and Guillain-Barré syndrome, a serious condition of the nervous system. At its worst, it can kill. Those most at risk are children under five and older people.As ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/490/food-standards-agency-issues-warning-over-washing-raw-chicken https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/490/food-standards-agency-issues-warning-over-washing-raw-chicken Mon, 16 Jun 2014 00:00:00 GMT The Pharmacists’ Defence Association (PDA) has said that, if contractor representatives are to be given a seat on the board then so should the PDA. The PDA made its request in a letter to the Health and Sport Committee of the Scottish Parliament following a similar request from Community Pharmacy Scotland (CPS) – the representative organisation for pharmacy owners – to sit on the steering group. In its letter, the PDA points out that the Prescription for Excellence (PfE) policy relies not on the financial investment in bricks and mortar pharmacies, but upon the clinical skills and professional expertise of individual pharmacist practitioners for the delivery of pharmaceutical care in a wide variety of settings. The PDA represents more than 22,000 individual pharmacists throughout the UK: nearly 2,000 of whom are practising in Scotland. In contrast, less than ten per cent of the 4,000 practising pharmacists in Scotland own a pharmacy.The ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/668/pda-requests-seat-on-prescription-for-excellence-steering-group https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/668/pda-requests-seat-on-prescription-for-excellence-steering-group Mon, 16 Jun 2014 00:00:00 GMT Northern Ireland Healthcare Review – in conjunction with Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) – today launches the first of a series of ‘Healthy Debates’ among NI healthcare professionals. The debates are intended to provide a forum for discussion of topical policy issues and are aimed at increasing understanding of the perceptions and experiences of stakeholders responsible for planning and delivering healthcare in a rapidly changing environment. The inaugural debate, which will be chaired by Dr George O’Neill, will take place at HSC Leadership Centre in Belfast and will focus on Transforming Your Care: the most radical shake-up of NI healthcare for some years. The motion for this debate will consider how successful communication surrounding the initiative has been. A transcript of the debate will be available online next week at pharmacy-life.co.uk    https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/204/transforming-your-care-under-debate-in-round-table-discussion https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/204/transforming-your-care-under-debate-in-round-table-discussion Mon, 16 Jun 2014 00:00:00 GMT Diabetes is now one of the most pressing health issues in the UK, with 2.9 million people diagnosed. There are currently almost 80,000 people across Northern Ireland with diabetes. With a population of only 1.8 million, diabetes care costs Northern Ireland (NI) over £400 million per year, most of which is for treating complications.Now, Northern Ireland’s Health Minister, Edwin Poots, has welcomed a pioneering new device which could revolutionise the lives of people with diabetes.The d-Nav™ Insulin Guidance Service, developed by US company Hygieia, is proving to be extremely successful in a pilot in the South Eastern HSC Trust region. It allows people with diabetes to easily regulate their own insulin dosage, by wearing a small device the size of a mobile phone. ‘I am delighted that Northern Ireland diabetes sufferers have been among the first in the world to benefit from this innovative new technology,’ said the Health Minister. ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/928/diabetes-patients-to-benefit-from-pioneering-new-device https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/928/diabetes-patients-to-benefit-from-pioneering-new-device Sun, 08 Jun 2014 00:00:00 GMT European regulatory authorities have finalised their assessment of reported non-compliance with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) at Ranbaxy Laboratories’ manufacturing site in Toansa, India that had led to the suspension of the GMP certificate for the site in the European Union (EU).The Toansa site had been supplying APIs for four centrally authorised medicines – Enyglid (repaglinide), Repaglinide Krka (repaglinide), Repaglinide Teva (repaglinide), and Nevirapine Teva (nevirapine) – and several non-centrally authorised medicines.Although the assessment showed that there were a number of GMP deficiencies at the concerned site, assessment of all available information has reassured European regulators that there has been no risk to public health from these deficiencies.Patients should continue to take their medicines as prescribed by their healthcare professional. European regulators also considered the corrective measures put in place by the company and were satisfied that the measures are sufficient to ensure GMP-compliant manufacture of products at the site. ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/799/indian-generic-site-assessment-concluded-no-risk-to-public-health https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/799/indian-generic-site-assessment-concluded-no-risk-to-public-health Sun, 08 Jun 2014 00:00:00 GMT Public Health England (PHE) has reported that a further three cases of blood poisoning (septicaemia) in babies being treated in neonatal intensive care units in England, have been identified after looking back at clinical records. These babies received the potentially affected batches of intravenous liquid before Tuesday 3 June, when the affected stock expired. This takes the total number of cases to 21, with one death.The babies, who became unwell last week or over the weekend, are responding to antibiotic treatment.‘PHE has been working closely with the neonatal units who received the potentially contaminated batches of Total Parental Nutrition (TPN),’ said Dr Brian McCloskey, PHE Incident Director. ‘All babies who received the potentially contaminated feed have been closely monitored and we have been actively looking at previous case records for any signs of the infection. Because of this, earlier cases are now being included in our total numbers.‘Although there is ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/524/more-babies-affected-by-blood-poisoning-phe https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/524/more-babies-affected-by-blood-poisoning-phe Sun, 08 Jun 2014 00:00:00 GMT The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has issued revised guidance for the prescribing and use of adrenaline auto-injectors. The guidance has stated that people, who have been prescribed an adrenaline auto-injector (AAI) because of the risk of anaphylaxis, should carry two with them at all times for emergency on-the-spot use. After every use of an adrenaline auto-injector, an ambulance should be called (even if symptoms are improving), the individual should lie down with their legs raised and, if at all possible, should not be left alone.The MHRA’s advice also advises that people who have been prescribed an adrenaline auto-injector should:• use it at the first signs of a severe allergic reaction• take the following actions immediately after every use of an adrenaline auto-injector: • call 999, ask for an ambulance and state ‘anaphylaxis’, even if symptoms are improving• lie flat with the legs raised in order to maintain blood flow The MHRA ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/571/mhra-issues-revised-guidance-on-use-of-adrenaline-auto-injectors https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/571/mhra-issues-revised-guidance-on-use-of-adrenaline-auto-injectors Sun, 08 Jun 2014 00:00:00 GMT Improving cervical screening rates would save the NHS £10m a year, according to a new study by the think-tank Demos. Higher rates of cervical screening – which aims to prevent cervical cancer or diagnose it at an earlier stage – would also prevent the Treasury losing up to £6m in tax revenues, and significantly ease the impact on survivors' personal finances.In addition, figures show a 100 per cent screening rate would almost halve the number of women facing cervical cancer and also save 1,176 lives over a five-year period.The findings, supported by Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust, come at the beginning of Cervical Screening Awareness Week (June 8-14). Currently, around 3,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer every year and it is the most common form of cancer in the UK in women under 35. The NHS currently spends over £21m a year treating cervical cancer patients, with the most expensive ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/380/save-nhs-10m-a-year-through-cervical-screening-uptake-think-tank https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/380/save-nhs-10m-a-year-through-cervical-screening-uptake-think-tank Sun, 08 Jun 2014 00:00:00 GMT Bowel Cancer UK has today released a report calling for improved endoscopy services in Wales for urgent testing of patients with suspected cancer. Nearly 16,000 men and women die of bowel cancer every year in the UK, making it the second most common cause of cancer death in the UK. In Wales, there were 2,354 new cases of bowel cancer in 2010 (most recent figures available, according to Cancer Research UK). The report, entitled ‘Diagnosing bowel cancer early: right test, right time’, highlights serious problems with endoscopy services in the UK, with referral criteria, waiting times and quality of services being the key issues. A colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy is the key diagnostic test for bowel cancer. This new research from Bowel Cancer UK highlights delays in referral for diagnostic testing caused by overly-prescriptive guidelines; a lack of investment in endoscopy capacity by Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) which will fail ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/668/bowel-cancer-uk-calls-for-better-endoscopy-services-in-wales https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/668/bowel-cancer-uk-calls-for-better-endoscopy-services-in-wales Mon, 02 Jun 2014 00:00:00 GMT Public Health England (PHE) has announced that preliminary data (published today) has shown sustained and improved uptake of the shingles vaccination since its introduction in September last year. The programme offers routine vaccination for those aged 70 years, and a catch-up campaign, which for the first year of the programme was targeted at 79 year olds.In the first eight months since the introduction of this programme, 54.8 per cent of 70 year olds and 53.1 per cent of 79 year olds were vaccinated. This is an increase of 8.2 per cent for the 70 year olds and 7.6 per cent for the 79 year olds when compared to the previously published preliminary data up to the end of January 2014. Shingles is an infection of a nerve and the skin around it, which causes a rash on the skin. It is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which also causes chickenpox, and ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/204/uptake-of-new-shingles-vaccine-in-elderly-continues-to-increase https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/204/uptake-of-new-shingles-vaccine-in-elderly-continues-to-increase Mon, 02 Jun 2014 00:00:00 GMT More than 50 of the UK’s public health specialists have written an open letter to the World Health Organization (WHO), urging it to ‘resist the urge to control and suppress e-cigarettes’. The letter, which says the devices could save hundreds of millions of lives, was organized as international negotiations on tobacco policy approach later this year. The letter has been signed by 53 researchers - including specialists in public health policy and experts such as Professor Robert West, who published research last week suggesting that e-cigarettes are more likely to help people give up smoking than some conventional methods.‘These products could be among the most significant health innovations of the 21st century,’ say the specialists in the letter, ‘perhaps saving hundreds of millions of lives. If regulators treat low-risk nicotine products as traditional tobacco products they are improperly defining them as part of the problem.‘Regulators should avoid support for measures ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/605/health-experts-report-a-major-step-forward-for-e-cigs https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/605/health-experts-report-a-major-step-forward-for-e-cigs Mon, 02 Jun 2014 00:00:00 GMT New legislation, which comes into force in Scotland at the end of June, has stated that control of entry regulations in Scotland will introduce ‘controlled' localities, in addition to a ‘prejudice test’, which is designed to protect the provision of primary medical services in rural areas. According to the new legislation, The National Health Service (Pharmaceutical Services) (Scotland) (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2014, a controlled locality is defined as: * an area within a Health Board, which is remote or rural in character, and which is served by a dispensing doctor. * the boundary of a controlled locality area is that of the dispensing doctor's practice area. The rules state that pharmacy applications that affect any part of a controlled locality can be granted only if the Board considers that these would not prejudice the provision of NHS funded services in the controlled locality. The new rules also state that the ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/718/scotland-publishes-new-control-of-entry-rules https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/718/scotland-publishes-new-control-of-entry-rules Mon, 02 Jun 2014 00:00:00 GMT The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has confirmed that people should continue to take their statins as prescribed because their benefits continue to outweigh the risks of any side effects.An overview of the benefits and risks of statins has been communicated to healthcare professionals through the MHRA’s regular monthly publication Drug Safety Update.The information states that evidence from large clinical trials has shown that statins can save lives by reducing the risk of heart attacks, strokes and the need for heart surgery.Like all medicines, statins can cause side effects in some people. Most side effects experienced by people who take statins are mild and muscle-related problems such as mild muscle pain are the most frequently reported side effects. The product information lists advice about how to use statins and any potential side effects.‘People should continue to take their statins as prescribed,’ said Dr June Raine, the MHRA’s Director of ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/154/continue-with-statins-as-prescribed-mhra https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/154/continue-with-statins-as-prescribed-mhra Mon, 02 Jun 2014 00:00:00 GMT The European Medicines Agency’s Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) has recommended granting a conditional marketing authorisation for Translarna (ataluren), an orphan-designated medicine for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy caused by nonsense mutations. Translarna is to be used in patients aged five years and older who are able to walk.Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a genetic disease that gradually causes weakness and loss of muscle function. Patients with the condition lack normal dystrophin, a protein found in muscles. Because this protein helps to protect muscles from injury as muscles contract and relax, in patients with the disease the muscles become damaged and eventually stop working. There are currently no approved therapies available for this life-threatening condition and the current management of the disease is based on prevention and management of complications.In the European Union (EU), approximately 18,600 people have Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The disease can be caused by ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/540/ema-recommends-treatment-for-duchenne-muscular-dystrophy https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/540/ema-recommends-treatment-for-duchenne-muscular-dystrophy Sun, 25 May 2014 00:00:00 GMT An innovative health initiative in Northern Ireland has shown the potential that community pharmacy can provide for healthcare in local areas. The Healthy Hearts in the West Initiative (HHW) was established to mobilise existing resources and assets of communities in West Belfast, and to work with health professionals and other organisations, so that people living in West Belfast could experience heart health equivalent to the best in Northern Ireland / Europe. The Initiative responded to health inequalities (evidenced in Departmental and NINIS statistics); seeking to develop and support cross-sectoral interventions to raise awareness and prevention of risk factors to heart health through supported and self-managed lifestyle changes; and to promote and support opportunities for rehabilitation for those experiencing heart disease.The HHW Initiative demonstrated that a collaborative, community asset’s approach could support the delivery of key health targets and priorities, as well as offering an innovative approach to addressing health inequality. ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/267/ni-initiative-gives-heart-to-health-initiative https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/267/ni-initiative-gives-heart-to-health-initiative Sun, 25 May 2014 00:00:00 GMT The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) is looking for exciting examples of the innovative use of data from across the life sciences industry, the NHS and academia, that will be showcased to a global community of people interested in the ‘big data’ capabilities within the UK. The ABPI’s ‘big data demonstrator’ portfolio will provide a unique opportunity for organisations to enhance their visibility and be at the forefront of the development of UK capabilities in the progression of the ‘big data’ agenda.The ABPI is seeking examples either from innovative projects that have already completed, in progress, or planned for the future. Projects should highlight improvements in either medicine development or healthcare delivery and should involve novel methods of using patient data.The project portfolio will seek to:Collect practical experiences in conducting ‘big data’ activities as input for identifying and showcasing the current UK capabilities.Demonstrate ‘big data’ activities to ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/975/abpi-looks-for-big-data-demonstrator-projects https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/975/abpi-looks-for-big-data-demonstrator-projects Sun, 25 May 2014 00:00:00 GMT US researchers are a step closer to identifying who may benefit most from taking aspirin to prevent bowel cancer.Previous studies have shown that taking aspirin daily could help prevent the disease, but the drug’s side effects have caused concern over prescribing it widely, as has uncertainty over the optimum dose.Now a team of researchers, including experts from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard University, Massachusetts General Hospital, and University Hospitals Case Medical Center, have found a molecule in the bowel lining whose levels could identify those people who may benefit.The results also suggest the mechanism by which the drug exerts its protective effect - something that has remained elusive despite years of research.The latest study looked at data from two long-term studies involving nearly 128,000 participants, including 270 people who developed bowel cancer, many of whom had taken aspirin.They found those with high ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/702/study-paves-way-for-tailored-bowel-cancer-prevention-with-aspirin https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/702/study-paves-way-for-tailored-bowel-cancer-prevention-with-aspirin Sun, 25 May 2014 00:00:00 GMT The sixth Welsh Pharmacy Awards, which were held in Cardiff City Hall last Thursday evening, gave Welsh pharmacy the opportunity to celebrate its achievements and to showcase the projects which are being carried out across the region.The awards, which are hosted by Welsh Pharmacy Review, highlight the great work that’s being done in Welsh pharmacy – and there’s plenty of it! Although the evening culminated in the presentation of the Special Recognition Award to RPS Wales board member Mair Davies for her contribution to the industry over the years, awards were also presented to those who have shone throughout the year. Well-known pharmacist Paul Mayberry received the Community Pharmacist of the Year Award for his sterling work in the community, while Gurnam Bhogal from G S Bhogal Pharmacy picked up the award for Business Development. Photos of all of the winners and award sponsors can be viewed later today on ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/765/welsh-pharmacists-receive-well-deserved-accolades https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/765/welsh-pharmacists-receive-well-deserved-accolades Sun, 25 May 2014 00:00:00 GMT The Royal Pharmaceutical Society in Scotland has reacted angrily to a report in last week’s Sunday Post, which carried a story on ‘chemists cashing in on drug addicts – methadone pharmacies paid millions’. The report stated that hundreds of shops - from high street chains to small independents - are benefitting from the taxpayer-funded programme for the heroin substitute, methadone. It also referenced that many patients claim they are left on methadone for decades without being offered any rehabilitation.‘We are extremely concerned that these misguided comments bring the profession of pharmacy into disrepute and does Scotland’s frontline community pharmacists a great disservice as they carry out their NHS duties for this vulnerable patient group,’ said Alex MacKinnon, Director of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society in Scotland. ‘Community pharmacists and their staff are absolutely committed to delivering high levels of pharmaceutical care to patients with drug misuse problems.‘In supplying methadone, they are ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/702/rps-outraged-at-sunday-post-attack-on-community-pharmacists https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/702/rps-outraged-at-sunday-post-attack-on-community-pharmacists Tue, 20 May 2014 00:00:00 GMT The latest issue of Welsh Pharmacy Review is NOW available to read online or to download at your convenience.This publication is packed with the latest in community and hospital pharmacy in Wales.With features on telehealth, Welsh pharmacy education, coeliac disease, idiopathic anaphylaxis, dementia, hypnotherapy in obesity treatment, you’re sure to find something of interest in this issue of Welsh Pharmacy Review.Check it out at: http://issuu.com/mccannmyles/docs/wpr_issue_25_2014  https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/844/latest-issue-of-welsh-pharmacy-review-out-now https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/844/latest-issue-of-welsh-pharmacy-review-out-now Tue, 20 May 2014 00:00:00 GMT The Pharmacists’ Defence Association (PDA) has issued a document explaining why it believes that recognition of the union by Boots would be good for pharmacists and pharmacy. ‘The road to gaining formal recognition with Boots has been tortuous,’ says PDA General Secretary, John Murphy in the document, ‘with the company expending considerable efforts to prevent its pharmacists being able to negotiate their pay, hours and holidays through a union of their choice.‘The PDA Union’s application to have a statutory agreement with Boots to represent pharmacists, initially made in February 2012, has gathered considerable support from Boots pharmacists and has attracted the attention of the legal press, members of parliament and the national media. Boots has fought us every step of the way through the arbitration committee and now the courts. The current state of play is that the judge presiding over the Judicial Review instigated by Boots has extended a ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/718/pda-argues-recognition-by-boots-good-for-community-pharmacy https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/718/pda-argues-recognition-by-boots-good-for-community-pharmacy Tue, 20 May 2014 00:00:00 GMT Consumers International and World Obesity Federation are calling on the international community to develop a global convention to fight diet-related ill health, similar to the legal framework for tobacco control.Unhealthy diets now rank above tobacco as a global cause of preventable non-communicable diseases (NCDs).The two international membership bodies will officially launch their Recommendations towards a Global Convention to protect and promote healthy diets (pdf) at the World Health Assembly in Geneva.The Recommendations call on governments to make a binding commitment to introduce a raft of policy measures designed to help consumers make healthier choices and improve nutrition security for everyone.Measures include placing stricter controls on food marketing, improving the provision of nutrition information, requiring reformulation of unhealthy food products, raising standards for food provided in public institutions and using economic tools to influence consumption patterns.Publication of the Recommendations comes on the tenth anniversary of the WHO Global Strategy on Diet ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/928/unhealthy-diets-now-rank-above-tobacco-as-global-cause-of-ncds https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/928/unhealthy-diets-now-rank-above-tobacco-as-global-cause-of-ncds Tue, 20 May 2014 00:00:00 GMT Our PHARMACYLIFE ISSUES ARE FREE TO DOWNLOAD RIGHT NOW as apps on your iPad homepage...click on the link below to download...https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/pharmacylife/id784459614?mt=8For more information, please email our team at info@nimedical.infoThe FIRST UK PHARMACY DIGITAL MAGAZINE APP was released at the beginning of the year to high acclaim from all those involved in pharmacy throughout the UK. The second issue is now available to download on the iPad via the App Store, with exclusive interactive content. There's no doubt that, in this new, digital era, interactive magazines are transforming how users view content via their tablet devices. Pharmacylife is a superb example of how you, as a busy pharmacy contractor or employee, can easily incorporate the latest, up-to-date info your busy life!Pharmacylife is the latest edition to the Medical Communications' stable and joins the ever-growing list of print and digital products including Scottish Pharmacy Review, English Pharmacy Review, Northern Ireland Healthcare Review ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/928/new-pharmacylife-ipad-app https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/928/new-pharmacylife-ipad-app Fri, 16 May 2014 00:00:00 GMT Scottish Health Secretary Alex Neil is taking action to review the process of mesh treatments for women suffering from pelvic organ prolaspse following an American ruling which branded it ‘high risk’, including writing to the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and the European Commission. 'I have personally met with some of the women adversely affected,' said Mr Neil, 'and I have listened carefully to the concerns they have about the use of transvaginal mesh implants. There is no doubt that these women have suffered considerably and they have my full sympathy. 'Although the regulation of medical devices, including implants, is a reserved matter dealt with by the UK Government, I remain concerned about the issues that have been raised and I am determined to take action. 'That is why we are seeking an urgent meeting with the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), and ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/765/scottish-health-secretary-to-undertake-mesh-implant-investigation https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/765/scottish-health-secretary-to-undertake-mesh-implant-investigation Mon, 12 May 2014 00:00:00 GMT Speaking at a conference organised by the Pharmacists’ Defence Association (PDA) entitled ‘Reclaiming your professional territory’, Professor Strand provided a crystallised exposé of the state of community pharmacy in the UK and compared this to her experiences in the USA. Professor Linda Strand has directly challenged community pharmacy to take responsibility for its own future and warned that, if it doesn’t, ‘it WILL miss out on this current and fleeting opportunity’.The PDA created a Strategic policy called the PDA Road Map which it launched in 2011. It is strongly built upon the platform of pharmaceutical care and it argues that services should be provided on a named patient registered pharmacist basis to patient on long term conditions. It has been lobbying this policy throughout the whole of the UK extolling the benefits to patients, public health, and the development of the pharmacy profession. The PDA’s conference sought to develop the ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/796/pharmacy-quit-talking-about-it-start-doing-it https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/796/pharmacy-quit-talking-about-it-start-doing-it Mon, 12 May 2014 00:00:00 GMT Following the successful development of vaccinations against numerous viral and bacterial diseases, vaccine research and development (R&D) is now targeting areas of high unmet need, and a number of promising strategies are being investigated for novel preventative and therapeutic vaccinations, according to a new report from business intelligence provider CBR Pharma Insights.The company’s latest report states that, due to existing vaccines already providing effective protection against some of the most serious diseases, including pneumococcal disease, flu, measles, diphtheria and polio, there is now an increased focus on developing preventative vaccinations for adults and against pathogens that affect the developing world.However, the development of preventative vaccines, particularly in vulnerable populations, generates a number of practical and ethical issues, including the possibility of infecting otherwise healthy individuals with a disease and disallowing concomitant treatment.Moreover, despite preventative vaccinations being the mainstay of vaccine development and commercialization in previous years, more attention from big ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/765/interesting-developments-in-vaccine-strategies-new-report https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/765/interesting-developments-in-vaccine-strategies-new-report Mon, 12 May 2014 00:00:00 GMT New research from the University of Nottingham that has found a four-fold increase in the rate of diagnosed cases of coeliac disease in the United Kingdom over the past two decades, but three quarters of people with coeliac disease remain undiagnosed. The National Institute of Health & Care Excellence (NICE) previously estimated that only ten-fifteen per cent of those with coeliac disease had been diagnosed, however, this latest research by Dr Joe West from University of Nottingham, funded by Coeliac UK and CORE has shown that the level of diagnosis has increased to 24 per cent.Researchers identified the number of people diagnosed during the study period using the diagnostic codes for coeliac disease recorded in the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (1990-2011). This research, published by The American Journal of Gastroenterology, comes out as the charity celebrates its annual Awareness campaign which this year is entitled the ‘Gluten-free Guarantee’ and aims to ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/139/four-fold-increase-in-cases-of-coeliac-disease-in-the-uk https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/139/four-fold-increase-in-cases-of-coeliac-disease-in-the-uk Mon, 12 May 2014 00:00:00 GMT Wales may be a relatively small country but the number of registered organ donors is expected to top the million mark for the very first time in Wales this month. This is equivalent to one person registering as an organ donor every ten minutes in Wales over the past 20 years. The identity of the millionth person to join the NHS Organ Donor Register in Wales, or where they live, is not known. But by signing the register – and talking to their family about their wishes – that person will have made a decision which could potentially save the lives of a number of people on the transplant waiting list. Sadly, on average, someone dies every eleven days in Wales while waiting for a suitable organ transplant. ‘This is a fantastic achievement for Wales which has the potential to change so many lives,’ said First Minister, Carwyn Jones. ‘This ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/652/wales-reaches-its-millionth-registered-organ-donor https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/652/wales-reaches-its-millionth-registered-organ-donor Mon, 12 May 2014 00:00:00 GMT The latest Scottish Pharmacy Review is NOW available to read online or to download at your convenience.This publication is packed with the latest in community and hospital pharmacy in Scotland.With features on sharing best practice, addiction, World Kidney Day, healthcare initiatives from the Basque Country and electronic cigarettes, you’re sure to find something of interest in this issue of Scottish Pharmacy Review. To view the magazine click here. https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/749/scottish-pharmacy-review-now-available-to-read-online https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/749/scottish-pharmacy-review-now-available-to-read-online Mon, 12 May 2014 00:00:00 GMT Every ten seconds someone in the UK is having a potentially life threatening asthma attack. Shockingly, asthma attacks kill three people each day and the UK has amongst the highest death rates from asthma in Europe. According to a new report, however, many of these deaths could be prevented.The National Review of Asthma Deaths (the National Review) is the first UK-wide investigation into asthma deaths. It looked at deaths from asthma between 1 February 2012 and 31 January 2013. A panel of experts, including paediatricians, adult physicians, GPs, nurses, and pharmacists looked at medical records and other information relating to these deaths from doctors’ surgeries, hospitals, emergency services and coroners’ offices.Sufficient data was made available for the panel to investigate the deaths of 195 people that died of asthma during this time. The majority of these people (61 per cent) were between 20 and 74. Just fourteen per cent were 19 ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/493/asthma-deaths-could-be-prevented-report https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/493/asthma-deaths-could-be-prevented-report Tue, 06 May 2014 00:00:00 GMT The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has reminded herbal companies and retailers that, as of 1 May 2014, unlicensed manufactured herbal medicines without a traditional herbal registration (THR) or product licence (PL) can no longer be sold to consumers and must be removed from shelves.‘The aim of the THR scheme is to give people access to traditional herbal medicines that are safe, of good quality and have information on how to use the product correctly,’ said Dr Linda Anderson, from the MHRA Licensing Division. ‘The public should only buy herbal medicines that they know have met standards which can be identified by the THR or PL number on the product. Most of the THR products also have the THR logo which can easily be identified on the packaging.‘Natural doesn’t always mean safe. Some unlicensed herbal medicines can cause serious side effects or may interact with other medicines that ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/427/end-of-herbal-sell-through-period https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/427/end-of-herbal-sell-through-period Tue, 06 May 2014 00:00:00 GMT Despite the fact that half of the 17.3 million deaths from cardiovascular disease (CVD) each year happen in females, women are still discriminated against when it comes to the management and treatment of this disease.According to a group of leading experts at the World Heart Federation's World Congress of Cardiology (WCC), which is taking place today, women are more likely than men to be under-diagnosed and under-treated, mostly because the presentation, progression and outcomes of the disease are different and less understood in women than in men. Although there has been progress in raising awareness about CVD in women and studying the specifics of the disease, as well as in adapting CVD treatment and care for women, the experts believe that the gap is still too wide, and have now called for further research, better information for healthcare professionals and women and tailor-made treatments to bridge this gap once and ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/925/experts-call-for-an-end-to-gender-bias-in-cvd-on-wear-red-day https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/925/experts-call-for-an-end-to-gender-bias-in-cvd-on-wear-red-day Tue, 06 May 2014 00:00:00 GMT Figures released by health charity ASH on the day the ASA’s consultation on the advertising of electronic cigarettes closes reveal that usage of electronic cigarettes among adults in Britain has tripled over the past two years - from an estimated 700,000 users in 2012 to 2.1 million in 2014. Nearly two-thirds of users are smokers and one third are ex-smokers, an increase in the proportion of ex-smokers compared to previous years. Once again, current use of electronic cigarettes amongst self-reported non-smokers is negligible (0.1 per cent) and only around one per cent of never smokers report ever trying electronic cigarettes.The YouGov survey, commissioned by ASH, reveals a dramatic rise in the number of current and ex-smokers who have tried electronic cigarettes over the past four years. In 2010, only 8.2 per cent of current or ex-smokers had ever tried electronic cigarettes. By 2014, this figure had risen to 51.7 per ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/637/over-two-million-britons-now-regularly-use-electronic-cigarettes https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/637/over-two-million-britons-now-regularly-use-electronic-cigarettes Mon, 28 Apr 2014 00:00:00 GMT Public Health England has published a package of new resources providing the latest evidence on the impact and economics of opportunistic chlamydia screening, and HIV screening and testing. The topics were selected given their priority as key sexual health indicators within the ‘Public Health Outcomes Framework’, which local areas are now delivering against. For both subjects, PHE has produced:• Evidence Summaries: a full review of the latest evidence on opportunistic chlamydia screening and HIV screening and testing including cost-efficacy, impact, acceptability etc. We hope these will underpin public health leaders’ planning and evaluation of local services. • Leaders’ Briefings: covering frequently asked questions and considerations for local action. We hope public health leaders will find these useful to brief senior local authority and other commissioning staff on these two topics.‘Currently, in the UK around half of all HIV diagnoses are still made late, impacting health outcomes for those affected and driving ongoing ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/862/new-sexual-and-reproductive-health-evidence-summaries-published https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/862/new-sexual-and-reproductive-health-evidence-summaries-published Mon, 28 Apr 2014 00:00:00 GMT Health boards across Wales will benefit from a share of £9.5m to invest in new technology and telehealth to improve patient care. Health boards made applications to the Welsh Government’s Health Technologies and Telehealth Fund, with the money being allocated in four key areas:* Connecting primary care (£2.33m) – these projects support e-referrals, discharge and data sharing, covering pharmacy, dentistry and optometry.* Hub and spoke models (£0.53m) – these projects will enable pre and post-operative care to be delivered without patients needing to visit a hospital in areas such as lymphoedema care.* Telemedicine (£2.87m) – Investment in remote devices and connectivity to link clinicians and patients together.* Enabling infrastructure (£3.92m) – these projects will provide core infrastructure on a once-for-Wales basis.The NHS Wales Informatics Service (NWIS) in partnership with the Wales Eye Health Care Steering Group has been awarded £1m, which will ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/618/health-technologies-and-telehealth-fund-being-spread-across-four-areas https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/618/health-technologies-and-telehealth-fund-being-spread-across-four-areas Mon, 28 Apr 2014 00:00:00 GMT People with lung cancer whose tumours test positive for a mutation will now have access to a third targeted treatment. NICE has given the go ahead for afatinib (also known as Giotrif and made by Boehringer Ingelheim) to be paid for by the NHS.Afatinib is a targeted treatment for non-small-cell lung cancer known as an EGFR-TK inhibitor. It works by blocking the signal pathways, helping to slow the growth and spread of tumours. Non-small-cell lung cancer is now tested for the EGFR-TK mutation at diagnosis before people receive their first therapy to ensure that the most appropriate treatment is selected.People who have non-small-cell lung cancer which is locally advanced or has spread to other parts of the body, and whose tumours test positive for the EGFR-TK mutation, will now be able to receive afatinib on the NHS.‘This is the third targeted treatment that NICE has recommended for people with this ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/251/nice-recommends-another-new-treatment-for-lung-cancer https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/251/nice-recommends-another-new-treatment-for-lung-cancer Mon, 28 Apr 2014 00:00:00 GMT Following a European review, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is issuing updated advice today that domperidone should not be used by people who have serious underlying heart conditions. It should only be used in the relief of symptoms of nausea and vomiting and at the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible duration. Adults should take no more than three 10mg tablets per day. Domperidone should no longer be used to treat other conditions such as heartburn, bloating or relief of stomach discomfort.This new advice follows a European Medicines Agency’s (EMA's) review on the safety and effectiveness of domperidone. The review found that people who take the drug may have a small increased risk of potentially life-threatening effects on the heart.‘This review looked at the available information in depth,’ said Dr Sarah Branch, Deputy Director of MHRA’s Vigilance and Risk Management of Medicines Division. ‘It concluded that ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/846/new-advice-for-domperidone-mhra https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/846/new-advice-for-domperidone-mhra Mon, 28 Apr 2014 00:00:00 GMT Over half of the active products in the global industry research pipeline are personalised medicines, and the UK healthcare system is at risk of failing to adapt to this new challenge, a new report has revealed. The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) discussion paper, Securing a Future for Innovative Medicines, has been published to coincide with the ABPI Annual Conference 2014. The report highlights the emergence of specialised medicines as a key challenge for the UK pharmaceutical industry and says that for the commercial environment in the UK to respond to this challenge there needs to be a fundamental shift in the Health Technology Assessment (HTA) approaches. But changes are occurring in the UK and at a European level, in the form of pioneering joint-working initiatives involving NHS and industry. The report also points to NICE’s Highly Specialised Technology (HST) programme which has the potential to make a ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/718/gap-grows-between-medicines-development-and-commercial-environment https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/718/gap-grows-between-medicines-development-and-commercial-environment Mon, 14 Apr 2014 00:00:00 GMT More than 200,000 people are infected with hepatitis in the UK, and deaths from the infection have increased threefold since 1996. Now, a new treatment for hepatitis C has ‘cured’ more than 90 per cent of patients with hepatitis C in twelve weeks scientists have revealed. At present, only three per cent of patients in the UK opt for the existing treatment, which only works half of the time. Hepatitis C - a virus that can infect and damage the liver - is passed on by the blood, or bodily fluids of an infected person, and can be transferred through tattoo needles, or people taking drugs and sharing needles. Researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Centre tested the new oral drug in 380 patients at 78 centres in Spain, Germany, England and the US in 2013. Two studies were carried out, one in patients for twelve weeks, and ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/752/new-study-marks-turning-point-in-treatment-of-hepatitis-c https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/752/new-study-marks-turning-point-in-treatment-of-hepatitis-c Mon, 14 Apr 2014 00:00:00 GMT Millions of people will now be able to see their family doctor outside of working hours, including late night and weekend appointments, while the elderly and those with more serious health complaints will get tailored care, coordinated by just one local GP.The Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt and NHS England Chief Executive Simon Stevens have set out the proposals for:More GP access – More than 7.5 million people in England will be offered increased access to their GP services, including seven-day opening and 8am-8pm appointments. The Prime Minister’s £50 million GP Access Fund will support 1,147 practices covering every region to offer extra services for those who struggle to find appointments that fit in with their family and work life. GP groups have responded enthusiastically to the call for ideas on how to modernise services and will now bring in a variety of forward-thinking services to suit busy lifestyles, including greater ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/844/extended-gp-opening-hours-available-soon https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/844/extended-gp-opening-hours-available-soon Mon, 14 Apr 2014 00:00:00 GMT Pharmacy Voice’s 2013 Annual Review is now available to read online. According to the review, 2013 was an important one for the body in terms of raising its profile, including its first public-facing campaign, Treat Yourself Better which was seen by millions of people nationwide. Treat Yourself Better, the joint campaign with the Proprietary Association of Great Britain (PAGB), sought to educate people on normal symptom duration and provide advice on self-treatment for common winter conditions, with pharmacy support. It also paved the way for Pharmacy Voice’s current public awareness campaign, Dispensing Health, which aims to promote community pharmacy teams as the most readily accessible healthcare professionals, who should be a first port of call for all common ailments. Pharmacy Voice also continued to engage with a range of stakeholders and organisations in 2013. It raised the profile of community pharmacy with toolkits aimed at the new groups of commissioners ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/699/pharmacy-voice-publishes-annual-review https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/699/pharmacy-voice-publishes-annual-review Mon, 14 Apr 2014 00:00:00 GMT The European Medicines Agency’s Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee (PRAC) has reviewed the risks of combining different classes of medicines that act on the renin-angiotensin (RAS) system, a hormone system that controls blood pressure and the volume of fluids in the body. These medicines (called RAS-acting agents) belong to three main classes: angiotensin-receptor blockers (ARBs, sometimes known as sartans), angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-inhibitors) and direct renin inhibitors such as aliskiren.The PRAC has advised that combining medicines from any two of these classes should not be recommended, and in particular that patients with diabetes-related kidney problems (diabetic nephropathy) should not be given an ARB with an ACE-inhibitor. Where such combination (dual blockade) is considered absolutely necessary, it must be carried out under specialist supervision with close monitoring of kidney function, fluid and salt balance and blood pressure. (This would include the licensed use of the ARBs candesartan or valsartan as add-on therapy ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/812/prac-rules-against-use-of-combined-medicines-affecting-ras-system https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/812/prac-rules-against-use-of-combined-medicines-affecting-ras-system Mon, 14 Apr 2014 00:00:00 GMT People who are concerned that they might have HIV can now legally test themselves in the comfort of their own homes. Until now it was illegal for a person in the UK to do an HIV test at home and read the result themselves. All that people could do was to take a sample themselves, send it off for testing in a laboratory and receive the result at a later date.A change in the law, which came into effect yesterday, however, will mean people can perform a simple saliva test at home which will quickly give the user a ‘negative’ or a ‘positive indication’ result. While the law has changed, however, no kit has yet met stringent quality standards for approval for UK use, so despite the fact that it is now legal for a person to test themselves, there is no actual resource available to do so.The HIV 'self tests' ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/298/new-ruling-should-aid-early-hiv-diagnosis https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/298/new-ruling-should-aid-early-hiv-diagnosis Mon, 07 Apr 2014 00:00:00 GMT There has been an estimated 75 per cent increase in Type 2 diabetes in London over the last decade, according to a report released by the London Assembly Health Committee.The report, ‘Blood Sugar Rush’ – Diabetes Time Bomb in London’, calls for an integrated approach to diabetes prevention and care in the capital.The report claims that the number of cases of Type 2 diabetes in London is growing faster than anywhere else in the country and makes the following recommendations:• Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) and Health and Wellbeing Boards to work together, planning for local health priorities and putting patients at the centre of their care.• Local measures to be implemented to tackle obesity, supported by the Mayor.• NHS England (London) to identify successful models of integrated care that could be applied to diabetes care. • The Strategic Clinical Network for Diabetes to be made a permanent feature of the ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/314/huge-increase-in-london-type-2-cases https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/314/huge-increase-in-london-type-2-cases Mon, 07 Apr 2014 00:00:00 GMT One of the leading causes of temporary deafness in young children looks set to be confronted by a free hearing test app developed by researchers at Aston University.‘Glue ear’, which is a common condition affecting one in five children by two years of age and 80 per cent of children by the age of ten, involves a build-up of fluid in the middle ear. Over weeks and months the fluid becomes very thick and glue-like, which increases the likelihood of temporary hearing impairment. The condition is not painful, but failing to detect hearing loss at a young age can greatly hinder language and speech development.The Early Ears app, created by audiologists at Aston University, can help worried parents detect hearing loss in young children. It is a digital and fun version of a test that paediatric health clinics use. Designed for an iPhone, iPad, or iTouch, the test can be ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/878/university-develops-app-to-tackle-temporary-childhood-deafness https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/878/university-develops-app-to-tackle-temporary-childhood-deafness Fri, 04 Apr 2014 00:00:00 GMT Despite the fact that testicular cancer is still the most common cancer in men aged between 15-45 years, with around 2200-2300 men diagnosed each year, research continues to show that most men still don’t know how to check themselves for lumps.Now, in Male Cancer Awareness Week (7–13 April 2014), Orchid have launched their first confidential, freephone Male Cancer Helpline to provide specialist advice and support for those who have concerns relating to male specific cancers. The team of male cancer information nurse specialists will be available every Monday and Wednesday from 10am-5pm on 0808 802 0010. Thirty-two year-old PE teacher Rob Hamilton from Birmingham is just one of the many people that Orchid have helped. He’s also living proof that it’s not only older men who are affected. ‘I was 26 when I noticed a lump in my testicle in the shower after playing football. It was only by accident ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/396/young-men-can-get-it-too https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/396/young-men-can-get-it-too Fri, 04 Apr 2014 00:00:00 GMT The countdown is on and you've only a few days left to nominate your staff or your colleagues for the Welsh Pharmacy Awards! Don't just assume that, because you've been running a successful project, everyone else is doing the same. Let the rest of Welsh pharmacy know what you've been up to: it can only be for the good of the industry. This year’s awards are:* Asthma Project of the Year * Managing Substance Misuse in the Community* Business Development of the Year Independent ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/621/nominate-your-staff-or-your-colleagues https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/621/nominate-your-staff-or-your-colleagues Fri, 04 Apr 2014 00:00:00 GMT Strict guidelines for treating paracetamol overdoses - introduced 18 months ago - are costing the NHS millions of pounds a year, researchers have claimed.The number of patients receiving hospital treatment for paracetamol poisoning in the UK each year has risen by almost 50 per cent since the guidelines were updated by the Medicines and Health Regulatory Authority, a study estimates. Researchers have assessed the impact of the MHRA decision to revise the guidelines, which was taken following the death of a young girl from a paracetamol overdose.Patients with a life-threatening level of paracetamol in their blood are treated with the common antidote - acetylcysteine - given by intravenous drip. By lowering the treatment threshold to include patients with relatively low paracetamol levels, the MHRA predicted it would save one additional life around every two years.According to the study, more than 31,000 extra patients would need to be treated to achieve ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/126/paracetamol-poisoning-costing-nhs-millions https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/126/paracetamol-poisoning-costing-nhs-millions Mon, 31 Mar 2014 00:00:00 GMT The Health and Social Care Board has launched the first Medicines Formulary website for Northern Ireland. The Formulary is a list of medicines that have been shown to be both clinically effective and safe for patients as well as providing value for money. In 2013/14, 37 million prescription items were dispensed in primary care in Northern Ireland. At any one time, 70 per cent of the population is taking a medicine to treat or prevent ill health or to enhance wellbeing. The NI Formulary will promote and ensure that patients receive the most effective and safe medicine. It will also mean that patients across Northern Ireland are given the same medicines for the medical conditions covered by the Formulary. Doctors working in both hospital and primary care settings will be prescribing medicines in the same way. The Formulary covers the majority of prescribing decisions for non-specialist prescribing. ‘An ageing ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/301/northern-ireland-gets-its-first-medicines-formulary https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/301/northern-ireland-gets-its-first-medicines-formulary Mon, 31 Mar 2014 00:00:00 GMT Women who always or mostly eat organic foods are no less likely to develop cancer than women who eat a more conventional diet, according to a study published in the British Journal of Cancer. Cancer Research UK scientists from the University of Oxford found no evidence that regularly eating a diet that was grown free from pesticides reduced a woman’s overall risk of cancer. The researchers asked around 600,000 women aged 50 or over, who were part of the Million Women Study, about whether they ate organic foods, and tracked the development of 16 of the most common types of cancer in a nine year period following the survey. Around 50,000 women developed cancer in this period.The scientists’ analysis found no difference in overall cancer risk when comparing the 180,000 women who reported never eating organic food with around 45,000 women who reported usually or always eating organically grown food. ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/796/organic-diet-of-no-benefit-to-women https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/796/organic-diet-of-no-benefit-to-women Mon, 31 Mar 2014 00:00:00 GMT Hot on the heels of their successful Scottish conference earlier this month, seats are already being booked up for the Pharmacists' Defence Association's (PDA's) London event, which is to be held on Sunday 6 April at Radisson Blu Edwardian near Covent Garden in London. If pharmaceutical care services are to be developed by individuals or by group practices of pharmacists, then they will have to succeed locally at first so as to drive the national agenda. Pharmacists will have to consider how to exploit the new opportunities that are becoming available, how to develop a pharmaceutical care practice and how to promote and sell their services to the locality commissioners. This conference - 'Reclaiming our professional territory' - seeks to enable pharmacists to engage in that process.Among those who will be taking centre stage on 6 April will be Professor Linda Strand, a pharmaceutical care specialist from the States, who will ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/443/pda-london-conference-booking-up-fast https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/443/pda-london-conference-booking-up-fast Mon, 31 Mar 2014 00:00:00 GMT Both Public Health England (PHE) and Public Health Agency (PHA) in Northern Ireland have reported sharp rises in the number of scarlet fever cases. PHE has reported significant increases in scarlet fever notifications across England, with a total of 3,548 new cases since the season began in September 2013, compared to an average of 1,420 cases reported for the same period in the previous ten years. The last season to have this level of scarlet fever activity was 1989 to 1990 when 4,042 notifications were received.PHA meanwhile has said there were 82 cases in the first eight weeks of 2014, compared to 50 in the same period in 2013. There was also a rise to 199 cases reported overall last year, compared to 130 cases in 2011.As a result of these increases, both PHE and PHA are alerting health practitioners so they can be mindful of the current increase when ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/894/significant-increase-in-scarlet-fever-cases https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/894/significant-increase-in-scarlet-fever-cases Fri, 21 Mar 2014 00:00:00 GMT A major new initiative for all pharmacy professionals has been launched by the Centre for Pharmacy Postgraduate Education (CPPE) and Health Education England (HEE) to help pharmacists and pharmacy technicians to enhance their communication and consultation skills. It is hoped that this initiative, which is aimed at all pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in patient-facing roles across all sectors of pharmacy will play a key part in supporting the medicines optimisation and public health agendas.With the NHS committed to putting patients at the centre of their own healthcare, the framework is designed to help pharmacists and pharmacy technicians to answer the following questions about their practice:* Why are consultation and public health skills important for all pharmacy professionals?* How do I know what standard is expected of me?* How do I know how effective my consultation skills are now?* How do I improve my performance?* How can I check my learning ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/637/consultation-skills-for-pharmacy-practice-launched https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/637/consultation-skills-for-pharmacy-practice-launched Fri, 21 Mar 2014 00:00:00 GMT The Pharmacists’ Defence Association (PDA) has questioned the breadth and scope of the recent NHS Call to Action, and has queried whether the ‘listening exercise’ implemented by NHS England has gone far enough by simply seeking ideas about the future of community pharmacy. MEDICAL COMMUNICATIONS ARE THE UK’S LEADING PHARMACY PUBLISHER, REGISTER ABOVE NOW, TO RECEIVE ‘FREE’ - ACCESS TO OUR 4 REGIONAL PHARMACY PRINT MAGAZINES - WEEKLY PHARMACY NEWS AND BREAKING NEWS - PHARMACY LIFE – UKS ONLY iPAD APP FOR PHARMACY GO TO THE TOP OF THE PAGE AND DROP IN YOUR NAME AND EMAIL ADDRESS, THAT’S ALL WE NEED !!  ‘Undoubtedly, community pharmacy can provide a much greater contribution than is currently the case,’ said PDA Chairman, Mark Koziol, ‘and the current Call to Action which seeks ideas on how to expand the service is to be welcomed. However, rather than exclusively addressing the possibilities for an enhanced community pharmacy offering through bricks and ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/652/community-wide-not-in-house-approach-to-pharmacy-required-pda https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/652/community-wide-not-in-house-approach-to-pharmacy-required-pda Fri, 21 Mar 2014 00:00:00 GMT In the UK, sepsis accounts for more deaths than lung cancer or than colon and breast cancer combined. Now, an international team of academics, including Professor Marco Oggioni from the University of Leicester’s Department of Genetics, has studied how localised infections can turn into the dangerous systematic disease sepsis – and has identified for the first time through genetic evidence that a single bacteria could be the cause. The study, which has been published in the academic journal PLOS Pathogens, examined the events that lead to sepsis by Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus), a major human pathogen, in mice. They found that in most cases the bacteria causing sepsis was started by a single pneumococcal cell. The study was an interdisciplinary collaboration between the Departments of Genetics, Infection Immunity and Inflammation and Mathematics at the University of Leicester, Professor Richard Moxon at the University of Oxford and scientists from overseas including the ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/345/single-bacteria-cause-of-sepsis-identified-for-first-time https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/345/single-bacteria-cause-of-sepsis-identified-for-first-time Fri, 21 Mar 2014 00:00:00 GMT Three of the UK’s Health Ministers met this week to discuss ways in which they could tackle alcohol abuse, reduce smoking and e-cigarettes, and bolster cross-border healthcare, e-health and efforts to drive up organ donation.The Ministers also took the opportunity to raise the issue of emergency care and the challenges all the Ministers face in ensuring highly quality care in Emergency Departments (ED) as demand continues to grow.Speaking before he left for Edinburgh - where he met Alex Neil, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing in Scotland, and Mark Drakesford, Minister for Health and Social Services for Wales, NI’s Health Minister, Edwin Poots said: ‘Today’s meetings represent a valuable opportunity to share with each other our learning and experience as devolved Ministers. I am grateful to Minister Neil for hosting our meetings.‘I am looking forward to discussing the challenges and analysing the solutions on a number of issues which we ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/493/health-ministers-meet-to-share-best-practice https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/493/health-ministers-meet-to-share-best-practice Fri, 14 Mar 2014 00:00:00 GMT The Association of Pharmaceuticals Specials Manufacturers (APSM) has welcomed the recent initiative by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) to introduce guidance for pharmacists preparing unlicensed medicines.‘Although extemporaneous preparation (Section 10 exemption) is only intended for use in emergencies, it is nonetheless an essential part of the overall specials supply chain,’ the Association said in a statement.‘Patient safety is a priority for all parties concerned and in the past decade we have seen huge investment in process and systems by the Department of Health and Specials Manufacturers alike. This investment, combined with the stringent quality requirements of the MHRA for MS licensed Specials manufacturers, means that the UK specials sector is one of the safest in the world.‘As GPhC Chief Executive Duncan Rudkin stated, ‘patients have the right to expect unlicensed medicines to be of the same quality as their licensed equivalents’. Through legislation and best practice guidance, the UK is ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/941/apsm-welcomes-gphc-specials-guidance https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/941/apsm-welcomes-gphc-specials-guidance Fri, 14 Mar 2014 00:00:00 GMT NICE has issued new draft guidance on the use of lenalidomide (Revlimid, Celgene) for treating the blood cancer multiple myeloma after one prior treatment with bortezomib. With the current information available, the committee's preliminary guidance (now being issued for consultation) does not recommend lenalidomide for this indication.Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that develops from cells in the bone marrow and there is currently no cure for the disease, only treatments to stop the progress of the condition and help relieve symptoms. Although the choice of treatment would differ for each individual, a thalidomide regimen would be considered suitable for most patients as a first line treatment. Bortezomib is also recommended by NICE as an option for people who are unable to take thalidomide. This appraisal considers the use of lenalidomide as an option for people whose disease has relapsed once after receiving one treatment with bortezomib, and are ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/217/better-advice-needed-on-multiple-myeloma-drug-nice https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/217/better-advice-needed-on-multiple-myeloma-drug-nice Fri, 14 Mar 2014 00:00:00 GMT A complete primary care overhaul is needed to make integrated care a reality, clinicians have claimed in a new report from the National Primary Care Network (NPCN), a group of over 500 healthcare professionals from across primary care. Collating the opinions of coalface clinicians and healthcare leaders, the report revealed an urge to turn pharmacy into one of the key providers of community care. Although the report reveals massive differences in opinion between nurses, dentists, commissioners, pharmacists, GPs and optometrists, Future of Primary Care makes plain that all feel a ‘revolution’ is needed. ‘Pharmacy has only one future, and that future is clinical services,’ said Dr Howard Stoate, Chair of Bexley Clinical Commissioning Group, ‘things you can’t get online. Unless pharmacists change rapidly, there will be no community pharmacy. Pharmacies will go the way of bookshops.’ ‘Everybody is in agreement that things can’t continue as they are,’ added Steve Foster ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/715/primary-care-revolution-needed-clinicians https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/715/primary-care-revolution-needed-clinicians Fri, 14 Mar 2014 00:00:00 GMT More than 100 delegates attended the Pharmacists’ Defence Association (PDA) conference on Sunday 9 March. The conference, which was held at Radisson Blu in Glasgow, featured keynote speeches, a group discussion and a Q & A session, where many ideas, opinions and suggestions were shared.The conference was designed to inform community, hospital and primary care pharmacists about the opportunities described in the Scottish Government's new 'Prescription for Excellence' policy, and it certainly provided pharmacists with the opportunity to provide early input into the development of new operational models of practice.During the conference, the delegates, many of whom were pharmacy students, discussed how through this new policy they could significantly improve the patient journey.The Q & A sessions were particularly useful, leading PDA Chairman, Mark Koziol, to say that, as a result, they had ‘identified some quite interesting things we hadn’t been completely aware of’. ‘That,’ he said, ‘is the strength ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/524/pda-scottish-conference-a-resounding-success https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/524/pda-scottish-conference-a-resounding-success Tue, 11 Mar 2014 00:00:00 GMT Researchers in the US have discovered changes in people’s blood that may be able to detect Alzheimer’s disease in its earliest stages. The study, which suggests a possible way to identify people with the disease before symptoms appear, is published in the journal Nature Medicine.Led by scientists at Georgetown University in Washington DC, the team followed a group of over-70s for five years, none of whom had memory problems at the start of the study. They aimed to discover whether Alzheimer’s could be detected by searching for metabolites – small molecules found in blood and tissue that are by-products of chemical reactions in the body.Each participant gave blood samples and took part in memory tests once a year. The researchers analysed blood samples from 147 people: 73 who experienced no significant memory decline during the study, 28 who went on to develop either Alzheimer’s or amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/862/cautious-welcome-for-new-alzheimers-research-findings https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/862/cautious-welcome-for-new-alzheimers-research-findings Mon, 10 Mar 2014 00:00:00 GMT Terminally ill people in Wales are not getting access to the right care when they need it, according to a new survey commissioned by Marie Curie with Doctors.net.uk. The survey, which reflects the views of 1,000 GPs across the UK, also reveals family doctors’ concerns about supporting patients being cared for at home. These include:* Only 39 per cent of GPs believe their terminally ill patients get adequate access to care at night and at weekends* A third of GPs do not believe their terminally ill patients get adequate access to specialist palliative care nursing* Only four in ten GPs believe the majority of their terminally ill patients’ pain is relieved completelyGPs were also asked to indicate factors that are likely to reduce quality of pain control. Three out of five GPs (59 per cent) opted for lack of anticipatory (just in case) prescribing, over half (53 per cent) expressed ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/862/gps-doubt-their-patients-pain-is-relieved-all-the-time https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/862/gps-doubt-their-patients-pain-is-relieved-all-the-time Mon, 10 Mar 2014 00:00:00 GMT Scientists at Queen’s University Belfast are embarking on a £600,000 bid to develop new treatments for a ‘superbug’ which causes around ten per cent of all infections, including pneumonia.Klebsiella pneumonia is one of a growing number of antibiotic-resistant superbugs, which collectively cost the NHS around £10 million and lead to approximately 1000 deaths each year. Professor José Bengoechea from Queen’s School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences will lead the three-year study, which is jointly funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) and the Medical Research Council (MRC).‘Klebsiella causes a range of infections, from urinary tract infections to pneumonia,’ said Professor Bengoechea, who will conduct the research at Queen’s Centre for Infection and Immunity. ‘The latter is particularly devastating with mortality rates between 25-60 per cent.‘Like all so-called superbugs, Klebsiella is largely resistant to antibiotics. With regard to pneumonia, the microbe manipulates the lung’s defence responses, leaving ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/671/queens-scientist-in-bid-to-battle-pneumonia-superbug https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/671/queens-scientist-in-bid-to-battle-pneumonia-superbug Mon, 10 Mar 2014 00:00:00 GMT Tuberculosis (TB) in western European countries is concentrated in big cities, according to a study published recently in Eurosurveillance.The research also found that while the number of TB cases continues to reduce in some countries in Europe the rate of TB within some of Europe’s big cities continues to increase. The study took cities with populations greater than 500,000 from across the European Union (EU) and considered both their national TB rates compared to their big city rates. The research concluded that on average the rate of TB in big cities was twice the rate of the countries’ national TB incidence. This provides what the study refers to as a ‘TB epidemiology transition’, a situation whereby TB disease concentrates in big cities as the national incidence falls. TB mainly affects certain high risk urban groups such as those who originate from high TB burden countries, homeless people and those with previous ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/668/eu-wide-agreement-on-how-to-crack-down-on-tb-in-cities https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/668/eu-wide-agreement-on-how-to-crack-down-on-tb-in-cities Mon, 10 Mar 2014 00:00:00 GMT The European Medicines Agency’s Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee (PRAC) has completed a review of domperidone-containing medicines and has recommended changes to their use throughout the European Union (EU), including using these medicines only to relieve symptoms of nausea and vomiting, restricting the dose and adjusting doses carefully by weight where it is licensed in children. Reducing the recommended dose and duration of treatment was considered key to minimising its risks.Domperidone-containing medicines have been authorised nationally in individual Member States of the EU for the treatment of nausea and vomiting of various causes (including in children in some Member States) but also for the management of symptoms such as bloating, discomfort and heartburn.The review of domperidone was carried out at the request of the Belgian medicines authority over concerns about the medicine’s effects on the heart. The injectable form of domperidone was withdrawn in 1985 because of such side effects. Serious ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/126/prac-recommends-restricting-use-of-domperidone https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/126/prac-recommends-restricting-use-of-domperidone Mon, 10 Mar 2014 00:00:00 GMT Independent pharmacy support and service company, AlbaPharm, has today launched an additional innovative offering to pharmacy, under the banner of Inphaserve.The creation of Inphaserve provides independent pharmacies with a comprehensive package comprising products, services, support, consignment stock, insurance and many additional benefits, underpinned by a ground breaking commercial deal.David Currie, CEO AlbaPharm commented “Independent pharmacy has never witnessed such margin pressure as it does today; it threatens the future of many pharmacies. As a company we exist to protect and develop our members’ interests and this is simply not possible if things stay as they are. The independent is caught in the crossfire between competing market pressures and margins are being eroded faster than revenue growth can possibly counterbalance. A new dispensation is called for, one where the independent is the main priority, and today I am delighted to announce that after two years of developing our new ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/345/now-is-the-time-to-talk-about-the-obvious https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/345/now-is-the-time-to-talk-about-the-obvious Tue, 04 Mar 2014 00:00:00 GMT The Europa Hotel in Belfast played host last Thursday evening to a fantastic display of all that is good – and great – about healthcare in Northern Ireland. The fifteenth Northern Ireland Healthcare Awards saw almost 400 healthcare professionals – consultants, GPs, pharmacists, nurses and community specialists - gathered in Belfast’s landmark hotel to celebrate a range of initiatives and projects that show that NI healthcare is in the safest hands possible. Among the winners was West Belfast GP, Dr George O’Neill – a well-known character in the NI GP world – who picked up the Special Recognition Award for his outstanding contribution to healthcare in the province. Dr O’Neill is pictured with the Chief Medical Officer for Northern Ireland, Dr Michael McBride, and Pharmacylife’s Managing Director, Adrian Maginnis. Pictures of the winners and of those who attended the awards can be viewed on the Pharmacylife website at: https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/northern-ireland-awards  https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/944/a-fabulous-evening-of-celebration https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/944/a-fabulous-evening-of-celebration Mon, 03 Mar 2014 00:00:00 GMT As a healthcare professional, you’ll probably often feel that more could be done to improve your patients’ – and perhaps your own – health! Well, today is the day to do something about it and to encourage your patients to follow suit.Yes, today is NHS Change Day: a social movement of HSC staff and patients ‘doing something better together’ and ‘turning a whinge into a way’ in order to improve health and care. The idea is that individuals and groups make a pledge for ‘change day’ – 3 March 2014 – so that lots of small changes can have a large cumulative effect. The response to the first NHS Change Day, which took place last March, was unprecedented. It was a real 'game changer' that provided the amazing grassroots momentum so many staff, patients and people working within the NHS needed. A pledge could be part of your everyday routine ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/477/make-a-change-on-nhs-change-day https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/477/make-a-change-on-nhs-change-day Mon, 03 Mar 2014 00:00:00 GMT There’s less than a week to go to the Pharmacists’ Defence Association (PDA) conference, ‘Prescription for Excellence - From Vision to Reality’ and the seats are filling up fast, so you need to move quickly!The conference, which is to be held at Radisson Blu, Glasgow next Sunday (9 March) will inform community, hospital and primary care pharmacists about the opportunities described in the Scottish Government's new 'Prescription for Excellence' policy. It will also allow pharmacists an opportunity to provide early input into the development of new operational models of practice.During the conference, delegates can expect to consider:• How community, hospital and primary care pharmacists can get involved.• How, through this new policy pharmacists can significantly improve the patient journey.• Examples of existing successful Pharmaceutical Care Services.• Views of representative bodies.Since the Scottish Government is keen to see early adopters developing this new role, this event will seek the input of pharmacists on how best ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/668/pda-conference-seats-filling-up-fast https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/668/pda-conference-seats-filling-up-fast Mon, 03 Mar 2014 00:00:00 GMT Some patients with an aggressive type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma - a cancer that develops in the body's immune system - will have the option of receiving a new treatment funded by the NHS following guidance that has been issued by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).About 10,273 people in England were diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in 2010. According to Cancer Research UK, non-Hodgkin's B-cell lymphomas are the most common form of NHL.NICE has now recommended pixantrone monotherapy (Pixuvri, made by Cell Therapeutics) for people with aggressive non-Hodgkin's B-cell lymphoma whose disease has either returned after treatment (relapsed) or become resistant to current therapy (refractory) and:• have previously been treated with the drug rituximab (MabThera) and• are receiving third or fourth line treatment and• if the manufacturer provides pixantrone at a discounted rate as agreed with the Department of Health.‘Non-Hodgkin's B-cell lymphoma is a cancer that develops in a person's immune ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/605/new-guidance-issued-by-nice-on-non-hodgkins-lymphoma https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/605/new-guidance-issued-by-nice-on-non-hodgkins-lymphoma Mon, 03 Mar 2014 00:00:00 GMT Seventy thousand Lloydspharmacy staff are among 190,000 British employees, who have pledged to become ‘Dementia Friends’ in Britain. Lloydspharmacy joins Marks & Spencer (60,000), Home Retail Group (which owns Argos and Homebase) (50,000) and Lloyds Bank (11,500) in learning to understand what dementia is, how it can affect a person’s ability to do day to day things and how they can help make a difference. On top of the 60,000 people who have already signed up to the Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Friends programme, this will bring the total number of Dementia Friends to over 250,000.Following the ambition set out as part of the Prime Minister’s Challenge on Dementia, NHS England will invest £90 million in diagnosing two thirds of people with dementia by March 2015. As part of this, NHS England will work with local areas where it is acknowledged that it can take up to 25 weeks to carry ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/527/pharmacy-to-join-campaign-to-improve-dementia-diagnosis https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/527/pharmacy-to-join-campaign-to-improve-dementia-diagnosis Mon, 03 Mar 2014 00:00:00 GMT The Co-operative Group has announced today that it may sell off its pharmacy business as a whole or in part... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/878/the-co-operative-may-sell-off-its-pharmacy-business https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/878/the-co-operative-may-sell-off-its-pharmacy-business Thu, 27 Feb 2014 00:00:00 GMT Following a European review, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) will be issuing updated advice to healthcare professionals that Protelos, used to treat severe osteoporosis in post-menopausal women and men with a high risk of fracture, should only be prescribed to patients who do not have a history of heart problems and if the patient is unable to take other medicines for this condition. The European Medicines Agency’s (EMA) Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) and Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee (PRAC) carried out a review into Protelos because of study data which suggested an increased risk of heart problems. The review concluded that there was no evidence of an increased risk of cardiovascular problems in patients who did not have a history of heart or circulatory problems and that Protelos could still be used in patients who do not have an alternative treatment. However ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/364/mhra-issues-new-advice-on-osteoporosis-medicine https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/364/mhra-issues-new-advice-on-osteoporosis-medicine Sun, 23 Feb 2014 00:00:00 GMT The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) is calling on Biogen Idec to provide more information on its multiple sclerosis drug, dimethyl fumarate (also called Tecfidera). In draft guidance published for consultation, NICE has requested a series of clarifications on the evidence submitted by the manufacturer. This draft guidance has now been issued for consultation: NICE has not yet published final guidance to the NHS. NICE is appraising dimethyl fumarate as a treatment for adults with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. This is a chronic, disabling, neurological condition that, as it progresses, can be life altering and have a substantial negative impact on quality of life and activities of daily living. The independent Appraisal Committee, which develops the guidance on behalf of NICE, considered evidence from the manufacturer, clinical experts, patient representatives and an independent critique of the manufacturer's submission. ‘When reviewing the evidence for dimethyl fumarate,’ ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/443/draft-guidance-asks-for-more-ms-treatment-information-nice https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/443/draft-guidance-asks-for-more-ms-treatment-information-nice Sun, 23 Feb 2014 00:00:00 GMT Medicines often have to be modified for children just before administration to ensure that they receive the correct dose. To date, there has been little information on this subject but, now, researchers from Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) have developed a guideline on ensuring that children receive the correct dose of medicines. Professor Jim Ford, from LJMU’s School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, has been part of a team including staff from Alder Hey Children’s and Liverpool Women’s Hospital NHS Foundation Trusts, whose independent research was funded by the National Institute for Health Research, Research for Patient Benefit (RfPB) Programme to develop a guideline on the manipulation of drugs for administration to children. The guideline, Manipulation of Drugs Required in Children (MODRIC): A Guide for Health Professionals is now published and freely available for health professionals (http://www.alderhey.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/MODRIC_Guideline_FULL-DOCUMENT.pdf) and is intended for use by healthcare professionals working in ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/846/guideline-published-on-manipulation-of-drugs-for-children https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/846/guideline-published-on-manipulation-of-drugs-for-children Sun, 23 Feb 2014 00:00:00 GMT Yes, we’re nearly there folks! The countdown is on to the main highlight of the NI healthcare year: the Northern Ireland Healthcare Awards, which are due to take place on Thursday 27 February at Belfast’s celebrated Europa Hotel. The finalists are now known and we’re delighted to feature them in the latest issue of Northern Ireland Healthcare Review, which you can view by clicking on the link below. As well as a great range of interesting and far-reaching features, you’ll be able to view this year’s finalists and read about the projects and initiatives that brought them to this stage. For those of you not able to attend the awards themselves, you’ll be able to get a flavour of the night – and the winners – on 28 February when details and pics will be uploaded to the Pharmacylife website. Click on: http://issuu.com/mccannmyles/docs/nihr_issue_92_2014_issuu/20  https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/380/excitement-mounts-for-northern-ireland-healthcare-award-finalists https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/380/excitement-mounts-for-northern-ireland-healthcare-award-finalists Sun, 23 Feb 2014 00:00:00 GMT Most people have heard of severe allergies, or anaphylaxis, to food, insect stings, drugs and other common substances, but sometimes no cause at all can be found for a person’s reaction – a condition called idiopathic anaphylaxis. To raise awareness of this little known condition and help those affected, the Anaphylaxis Campaign has updated its factsheet on idiopathic anaphylaxis.   Anaphylaxis is the most severe form of allergic reaction and can be fatal in the worst cases, yet is more common than you might think. Food allergy alone is thought to affect between one and two per cent of the adult population and four-six per cent of children and there are estimated to be around 30,000 cases of hospitalisation due to anaphylaxis every year. In some cases, these reactions will be termed idiopathic, as even after intense diagnostic investigation, no discernable cause can be found.   Symptoms may begin suddenly ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/493/idiopathic-anaphylaxis-anaphylaxis-campaign-updates-info https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/493/idiopathic-anaphylaxis-anaphylaxis-campaign-updates-info Sun, 23 Feb 2014 00:00:00 GMT Bristol-Myers Squibb has announced that it has completed the previously announced sale of its global diabetes business to AstraZeneca. Bristol-Myers Squibb received a payment of approximately $2.7 billion from AstraZeneca in connection with the closing, and will receive by next week, a $0.6 billion milestone payment from the recent US approval of Farxiga (dapagliflozin). Under the terms of the agreement, Bristol-Myers Squibb will also receive from AstraZeneca potential regulatory and sales-based milestone payments of up to $0.8 billion, and royalty payments based on net sales through 2025. In addition, AstraZeneca will make payments of up to $225 million if and when certain assets are subsequently transferred. The deal means that AstraZeneca now has full control of three Amylin-developed products, namely the GLP-1 agonists Byetta (exenatide), Bydureon (exenatide extended-release) and Symlin (pramlintide acetate), as well as metreleptin for lipodystrophy which has just been given a priority review ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/123/bms-completes-sale-of-global-diabetes-business-to-astrazeneca https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/123/bms-completes-sale-of-global-diabetes-business-to-astrazeneca Fri, 14 Feb 2014 00:00:00 GMT A study of almost 39,000 patients by researchers from Plymouth University Peninsula School of Medicine and Dentistry has shown that opportunities to diagnose chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) at an earlier stage are frequently being missed in both primary and secondary care in the UK. The findings of the study, which were published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine, show that opportunities to diagnose COPD were missed in up to 85 per cent of cases. At present, the Department of Health estimates that around 2.2 million people in the UK are undiagnosed and that more than £1 billion could be saved for the NHS over ten years if earlier diagnosis and treatment were to be achieved. ‘The substantial numbers of patients misdiagnosed and under diagnosed in this study is a cause for concern,’ said study author, Dr Rupert Jones. ‘It is important that COPD is diagnosed as ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/123/uk-doctors-missing-chances-to-diagnose-copd-earlier-study https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/123/uk-doctors-missing-chances-to-diagnose-copd-earlier-study Fri, 14 Feb 2014 00:00:00 GMT Irish healthcare group UDG Healthcare has announced that it has agreed to sell its Specials businesses and Arjun to Professional Compounding Centers of America for £23.5m, incurring a £10m loss. The Specials businesses comprise two companies: The Specials Laboratory Holdings and Craig & Hayward. These companies manufacture and distribute unlicensed medicines to the community pharmacy and hospital markets in the UK. Arjun offers a range of dermatology creams, mineral supplements and ear and nose drops to the UK pharmacy market.'While the Group believes that these businesses have the potential to deliver strong growth over the coming years,’ said a company statement, ‘following a strategic review it has been decided that the manufacture and distribution of specials falls outside the Group's core areas of operation. It is expected that the transaction will complete by the end of February 2014. ‘The total consideration of £23.5 million will ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/718/udg-to-sell-off-three-businesses-at-10m-loss https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/718/udg-to-sell-off-three-businesses-at-10m-loss Fri, 14 Feb 2014 00:00:00 GMT Queen’s University Belfast has announced it is to partner with the University of Manchester to form the first regional Movember Centre of Excellence in the fight against prostate cancer. The radical development is in partnership with Prostate Cancer UK and the Movember Foundation and will see an investment of £5 million over a five-year period across Belfast and Manchester. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among males in the UK, with 40,000 new diagnoses every year. Comprising an outstanding team of internationally recognised scientists from across different disciplines, the key focus of the Belfast-Manchester hub will be improving outcomes for men with advanced disease. The funding will ensure that lab breakthroughs are translated into clinical benefits as quickly as possible. The Belfast-Manchester nexus will also include the Manchester-based Christie NHS Foundation Trust, the largest single-site cancer centre in Europe. A second Centre of Excellence will be located in London and ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/972/belfast-and-manchester-universities-unite-against-prostate-cancer https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/972/belfast-and-manchester-universities-unite-against-prostate-cancer Fri, 14 Feb 2014 00:00:00 GMT The voting has been open less than a week, but the nominations are already coming in thick and fast for the Dynamic 100! In case you missed it last week, this year, Medical Communications is giving you the opportunity to nominate fellow professionals whom you feel have gone that extra little mile to provide first class service and innovation to the industry. So why not nominate some of those special people for this exciting feature, which will appear in our August issue? The Dynamic 100 will be our list of the 100 most dynamic and innovative personalities in the industry today. Professionals who have made a positive contribution to healthcare in each of the four UK regions.Our four magazines: Northern Ireland Healthcare Review, Scottish Pharmacy Review, Welsh Pharmacy Review and English Pharmacy Review will each feature their own individual list of personalities, so it’s up to YOU to start nominating ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/574/dynamic-100-nominations-roll-in https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/574/dynamic-100-nominations-roll-in Mon, 10 Feb 2014 00:00:00 GMT Martindale Pharma has announced the UK launch of Noyada 5mg/5ml and 25mg/5ml Oral Solution, the first licensed oral liquid solutions of captopril available in the UK. Supplies of this oral liquid version of captopril will be available to fulfil prescriptions from today. Noyada is available exclusively through Alliance Healthcare Distribution Limited. Noyada 5mg/5ml and 25mg/5ml Oral Solution (captopril oral solution) is used principally in the treatment of paediatric chronic heart failure in neonates, infants and children between birth and six years of age. Noyada is a clear, colourless solution available in 100ml amber glass bottles with child resistant and tamper evident caps and specific dosage syringes and dosage cups to assist in administration. Noyada has the same indications as captopril tablets. This new licensed oral liquid version of captopril not only allows for accurate dose dispensing, especially for neonates, infants and children, but also provides healthcare professionals with a much ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/490/martindale-launches-first-licensed-oral-liquid-solution-of-captopril https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/490/martindale-launches-first-licensed-oral-liquid-solution-of-captopril Mon, 10 Feb 2014 00:00:00 GMT A new Patient Group Direction (PGD) has launched allowing pharmacists to assess patients’ eligibility and - where appropriate - supply Dymista without a GP consultation.Dymista, a novel nasal spray formulation of fluticasone propionate and azelastine hydrochloride, recently launched in the UK for the symptomatic treatment of moderate to severe seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis (AR). The move represents a significant revenue stream for pharmacists, particularly given new research demonstrating that, based on attributes relating to time to treatment relief and benefit, patients would be willing to pay more for Dymista than for intranasal fluticasone, despite the need for increased frequency of use. Furthermore, approximately one in four people in the UK suffer from perennial or seasonal AR, with the majority of patients (at least 57 per cent) in the UK suffering from moderate to severe symptoms, and many remaining symptomatic despite receiving treatment. To register and train for the free programme ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/991/new-rhinitis-nasal-spray-treatment-now-available-through-pharmacy https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/991/new-rhinitis-nasal-spray-treatment-now-available-through-pharmacy Mon, 10 Feb 2014 00:00:00 GMT Pharmacists are increasingly becoming the ‘face’ of healthcare for many in the community, and many people are grateful for an excellent service, which is available on their local high street. Last year, however, one Edinburgh pharmacist was repaid for his great service in an altogether different manner… In May last year, The Royal Mile Pharmacy in Edinburgh was the scene of a tense stand-off after two people entered the premises and held the staff hostage for three hours. (A 32-year-old man and a female were subsequently found guilty of the crime and received jail sentences of five and six years respectively.) Just as owner and pharmacist, Peter Tinkler, was closing up, a man and woman pushed their way into the shop and the man held a Stanley knife to Peter’s throat, forcing him to lock the shop front and put the shutter down. For the next three hours, Peter, his staff and ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/204/a-nightmare-scenario-for-uk-pharmacy https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/204/a-nightmare-scenario-for-uk-pharmacy Mon, 10 Feb 2014 00:00:00 GMT New research from the University of Kansas Medical Center has shown that large doses of intravenous vitamin C have the potential to boost the ability of chemotherapy to kill cancer cells. Intravenous vitamin C has actually been considered an integrative medical therapy for cancer since the 1970s, but its cancer killing potential hasn’t really been taken seriously by mainstream medicine since trials carried out by the Mayo Clinic in the late Seventies and early Eighties found no anti-cancer effects. In this latest study, however, researchers from the University of Kansas found that Vitamin C delivered directly to human and mouse ovarian cancer cells helped to kill off those cells, while leaving normal cells unharmed. In further, follow-up human trials, a handful of cervical cancer patients were then given intravenous vitamin C along with their chemotherapy. These patients reported fewer toxic side effects from their cancer treatment, according to the study, which was ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/699/vitamin-c-boost-cancer-killing-effect-of-chemotherapy-research https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/699/vitamin-c-boost-cancer-killing-effect-of-chemotherapy-research Mon, 10 Feb 2014 00:00:00 GMT Only one in ten people who need palliative care - that is medical care to relieve the pain, symptoms and stress of serious illness - is currently receiving it. This unmet need is mapped for the first time in the ‘Global atlas of palliative care at the end of life’, published jointly by the WHO and the Worldwide Palliative Care Alliance (WPCA). Palliative care is more than just pain relief. It includes addressing the physical, psychosocial and emotional suffering of patients with serious advanced illnesses and supporting family members providing care to a loved one. About one third of those needing palliative care suffer from cancer. Others have progressive illnesses affecting their heart, lung, liver, kidney, brain, or chronic, life-threatening diseases including HIV and drug-resistant tuberculosis. It is estimated that every year more than 20 million patients need palliative care at the end of life. Some six per cent of these are children. ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/668/inaugural-atlas-of-palliative-care-highlights-disappointing-response https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/668/inaugural-atlas-of-palliative-care-highlights-disappointing-response Tue, 04 Feb 2014 00:00:00 GMT As a healthcare professional you will regularly come across fellow professionals who deserve recognition. This year, Medical Communications is giving you the opportunity to nominate those special people for an exciting feature, which will appear in our August issue. The feature – ‘The Dynamic 100’ – will be our list of the 100 most dynamic and innovative personalities in the industry today. Professionals who have made a positive contribution to healthcare in each of the four UK regions. Our four magazines: Northern Ireland Healthcare Review, Scottish Pharmacy Review, Welsh Pharmacy Review and English Pharmacy Review will each feature their own individual list of personalities, so it’s up to YOU to start nominating those, whom you consider most deserving of recognition. They can be fellow healthcare professionals, industry and trade members whom you feel go that ‘extra mile’ for the business, or academics who are making a sterling contribution to students ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/154/vote-now-for-the-dynamic-100 https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/154/vote-now-for-the-dynamic-100 Tue, 04 Feb 2014 00:00:00 GMT The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) has completed a suite of scratch cards to help pharmacy teams engage with people around potentially embarrassing conversations. The range now includes scratch cards on alcohol, Chlamydia, get moving and smoking. For each card, people go through a series of questions to help score or to understand the effects of certain lifestyle choices. The alcohol scratch cards have been available for some time and have been used in campaigns led by Pharmacy London and Devon Local Pharmaceutical Committee showing positive results. In London, the four-month campaign which ran in 240 pharmacies showed that from the 23,800 scratch cards returned, 40 per cent of customers were classed as higher risk drinkers. In Devon, the four-week campaign was held in 14 Healthy Living Pharmacies and from the 515 screenings, nearly 40 per cent were classed as higher risk drinkers. ‘The scratch cards have been a ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/364/npa-launches-suite-of-health-improvement-scratch-cards https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/364/npa-launches-suite-of-health-improvement-scratch-cards Tue, 04 Feb 2014 00:00:00 GMT On World Cancer Day 2014, a new global cancer report compiled by UN Agency, The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) shows that: • As a single entity, cancer is the biggest cause of mortality worldwide - there were an estimated 8.2 million deaths from cancer in 2012 • Global cancer incidence over four years increased by eleven per cent to an estimated 14.1 million cases in 2012 – equal to the population of India’s largest city (Mumbai) • Cancer cases worldwide are forecast to rise by 75 per cent and reach close to 25 million over the next two decades ‘The rise of cancer worldwide is a major obstacle to human development and well-being’, said Dr Christopher Wild, Director of IARC. ‘These new figures and projections send a strong signal that immediate action is needed to confront this human disaster, which touches every community worldwide, without exception.’ The World ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/944/crisis-of-cancer-impact-worldwide-exposed https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/944/crisis-of-cancer-impact-worldwide-exposed Tue, 04 Feb 2014 00:00:00 GMT Passed into US law in 2010 as part of President Obama’s Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), the Sunshine Act has been implemented since August 2013. At the recent European Meeting of the International Society for Medical Publications Professionals (ISMMP), however, it was clear that there is still no consensus on whether medical writing or editorial services’ support from pharma companies should be reported under the Sunshine Act. The meeting allowed publication-focused representatives from Pfizer, AstraZeneca (AZ) and Shire to discuss their take on the Sunshine Act, which introduced new legislation that requires manufacturers of drugs, devices or medical supplies to report to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), on an annual basis, payments – or transfers of value - made to physicians. There has, however, been a lack of cohesion and clarity as to what should and should not be reported, including the medical writing support provided by ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/765/pharma-companies-differ-on-definition-of-sunshine-act https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/765/pharma-companies-differ-on-definition-of-sunshine-act Tue, 04 Feb 2014 00:00:00 GMT Scientists from NUI Maynooth in Ireland have played a key role in the development of a new vaccine for whooping cough, which has seen a dramatic resurgence in Europe in recent years. In fact, the disease still kills approximately 200,000 young children worldwide annually. The new vaccine can be administered intra-nasally, making it available to greater numbers of people at low cost. The research project has used both very modern and classical approaches to develop a live vaccine that protects the body against virulent bacteria. Scientists across Europe worked together to create a genetically attenuated vaccine, specifically designed to be delivered as a nasal spray at birth. The nasal delivery introduces the whooping cough vaccine to the mucosa in the nose, which houses front-line immune defences against pathogens of the respiratory system. The project, co-ordinated by Inserm (French National Institute of Health and Medical Research) with ten partners based in ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/443/major-irish-input-into-new-whooping-cough-vaccine https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/443/major-irish-input-into-new-whooping-cough-vaccine Sun, 26 Jan 2014 00:00:00 GMT Public Health England have launched a Segment Tool, which provides information on inequalities in life expectancy at local authority level. The Segment Tool has been developed by the Public Health England (PHE) Knowledge and Intelligence Teams (London and East Midlands) and provides information on the causes of death that are driving inequalities in life expectancy at local area level.Targeting the causes of death which contribute most to the life expectancy gap should have the biggest impact on reducing inequalities. The tool uses data for 2009-11 and allows users to view the breakdown of the life expectancy gap both within upper tier local authority areas, and between an upper tier local authority and England as a whole. The tool should help local authorities identify causes of death that contribute most to their life expectancy gaps and, therefore, enable them to target interventions appropriately. The tool also provides charts and tables which segment ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/605/life-expectancy-new-tool-shows-causes-of-death-most-responsible https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/605/life-expectancy-new-tool-shows-causes-of-death-most-responsible Sun, 26 Jan 2014 00:00:00 GMT In March 2012, a group of enthusiastic doctors, nurses and healthcare students in England got together via social media to improve the services that they were involved in delivering each day. Their big idea to improve care and the patient experience was to utilise social media as a collective and allow their idea to go ‘viral’ using the hashtag ‘#nhschangeday’, with individual patients, students and staff making a pledge to change something, or to do something, that would improve an area of quality or safety in their practice. Thus NHS Change Day was born and, in its first year, over 160,000 individual pledges were made by nurses, doctors, patients, students and many other stakeholders concerned with NHS care to improve their own personal delivery of healthcare in NHS England. At this point in time NHS Change Day existed only in England. Observing the success of this movement in England, a doctor working ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/364/social-media-used-as-a-means-for-good https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/364/social-media-used-as-a-means-for-good Sun, 26 Jan 2014 00:00:00 GMT The European Medicines Agency has started a review of emergency contraceptives to assess whether increased body weight and body mass index (BMI) reduce the efficacy of these medicines in preventing an unintended pregnancy following unprotected sexual intercourse or contraceptive failure. The European Medicines Agency will evaluate the impact of new data suggesting that a high body weight could impair the effectiveness of emergency contraceptives. It will assess whether any changes should be made to the product information for all emergency contraceptive medicines containing levonorgestrel or ulipristal acetate. The emergency contraceptives being reviewed include a number of medicines authorised at the national level that contain the progestogen (hormone) levonorgestrel, such as Norlevo, Levonelle/Postinor and Levodonna. It also includes a centrally-authorised medicine, ellaOne, which contains ulipristal acetate and was granted a marketing authorisation in Europe in 2009. Emergency contraceptives containing levonorgestrel can be used up to 72 hours after unprotected sexual intercourse or contraceptive failure ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/173/review-of-emergency-contraceptives-started https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/173/review-of-emergency-contraceptives-started Sun, 26 Jan 2014 00:00:00 GMT Service user experience of social care, the care and support of older people with learning disabilities, and helping people regain independence are among the latest topics referred to NICE for its social care work programme. Last year the Department of Health ran a consultation to identify social care topics suitable for developing into NICE guidelines and quality standards. The department received more than 270 responses from a range of sources including local authorities, charities, regional clinical commissioning groups and individual services. As a result of the consultation, the following five social care topics have now been referred to NICE: • Care and support of older people with learning disabilities • Regaining independence (reablement): short-term interventions to help people to regain independence • Service user and carer experience: service users and carer experience of social care • Medicines management: managing the use of medicines in community settings for people receiving social care • Falls: regaining independence in older people who experience a fall. Consultees were ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/493/issues-of-elderly-issues-take-centre-stage-for-nice https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/493/issues-of-elderly-issues-take-centre-stage-for-nice Sun, 26 Jan 2014 00:00:00 GMT New research by The Co-operative Pharmacy has found that smokers justify their habit by claiming they are nothing more than a social smoker, despite many stubbing out up to a packet of cigarettes each day.A survey of 2,000 smokers by The Co-operative Pharmacy has found that almost a quarter (24 per cent) are in denial about their habit because of the stigma associated with it and now only class themselves as social smokers. In reality, over a third of these smoke between six and 20 cigarettes a day. The study also revealed smokers willingness to flout the law by lighting up in prohibited areas. Overall, three in five smokers had previously tried to give up (60 per cent) and women were more likely to have tried to quit than men (63 per cent compared to 57 per cent). Around one in six of those who had tried to quit ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/637/co-operative-pharmacy-survey-shows-smokers-in-denial https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/637/co-operative-pharmacy-survey-shows-smokers-in-denial Mon, 20 Jan 2014 00:00:00 GMT Medical Communications Ltd is delighted to announce that the UK's first pharmacy digital magazine app is NOW available to download on the iPad via the App Store. Pharmacylife is the latest addition to the Medical Communications stable and joins the ever-growing list of print and digital products including Scottish Pharmacy Review, English Pharmacy Review, Northern Ireland Healthcare Review, Welsh Pharmacy Review and our website pharmacy-life.co.ukOn our travels around the country visiting community pharmacists throughout the UK, it's becoming increasingly clear that there's plenty of life in the pharmacies - and the pharmacists as well! We know how restricted your 'downtime' is, so Pharmacylife gives you the opportunity to dip into our fantastic features and to catch up with the latest gadgets, info and news that's relevant to you today. We have video content, interactive features, audio, photo galleries and much much more....Our LAUNCH ISSUE is free to download right now ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/925/innovation-is-the-name-of-the-game https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/925/innovation-is-the-name-of-the-game Mon, 20 Jan 2014 00:00:00 GMT Drug-related deaths from benzodiazepines like Valium are at an all time low across Lanarkshire, thanks to a new project which is reducing the number of prescriptions. The project has helped the number of benzodiazepine deaths in Lanarkshire drop to less than half of the national average.Valium can be dangerous if it is used inappropriately, especially if it is taken in combination with a prescription such as methadone or Suboxone. 'Valium is used for a number of reasons, including managing insomnia and anxiety,' said Melinda Setanoians, Senior Clinical Pharmacist for addictions. 'However, it can be particularly hazardous when it is used with other drugs, likeopiates. 'Over the past five years, Valium has contributed to around 70 per cent of all drug related deaths. Since there is no evidence that Valium helps patients using the alcohol and drug service with insomnia and anxiety in the long term,we decided to issue guidelines ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/574/pharmacy-across-uk-could-learn-from-lanarkshire-initiative https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/574/pharmacy-across-uk-could-learn-from-lanarkshire-initiative Mon, 20 Jan 2014 00:00:00 GMT England’s suicide prevention strategy report  shows better recording and sharing of information are important in helping to prevent suicide.The first annual report on England’s cross-government suicide prevention strategy, Preventing Suicide in England: One year On sets out key actions that local areas can take to prevent suicides.  The report highlights the importance of responsive and high quality care for people who self-harm, and includes a joint statement on better sharing of information between organisations and families, to help prevent suicide.Around half of the 4,500 people who die by suicide each year have a history of self-harm. Evidence shows whenpeople who have suicidal thoughts or have self-harmed have psychological assessments, it helps to prevent suicidal behaviour and means better outcomes for patients.For the first time hospitals will publish annual figures on the number of people who attended accident and emergency for self-harm and whether they received the psychological assessment recommended ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/345/progress-achieved-in-suicide-prevention https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/345/progress-achieved-in-suicide-prevention Mon, 20 Jan 2014 00:00:00 GMT Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has issued a medical device alert for single-use syringes: PlastipakTM 50ml Luer Lok, which are manufactured by BD Medical. The product codes affected are: 300223 non sterile, 300865 sterile (NHS Supply Chain code FWC034 England only), 300869 Amber – sterile. All lot numbers are affected. The problem means that there is a risk of delay or interruption to treatment when these syringes are used in power-driven syringe pumps, and BD is continuing to receive reports of occlusion alarms triggering due to an increased plunger movement force, which was introduced by a design change in April 2012. BD is now in the process of modifying the design to lower plunger forces. The new design will not be available before the end of January2014. BD has issued a Field Safety Notice (FSN) informing users of this issue. This replaces their FSN of 11 April 2013. When new ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/718/mhra-issues-alert-over-syringes https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/718/mhra-issues-alert-over-syringes Mon, 20 Jan 2014 00:00:00 GMT Many of us use coffee as a 'wake me up' in the mornings, but a new American study has suggested that, in the future, caffeine may be used as an aid to boost memory as well. The research, which was published in Nature Neuroscience, tested the memories of 160 people over a period of 24 hours. It found that those who took caffeine tablets, rather than dummy pills, achieved better results in the memory tests.The study, which was carried out by Johns Hopkins University, involved people who did not regularly eat or drink caffeinated products, and involved saliva samples being taken to check base levels of caffeine. Participants werethen asked to look at a series of images. After a period of five minutes they were then given either a 200mg caffeine tablet or a dummy pill. Saliva samples were then taken again at one, three and 24 hours, and ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/217/daily-cuppa-can-do-more-than-simply-start-the-day https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/217/daily-cuppa-can-do-more-than-simply-start-the-day Mon, 13 Jan 2014 00:00:00 GMT Pharmacell AB in Sweden has identified that a recent batch of pivotell automatic pill dispensers has been fitted with an incorrect voltage regulator causing excessive battery drain. The result is that the 4 x AA Alkaline batteries last for three to four weeks instead of twelve months.The problem affects dispensers within the following serial number ranges only:32675 to 3324433275 to 3330433395 to 3375433995 to 3408434115 to 3417434240 to 34264Pivotell have explained that arrangements have been made to replace all of the affected stock and plan to complete this by the end of January 2014.Until the affected stock is replaced with new units, Pivotell recommend that batteries are replaced every two weeks as a matter of routine to ensure that functionality is not affected. Pharmacists with patients using affected models can contact Pivotell, who will supply replacement batteries. https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/123/battery-problem-affects-pill-dispensers https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/123/battery-problem-affects-pill-dispensers Mon, 13 Jan 2014 00:00:00 GMT Doctors, nurses and scientists have joined the call for uptake of the meningococcal B (MenB) vaccine by writing to the Secretary of State for Health, Jeremy Hunt. The letter, led by Dr Simon Nadel, Consultant in Paediatric Intensive Care, St Mary’s Hospital, London, has been signed by 118 people determined to see an end to the leading cause of meningitis, which kills and maims more children than any other infection in the UK.'This is the first time those working on the front-line of the disease have publically joined the MenB debate,' said Meningitis Research Foundation (MRF) Chief Executive, Christopher Head. 'These are the doctors, nurses and scientists who witness the devastation of MenB first hand. It’s important their voice is heard.''I feel very strongly about this vaccine,' added Simon Nadel. 'I have worked with children desperately ill from meningitis and septicaemia my entire working life and like everyone fighting this disease ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/699/frontline-medics-and-scientists-join-call-for-a-menb-vaccine https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/699/frontline-medics-and-scientists-join-call-for-a-menb-vaccine Mon, 13 Jan 2014 00:00:00 GMT Children are likely to have stronger muscles if their mothers had a higher level of vitamin D in their body during pregnancy, according to new research from the Medical Research Council Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit (MRC LEU) at the University of Southampton.Low vitamin D status has been linked to reduced muscle strength in adults and children, but little is known about how variation in a mother’s status during pregnancy affects her child. Low vitamin D concentrations are common among young women in the UK, and although women are recommended to take an additional 10μg/day of vitamin D in pregnancy, supplementation is often not taken up. In the research, published in the January edition of the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, vitamin D levels were measured in 678 mothers in the later stages of pregnancy. When the children were four years old, grip strength and muscle mass were measured. Results showed ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/671/higher-vitamin-d-levels-in-pregnancy-could-help-babies-become-stronger https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/671/higher-vitamin-d-levels-in-pregnancy-could-help-babies-become-stronger Mon, 13 Jan 2014 00:00:00 GMT Leading medical research organisations have said today that our medical records hold valuable information that could help save and improve lives, and, that by allowing researchers access to the information contained within ourrecords, we can contribute towards understanding the causes of disease, developing new and better medicines, and identifying new outbreaks of infection. Leading medical research organisations, including Arthritis Research UK, Cancer Research UK, Diabetes UK, the British Heart Foundation and the Wellcome Trust, have today launched an advertising campaign to raise awareness of the importance of sharing data from patient records with researchers. The campaign coincides with a leaflet drop by NHS England to all 22 million English households to explain changes in how data from our health records is collected from GP surgeries.Under the changes, researchers in academia and the pharmaceutical industry will be able to access non-identifiable data collected from health records. Patients will be given ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/590/campaign-highlights-importance-of-patient-records-for-medical-research https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/590/campaign-highlights-importance-of-patient-records-for-medical-research Mon, 13 Jan 2014 00:00:00 GMT Product information.NiQuitin Strips Mint 2.5 mg Oral Film (nicotine). For relief and/or prevention of nicotine withdrawal symptoms during abrupt / gradual / temporary smoking cessation and to aid reduction in smoking. Dosage: Adults (18 and over): For those who smoke more than 30 minutes after waking only. Maximum 15 films / day. Cessation to be encouraged, professional advice if no quit attempt after 6 months / difficulty discontinuing after quitting. Abrupt cessation: Weeks 1 to 6, 1 film every 1 to 2 hours (min. 9/day). Weeks 7 to 9, 1 film every 2 to 4 hours. Weeks 10 to 12, 1 film every 4 to 8 hours. Beyond 12 weeks, 1 to 2 films per day if strongly tempted to smoke. Gradual cessation: Prior to schedule above use when strong urge to smoke to reduce cigarette consumption. Professional advice if no reduction after 6 weeks. Reduction in smoking: Use when ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/925/product-information-niquitin-strips-mint-25-mg-oral-film-nicotine https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/925/product-information-niquitin-strips-mint-25-mg-oral-film-nicotine Tue, 07 Jan 2014 00:00:00 GMT Leaflets explaining how the NHS uses patient information will begin landing on the doormats of England’s 26.5 million households from today.Over the next four weeks, every household in England will receive 'Better Information Means Better Care', a leaflet explaining the benefits of sharing information about the care they have received. Sharing information helps ensure that the quality and safety of services is consistent across the country and can also highlight different diseases and conditions that may require more NHS investment.Households in the North of England will receive their leaflets this week, with the rest of England to follow during January, as announced in October.As explained in the leaflet, patients have the right to object to their data being used for purposes other than their direct care. If patients wish to restrict their data being used then they should talk to their GP.An information line has been set up for ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/123/better-information-means-better-care-nhs-england https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/123/better-information-means-better-care-nhs-england Mon, 06 Jan 2014 00:00:00 GMT The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has announced that the eighth edition of Rules and Guidance for Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Distributors, known as the Orange Guide, is now available to buy.The guide compiled by the MHRA, is the leading source of official EU guidance on good practice in manufacturing and distribution. It is now updated with the latest pharmaceutical regulations, directives and guidance for anyone involved in the manufacture and distribution of medicines in Europe.This new edition contains all the significant changes and additions to the detailed European Community guidelines on Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) since the last edition in 2007. It includes substantial amendments to thecommunity code relating to medicinal products for human use, along with:* changes to the EU Guide on GMP, including the addition of Part III * revised EU Guide for good distribution practice * revisions to the EU Directive on medicines for human use ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/540/orange-guide-now-available-mhra https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/540/orange-guide-now-available-mhra Mon, 06 Jan 2014 00:00:00 GMT Diabetes UK has called for more support for people with diabetes to stop smoking, as a new survey reveals that significant numbers of smokers with the condition are not being offered support and advice about giving up.The charity's annual survey about the healthcare people with diabetes are getting found that just 45 per cent ofsmokers were offered support and advice on giving up over the previous twelve months. This is despite the fact that every person with diabetes is supposed to have their smoking status recorded at their annual review.While the number of smokers who completed the survey is not sufficiently large – just 166 of the 1,643 participants said they smoked – to be confident this is an accurate reflection, it does support anecdotal evidence that significant numbers of smokers are not getting the support they need to stop.Diabetes UK is concerned by this because smoking is especially ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/618/more-support-needed-for-people-with-diabetes-to-stop-smoking-charity https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/618/more-support-needed-for-people-with-diabetes-to-stop-smoking-charity Mon, 06 Jan 2014 00:00:00 GMT The number of people dying from oesophageal cancer – cancer of the gullet or food pipe – has risen by 49 per cent in the last 40 years according to new figures published by Cancer Research UK.The latest figures show around 7,600 people (13 in every 100,000) die each year from oesophageal cancer, compared to around 3,800 in 1971 (eight in every 100,000). For men, death rates have jumped by 65 per cent since the 1970s. But the increase is much smaller for women, with rates rising by nine per cent.This dramatic rise is linked to the growing number of people developing the disease every year. Lifestyle factors such as obesity, smoking, and drinking alcohol can all increase the risk of oesophageal cancer. But an important risk factor is persistent heartburn, also known as acid reflux.'These figures are a clear reminder that we’ve still a long way to go with ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/925/oesophageal-cancer-deaths-up-by-almost-50-per-cent-in-last-40-years https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/925/oesophageal-cancer-deaths-up-by-almost-50-per-cent-in-last-40-years Mon, 06 Jan 2014 00:00:00 GMT PSNC Chief Executive Sue Sharpe has received an award in the New Year’s Honours List for 2014.Sue was named as an OBE for her services to the pharmaceutical industry. Sue has worked in community pharmacy since 1991 when she joined the Royal Pharmaceutical Society as Director of Legal Services.She joined PSNC as CEO in 2001 and has since then overseen the introduction of the 2005 Community Pharmacy Contractual Framework as well the first national advanced services for community pharmacies – Medicines Use Reviews and the New Medicine Service.Alongside Sue, pharmacist Ashok Soni was named as an OBE for his services to community pharmacy and the NHS; while England’s Chief Pharmaceutical Officer Keith Ridge was named as a CBE.Chair of the All Party Pharmacy Group Kevin Barron MP was awarded a knighthood for political and public service.'I am very fortunate to have received this award,' said Sue, 'and I am ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/752/psnc-ceo-recognised-in-new-years-honours https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/752/psnc-ceo-recognised-in-new-years-honours Mon, 06 Jan 2014 00:00:00 GMT The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has issued a Drug Alert recalling certain batches of Novartis Consumer Health UK Ltd’s Tixylix cough and cold medicines from consumers.This is because Novartis Consumer Health Ltd have been made aware of a possible fault in the manufacturing process of the tamper seal that might result in small pieces of plastic being found in the liquid medicines.There is currently no evidence of people having problems as a result of this manufacturing fault but they are being asked to return the following medicines as a precautionary measure.Specific batches of the Tixylix medicines below are being recalled by Novartis:Tixylix Toddler Syrup  100ml  (Glycerol) PL 00030/0150Tixylix Toddler Syrup 150ml  (Glycerol) PL 00030/0150Tixylix Baby Syrup  100ml  (Glycerol)  PL 00030/0150Tixylix Blackcurrant Flavour Syrup 100ml (Glycerol) PL 00030/0150Tixylix Chesty Cough 100ml (Guaifenesin) PL 00030/0082'This is a precautionary recall and there is currently no evidence that people have had any  problems with these medicines,' ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/540/tixylix-recalled-by-novartis-due-to-safety-fears https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/540/tixylix-recalled-by-novartis-due-to-safety-fears Mon, 16 Dec 2013 00:00:00 GMT NHS England’s National Medical Director Sir Bruce Keogh has set out a plan to drive seven day services across the NHS over the next three years, starting with urgent care services and supporting diagnostics.Sir Bruce is publishing the findings of his Forum on NHS Services, Seven Days a Week, set up in February this year, together with a series of recommendations that will be considered by the NHS England board at its public meeting tomorrow (Tuesday 17 Dec).The Forum points to significant variation in outcomes for patients admitted to hospitals at the weekend across the NHS in England – a problem affecting most healthcare systems around the world.This is seen in mortality rates, patient experience, the length of hospital stays and readmission rates. For example, the increased risk of mortality at the weekend could be as high as 11per cent on a Saturday and 16 per cent on a Sunday ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/540/nhs-england-sets-out-plan-to-drive-seven-day-services-across-the-nhs https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/540/nhs-england-sets-out-plan-to-drive-seven-day-services-across-the-nhs Mon, 16 Dec 2013 00:00:00 GMT A new initiative, which has been launched in Lanarkshire, could - if replicated across the UK - help older adults in their communities during the winter months.North and South Lanarkshire’s Adult Protection Committees say that speaking out about niggling concerns can often make a lifesaving difference. Kaye MacGregor, Adult Protection Co-ordinator of North Lanarkshire’s Adult Protection Committee, says that overcoming any notions of ‘interfering’ is crucial. 'If we saw a small child walking about a town main street alone, perhaps under dressed for the weather or upset, most of us wouldn’t have any hesitation in approaching the child to help or alerting the authorities,'Kaye said.'Quite rightly, as a society, we are very guarded and protective of our children. We’re looking to reinforce and encourage that same mindset in communities for those in our older generation who need some support.'At various events we’ve staged, people have said they would intervene or contact the ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/605/dont-ignore-it-report-it-plea-to-help-older-people-through-winter https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/605/dont-ignore-it-report-it-plea-to-help-older-people-through-winter Mon, 16 Dec 2013 00:00:00 GMT Alzheimer's Society Chief Executive, Jeremy Hughes, has pledged to spend at least £100 million on dementia research in the next decade. This sustained commitment and long-term thinking will help change the face of dementia research and Alzheimer's Society is calling on governments and others to follow suit. Dementia is the UK's biggest health and social care challenge. Affecting millions globally, it has overtaken cancerto become the most feared condition amongst over 55 year olds. New statistics published last week revealed a sharp rise in the number of people living with dementia globally – 44 million people now have dementia worldwide, with the total set to soar to 76 million by 2030. This additional research funding will be used to drive forward research into the prevention and cure of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia, but also into the best form of treatment and support for those facing the daily challenges ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/862/alzheimers-society-make-long-term-funding-promise-to-tackle-dementia https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/862/alzheimers-society-make-long-term-funding-promise-to-tackle-dementia Mon, 16 Dec 2013 00:00:00 GMT Obese people who sleep poorly are also likely to suffer from anxiety or depression and have a lower quality of life, University of Birmingham researchers have found.In a study of patients with an average body mass index (BMI) of 47 who were enrolled with a specialist weight management service, almost three quarters of them (74.8%) were poor sleepers, with above half (52%) showing signs of anxiety and 43 per cent of patients were depressed.The study authors showed that sleep quality and daytime sleepiness were significantly associated with and impact on mood and quality of life amongst obese patients.The authors recommend that obese people are screened for sleep problems such as disturbed sleep and excessive daytime sleepiness as improving sleep quality could potentially prevent obesity from worsening and stop people from developing psychological conditions such as depression and anxiety.Dr Neil Thomas, reader in epidemiology at the School of Health and Population ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/427/study-links-sleep-to-poor-quality-of-life-in-obese https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/427/study-links-sleep-to-poor-quality-of-life-in-obese Mon, 16 Dec 2013 00:00:00 GMT New statistics have revealed a sharp rise in the number of people living with dementia globally, with figures having increased by 22 per cent since previous estimates in 2010. Alzheimer's Society has presented the new prevalence statistics on behalf of Alzheimer Disease International, ahead of the G8 Dementia Summit in London on 11 December.Forty-four million people now have dementia worldwide, with the total set to soar to 76 million by 2030. The number of people with dementia in Western Europe is set to double by 2050 also. In the UK, dementia is the most feared health condition in over 55s and costs the economy £23bn a year, more than cancer, stroke or heart disease combined. The government committed to spend £66m on dementia research by 2015, but this is still one eighth of what is spent on cancer research in the UK.The G8 Summit in London on 11 December brings together international ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/894/alarming-rise-in-future-dementia-cases-highlighted https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/894/alarming-rise-in-future-dementia-cases-highlighted Mon, 09 Dec 2013 00:00:00 GMT A molecule that helps cancer cells to keep dividing could be a promising target for new treatments, according to research published in the journal Oncogene.The Cancer Research UK-funded study looked at molecules in cells that make sure proteins are folded properly, known as chaperones. The researchers examined the chaperone HSP90, responsible for helping to fold proteins that control cancer cell division. They revealed crucial new details about how the chaperone works alongside a partner – called CDC37 – to carry out its job and keep cancer cells growing.Until now, researchers have focused their efforts on designing drugs to block CDC37’s role in protein folding by disrupting the way it interacts with HSP90. But this new research, carried out by scientists at the Cancer Research UK Cancer Therapeutics Unit at The Institute of Cancer Research, London, reveals the two players can act independently when folding cancer-causing proteins, thus changing the view ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/443/preventing-proteins-folding-may-stop-cancer-growing https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/443/preventing-proteins-folding-may-stop-cancer-growing Mon, 09 Dec 2013 00:00:00 GMT Meningitis Research Foundation (MRF) has welcomed the news that the first stocks of MenB vaccine, Bexsero, have arrived in the UK for private sale, but has pledged to carry on campaigning until the vaccine is provided free of charge in the UK and Ireland.The vaccine, which could save generations of children from death and disability, was licensed at the beginning of the year, but the charity says that until it is recommended for national implementation for all children, it will only be  available privately to those who can afford it (and, in the near future, to those with medical conditions which increase their risk). Meningococcal B (MenB) infection is the leading cause of bacterial meningitis and septicaemia in the UK, and kills more children under five than any other infectious disease in the UK.Last week, Novartis announced that the vaccine will be available privately at an NHS list price of £75 ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/944/men-b-vaccine-to-be-made-available-privately-in-the-uk https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/944/men-b-vaccine-to-be-made-available-privately-in-the-uk Mon, 09 Dec 2013 00:00:00 GMT Experts have warned that those in their 40s are gambling with their long-term health through heavy drinking and drug taking.A new report has found that people in their 40s have the highest rates of being admitted to hospital for drink or drug abuse. The study by health performance experts, Dr Foster, has shown that more than half a million people were admitted to hospital as an emergency in the last three years with serious health problems related to drink or drug use. Of the 533,302 admitted since 2010, more than 120,000 were in their 40s.Almost one in five people in their 40s admitted to hospital for any reason in 2012/13 were classed by the NHS as 'emergency admissions due to a known drug/alcohol issue,' the report said. Of those, 60,738 were aged between 40-44, with just over 60,000 aged 45-49. The data, which was collated for Dr Foster's annual Hospital ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/571/over-40s-gambling-with-long-term-health-says-report https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/571/over-40s-gambling-with-long-term-health-says-report Mon, 09 Dec 2013 00:00:00 GMT Researchers at the University of Birmingham and University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Trust are launching a breast screening study aimed at improving the treatment of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) by only operating on women who need surgery – rather than all of those who show signs of abnormal cells. Many unnecessary operations including mastectomies are being performed on women who show signs of DCIS rather than cancer. DCIS means there are abnormal cells in the milk ducts. These abnormal cells are sometimes described as neoplastic or pre-cancerous but they are confined to the milk duct and present no threat to health.Over time, some DCIS may develop into invasive breast cancer but this is not inevitable and many cases of DCIS will never cause any harm or symptoms and do not require any treatment. Women with DCIS are often unnecessarily treated as though they have cancer and the new study, known as ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/123/study-launched-to-improve-treatment-of-women-with-dcis https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/123/study-launched-to-improve-treatment-of-women-with-dcis Mon, 09 Dec 2013 00:00:00 GMT A new study from the University of Bonn in Germany has warned that energy drinks packed with caffeine can change the way the heart beats. The researchers, who gave the participants a drink containing 32mg per 100ml of caffeine and 400mg per 100ml of another chemical, taurine, then imaged the hearts of 17 people an hour after they had an energy drink. They found that contractions were much more forceful after the drink. The images also showed that the chamber of the heart that pumps blood around the body, the left ventricle, was contracting harder an hour after the energy drink was taken than at the start of the study.As a result of the research, the team told the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America that children and people with some health conditions, such as an irregular heart beat, should avoid the drinks.'Until now, we haven't ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/812/new-research-warns-children-off-energy-drinks https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/812/new-research-warns-children-off-energy-drinks Mon, 02 Dec 2013 00:00:00 GMT The University of Warwick has been given £384,000 to look at how the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) can transfer its knowledge and research to the frontline using the newly appointed Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs). Professor Jacky Swan, of Warwick Business School, which is part of the University of Warwick, will lead this study.A £465,000 grant has also been awarded to University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust to examine how to stop needless admissions of the frail elderly to A&E. This will be led by Warwick Business School Professor, Graeme Currie.Funding for both of these projects has come from the National Institute for Health Research Health Services & Delivery Research (NIHR HS&DR) Programme.Professor Swan will lead a research project that will aim to improve CCGs’ capabilities to use NICE guidance in their decision-making so that patients receive the latest and best available treatments and services. ‘The implementation ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/251/new-study-to-tackle-problem-of-elderly-needlessly-sent-to-ae https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/251/new-study-to-tackle-problem-of-elderly-needlessly-sent-to-ae Fri, 29 Nov 2013 00:00:00 GMT The subject of whether cigarette packaging has any effect on smokers has hit the headlines again, with the newsthat the Government has appointed Sir Cyril Chantler to undertake an independent review to look at whether there is likely to be an effect on public health, particularly for children, if standardised tobacco packaging were to be introduced.The review will be focused on the health impact and will report back by March. It will provide an independent view which will help the government make a decision on whether to go ahead with standardised tobacco packaging. Sir Cyril Chantler is a paediatrician and is currently the Chairman of University College London Partners andnon-executive Chairman of the Quality and Clinical Risk Committee of NHS England. He is a Fellow of Kings College London and a Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences. The government will also table an amendment to the Children and ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/715/the-plain-truth-about-cigarette-packaging https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/715/the-plain-truth-about-cigarette-packaging Fri, 29 Nov 2013 00:00:00 GMT The Scottish Pharmacy Conference and Scottish Pharmacy Awards, which were both held on November 13, provided an opportunity for Scottish pharmacists to share opinions, celebrate their achievements and let their hair down! Now you can share in the day’s proceedings by viewing the pictures of both events that we’ve uploaded to the website under the ‘Awards and Conferences’ tab above and see if you can spot yourself or your colleagues. In the next week or so we’ll also be uploading video coverage of the Conference, which we’re sure you’ll find as interesting as those who were present on the day did. Scottish Pharmacy Awards 2013 WINNERS...click here. Scottish Pharmacy Awards 2013 ATTENDEES....click here.Scottish Pharmacy Conference 2013....click here.    https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/991/pretty-as-a-picture https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/991/pretty-as-a-picture Fri, 29 Nov 2013 00:00:00 GMT The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) has launched NPATV, a new video-content platform which provides members with insight, updates, opinion and knowledge. NPATV, which will be streamed via the NPA website (npa.co.uk/npatv), includes the following programmes: · NPATV meets...: Interviews with pharmacy leaders. The first topic is from Keith Ridge Chief Pharmaceutical Officer on reform of sanctions for dispensing errors· For and Against: A look at the arguments for and against contentious developments in community pharmacy · Your Voice: A chance for NPA Members to share their thoughts on aspects of community pharmacy · Hot Topics: Answers to current ethical, legal and clinical questions being asked by pharmacists · Board Review: An update from Bharat Patel, NPA Chairman, and NPA Board Members on NPA board discussions · Europe Digest: An update on key developments in Brussels which impacts community pharmacy in the UK · NPA Update: Updates for members on new NPA ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/540/npa-hits-the-big-screen https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/540/npa-hits-the-big-screen Fri, 29 Nov 2013 00:00:00 GMT Today marks the launch of a dedicated helpline that will help your older and elderly patients across the UK. TV doyenne Esther Rantzen has launched a free 24-hour dedicated helpline for older people across the UK.The statistics about older people and loneliness are frightening. More than half of all 75 year olds in the UK live alone and one in ten suffers 'intense' loneliness but is reluctant to ask for help. In a poll conducted to mark the national  launch of The Silver Line today, nine out of ten older people told researchers that 'a chat on the phone' is the most helpful solution when they feel lonely, but one in four older people say they never or seldom have someone to chat to on the phone.Last year, the Campaign to End Loneliness estimated that more than a million people in the UK feel trapped in their homes and around ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/107/golden-opportunity-for-silver-generation https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/107/golden-opportunity-for-silver-generation Mon, 25 Nov 2013 00:00:00 GMT Around £18 million is being wasted in Northern Ireland each year on medicines that are ordered on prescription and supplied from pharmacies but not used by patients.The figures were released this week by Health Minister, Edwin Poots, as he launched the annual ‘Don’t use it, Don’t order it’ campaign which aims to reduce the amount of medicines waste across the health service by encouraging everyone who orders prescriptions to only order the medicines that they need. 'I am committed to helping people gain the optimal health outcomes from their prescribed medicines by taking them as directed by their doctor and pharmacist,' said the Health Minister. 'However, each year in Northern Ireland unused medicines cost the health service an estimated £18million. Any medicine that you collect from the pharmacy, but do not use is considered to be a wasted medicine as you did not benefit from taking it and it ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/196/ni-medicines-wastage-comes-under-spotlight https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/196/ni-medicines-wastage-comes-under-spotlight Fri, 22 Nov 2013 00:00:00 GMT Controlling blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood glucose may substantially reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke associated with being overweight or obese.A pooled analysis of 97 prospective studies from around the world found that the increased risk of heart disease or stroke in overweight and obese people is partly because their weight increases their chances of having high blood pressure, high cholesterol and high blood glucose. The study, by a worldwide research consortium led by a team from Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH), Imperial College London, and the University of Sydney, covered a total of 1.8 million participants. The findings are published in The Lancet. Worldwide, obesity has nearly doubled since 1980, according to a previous study by the research team, and more than 1.4 billion adults aged 20 and older are overweight or obese. Being overweight increases one’s risk of heart disease and stroke — the ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/776/ni-medicines-wastage-comes-under-spotlight https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/776/ni-medicines-wastage-comes-under-spotlight Fri, 22 Nov 2013 00:00:00 GMT The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has completed its review of combined hormonal contraceptives (CHCs) and concluded that their benefits in preventing unwanted pregnancies continues to outweigh the risks, and that the known risk of thromboembolism (blood clots in arteries or veins) is small.The review findings were finalised when the EMA’s Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) endorsed recommendations made in October by the EMA’s Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee (PRAC).'Women should continue to take their contraceptive pill,' said Dr Sarah Branch, Deputy Director of the MHRA's Vigilance and Risk Management of Medicines Division. 'These are very safe, highly effective medicines for preventing unintended pregnancy and the benefits associated with their use far outweigh the risk of blood clots in veins or arteries.'No important new evidence has emerged - this review simply confirms what we already know, that the risk of blood clots with all combined hormonal contraceptives is ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/816/chcs-mhra-responds-to-ema-review https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/816/chcs-mhra-responds-to-ema-review Fri, 22 Nov 2013 00:00:00 GMT The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) is calling for a cross-sector response across healthcare, academia and the pharmaceutical industry to navigate and harness the potential of ‘big data’ to improve patient care and maximise the opportunities for investment in the UK.The call to action is the focus of the ABPI’s newly launched ‘big data’ road map​ which is a four-point plan to direct progress over the next four years. The four areas of focus in the plan are: increasing awareness; building capabilities and capacity; creating sustainable data ecosystems; and accelerating high-value opportunities. The road map clearly articulates the scale and volume of ‘big data’ available, breaking it down into five topics ¹, a​nd calls for a shift in the balance from volume to value. It gives a cl​ear vision of the future possibilities within the life sciences and healthcare spanning the full value chain from drug discovery to ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/527/abpi-launches-road-map-to-progress-for-next-four-years https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/527/abpi-launches-road-map-to-progress-for-next-four-years Fri, 22 Nov 2013 00:00:00 GMT The 2013 Scottish Pharmacy Awards, which were held on 13 November, once again provided Scottish pharmacy with the opportunity to highlight and showcase the sterling work that's being done around the country. Everyone agreed that the evening was a great success and, in light of the fact that the awards came hot on the heels of the day's excellent conference, the spotlight was most certainly on the profession's achievements. The full list of winners is:Management of Skin Conditions: Rowlands Pharmacy, St LeonardsManagement of Substance Misuse in the Community: Nicola MalcolmPharmacy Manager of the Year: Susanne Duncan, Buchanhaven PharmacyBusiness Development Independent: John McNeill, Reach PharmacyPharmacy Practice of the Year: Rowlands Pharmacy, Newton MearnsMedicine Counter Staff Training: Marina McFarlane, DavidsonsDevelopment of CMS & Shared Care: Andrew DuffyInnovations in Prescribing, Quality & Efficiency: Hazel Garvan and Elaine AndersonRetail Category Management: Rowlands Pharmacy, AustensPharmacist of the Year Independent: Elaine McIntyre and Catherine BurnsThe evening ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/213/stellar-evening-allows-scottish-pharmacy-to-shine https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/213/stellar-evening-allows-scottish-pharmacy-to-shine Mon, 18 Nov 2013 00:00:00 GMT New technology, which has been developed in Belfast, will soon enable pathologists to automate the process of marking tissue samples with unprecedented accuracy. TissueMark, developed by Belfast-based digital pathology specialists PathXL, was launched on Friday at the Association for Molecular Pathology conference in Phoenix,Arizona. TissueMark analyses the detailed structural patterns in tissue samples and marks the boundaries of potentially cancerous sections for more detailed analysis. The new software will help accelerate cancer research and discovery, reduce time in drug development and identify new markers of the disease.To date, this process has been carried out manually, with sections being hand-marked by pathologists on slides. An expert pathologist can mark around one hundred samples per day. TissueMark can do the same work in greater detail in ten minutes. A study in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that adverse drug reactions were the fourth biggest killer in the US, behind heart disease, cancer ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/991/technology-will-accelerate-cancer-diagnostics-and-drug-development https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/991/technology-will-accelerate-cancer-diagnostics-and-drug-development Mon, 18 Nov 2013 00:00:00 GMT In a report published today by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency, the Expert Group on Innovation in the Regulation of Healthcare has called for greater uptake of existing legal flexibilities to accelerate patient access to innovative medicines to address areas of unmet medical need. Establishment of the Group was one of the key commitments of the Prime Minister’s 2011 Strategy for UK Life Sciences.A key recommendation of the Expert Group is tasking the MHRA to press the European Medicines Agency (EMA) to launch a call for adaptive licensing at the earliest opportunity, so that companies can put forward pilot products to use these flexibilities. The Expert Group supports the proposed UK early access scheme for unlicensed medicines and urges the government to launch the scheme as soon as possible. The Expert Group recommends that the government consider accommodating within the scheme a designation that a product was ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/566/expert-group-calls-for-earlier-patient-access-to-medicines https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/566/expert-group-calls-for-earlier-patient-access-to-medicines Mon, 18 Nov 2013 00:00:00 GMT One in ten of the world's population will have diabetes by 2035 according to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF). The latest edition IDF Diabetes Atlas, which was published on World Diabetes Day, estimates that people living with diabetes will surge from 382 million to 592 million people by 2035, many in low and middle income countries and the majority under 60. This surge will form the backdrop of the World Diabetes Congress (#WDC2013) in Melbourne, Australia this December. In some Pacific Island nations there has been an alarming surge in diabetes prevalence. One adult in three has the disease on the Pacific Island of Tokelau, providing a microcosm of how diabetes could play out in more populous nations within the coming decades. Sub-Saharan Africa will see a doubling in the number of people withdiabetes by 2035, the largest surge of any region in the world. Previous estimates from the IDF Diabetes ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/983/global-diabetes-figures-continue-to-rise-at-alarming-rate https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/983/global-diabetes-figures-continue-to-rise-at-alarming-rate Mon, 18 Nov 2013 00:00:00 GMT The third Scottish Pharmacy Conference, which took place on Wednesday 13 November, proved a resounding success and provided the 180 delegates with a comprehensive overview of the way forward for the profession.The conference, which was chaired by pharmacy contractor, George Romanes, featured presentations from many sectors of the profession and focused on the recently published Prescription for Excellence (PfE).The day’s proceedings began with George providing everyone with a comprehensive overview of his credentials for delivering continuity of care in general and Prescription for Excellence in particular. In his presentation, George emphasised the vital importance of community pharmacy’s contribution to patient care.George was followed onto the stage by Professor John Cromarty, Director of Pharmacy NHS Highland and Chair of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society in Scotland. Professor Cromarty gave his view on PfE from both perspectives and summarized the development of clinical pharmacy over the last 40 years. He also reminded academia ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/556/scottish-pharmacy-conference-a-resounding-success https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/556/scottish-pharmacy-conference-a-resounding-success Mon, 18 Nov 2013 00:00:00 GMT The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has issued a public warning about serious liver and heart problems associated with two versions of popular sport supplement OxyElite Pro.The original formulation of OxyElite Pro contains DMAA which is associated with a number of side effects ranging from shortness of breath to heart attacks. The MHRA took action to remove products containing DMAA in August 2012 as part of a project that identified sport supplements that contain potentially dangerous steroid or stimulant ingredients.The MHRA is also referring people to warnings from the Food Standards Agency about a newer formulation of OxyElite Pro containing Aegeline, a substance that has recently been linked to 56 cases of acute hepatitis in the USA, a condition that can attack the liver cells, cause liver failure and has resulted in one death internationally.The MHRA is urging consumers not to buy or use these products and is ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/796/mhra-issues-warning-over-sport-supplement-oxyelite-pro https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/796/mhra-issues-warning-over-sport-supplement-oxyelite-pro Sun, 10 Nov 2013 00:00:00 GMT A team of researchers from London are looking into new ways of predicting who might be at risk of heart disease or a stroke, which could help save more lives.The two-year project, funded with a £98,808 grant from national charity Heart Research UK, will work on a unique fingerprint profile of blood fats to identify who may be at risk of heart attacks or strokes in the future as well as helping those currently being treated for cardiovascular disease.  The team, led by Professor Manuel Mayr at King’s College London, has used advanced technologies to develop a new test that can measure more than 100 different fats in the blood. They’ve already found that some types offats, not measured in current tests, may help to identify people with a higher risk of heart disease or stroke.  Currently, the assessment of traditional risk factors like obesity, smoking, lack of exercise ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/398/those-at-risk-of-heart-attacks-or-strokes-to-be-identified https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/398/those-at-risk-of-heart-attacks-or-strokes-to-be-identified Sun, 10 Nov 2013 00:00:00 GMT The incidence of diabetes across the UK is rising at a worrying rate. Now there is more bad news with the announcement that the number of people living with diabetes in Northern Ireland has risen by an alarming 33 per cent in the last five years.New figures in a report by Diabetes UK Northern Ireland show that since 2007 diabetes rates have climbed by a third, with the obesity-related type 2 diabetes accounting for the majority of these new cases - around 90 per cent.Overall, more than 80,000 people in the country, or four per cent of the population, have been diagnosed with diabetes mellitus, and this includes around 1,000 children and young people under the age of 17 with type 1 diabetes.If the current trend continues, new cases of insulin-dependent type 1 diabetes will increase by 100 each year, the 'State of the Nation' report warns.Iain Foster, the Northern Ireland ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/991/cases-of-diabetes-in-northern-ireland-up-33-per-cent https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/991/cases-of-diabetes-in-northern-ireland-up-33-per-cent Fri, 08 Nov 2013 00:00:00 GMT The draft guidance, which is now available for public consultation, recommends three devices - NIOX MINO andNIOX VERON (Aerocrine), and NObreath (Bedfont Scientific Ltd.) - used for measuring the concentration of nitric oxide in a person's breath. Levels of nitric oxide, a gas produced as a result of inflammation in the lungs, are higher in people with asthma than other people. The draft guidance recommends the tests as an option to assist with the diagnosis of a type of asthma caused by airway inflammation (called eosinophilic asthma) in people who, after initial clinical examination, are considered to have an intermediate probability of having asthma, and when a trial of bronchodilator reversibility testing is intended as part of the diagnosis. The tests are also recommended asan option to support the management of symptomatic asthma in people whose symptoms are being treated with inhaled corticosteroids.Eosinophilic asthma is a distinct type of ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/749/nice-issues-draft-guidance-on-non-invasive-tests-for-asthma https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/749/nice-issues-draft-guidance-on-non-invasive-tests-for-asthma Fri, 08 Nov 2013 00:00:00 GMT Well, we’re almost there: only two days until the third Scottish Pharmacy Conference! Those who have been lucky enough to get seats will be able to absorb a day's worth of dynamic and vibrant debate, but those who weren't successful in booking a seat don't have to miss out. Twitter is designed to create discussion and promote debate, so why not use your iPad or iPhone to send live tweets during the conference? Thanks to our fantastic agenda, there’s sure to be plenty to talk about after the conference, but why wait until AFTER the conference? Let your colleagues know what's happening and what's being said on a minute-by-minute, hour-by-hour basis. Follow the Scottish Conference Twitter account @pharmaconference, but remember - keep your comments professional! https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/796/communicate-from-the-conference https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/796/communicate-from-the-conference Fri, 08 Nov 2013 00:00:00 GMT The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) has today agreed with the UK Government a new voluntary Pharmaceutical Price Regulation Scheme (PPRS) for branded medicines. Under the new five-year voluntary PPRS, the pharmaceutical industry has agreed to keep Health and Social Care (HSC) expenditure on branded medicines flat for two years, with the pharmaceutical industry underwriting any further expenditure on medicines by HSC within agreed boundaries. The deal will begin on 1 January 2014. After the first two years, growth levels on branded medicines have been agreed.As the complex negotiation concludes, the ABPI is calling for the deal to go hand-in-hand with action by the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to ensure patients have rapid access to the innovative medicines they need. 'Whilst the deal does allow us to move forward and focus on the key issue of ensuring that patients get rapid access to innovative treatments,' ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/702/new-pricing-deal-great-news-for-patients-and-taxpayer https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/702/new-pricing-deal-great-news-for-patients-and-taxpayer Wed, 06 Nov 2013 00:00:00 GMT For years now, pharmacists throughout the UK have been advocating the expansion of their role in a more clinical direction. Now, a new independent report has urged a radical shift in the role of pharmacists towards improving care for those who need it most.Now or Never: shaping pharmacy for the future envisages pharmacists across England expanding their role by treating many common illnesses, supporting people with long-term conditions and challenging wasteful, dangerous or inefficient use of medicines. The authors warn that unless this shift takes place, the NHS will be letting down taxpayers and patients by missing opportunities to do more for less, and many community pharmacists risk being forced out of business as austerity and technological change drive down income.The report, from the Commission into Future Models of Care delivered through Pharmacy chaired by Nuffield Trust Director of Policy Dr Judith Smith, finds that pharmacists have a marginalised position ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/781/new-report-says-that-for-pharmacy-it-really-is-now-or-never https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/781/new-report-says-that-for-pharmacy-it-really-is-now-or-never Tue, 05 Nov 2013 00:00:00 GMT Applications are certainly coming in for this year’s Northern Ireland Healthcare Awards – and thanks to all those who have already applied. However, as the publishers of Northern Ireland Healthcare Review, we know that there is so much more sterling work being done throughout Northern Ireland and we want to reflect as many of your successes as possible. So, it’s time to dispel any thoughts of self-agrandissement and tell us about any initiatives or projects that you and your team have undertaken. Whether you’re a GP who has initiated a fantastic new system in your surgery, a hospital consultant, who has led your team in an innovative project, or a pharmacist who has helped to bridge the gap between primary and second care, now is the time to step out from under the bushel and send in your application form! Applications have already been flooding in but there's still ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/844/now-dont-be-shy https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/844/now-dont-be-shy Fri, 01 Nov 2013 00:00:00 GMT A potential new drug, already in clinical development, can stop brain tumour cells growing while leaving healthy cells alone, according to new research published this week in PLOS One. For their study Cancer Research UK scientists from the Samantha Dickson Brain Cancer Unit at the UCL Cancer Institute in London focused on glioblastoma, the most common type of brain tumour. Using cells growing in the lab, they treated glioblastoma cells and healthy cells with more than 150 potential drugs, and compared the responses. One of these molecules, called J101, was able to stop the cancer cells growing but left the normal cells alone.J101 blocks a cellular ‘messaging’ molecule called polo-like kinase 1 (Plk1), which tells cancer cells to multiply. The researchers looked for similar drugs and found three already in clinical development that stop the growth of cancer cells in the same way. Importantly, these other agents are also better able ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/991/potential-brain-tumour-drug-can-distinguish-cancer-cells https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/991/potential-brain-tumour-drug-can-distinguish-cancer-cells Fri, 01 Nov 2013 00:00:00 GMT According to new research, using NICE-recommended screening tests in primary care can help ensure people with alcohol-use disorders are identified and offered appropriate treatment, according to latest research.More than a million adults aged 16 to 65 are dependent on alcohol in England, yet around 940,000 are not receiving treatment due to healthcare professionals missing symptoms, or because specialist services are not available.Patients who could be misusing alcohol can be identified using screening tests, which can help measure the severity of their dependence, and determine which treatment options to use.However, new research by University College, London suggests that GPs are not using these tests leading to any cases of harmful or hazardous drinking being missed.The study compared the number of people with alcohol-use disorders reported in primary care with those reported under official figures.The researchers found that primary care data reported one per cent of males and 0.5 per cent of ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/123/call-to-use-screening-tests-for-alcohol-disorders https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/123/call-to-use-screening-tests-for-alcohol-disorders Fri, 01 Nov 2013 00:00:00 GMT Hard-pressed GPs who have bright ideas for improving patient care - but no time or funding to put them into practice - can now apply to become 'Innovation Fellows' in an exciting initiative launched today by the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) in collaboration with the Peter Sowerby Foundation. The RCGP CIRC Sowerby Innovation Fellows programme has been set up to support time-poor GPs who are  seen to be innovative but cannot take their ideas forward because they are trying to cope with the dual pressures of ever-increasing workloads and funding shortages.The programme will run for three years from 2014. Five GPs will be selected each year to develop and implement their ideas, with the aim of replicating these in other GP surgeries across the UK.These will include proposals to:· improve patient outcomes· improve the quality of working lives for those working in general practice · transform the way ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/894/great-news-to-pass-on-to-your-local-gps https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/894/great-news-to-pass-on-to-your-local-gps Fri, 01 Nov 2013 00:00:00 GMT Rheumatoid arthritis patients who are treated with appropriate drug therapies in a timely manner are less likely to require joint surgery at a later juncture, according to a new European study.Researchers based in Malmo, Sweden, have examined the incidence of any type of orthopaedic joint surgery performed in Sweden on a total of 2,342 people with rheumatoid arthritis between 1998 and 2011, with questionnaires being sent to patients to assess their general health and pain levels, as well as their treatment strategies.Data presented at the American College of Rheumatology annual meeting in San Diego showed the number of people undergoing joint surgery saw significant declines during this time period, with 94.6 per 1,000 people going under the knife between 1998 and 2001, compared to only 71.8 per 1,000 between 2007 and 2011.The period studied coincided with increased use of early pharmacologic intervention in rheumatoid arthritis cases, especially with biologic ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/398/joint-news-gives-hope-to-ra-sufferers https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/398/joint-news-gives-hope-to-ra-sufferers Fri, 01 Nov 2013 00:00:00 GMT The LGA has launched a new resource for local government on community pharmacy with key messages for local authorities and health and wellbeing boards (HWBs). The document, ‘Community Pharmacy – Local government’s new public health role’, highlights the important contribution that pharmacy can make to public health locally. Four main areas of common purpose have been identified:· Public health;· Support for independent living;· Making every contact count; and· Sustaining communities and building social capital.With locally commissioned services, Councils have also taken on three interrelated functions:· Pharmaceutical needs assessments;· Commissioning some public health services;· Supporting the development of community pharmacies as part of a broader strategic role (with HWBs).The resource included useful case studies of community pharmacy and local councils working together and provides key messages to commission community pharmacy services effectively, including engagement and inclusion of Local Pharmaceutical Committees, and also key questions for local councils to raise with community ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/605/community-pharmacy-local-governments-new-public-health-role https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/605/community-pharmacy-local-governments-new-public-health-role Mon, 28 Oct 2013 00:00:00 GMT The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) is pleased to announce the names of the 526 pre-registration trainee pharmacists who passed their registration assessment in September; a 69.2 per cent pass rate.The registration applications of the successful candidates are being processed so that they can join the register as soon as possible.Candidates must successfully complete a four year MPharm degree or OSPAP, successfully complete their pre-registration training year and pass the registration assessment before being eligible for registration as a pharmacist.The GPhC’s Board of Assessors, a panel made up of eleven pharmacists and a lay member, has overall responsibility for setting and moderating the assessment. Its primary duty is to protect the public by helping to ensure only those who have the skills and knowledge to practise are entered onto the GPhC’s register of pharmacists. Assessments are benchmarked against previous years to make sure outcomes are fair and consistent.‘The assessment is set ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/975/gphc-announces-results-of-september-registration-assessment https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/975/gphc-announces-results-of-september-registration-assessment Mon, 28 Oct 2013 00:00:00 GMT The Coordination Group for Mutual Recognition and Decentralised Procedures – Human (CMDh) has endorsed new recommendations to restrict the use of ‘short-acting beta-agonists’. These medicines should no longer be used in oral or suppository forms in obstetric indications (for the care of pregnant women), such as for suppressing premature labour or excessive labour contractions. However, injectable forms of these medicines can still be given for short-term obstetric use under specific conditions.These recommendations follow a review by the European Medicines Agency’s Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee (PRAC), which looked into the known risk of cardiovascular side effects (problems affecting the heart and blood vessels) with high doses of short-acting beta-agonists when used as tocolytics (medicines that suppress labour contractions).The PRAC concluded that there was a risk of serious cardiovascular side effects to both the mother and unborn baby when high-dose short-acting beta-agonists are used in obstetric indications, with the data suggesting these ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/796/restrictions-placed-on-use-of-short-acting-beta-agonists https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/796/restrictions-placed-on-use-of-short-acting-beta-agonists Mon, 28 Oct 2013 00:00:00 GMT Breast cancer survivors are being sought for a study examining a diet which could support weight loss and recurrence of the disease. It is known obesity or weight gain following treatment increases the likelihood of the cancer returning. Now scientists at the University of Aberdeen Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health have developed a dietary plan they believe could aid weight loss in post-treatment patients. A fresh call for volunteers for the study is being launched as part of Breast Cancer Awareness month. ‘We know obesity and weight gain following treatment for breast cancer significantly increases the chances of it coming back,’ said Professor Steve Heys, Cancer Research Programme Leader at the University of Aberdeen, who is leading the research alongside Dr Alex Johnstone from the Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health. ‘What we are aiming to do is pinpoint a healthy diet which is satiating, tasty and supports ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/301/breast-cancer-survivors-sought-for-diet-study https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/301/breast-cancer-survivors-sought-for-diet-study Mon, 28 Oct 2013 00:00:00 GMT Great news folks. The third annual Scottish Pharmacy Conference is now fully booked. We reached our maximum capacity of 150 seats and, as a result, we closed the EventElephant website. We have since been informed by the hotel that a further ten seats can be accommodated, so it’s first come, first served. Register quickly – very quickly – by calling Events Manager, Bridget McCabe, on 028 9077 5500 or by emailing her on bridget.mccabe@nimedical.info https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/605/conference-seats-filling-up-fast-sign-up-now https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/605/conference-seats-filling-up-fast-sign-up-now Mon, 28 Oct 2013 00:00:00 GMT Transforming Your Care may be in its early stages, but Northern Ireland’s consultants, GPs and pharmacists transform the care of their patients on a daily basis. Every day we hear of successful, innovative projects that are great examples of the sterling work that’s being done and now it’s time to highlight that work in a public arena. Yes, it’s time for healthcare professionals throughout Northern Ireland to put their work forward for this year’s Northern Ireland Healthcare Awards, which take place at the Europa Hotel on Thursday 27 February 2014. Applications have already been flooding in but there's still time - and room - for more! So don't hide either your - or your team's great work - under the proverbial bushel - apply now and share your good practice with your peers throughout NI. Don't just assume that, because you've been running a successful project, everyone else is doing ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/298/ni-healthcare-professionals-show-how-youve-transformed-peoples-care https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/298/ni-healthcare-professionals-show-how-youve-transformed-peoples-care Mon, 28 Oct 2013 00:00:00 GMT A task group of the national Pharmacy and Public Health Forum has recommended a crucial hub role for community pharmacy to improve public health.In its report, 'Health on the high street', the forum, which comprises members of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, Company Chemists' Association, National Pharmacy Association, Pharmaceutical Services NegotiatingCommittee, Faculty of Public Health, Association of Directors of Public Health, Royal Society for Public Health and General Pharmaceutical Council, says that community pharmacies are an 'undervalued, underused' resource within the health service which could deliver significant improvements for public health if they were better utilised and resourced.The report also says that there is growing evidence that community pharmacies have the potential to play a major role in improving and maintaining the nation's health, but they are currently undervalued.The report calls on organisations which commission and provide NHS services, as well as patients and the public, to open their minds ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/493/task-group-recommends-crucial-hub-role-for-community-pharmacy https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/493/task-group-recommends-crucial-hub-role-for-community-pharmacy Sun, 20 Oct 2013 00:00:00 GMT The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has asked pharmacies, dispensing clinics and wholesalers to return five different prescription-only medicines in a variety of strengths. This follows a precautionary recall made by the manufacturer, Wockhardt Ltd, who are asking retail outlets to return five over-the-counter medicines.This action follows manufacturing deficiencies identified by the MHRA during an inspection of Wockhardt’s manufacturing site in Chikalthana, India.Most of the medicines affected by the precautionary recall are used for pain relief but it also includes one medicine used to treat Type 2 diabetes (Gliclazide).The affected medicines are in most cases available from alternative manufacturers and the Department of Health will closely work with them to help ensure that patients can get their medicines when they need them.Ten prescription-only medicines can continue to be made at the Chikalthana site and can still be supplied to patients in the UK. This is because, due to ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/590/mhra-recalls-five-wockhardt-ltd-products https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/590/mhra-recalls-five-wockhardt-ltd-products Sun, 20 Oct 2013 00:00:00 GMT The Department of Health has launched a competition for small businesses to submit proposals that could cover issue such as preventing kidney disease, allowing earlier diagnosis, giving patients with kidney failure greaterindependence, and enabling treatment closer to home. The Department is funding the competition through the Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI), which helps small, innovative businesses win government contracts, promoting economic growth at the same time as addressingpublic sector needs. It is expected that the money will be shared among eight to twelve small businesses. Around 5,000 people are diagnosed with kidney failure every year and there are currently 41,000 patients receiving treatment for kidney failure. 'Innovation can play a vital role in helping to address healthcare challenges,' said Health Minister, Norman Lamb. 'This £3.6 million competition will help small businesses come up with creative solutions that make a realdifference to kidney patients’ lives.'These competitions represent vital investment in health research, which ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/668/kidney-care-competition-launched-by-department-of-health https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/668/kidney-care-competition-launched-by-department-of-health Sun, 20 Oct 2013 00:00:00 GMT NICE, the healthcare guidance body, has issued new draft guidance recommending enzalutamide (Xtandi, Astellas Pharma) as an option for treating hormone-relapsed metastatic prostate cancer in adults.'There are few treatments available for patients at this stage in their cancer so we are very pleased that we are able to produce draft guidance recommending enzalutamide,' said Professor Carole Longson, Director, Centre for Health Technology Evaluation, NICE. 'It is an effective treatment and it also allows patients to be treated at home as it can be taken orally.'Enzalutamide works in a different way to other drugs currently available for treating prostate cancer and it is recommended as an option for treating hormone relapsed metastatic prostate cancer in adults, only if their disease has progressed during or after 1 docetaxel-containing chemotherapy regimen and the manufacturer provides enzalutamide with the discount agreed in the patient access scheme. Consultees, including the manufacturer, healthcare professionals and members ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/348/nice-grants-approval-to-new-prostate-cancer-drug https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/348/nice-grants-approval-to-new-prostate-cancer-drug Sun, 20 Oct 2013 00:00:00 GMT The NHS in Scotland managed its finances well in 2012/13 but needs to focus more on long-term financial planning and sustainability to make the changes needed to meet increasing demands, according to the body that scrutinises public spending.Audit Scotland made the recommendation in a report on NHS finances despite all health boards meeting their targets last year.In 2012/13, pressures on the NHS’ capacity became more apparent and the health service spent more on short-term measures to deal with them.An Audit Scotland report, NHS financial performance 2012/13, comments on the health service's management of the £10.9 billion it spent in 2012/13, and on its future plans.The report says: * All NHS boards met their annual financial targets in 2012/13, for the fifth consecutiveyear, and the service had a small overall surplus of £16.9 million.* Demands on healthcare are rising and signs of pressure on the NHS were apparent. Some boards ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/345/growing-signs-of-pressure-for-nhs-in-scotland-says-report https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/345/growing-signs-of-pressure-for-nhs-in-scotland-says-report Fri, 11 Oct 2013 00:00:00 GMT Scottish patients will benefit from an increased range of new medicines due to changes announced bythe Health Secretary Alex Neil. The package of measures will ensure that Scotland’s drug approval system becomes more transparent andincreases access to medicines for end of life care and treating very rare conditions.Mr Neil has directed the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC), the body which approves medicines for use in the NHS in Scotland, to apply different, more flexible, approaches in the evaluation for medicines for end of life care and treating very rare conditions.Additional improvements include:  - extension of the £20 million Rare Medicines Drug Fund to 2016 - improved patient support for engaging in the medicines approval process - additional investment of £1 million to support SMC to make their work more transparent - creation of a new peer approval system to allow clinicians to prescribe medicines that are not accepted for routine use by the ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/590/scottish-drug-approval-process-to-be-revamped https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/590/scottish-drug-approval-process-to-be-revamped Fri, 11 Oct 2013 00:00:00 GMT The EMA’s Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee (PRAC) has reviewed the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE or blood clots in veins) with combined hormonal contraceptives (CHCs). The PRAC concluded that the benefits of CHCs in preventing unwanted pregnancies continue to outweightheir risks.  There is no reason for women who have been using CHCs without any problem to stop taking them on the basis of this review. It is important that women are made aware of the risk of VTE and its signs and symptoms, and that doctors take into consideration a woman’s individual riskfactors when prescribing a contraceptive.This review has confirmed that the risk of VTE with all CHCs is small and has shown that there are small differences between the CHCs depending on the type of progestogen they contain. It has reinforced the importance of ensuring good information for women who use these medicines and for the healthcare professionals ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/524/benefits-of-chcs-continue-to-outweigh-risks-prac https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/524/benefits-of-chcs-continue-to-outweigh-risks-prac Fri, 11 Oct 2013 00:00:00 GMT Malaria is a significant public health burden, claiming 660,000 lives a year - mostly children in sub-SaharanAfrica. Now pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has announced that results from a large-scalePhase III trial show that the most clinically advanced malaria vaccine candidate, RTS,S, continued to protect young children and infants from clinical malaria up to 18 months after vaccination. Based on these data, GSK now intends to submit, in 2014, a regulatory application to the European Medicines Agency (EMA). The World Health Organization (WHO) has indicated that a policy recommendation for theRTS,S malaria vaccine candidate is possible as early as 2015 if it is granted a positive scientific opinion by EMA.These latest results demonstrated that over 18 months of follow-up, RTS,S was shown to almost halve the number of malaria cases in young children (aged 5-17 months at first vaccination) and to reduce by around aquarter the malaria cases in infants ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/446/gsk-prepares-to-file-worlds-first-malaria-vaccine https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/446/gsk-prepares-to-file-worlds-first-malaria-vaccine Fri, 11 Oct 2013 00:00:00 GMT When it comes to community pharmacy, there are few who could match the commitment and dedication of Mumbles pharmacist, Steve Newbury, who has sadly passed away. The 56-year-old South Wales man was an award-winning pharmacist who dedicated his time and care to his patients. For his elderly patients he ran a very successful support service targeted at supporting independent living in the community. This service became increasingly in demand with the level of need increasing to such a significant level that technician support was required to liaise with other local healthcare professionals.Substance misuse was another particular interest, with Steve operating the Swansea Integrated Pharmacist Prescribing Scheme in a shared care arrangement with CDAT. For the last ten years he also operated the HB & Ty Olwen initiated palliative care service.In addition to his pharmaceutical care, Steve Newbury was a true gentleman, who placed his patients at the centre of his ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/427/a-sad-loss-for-welsh-pharmacy https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/427/a-sad-loss-for-welsh-pharmacy Fri, 11 Oct 2013 00:00:00 GMT Medical Communications Ltd is delighted to announce its third Scottish Pharmacy Conference. The conference, which is to be held in Glasgow on 13 November 2013, will create and inform debate on issues pertinent to the successful development of pharmacy in Scotland. And what better time for the Conference to be held than a few weeks after the publication of ‘Prescription for Excellence’, the most progressive and dynamic document to hit Scottish pharmacy in years?Take this great opportunity to come along and discuss your views with your peers. Last year’s event was again an overwhelming success, with more than 100 delegates taking the opportunity to both discuss – and to listen to – the issues that were particularly relevant to you all. This year’s dynamic line-up includes George Romanes, Michael Holden, Chief Executive NPA; Mark Koziol, Chair PDA; David Currie, Chief Executive AlbaPharm and ChiefPharmaceutical Officer Professor Bill Scott. An investment ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/477/scottish-pharmacy-conference-2013-register-today https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/477/scottish-pharmacy-conference-2013-register-today Fri, 04 Oct 2013 00:00:00 GMT A new national prescribing chart developed by doctors, pharmacists and nurses is to be piloted in Scotland asone measure in a campaign to reduce prescribing errors. The chart comes on the back of a recent study, which showed that around seven per cent of prescriptions written in Scottish hospitals contained an error, a rate that issimilar to previous studies in England. Workload and time pressures were cited as important causes of prescribing errors. Now, a working group led by the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh (RCPE) has developed a new nationalprescribing chart which will be piloted in selected NHS Boards before the end of this year. ‘Despite significant improvements in patient safety in recent years, prescribing errors remain a cause forconcern in all hospitals,’ said Professor Simon Maxwell, Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, and Professor of Student Learning - clinical pharmacology and prescribing, University of Edinburgh. ‘Historically, NHS ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/123/future-for-prescribing-clearly-charted https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/123/future-for-prescribing-clearly-charted Fri, 04 Oct 2013 00:00:00 GMT Many pharmacists and healthcare professionals will soon be receiving their new issues of Welsh Pharmacy Review, Scottish Pharmacy Review and Northern Ireland Healthcare Review through the post, but if you can't wait, why not check out the magazines online? We're glad to say that, even though times are difficult financially at the moment, the news in the magazines is all positive for healthcare services. The latest issue of WPR features, inter alia, an in-depth look at pain and speaks to healthcare professionals about their approach to their patients. NIHR, meanwhile, focuses on arthritis and speaks to one arthritic patient whose life has been transformed by anti-TNF drugs. The focus of SPR is, understandably, the publication of Prescription for Excellence: the document that will shape the path of Scottish pharmacy for the next ten years.Northern Ireland Healthcare Reviewhttp://issuu.com/mccannmyles/docs/nihr_issuuWelsh Pharmacy Reviewhttp://issuu.com/mccannmyles/docs/wpr_issuuScottish Pharmacy Reviewhttp://issuu.com/mccannmyles/docs/spr_issuu https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/126/latest-issues-of-wpr-spr-and-nihr-now-online https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/126/latest-issues-of-wpr-spr-and-nihr-now-online Fri, 04 Oct 2013 00:00:00 GMT A bespoke ‘data glove’ with sensitive movement sensors which use advanced software, has carried off the topprize in the inaugural TMED Health challenge.  Developed by the School of Computing and Intelligent Systems at the University of Ulster’s Magee Campus,the DigitEase data glove will improve the accuracy of diagnosis and treatment for patients with rheumatoid arthritis giving precise and detailed readings. This will minimise the time needed for consultation and improve the level of care for patients with the potential to make huge savings for the health service.The DigitEase data glove was developed by Ulster academics Dr Kevin Curran and Dr Joan Condell and alongside researcher Mr James Connolly and Western Trust’s rheumatoid arthritis consultant Dr Philip Gardiner. ‘If patients are to receive the care needed to manage their condition and doctors the time to assess theircondition thoroughly, more accurate and less laborious methods to record joint movements are needed,’ ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/605/helping-hand-for-rheumatoid-arthritis-sufferers https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/605/helping-hand-for-rheumatoid-arthritis-sufferers Fri, 04 Oct 2013 00:00:00 GMT A simple stool test could help GPs decide whether patients have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or other more serious bowel conditions. https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/944/simple-stool-test-can-assist-bowel-condition-diagnosis-nice https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/944/simple-stool-test-can-assist-bowel-condition-diagnosis-nice Fri, 04 Oct 2013 00:00:00 GMT The public are delaying visiting their GP and are putting their health at risk according to a new survey from The Information Standard. https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/477/public-putting-health-at-risk-by-not-visiting-gp https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/477/public-putting-health-at-risk-by-not-visiting-gp Mon, 30 Sep 2013 00:00:00 GMT A Cancer Research UK study has revealed for the first time that glitzy and glamorous cigarette packaging makes children susceptible to smoking.... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/991/glitzy-cigarette-packs-entice-kids-to-start-deadly-addiction https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/991/glitzy-cigarette-packs-entice-kids-to-start-deadly-addiction Fri, 27 Sep 2013 00:00:00 GMT The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has announced that it has found no evidence that Cervarix may cause chronic fatigue syndrome... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/251/no-link-between-cervarix-and-chronic-fatigue-syndrome-mhra https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/251/no-link-between-cervarix-and-chronic-fatigue-syndrome-mhra Fri, 27 Sep 2013 00:00:00 GMT Research shows that most older adults would prefer to remain in their own homes, with support, if they are unable to look after themselves... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/493/community-based-care-team-meets-challenges-of-ageing-population https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/493/community-based-care-team-meets-challenges-of-ageing-population Fri, 27 Sep 2013 00:00:00 GMT University of Leicester and Glenfield Hospital have successfully used a novel ‘paper-clip’ sized vascular coupling device to tackle resistant high blood pressure... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/891/groundbreaking-operation-brings-hope-to-hypertension-patients https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/891/groundbreaking-operation-brings-hope-to-hypertension-patients Fri, 27 Sep 2013 00:00:00 GMT Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee (PSNC) has launched a collection of resources to help promote the role pharmacy could play in relieving pressures on urgent care and other services, and to support LPCs in their work to negotiate Minor Ailments Schemes locally. Urgent and emergency care in England is currently under review nationally, and PSNC believes that the extension of community pharmacy services will be vital to ease pressures on A&E departments and other services.In order to help LPCs in their local conversations, PSNC has now published a briefing for LPCs and a flyer outlining the role that community pharmacy can play in this area. The flyer could be used as a reference or discussion aid, and may also be of interest to any contractors hosting visits from MPs or other stakeholders. Minor ailments schemes are a particular focus in this area as they can help to reduce dependence on ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/796/urgent-care-and-minor-ailments-resources-launched https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/796/urgent-care-and-minor-ailments-resources-launched Sun, 22 Sep 2013 00:00:00 GMT Giving radiotherapy in fewer, larger treatments is at least as safe and effective at treating early breast cancer as the international standard dose, according to the ten-year follow-up results of a major Cancer Research UK trial, published in The Lancet Oncology.Nearly 4,500 women across the UK took part in the START trials, which were co-ordinated by the Clinical Trials and Statistics Unit at The Institute of Cancer Research, London, and funded by Cancer Research UK, the Medical Research Council and the Department of Health.The five-year results showed it was just as effective and safe to give women a lower total dose of radiotherapy in fewer, larger treatments than the 25-dose international standard, following primary surgery for early breast cancer. As a result, the shorter treatment course of 15 treatments was adopted in the UK in 2008, but the longer course is still used in many other countries.This ‘less is ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/749/less-is-more-for-radiotherapy-in-early-breast-cancers https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/749/less-is-more-for-radiotherapy-in-early-breast-cancers Sun, 22 Sep 2013 00:00:00 GMT A new £4M clinical research hub, which has opened in Belfast will enable more patients than ever before to take part in clinical trials in Northern Ireland. Known as The Wellcome Trust-Wolfson Foundation Northern Ireland ClinicalResearch Facility (NICRF), the centre will concentrate on four main research themes; cancer, nutrition and metabolism, vision science and respiratory research.The facility will also benefit those with rare conditions, who, until now, have had to travel to England to participate in trials. NICRF is a joint venture between Queen’s University Belfast, The Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, The University of Ulster and Health and Social Care Research and Development (HSC R&D), a division of the Public Health Agency (PHA).Based in Belfast City Hospital, the NICRF has the infrastructure to support clinical trials from conception tocompletion. With dedicated staff, the NICRF now allows researchers to access a specialised area for clinical research, including equipment ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/493/more-patients-able-to-take-part-in-clinical-trials-in-northern-ireland https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/493/more-patients-able-to-take-part-in-clinical-trials-in-northern-ireland Sun, 22 Sep 2013 00:00:00 GMT https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/527/major-type-2-diabetes-awareness-campaign-launched-today https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/527/major-type-2-diabetes-awareness-campaign-launched-today Sun, 22 Sep 2013 00:00:00 GMT The future of healthcare in Scotland has been clearly defined in a new vision for the future, 'Prescription for Excellence', which has just been launched by the Scottish Government.For some time now, Scottish healthcare has been targeted at the integrated delivery of models of care that are safe, effective and person centred, and which provide long-term sustainability. The vision for healthcare is that, by 2020, everyone in Scotland will be able to live longer, healthier lives at home, or in a homely setting, and so this new document focuses on the design of an environment in which pharmacists can easily engage with other health and social care professionals.According to 'Prescription for Excellence', NHS Pharmaceutical Care in the community would not be reliant solely on delivery from a high street pharmacy. Instead, delivery would be facilitated through a distributed model from GP practices, the domiciliary setting or via remote consultations ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/699/future-for-scottish-healthcare-revealed https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/699/future-for-scottish-healthcare-revealed Fri, 20 Sep 2013 00:00:00 GMT The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) has responded to the Future Hospital Commission report, which has been published by the Royal College of Physicians.The RPS has stressed that it recognises the significance of the report of the future hospital commission, which addresses the big health challenges faced by an ageing population, often with complex health problems at a time when resources are squeezed.'The RPS was pleased to input into the thinking of the commission at an early stage and agrees that the challenges the NHS faces must be met by radical change in the way we provide services,' said the RPS statement.'Medicines are important interventions that keep people well and, when given appropriately save lives, however too often people are admitted to hospital because of the medicines they take – between six to eight per cent of emergency admissions are because of poor use of medicines, We also know that problems ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/364/rps-responds-to-future-hospital-commission-report https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/364/rps-responds-to-future-hospital-commission-report Mon, 16 Sep 2013 00:00:00 GMT Senior politicians including the pharmacy minister have backed an expanded service role for community pharmacies in the NHS as set out in PSNC’s vision for the sector.Over the summer, PSNC published a vision narrative over the summer outlining how community pharmacy services could be developed across four key domains: medicines optimisation; supporting people to self-care; helping people to lead healthier lives/public health; and supporting people to live independently.Pharmacy minister Earl Howe told last week's Royal Pharmaceutical Society’s Annual Conference that he believed that as well as the challenges, the new health and care sector did provide new opportunities for community pharmacy.'The Vision for NHS Community Pharmacies published recently by the Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee is a good example of community pharmacy taking control of its own destiny,' Earl Howe said.'Now, more than ever, commissioners, patients and the public must be encouraged to view pharmacy as a natural partner in integrated ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/170/mps-back-psnc-vision-for-community-pharmacy-services https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/170/mps-back-psnc-vision-for-community-pharmacy-services Mon, 16 Sep 2013 00:00:00 GMT Everyone involved in healthcare knows that investing in new treatments is a risky business, with 19 out of 20 medicines failing. Now, ABPA Chief Executive, Stephen Whitehead, has issued a rallying call to improvements in research productivity and funding for research that will produce the next generation of medicines.'We owe it to patients to keep trying,' said Mr Whitehead. 'For them, the rewards of success are literally life-changing, extending and improving lives, transforming diseases which were once viewed as death sentences into manageable conditions.'New treatments provide the tools to allow the many brilliant health professionals working in our NHS to the very best for their patients. Yet these treatments are only available because of deliberate choice, not chance. Investment in research and development is just that; a down payment for the future.'As with any down payment, it has to be funded. In the context of medicines, this means paying a ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/668/abpi-chief-calls-for-fair-return-for-patients https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/668/abpi-chief-calls-for-fair-return-for-patients Mon, 16 Sep 2013 00:00:00 GMT As part of its Putting Feet First campaign, Diabetes UK is targeting the 50 Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) with the highest amputation rates in England to find out what they are doing to prevent amputations.Foot problems are a common complication of diabetes: there are more than 100 diabetes-related amputations in the UK every week, and people with diabetes are 23 times more likely to have an amputation than the rest of the population. Up to 80 per cent of these amputations are thought to be preventable.The figures, from the Yorkshire and Humber Public Health Intelligence Diabetes Footcare Activity Profiles, show that people living with diabetes in some areas can be twice as likely to undergo a diabetes-related amputation as the national average: as many as 4.9 amputations each year for every 1,000 people with diabetes, compared to the England average of 2.6 per 1,000.Diabetes UK has therefore decided to highlight ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/928/feet-first-for-diabetes-charity https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/928/feet-first-for-diabetes-charity Mon, 16 Sep 2013 00:00:00 GMT The NHS Ombudsman has said that more needs to be done to save the lives of patients with sepsis. The illness claims more than 37,000 lives in the UK annually, more than lung cancer and more than breast cancer and bowel cancer combined.Research shows that, as with many conditions, early recognition and intervention can save lives. In the case of sepsis, it has been shown that as many as 15,000 lives could be saved annually in the UK by early recognition. For this to be achieved, however, it is vital that patients, the public and the healthcare profession become aware of the condition.Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that arises when the body's response to an infection injures its own tissues and organs. Sepsis leads to shock, multiple organ failure and death, especially if not recognised early and treated promptly.As a result of the Ombudsman's statement, however, the National Institute for ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/527/nhs-ombudsman-urges-action-on-sepsis https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/527/nhs-ombudsman-urges-action-on-sepsis Mon, 16 Sep 2013 00:00:00 GMT The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) has released an online clinical trial disclosure toolkit to help drugmakers comply with growing transparency requirements. In a timely addition to the ongoing debate over clinical trial transparency, ABPI has posted eleven documents on its website. Included are: Points to consider when managing disclosure; Process flow maps to map companies’ disclosure processes relating to trial registration and results disclosure; A template standard operating procedure on clinical trial registry; and Self-training and Q&A documents. ABPI hopes the documents will help drug makers navigate the research landscape, which has become an obstacle course in recent months with regard to data transparency. However, the group, which represents more than 180 pharma companies, stresses the toolkit 'is not intended and should not be construed as regulatory or legal advice'.ABPI notes that its code of practice already requires members to register current and future trials within 21 days of enrolling the first ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/765/abpi-promotes-trial-transparency-checklist https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/765/abpi-promotes-trial-transparency-checklist Sun, 08 Sep 2013 00:00:00 GMT A consultation on changes to pharmacy education has been launched to address concerns over an over-supply ofgraduates in the field.There has been a dramatic interest in pharmacy studies over the last few years, with student intake numbers trebling since 1988. In fact, in 2012-3 there were more than 3000 home and EU students and 643 international students with places in the first year of MPharm programmes in England.Now, the government has requested that the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) and HealthEducation England (HEE) review the subject’s current study arrangements following a report by the Centre for Workforce Intelligence on the future of the industry. The number of English universities accredited for the MPharm course has also almost doubled. At the moment, 21 institutions offer the course, a major increase on the twelve which offered the course in 2002. Another two universities are also seeking full accreditation in ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/844/pharmacy-consultation-launched-by-government-bodies https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/844/pharmacy-consultation-launched-by-government-bodies Sun, 08 Sep 2013 00:00:00 GMT Nurses and healthcare practitioners from across Northern Ireland converged on the University of Ulster’s Magee campus last week for a conference celebrating collaboration in person-centred care.Organised by the Institute of Nursing and Health Research, the one-day event highlighted a wide range of developments in person-centred practice with the aim of improving the quality of care provided to patients and their families. A person-centred approach to nursing focuses on creating a culture of compassionate care, whereby the individual’s personal needs, wants, desires and goals are central to the care and nursing process.With a strong tradition of national and international leadership in the field of person-centred practice, the Institute has established the Person-centred Practice Research Centre (PcPRC).The work of the PcPRC, which was showcased at the conference, is divided into three strands;  MethodologyDevelopment, Person-centred Practice Development and Provision of Care to Older People. 'Members of the Person-centred Practice Research Centre are proud of ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/477/person-centred-care-comes-under-focus-in-ulster https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/477/person-centred-care-comes-under-focus-in-ulster Sun, 08 Sep 2013 00:00:00 GMT A new publication from the European Respiratory Society (ERS) has revealed that lung conditions are now responsible for one in ten of all deaths in Europe, at a cost of 390 billion euro per year.The figures, which were released as the ERS annual congress kicked off in Barcelona, and published in the European Lung White Book, reveal that each year in the 28 countries of the European Union, lung diseases cause two thirds of a million deaths, and at least six million hospital admissions, accounting for over 43 million in-patient bed-days.  Belgium and Denmark have the highest mortality from respiratory diseases, with 117 deaths per 100,000 population followed by Ireland (114) and the UK (112). The proportion of total deaths attributed to a lung condition is, however, highest in the UK and Ireland.The White Book also shows that, while tobacco smoking rates in these high-deathrate countries such as Denmark and ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/314/britain-and-ireland-top-eu-lung-death-table https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/314/britain-and-ireland-top-eu-lung-death-table Sun, 08 Sep 2013 00:00:00 GMT Many pharmacists and healthcare professionals will soon be receiving their new issues of English Pharmacy Review through the post, but if you can't wait, why not check out the magazine online? We're glad to say that, even though times are difficult financially at the moment, the news in the magazine is all positive for healthcare services.  The latest issue of EPR features, inter alia, an in-depth look at the initiatives undertaken to make Bristol a 'dementia-friendly city', while Dr Michael Brady tells us why the 'safe sex' message is still not being universally heard. Please click on the link below to catch the latest issue of EPR: http://issuu.com/mccannmyles/docs/epr8_issuu  https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/652/latest-issue-of-epr-now-online https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/652/latest-issue-of-epr-now-online Sun, 08 Sep 2013 00:00:00 GMT You're never really alone with technology, are you? From mobile phones, to credit cards with facial recognition, it seems that technology is intruding into every aspect of our lives.Now, thanks to research carried out by LloydsPharmacy and Oxford University, it may be possible to manufacture a pill, which sends a text to say that it has been swallowed! Healthcare professionals believe that this innovative devicecould prolong countless lives and save the NHS millions by cutting the amount of medicines that are wasted annually. At present it is estimated that we spend £300 million a year on medicines that are discarded; much of it due to non-compliance.The technology, named Helius, is being developed by American firm, Proteus Digital Health. Basically, the pill's signal is picked up by a patch on the arm, which send the message by wireless Bluetooth technology to the patient's mobile. The mobile will then text the patient's ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/317/a-tablet-that-really-knows-how-to-work-with-you https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/317/a-tablet-that-really-knows-how-to-work-with-you Sun, 01 Sep 2013 00:00:00 GMT According to figures just released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), Wales and the north-west of England had the highest death rates for drug misuse in 2012.The statistics show that in Wales, there were 46 deaths per million people due to drug misuse involving illegal drugs. This compared with north-west England, where there were 41 per million, and 21 per million in the East Midlands. The overall death total was 2597, a slight fall from the previous year, and most were due to accidental poisoning. Just over two thirds (1706) were males, a decrease of four per cent since 2011 and the lowest since 1995. The equivalent number of female deaths rose to 891, an increase of one per cent since 2011 and the highest since 2004.Opiates, such as heroin, accounted for more than half (52 per cent) of all drug deaths, and in males aged 30 to ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/844/wales-at-top-of-undesirable-table https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/844/wales-at-top-of-undesirable-table Sun, 01 Sep 2013 00:00:00 GMT Every area in the UK is now focusing on the need for patients to be cared for in their own home. This week, Northern Ireland's Health Minister, Edwin Poots, highlighted the benefits that the Western Trust’s Rapid Response Nursing Team has brought to patients in the local area. The Minister was speaking as he visited the hub of the nursing team at Tyrone County Hospital and travelledwith a nurse to see at first hand a patient getting treated in her own home.Rapid Response is a community-based nursing service that provides acute nursing care to patients in their local area and in their own homes where appropriate. This prevents admission to hospital, facilitates early discharge and reduces the potential for hospital acquired infections.'Transforming Your Care is very clear about the need to enhance treatment, care and support closer to home and in the community,' said the Minister. 'The Rapid Response Nursing Team ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/493/rapid-response-team-really-delivers https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/493/rapid-response-team-really-delivers Sun, 01 Sep 2013 00:00:00 GMT People tempted by a quick-fix pre or post-holiday tan have been warned by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) about the dangers of using unlicensed tanning injections and nasal sprayscontaining Melanotan.The MHRA has received 18 reports detailing 74 separate reactions which are suspected to be side effects linked to the use of Melanotan. These include stomach and heart problems as well as blood and eye disorders.To combat the illegal trade in these products, and to safeguard public health, the MHRA has closed down 72 websites offering to supply Melanotan to UK customers within the last three months and continues to monitor websites targeting UK consumers.Products called Melanotan I, Melanotan II and Ubertan work by increasing the levels of melanin which is the body’s natural protection from the sun and result in tanned skin. However, no product has been approved for use in the UK and as unlicensed medicines ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/298/tanning-product-threat-issued-by-mhra https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/298/tanning-product-threat-issued-by-mhra Sun, 01 Sep 2013 00:00:00 GMT https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/251/good-news-for-uk-cancer-patients https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/251/good-news-for-uk-cancer-patients Fri, 30 Aug 2013 00:00:00 GMT The news that a review commissioned by the Scottish government has concluded that methadone should continue to be used to treat heroin addicts in Scotland. The Scottish Drugs Strategy Delivery Commission also said the system used to reimburse pharmacists for dispensing methadone should be reviewed.Methadone has formed the basis of drug treatment strategies since the 1980s, but over the years its use has been criticised both drugs workers and recovering addicts.It’s by far the most widely used of the opiod replacement therapies (ORT) with more than 20,000 patients receiving methadone in the last year. Studies have found, however, that some users take it for years without ever being weaned off it.The review emphasised that, while methadone as a treatment should continue, it should be used alongside other options to treat drug addicts, including community and residential rehabilitation.‘We have concluded,’ said Dr Brian Kidd, who was asked by Scotland's Chief Medical ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/345/scottish-methadone-policy-should-continue-says-review https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/345/scottish-methadone-policy-should-continue-says-review Fri, 23 Aug 2013 00:00:00 GMT National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) is to consider the US approach to treating people with depression, after latest research found that the treatment model could be successfully replicated in the UK.While the vast majority of cases of depression in the UK are treated within primary care, barriers exist between GPs and specialist mental health services that can hinder patient care.In the US, depression is treated using a collaborative care method which involves the use of care managers who liaise between GPs and mental health specialists. Depressed people often have access to a team of specialists, with advice and support often given over the phone.NICE was unable to recommend this approach in its guideline on depression in adults because of a lack of non-US evidence, and so issued a research recommendation calling for a UK evaluation of collaborative care.Now, researchers at the University of Exeter Medical School have ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/891/nice-to-consider-us-approach-to-treating-depression https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/891/nice-to-consider-us-approach-to-treating-depression Fri, 23 Aug 2013 00:00:00 GMT Oncologists in Wales are now able to prescribe Tyverb® (lapatinib) alongside capecitabine for a specific group of their NHS patients who have relapsed HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer. This follows a positive recommendation from the All Wales Medicines Strategy Group (AWMSG).‘I welcome the AWMSG decision and the Minister’s ratification to recommend access to the breast cancer drug, lapatinib,’ said Professor Peter Barrett-Lee, from the Velindre Cancer Centre, Cardiff. ‘Women in Wales with HER2-positive advanced breast cancer, which has progressed despite previous treatment with trastuzumab, can now benefit from treatment with oral lapatinib plus capecitabine. We are now able to offer our patients a targeted tablet therapy which has shown an improvement in progression free survival against capecitabine alone, a commonly used chemotherapy regimen. This is a significant step forwards for women with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer in Wales.’The AWMSG recommended lapatinib as an option for restricted use within NHS Wales for ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/846/welsh-oncologists-welcome-recommendation-for-lapatinib https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/846/welsh-oncologists-welcome-recommendation-for-lapatinib Fri, 23 Aug 2013 00:00:00 GMT Next Saturday sees the launch of the 2013 International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP), which will host its Annual Congress this year in Dublin, in collaboration with the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI) and its Irish partners. This will be the first time in almost 30 years that Dublin has played host to delegates from around the world!The theme of the 2013 conference - Towards a future vision for complex patients: integrated care in a dynamic continuum - will address all of the current developments in pharmacy and will look at the central role of the pharmacist in delivering patient care in an ever more challenging setting.Pharmacists across the UK are well aware of their increased role in primary care services, but it’s not just in the UK that this is happening! In Quebec in Canada, for example, patients with minor ailments may soon be able replace a trip to the ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/348/international-pharmacy-comes-to-the-irish-capital https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/348/international-pharmacy-comes-to-the-irish-capital Fri, 23 Aug 2013 00:00:00 GMT In the latest survey by the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) highlighting the growing crisis in general practice, more than 80 per cent of respondents said that they now have insufficient resources to provide high quality patient care. Over 70 per cent of GPs are forecasting longer waiting times for GP appointments within the next two years - as nearly half (47 per cent) reveal that they have cut back on the range of services they provide for their patients.As well as the reduction in patient services, 39 per cent of respondents to the ComRes poll also said they had cut practice staff and over half had experienced difficulty recruiting and retaining GPs. Worryingly, four in five GPs were concerned that it will become increasingly difficult to deliver continuity of care to vulnerable elderly people - which has been highlighted as a priority by the English Health Secretary Jeremy ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/652/a-great-opportunity-for-community-pharmacy https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/652/a-great-opportunity-for-community-pharmacy Tue, 20 Aug 2013 00:00:00 GMT After months of excited anticipation, the 'Wilson Review' of NHS pharmaceutical care of patients in the community in Scotland was published on Thursday.Having had a few days to digest and process, Pharmacy Life would love to hear YOUR views on what is an extremely significant report. Jonathan Burton from The Right Medicine Pharmacy gets the ball rolling.....So what is there to get excited (or worried) about? I'll stress at this point that these are my own views, and don't necessarily represent those of any organisation that I work with. Consider this my 'first thoughts' after having read the review paper a couple of times, I'm sure there will be lots of debate over the coming weeks and months which will help shape my opinions about how the various issues and suggestions are taken forward in practice.At this point I've picked out what I consider some of the 'juicy bits', stuff ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/621/its-over-to-you https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/621/its-over-to-you Mon, 19 Aug 2013 00:00:00 GMT National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), has issued final draft guidance on crizotinib (Xalkori, Pfizer) for previously treated anaplastic-lymphoma-kinase-positive advanced non-small-cell lung cancer. The draft guidance does not recommend crizotinib.Crizotinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) - it works by blocking enzymes which can stimulate cancers to grow. Crizotinib blocks a specific enzyme called anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) which is present in some non-small-cell lung cancers.'During the consultation on the draft guidance, Pfizer, the manufacturer of the drug, submitted further information for the committee to consider,' said Sir Andrew Dillon, NICE Chief Executive. 'This included a patient access scheme which involves providing the drug to the NHS at a discounted price. A revised cost-effectiveness analysis was also submitted for the Committee to consider.'We have already recommended a number of treatments for the various stages of non-small-cell lung cancer. However, although the independent committee that considered the evidence found ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/493/lung-cancer-drug-not-cost-effective-nice https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/493/lung-cancer-drug-not-cost-effective-nice Mon, 19 Aug 2013 00:00:00 GMT The ABPI has today launched a clinical trial disclosure toolkit to help pharmaceutical companies meet clinical trial transparency requirements. The toolkit is comprised of eleven elements, including good practice guidelines, disclosure checklists and template standard operating procedure. These documents are intended as an additional support to guide companies of all sizes through the different steps of the disclosure process. ‘The ABPI is a strong advocate for transparency in clinical trial information,’ said Chief Executive, Stephen Whitehead. ‘Earlier this year we committed to providing a clinical trial disclosure toolkit to companies and I am delighted that this is now available on our website for any company to use. The pharmaceutical industry has been, and continues to be, committed to addressing the issues relating to transparency in clinical research. ‘Research is a truly global activity, with the UK supplying less than two per cent of patients to global clinical trials. As ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/574/abpi-launches-clinical-trial-disclosure-toolkit https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/574/abpi-launches-clinical-trial-disclosure-toolkit Mon, 19 Aug 2013 00:00:00 GMT Pharmacy businesses are increasingly being snapped up by investors such as private equity firms attracted by their steady income streams and low risk profiles, says top 100 law firm, Hugh James Solicitors.According to research by Hugh James, the number of pharmacy outlets changing hands doubled last year to 392 from 196 the year before.In total, more than 860 pharmacy premises have changed hands in less than three years since the General Pharmaceutical Council, which records pharmacy registrations, was set up. There are currently around 14, 250 registered pharmacy premises in the UK.Greg Williams, Partner and Head of Healthcare at Hugh James says that the growing number of ownership transfers reflects investors’, including private equity firms’, increased appetite for pharmacy businesses and the opportunities to improve profits through consolidation.Hugh James points to private equity giant KKR’s leveraged buy-out of Alliance Boots in 2007 as an example of how sentiment towards the ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/364/pharmacies-being-snapped-up-by-hungry-investors https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/364/pharmacies-being-snapped-up-by-hungry-investors Mon, 19 Aug 2013 00:00:00 GMT Although much of the media attention was focused this week on the Review of NHS Pharmaceutical Care of Patients in the Community in Scotland, many Scottish pharmacy eyes were fixed on a more pending problem! The recent two-year funding settlement, which was announced by the Scottish government on 26 July, had stipulated that, in order to receive the Complex Dispensing Payment, pharmacists had to complete a PCR for every MDS patient by 13 September. A tall order for many pharmacists dealing with many such patients. Duns pharmacist, George Romanes, is just one of the many Scottish pharmacists currently breathing a sigh of relief at the news that the deadline for PCRs for complex dispensing patients, as Pharmacy Life believes, may be under review. ‘The deadline definitely put myself and many other pharmacists throughout Scotland under immense pressure!’ George told Pharmacy Life. ‘The problem was that a PCR had to ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/524/breaking-news-scottish-pharmacists-breathe-sigh-of-relief https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/524/breaking-news-scottish-pharmacists-breathe-sigh-of-relief Fri, 16 Aug 2013 00:00:00 GMT The equipment has been packed away and the teams have departed, but what a legacy the World Police and Fire Games have left behind! The games provided many of the competitors with their first visit to Northern Ireland, including Dr Raj Shah, a cardiologist from Langhorne, Pennsylvania. During the course of the games, Belfast’s Kingsbridge Private Hospital, who were medical partners for the games, had been working in collaboration with Dr Shah to trial an innovative new telemedicine programme, Smart Care Doc; an internet-based doctor service. The new Smart Care Doc system is the first of its kind to be deployed in the UK and Ireland to a large scale sporting event and allowed athletes to undergo an on-line doctor’s appointment live from the Athletes’ Village in Custom House Square. Through Smart Care Doc, athletes were connected with medical professionals at Kingsbridge’s Private Casualty, where the attending doctor could ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/490/long-and-high-jump-up-for-telemedicine https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/490/long-and-high-jump-up-for-telemedicine Fri, 16 Aug 2013 00:00:00 GMT Yes, it's that time of year again when the great achievements in pharmacy are rewarded at the Scottish Pharmacy Awards. As always, this year's applications have been flooding in but there's still time - and room - for more! So don't hide either your or your team's great work under the proverbial bushel - apply now and share your good practice with your peers throughout Scotland. Don't just assume that, because you've been running a successful project, everyone else is doing the same. Let the rest of Scottish pharmacy know what you've been up to:  it can only be for the good of the industry. Apply now by contacting Events Manager, Bridget McCabe, on 028 9077 5500 or at bridget.mccabe@nimedical.info. https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/527/many-scottish-lights-still-under-bushels https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/527/many-scottish-lights-still-under-bushels Fri, 09 Aug 2013 00:00:00 GMT A new study has revealed that autism affects different parts of the brain in females with autism than males with autism. The research was published in the journal Brain as an open-access article.Scientists at the Autism Research Centre at the University of Cambridge used magnetic resonance imaging to examine whether autism affects the brain of males and females in a similar or different way. They found that the anatomy of the brain of someone with autism substantially depends on whether an individual is male or female, with brain areas that were atypical in adult females with autism being similar to areas that differ between typically developing males and females. This was not seen in men with autism.‘One of our new findings is that females with autism show neuroanatomical ‘masculinization’,’ said Professor Simon Baron-Cohen, senior author of the paper. ‘This may implicate physiological mechanisms that drive sexual dimorphism, such as ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/126/shades-of-autism-pink-and-blue https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/126/shades-of-autism-pink-and-blue Fri, 09 Aug 2013 00:00:00 GMT The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) has welcomed the results of two alcohol awareness campaigns which show the important role community pharmacy plays in tackling high risk drinking. Pharmacy London and Devon Local Pharmaceutical Committee both ran campaigns using the NPA’s scratch cards, which include validated questions in an engaging format to score a person’s drinking habits. In London, the four-month campaign which ran in 240 pharmacies showed that from the 23,800 scratch cards returned, 40 per cent of customers were classed as higher risk drinkers. In Devon, the four-week campaign was held in 14 Healthy Living Pharmacies and from the 515 screenings, nearly 40 per cent were classed as higher risk drinkers. ‘The campaigns show the important role that community pharmacies can play in educating the public and supporting appropriate and safe alcohol consumption,’ said Mike Holden, Chief Executive of NPA. ‘Initiating a conversation about alcohol can be awkward ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/846/the-alcohol-lottery-scratch-card-success https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/846/the-alcohol-lottery-scratch-card-success Fri, 09 Aug 2013 00:00:00 GMT Pharmacies are among the UK’s best businesses when it comes to answering customers’ telephone calls.A survey of 3,630 companies by audio branding specialist PH Media Group discovered pharmacies put callers on hold for an average of just 19.63 seconds. This is better than the national average of 33.48 seconds and third only to garden centres (17.44 seconds) and demolition firms (17.67).Still, there is room for improvement. Previous research has shown 50 per cent of callers will hang up within 20 seconds if forced to listen to silence while on hold.Despite this, the PH Media study revealed 34 per cent of UK businesses subject callers to silence. A further 26 per cent play music, while 26 per cent subject callers to beeps.“Pharmacies are clearly doing a good job of answering each call in a timely, efficient manner and this can only be good for business,” said PH Media Group Sales and ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/699/no-hang-ups-in-community-pharmacy https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/699/no-hang-ups-in-community-pharmacy Fri, 09 Aug 2013 00:00:00 GMT AlbaPharm’s success lies in the heritage, the leadership and experience of its management team and the commitment of its members.AlbaPharm was formed on the unique basis of independent pharmacists helping each other with the attitude of ‘all for one and one for all’. Every member feels part of the family and they know that they input to the company really counts. This has led to AlbaPharm being looked upon with high regard from all players in the pharmacy industry and enabled us to form the strongest and most robust partnerships. The achievements speak for themselves. Best deals in pricing, NPA membership, Xact etc, all of which lead to a growing membership. AlbaPharm has a strong board made up of practicing pharmacists and a strategic board which continues to look at what is happening in pharmacy. As AlbaPharm continues to develop as a company, and helps members to develop theirs, the ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/298/albapharm-supporting-independent-pharmacists-practioners https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/298/albapharm-supporting-independent-pharmacists-practioners Tue, 06 Aug 2013 00:00:00 GMT Following on from the news this week that two thirds of NI community pharmacies have applied to become Healthy Living Pharmacies (HLPs), the Health Minister Edwin Poots has announced that he is seeking the views of patients, clients, services users, service providers and citizens about how pharmacy in the community can support improved health outcomes for the NI population. Launching a public consultation on an updated strategy for the provision of pharmacy services in the community the Minister said: 'Under Transforming Your Care (TYC) and at the core of my vision for our health and social care system is the need to raise the quality of care, improve outcomes, and enhance the patient experience.'I recognise that the provision of safe, high quality pharmacy services that meet the needs of the community has a key role to play in delivering this vision.'A priority for me as Health Minister is to see ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/345/ni-role-for-community-pharmacy-to-be-defined https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/345/ni-role-for-community-pharmacy-to-be-defined Fri, 02 Aug 2013 00:00:00 GMT The news that Community Pharmacy Scotland has secured a two-year funding hike and a new Gluten Free service has been warmly welcomed in many areas, but we would like to hear what YOU, the community pharmacist in Scotland, thinks of the new settlement. The new financial settlement will see the introduction of a recurring uplift in the annualised remuneration Global Sum over the course of the two years: 2013/4 and 2014/5. An uplift of £3.254m will take effect from 1 October 2013 with a further recurring uplift of £2.968m to take effect from 1 October 2014. In addition, the phasing payment for CMS is to be replaced by a new Operations and Development payment, with effect from the dispensing month of October 2013. This payment is intended to support 'contractor achievement of operational benchmarks' and to encourage pharmacists to sign up for development initiatives which may be introduced from time to time. ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/846/good-news-for-everyone https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/846/good-news-for-everyone Fri, 02 Aug 2013 00:00:00 GMT National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) has published fifteen proposed new indicators to support better quality healthcare being commissioned by Clinical Commissioning Groups - the local NHS bodies, led by clinicians, which oversee the delivery of NHS services across England. The new indicators could be included in a wider set of benchmarks, known as the Clinical Commissioning Groups Outcomes Indicator Set.Indicators underpin health improvement such as enhancing quality of life for people with long-term conditions and preventing people from dying prematurely.This menu of indicators will now be considered by NHS England for inclusion in the indicator set for 2014/15. Indicators were introduced in April 2013 to help Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) improve quality of care and results for patients.Areas covered by the menu of indicators include aspects of care relating to hip fracture; measures of the stage at which different cancers are diagnosed and reducing the numbers of premature deaths ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/267/nice-publishes-measures-benefits-of-ccg-services-to-patients https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/267/nice-publishes-measures-benefits-of-ccg-services-to-patients Fri, 02 Aug 2013 00:00:00 GMT Many pharmacists and healthcare professionals will soon be receiving their new issues of Northern Ireland Healthcare Review and Welsh Pharmacy Review through the post, but if you can't wait, why not check out the magazines online? We're glad to say that, even though times are difficult financially at the moment,the news in both magazines is all positive for healthcare services. The latest issue of NIHR is devoted to Transforming Your Care and provides a showcase of NI healthcare and its achievements, while, in WPR, Raj Aggarwal OBE proudly talks about the fact that Kidney Wales has succeeded in having the 'opt out' claused adopted: a fact, which will bring hope to many in need of operations throughout Wales.Please click on the links below to catch the latest issues of WPR AND NIHR:Welsh Pharmacy Review - Summer 2013Northern Ireland Healthcare Review - Vol.4 Issue 1 https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/812/latest-issues-of-wpr-and-nihr-now-available-online https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/812/latest-issues-of-wpr-and-nihr-now-available-online Fri, 02 Aug 2013 00:00:00 GMT People with diabetes are being denied the chance to monitor their blood glucose levels because vital test strips are being rationed to save money, according to a new report by Diabetes UK.The new report has found that one in five people with diabetes who responded to a survey had either been refused a prescription for blood glucose test strips, or had their prescription restricted. This amounts to 58 per cent of people with Type 1 diabetes and 40 per cent of people with Type 2 diabetes. The report suggests that nearly a quarter of the people who said they had their prescriptions restricted had been told by their GP that this was due to restrictive policies issued by local health managers. This is supported by further analysis by Diabetes UK that shows widespread variation on guidance on prescribing test strips, with some areas issuing arbitrary restrictions. This is despite the ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/173/rationing-of-test-strips-putting-patients-at-risk-diabetes-uk https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/173/rationing-of-test-strips-putting-patients-at-risk-diabetes-uk Fri, 02 Aug 2013 00:00:00 GMT The 'Look after your eyes' campaign which has been running in Welsh pharmacy throughout July has already proved to be a resounding success.According to Community Pharmacy Wales (CPW), in the first two weeks of the campaign, two hundred patients were referred to optometrists and another 50 with more serious conditions to Wales Eye Service. Pharmacists also carried out 100 MURS on patients with eye problems during the same period.There are currently nearly 100,000 people in Wales living with sight loss, the number of people with sight loss is expected to double by 2050. It is estimated that over 50 per cent of sight loss can be avoided, and many people are needlessly living with sight loss. Almost two thirds of sight loss in older people is caused by refractive error and cataract. Both conditions can be diagnosed with a simple eye test. In most cases the person’s sight could be ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/443/welsh-eye-campaign-already-a-major-success https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/443/welsh-eye-campaign-already-a-major-success Fri, 26 Jul 2013 00:00:00 GMT Are you a young Scottish pharmacist with clear, strong views on today's pharmacy? Then, you may be the person we're looking for....In November, the third annual Scottish Pharmacy Conference will take place in Glasgow . The last two years' conferences have been tremendous successes, with luminaries such as Professor Bill Scott and Dr Hamish Wilson giving presentations. This year, we would like to open up the floor to a dynamic, enthusiastic young pharmacist. With the pharmacy focus increasingly targeted at person-centred care, today's young, up-and-coming pharmacists have to bring a new wealth of skills into the business. With the focus on communication skills and the correct skill mix, young pharmacists are no longer 'behind the scenes' dispensing and are totally affected by the issues facing the industry today: exports, shortages, complex regimes, waste, quotas....the issues, which make pharmacy today a minefield. If you think you could present at the conference ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/941/its-over-to-you https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/941/its-over-to-you Fri, 26 Jul 2013 00:00:00 GMT More than 650 lives a year could be saved if simple NHS Health Checks were offered throughout the country and taken up, Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt has said in a call to action for people to start thinking more seriously about their health.A Public Health England (PHE) review has reiterated that checking 40-74-year-olds’ blood pressure, cholesterol, weight and lifestyle could identify problems earlier and prevent 650 deaths, 1,600 heart attacks and 4,000 cases of diabetes a year.Before local authorities took over responsibility for commissioning NHS Health Checks in April, there was considerable variation in how widely they were offered. PHE, which leads the NHS Health Check programme, has now launched a ten-point plan to help councils roll them out to 20 per cent of their eligible local population a year –15 million people by 2018/19.PHE will also soon launch a website where it will be possible to show how many ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/251/call-to-action-on-nhs-health-checks https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/251/call-to-action-on-nhs-health-checks Fri, 26 Jul 2013 00:00:00 GMT A device that detects the cause of unexplained vaginal wetness in pregnancy could help pregnant women avoid receiving unnecessary invasive speculum examinations, according to National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE).Unexplained vaginal wetness during pregnancy can be caused by preterm, prelabour rupture of the membranes. This affects between 64,000 and 170,000 pregnant women each year, and occurs when the amniotic sac breaks before labour begins, leading to the leaking of amniotic fluid.This can potentially lead to infection occurring, increasing the chance of further illness or even death for the baby.However, unexplained vaginal wetness can also simply be leaking urine, which is not a cause for immediate concern.NICE says GPs, midwives and practice nurses can use Vision Amniotic Leak Detector as a way of reliably excluding a leak of amniotic fluid as a cause of vaginal wetness in pregnancy.The device is a diagnostic panty liner that can be attached to underwear, which ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/752/device-could-help-avoid-use-of-speculum-nice https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/752/device-could-help-avoid-use-of-speculum-nice Fri, 26 Jul 2013 00:00:00 GMT In the first ever prosecution of its kind for the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), an asylum seeker from Zimbabwe has been sentenced to 240 hours community service and ordered to pay over £900 costs for selling ineffective medical devices over the internet that he claimed cured and killed HIV/AIDS.Admare Jinga (aged 31) was charged under section 2 of the Fraud Act 2006 for claiming to supply a machine and an accompanying medicine through his company Savec Health Systems Ltd.He had previously pleaded guilty to the sale and supply of an unlicensed medicine. He was convicted of the Fraud Act offence at a trial on 11 June 2013.The machine was a tens machine used for pain relief, transmitting an electric current to stimulate the nerves. The product contained weights and the gas that was sold alongside it was flavoured oxygen claiming that the attached tubing and vial contained ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/941/asylum-seeker-sentenced-over-sale-of-dud-hivaids-treatment https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/941/asylum-seeker-sentenced-over-sale-of-dud-hivaids-treatment Fri, 26 Jul 2013 00:00:00 GMT The Pharmacists’ Defence Association (PDA) is urging pharmacists to sign a petition against proposals that will allow the owners of pharmacies to display Pharmacy category medicines on self-selection, giving open access to the public. The PDA believes that the petition will be give grass roots pharmacists the opportunity to demonstrate their strength of feeling against these proposals to the Department of Health and the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).The petition will form part of a wider piece of work designed to persuade the GPhC to change the course of its current thinking.Following a series of meetings around the UK to discuss the issue, the PDA has heard first-hand the concerns of many outraged pharmacists about the impact that the GPhC’s proposals would have on patient safety and upon their practice. Despite the PDA and the Royal Pharmaceutical Society expressing their serious concerns directly to the GPhC, and asking for it to ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/621/pda-launches-petition-against-p-meds-on-self-selection https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/621/pda-launches-petition-against-p-meds-on-self-selection Fri, 26 Jul 2013 00:00:00 GMT Pharmacies, dispensing clinics and wholesalers have been asked to return 16 different prescription only medicines in a variety of strengths made by Wockhardt Ltd following a precautionary recall by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). This follows manufacturing deficiencies identified by the MHRA at Wockhardt’s Waluj site in India.The medicines affected by the precautionary recall include those used for the treatment of infections, high blood pressure, diabetes, epilepsy, depression, schizophrenia, Parkinson’s disease, dementia in Alzheimer’s patients and thyroid conditions.This is not a patient level recall because although the medicines that are affected have not been manufactured to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards, there is no evidence of a patient safety risk from medicines that have been sold in the UK. However, the MHRA has to act in the interests of public health as poor manufacturing standards cannot be allowed to continue.The deficiencies identified by the MHRA during a ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/878/mhra-issues-precautionary-recall-of-medicines https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/878/mhra-issues-precautionary-recall-of-medicines Fri, 19 Jul 2013 00:00:00 GMT A group of government health advisors has resigned in protest against the government's decision to back down on setting a minimum price for alcohol. In 2012 the Coalition had announced that a minimum price of at least 40p per unit would be introduced but, last week, the Home Office Minister, Jeremy Browne, told the Commons that minimum unit pricing (MUP) 'will remain a policy under consideration but will not be taken forward at this time'. Ministers will, instead, relax laws on serving alcohol at events and will make it easier for businesses such as B & Bs to serve wine to their patrons. Needless to say, the decision was greeted with uproar from various healthcare bodies. In a joint statement, Cancer Research UK, Faculty of Public Health, UK Health Forum and Nick Sheron, Responsibility Deal Alcohol Network Co-Chair, Head of Clinical Hepatology, University of Southampton announced that they would be ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/443/health-advisors-withdraw-from-alcohol-responsibility-deal-in-protest https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/443/health-advisors-withdraw-from-alcohol-responsibility-deal-in-protest Fri, 19 Jul 2013 00:00:00 GMT In new draft guidance, National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has recommended peginterferon alfa in combination with ribavirin as an option for treating chronic hepatitis C in children and young people. Hepatitis C is a blood-borne virus that infects the liver. Children and young people get the disease primarily from their mothers at birth. If the virus is not cleared from the body, either naturally or through drugs to treat it, an acute infection (defined as the first six months following initial infection) can progress to chronic hepatitis C (long term infection, lasting more than six months). Chronic hepatitis C infection increases the risk of scarring of the liver (fibrosis and cirrhosis), liver failure and liver cancer. Peginterferon alfa-2a (Pegasys, Roche Products) and peginterferon alfa-2b (ViraferonPeg, Merck Sharp and Dohme (MSD)), in combination with ribavirin are the only treatments currently licensed in the UK for the treatment of ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/345/nice-issues-new-guidance-on-chronic-hepatitis-drugs https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/345/nice-issues-new-guidance-on-chronic-hepatitis-drugs Fri, 19 Jul 2013 00:00:00 GMT An anti-cancer drug has been proven to be equally as effective in treating the most common cause of blindness in older adults as a more expensive drug specifically formulated for this purpose.The results of a two-year trial, led by Queen’s scientist Professor Usha Chakravarthy, and published in The Lancet, show that two drug treatments Lucentis and Avastin are equally effective in treating neovascular or wet age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD).Wet AMD is a common cause of sight loss in older people with at least 23,000 older people diagnosed with the condition in the UK each year. Without treatment two thirds of people with this condition will experience severe loss of sight within two years of being diagnosed. Lucentis, the drug most commonly used in the UK at present to treat wet AMD, costs about £700 per injection and Avastin costs about £60 per injection. The NHS could save £84.5 million ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/204/queens-university-trial-shows-anti-cancer-drug-could-save-84-million https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/204/queens-university-trial-shows-anti-cancer-drug-could-save-84-million Fri, 19 Jul 2013 00:00:00 GMT The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) is to launch a free skills diagnostic tool for members which can be used to assess the skills of counter staff. The tool, which can be accessed via the NPA website, www.npa.co.uk, tests counter staff’s technical understanding and customer service skills and makes a recommendation for appropriate follow-up actions. This could be on-the-job training, mentoring in the pharmacy or more formal development of customer service skills and pharmacy knowledge. The launch comes following the recent Which? report into the quality of pharmacy advice given at the point of sale of certain over the counter medicines. 'The Which? report provided an uncomfortable read for everyone in the community pharmacy sector,' said Deborah Evans, Director of Pharmacy at the NPA, 'and it’s important that pharmacy teams take lessons away from this. We’re delighted to provide our members with a practical tool which can help ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/139/npa-to-launch-free-diagnostic-tool-for-counter-staff https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/139/npa-to-launch-free-diagnostic-tool-for-counter-staff Fri, 19 Jul 2013 00:00:00 GMT A new manifesto for independent community pharmacy has revealed the main pressures facing the industry and detailed the 'conditions for success' which need to be put in place.The document: From Survive to Thrive: A Statement of the Needs and Aspirations of Independent Community Pharmacy in the UK is the first output of the Manifesto for Independent Community Pharmacy initiative led jointly by the National Pharmacy Association (NPA), the Association of Independent Pharmacy Multiples (AIMp) and the Independent Pharmacy Federation (IPF). The document revealed that many independents are face daunting pressures. Many feel time challenged, financially stretched, isolated and pessimistic about the immediate future. The top three problems for independents relate to: * a deficient medicines supply chain,* squeezed income and tightening margins, and * a heavy burden of red tape which eats into time to care. The document also lists 20 ‘conditions for success’, which, according ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/975/conditions-for-success-revealed-by-pharmacy-bodies https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/975/conditions-for-success-revealed-by-pharmacy-bodies Thu, 11 Jul 2013 00:00:00 GMT It has been mooted over the last few years that dogs can be trained to recognise the scent of cancer, but now, UK scientists have created a device that can 'smell' bladder cancer in urine samples. Around 10,000 people are diagnosed with bladder cancer in the UK each year. As with many cancers, bladder cancer is more treatable if caught at an early stage. Now, researchers have designed a device which uses a sensor to detect gaseous chemicals that are given off if cancer cells are present. To test their device, the researchers - including Professor Chris Probert from Liverpool University and Professor Norman Ratcliffe from the University of the West of England - used 98 samples of urine - 24 from men known to have bladder cancer and 74 from men, who suffered from bladder-related problems but did not have cancer. Early trials indicated that the tests gives ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/618/urine-odour-test-for-bladder-cancer https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/618/urine-odour-test-for-bladder-cancer Thu, 11 Jul 2013 00:00:00 GMT The countdown is on for the 2013 Scottish Pharmacy Awards - and we want to hear from YOU! Now in their eleventh year, the awards are an opportunity to appreciate those within community pharmacy, who have excelled in their chosen fields. Everyone knows about the great work that's being done in community pharmacy across the UK - and especially in Scotland, where CMS is providing essential lines of communication between healthcare professionals and patients.Scottish Pharmacy Review wants everyone to know about the sterling work and fantastic initiatives that are currently being carried out in Scotland: work that the Scottish Pharmacy Awards both highlight and reward. And that's where YOU come in....Do you know of a pharmacist who has undertaken a great new project but is hiding their light under the proverbial bushel? Why not nominate them for an award? Perhaps you're a technician who is working with a pharmacist who ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/671/2013-scottish-pharmacy-awards-the-countdown-is-on https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/671/2013-scottish-pharmacy-awards-the-countdown-is-on Thu, 11 Jul 2013 00:00:00 GMT Thanks to John Compton’s ‘Transforming Your Care’ document, the future for patient care in Northern Ireland has established desirable – and necessary goals for healthcare in the province. As the title above says, however, ‘Change is difficult. Not changing is fatal’, and, as Dr Tom Black of BMANI says in this issue, there is no plan B….. To quote Maya Angelou, ‘If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.’ Take a look at the latest issue of NIHR as we show how NI healthcare is more than capable of ‘stepping up to the plate’. With Northern Ireland healthcare currently at breaking point, change is not only necessary but essential. The province has a population of approximately 1.8m people: the fastest growing population in the UK. The number of people over 75 will increase by 40 per cent by 2020. The population of ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/217/change-is-difficult-not-changing-is-fatal https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/217/change-is-difficult-not-changing-is-fatal Thu, 11 Jul 2013 00:00:00 GMT Tele-monitoring: emphysemaSixty-five year-old Rostrevor resident, John Hicks, who suffers from emphysema, has had telemonitoring installed in his home for the last two years. ‘Telemonitoring has really helped me understand a lot about my condition,’ John told NIHR. ‘I take my readings every day and I now know what my readings should or shouldn’t be. Having this service has given me the confidence to help me manage my condition. I also feel very reassured knowing my readings are monitored on a daily basis and my nurse is alerted to any issues.‘I am delighted to say I haven’t had to go into hospital any time during the last eleven months and I am able to continue with my volunteering work as trainer with the Newry & Mourne Chest, Heart and Stroke Association. I would definitely recommend this service to anyone.’Reducing hospital admissions and receiving care closer to home.May Sewell from Portadown ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/972/tyctransforming-your-life https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/972/tyctransforming-your-life Thu, 11 Jul 2013 00:00:00 GMT Codeine-containing medicines should only be used in children over 12 years old to treat acute (short lived) moderate pain, and only if it cannot be relieved by other painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has confirmed, following completion of a European review. Where it is used in children, it should be used at the lowest effective dose and only for the shortest period of time recommended by the doctor. This is because some patients may be at an increased risk of rare but serious adverse reactions as a result of the way the body handles codeine and younger children may be particularly susceptible. It has also been concluded that codeine should not be used at all in any patient under 18 years old who undergoes the removal of tonsils or adenoids for the treatment of sleep apnoea. This ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/170/codeine-not-to-be-used-in-children-under-twelve-mhra https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/170/codeine-not-to-be-used-in-children-under-twelve-mhra Thu, 11 Jul 2013 00:00:00 GMT The National Assembly for Wales has passed a landmark Bill to change the system of organ donation in Wales. As a result, Wales will now become the first UK nation to introduce a soft opt-out system of organ donation.A soft opt-out system of organ donation means unless a person states a wish to be a donor (opts in) or not to be a donor (opts out), their consent to donation will be deemed to have been given.The Human Transplantation (Wales) Bill is arguably the most significant piece of legislation passed by the National Assembly for Wales since it acquired additional lawmaking powers in 2011.‘This is a huge day for Wales, for devolution and, most importantly, for the 226 people in Wales waiting for an organ transplant,’ said Health Minister Mark Drakeford. ‘I am proud that Wales will be the first nation in the UK to take this step. ‘As a ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/846/historic-day-for-organ-donation-in-wales https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/846/historic-day-for-organ-donation-in-wales Fri, 05 Jul 2013 00:00:00 GMT The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) today warned people with diabetes not to believe false advertising claims that they can give up their prescribed diabetes medication if they take Vedagrin, an unlicensed herbal medicine.The advertisement for Vedagrin (also known as Vedanate) promotes the unlicensed medicine as an alternative to prescribed diabetes medication with the words ‘say goodbye to your diabetes medication forever’. This breaks advertising regulations for medicines and the MHRA has instructed the company to stop selling the product.‘People with diabetes should ignore these advertising claims and continue to take their prescribed medicine,’ said Richard Woodfield, MHRA’s Head of Herbal Policy. ‘While the patient information leaflet for this unlicensed medicine tells people to seek medical advice before stopping their insulin intake, the advertising claims for this product break advertising regulations for medicines. If these claims are followed they could have dangerous consequences for people with diabetes.‘It’s important ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/844/mhra-issues-warning-on-unlicensed-herbal-medicine https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/844/mhra-issues-warning-on-unlicensed-herbal-medicine Fri, 05 Jul 2013 00:00:00 GMT Despite efforts by governments to promote the benefits of a healthy diet, consumption of fruit and vegetables in Western Europe and the US has declined over the past decade. A report by Rabobank has cited lower incomes and perceived price increases, alongside strong competition from processed and convenience foods, as the major factors driving this trend. The statistics show that the average British citizen eats an average of 346g worth of fruit and veg each day, well below the American and Irish total - and the 400g threshold which has been recommended by the World Health Organisation. Although it is now labelled as the 'land of the obese' American consumption has increased to around 134.3kg per year compared with 126.7kg in the UK. 'The challenge for the fruit and vegetables industry is to close the gap between what consumers say they want and what they actually do,' said ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/443/fruit-and-veg-consumption-falls-despite-government-efforts https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/443/fruit-and-veg-consumption-falls-despite-government-efforts Fri, 05 Jul 2013 00:00:00 GMT Peter Mulholland, who works in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Southern General Hospital in Glasgow, has recently published his first novel, Dispense With Death. Although he works as a pharmacist at the hospital, Peter is keen to stress that the novel is completely fiction. ‘Some colleagues have been wondering if any of the characters are based on anybody, but it was purely made up by me!’ he told Pharmacy Life. ‘My QC/production background certainly helped out with some of the technical background, however. Knowledge of the action of medicines also played a part in how the drugs could be misused if one wished to do so. Working across both hospital and community practice meant that I had the knowledge to make the background practices spread throughout the novel accurate‘As a first novel one of the challenges was sketching out the rough plot and then fleshing it out with details ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/446/novel-second-career-for-glasgow-pharmacist https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/446/novel-second-career-for-glasgow-pharmacist Fri, 05 Jul 2013 00:00:00 GMT Department of Health Medicines Regulatory Group (MRG) enforcement officers have taken part in an Interpol co-ordinated global operation against the illegal online supply and import of unauthorised medicines to Northern Ireland.In Northern Ireland illegal medicinal products worth over £100,000 on the black market were seized as part of the international crackdown week. They included erectile dysfunction and anti-anxiety medicines as well as unidentified psychoactive substances. Involving some 100 countries and working closely with regulators and customs authorities throughout the United Kingdom, the Republic Of Ireland and abroad, Operation Pangea VI aimed to disrupt the organised crime networks behind the illicit online sale of medicines as well as raise awareness of the significant health risks associated with buying medicines online. The operation ran from 18 – 25 June 2013. ‘This Operation is part of our continuing efforts to reduce the harm that can be caused to the Northern Ireland public by ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/446/clampdown-on-illegal-medicines-imported-into-northern-ireland https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/446/clampdown-on-illegal-medicines-imported-into-northern-ireland Fri, 05 Jul 2013 00:00:00 GMT Pharmacy has reacted with anger - but little surprise - to the allegations in last week's Daily Telegraph regarding specials. Online fora have certainly revealed condemnation of the companies' behaviour but have also indicated - rather revealingly - many pharmacists' views that 'there's nothing else we can do when our margins are being cut in so many other ways'. The Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee (PSNC) was one of the first to voice its anger at the developments. 'The guidance for pharmacy contractors dispensing special medicines is crystal clear that when claiming payment for these medicines from the NHS they must disclose all discounts given and claim for the true net sum paid,' said PSNC's Chief Executive, Sue Sharpe. 'Failure to do so would constitute fraud. We therefore do not support any practices that aim to disguise the true prices paid by pharmacy contractors for specials and earlier this year we ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/699/swift-condemnation-of-telegraph-findings https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/699/swift-condemnation-of-telegraph-findings Fri, 28 Jun 2013 00:00:00 GMT A new study published in The Lancet has shown that the genetic risks for asthma could lead to a test which predicts which children will never grow out of the condition. Scientists from Duke University in North Carolina found that children at higher genetic risk of asthma were 36 per cent more likely to develop serious, life-long asthma than those with lower risk. Earlier studies had linked several genes to small increases in asthma risk, although the researchers did admit that the findings were at too early a stage to be used as a reliable clinical test. Asthma UK says the findings could help identify people whose asthma could become severe. The study identified 15 separate locations in the human genome which are associated with asthma. The researchers combined this knowledge with data from a major New Zealand health study of more than 1,000 people since birth, and were ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/527/asthma-genetic-risk-research-could-lead-to-future-test-study https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/527/asthma-genetic-risk-research-could-lead-to-future-test-study Fri, 28 Jun 2013 00:00:00 GMT As Northern Ireland's healthcare prepares to undergo its most significant and wide-ranging reforms in decades, community pharmacists from around the province have attended workshops held by Community Pharmacy NI (CPNI) and the Health and Social Care Board (HSCB).The recommendations of the new reforms - entitled Transforming Your Care represent a radical change in how health services are delivered in communities. The provision of the right care in the right place at the right time is a key principle of this change. Community pharmacists are well placed, as providers of effective local services for local people, to contribute to the prevention of ill health and to the achievement of better outcomes when ill health does occur thus enabling people to live healthily and independently for as long as possible.'These events enable pharmacy owners and community pharmacists to consider the Transforming Your Care proposals and the proactive role they as health professionals ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/524/pharmacists-in-northern-ireland-to-play-major-role https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/524/pharmacists-in-northern-ireland-to-play-major-role Fri, 28 Jun 2013 00:00:00 GMT t’s often said that turnover is vanity and profit is sanity, but in reality cash flow is the King of the Roost. Cash flow is obviously a fundamental aspect of a business - one you must treat with great care and skill. Since generating cash to meet overhead, payroll and other monthly expenses can quickly become difficult, we’re now offering some free advice with our ‘Top 10 Tips to Improve Cash Flow’ so that we can help you shore up your business’s finances and help you avoid the most common fiscal afflictions facing small business today.To download this for free, please click here:https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/cashflow/ https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/894/top-ten-tips-to-improve-cash-flow https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/894/top-ten-tips-to-improve-cash-flow Fri, 28 Jun 2013 00:00:00 GMT Diabetes has been in the spotlight again this week for both positive - and negative - reasons. Firstly, a study which was published in the journal Science Translational Medicine, showed that it may be possible to reverse type 1 diabetes by training a patient's own immune system to stop attacking their body.In diabetes patients, the immune system destroys the cells that make insulin, the hormone needed to control blood sugar levels. However, this study of 80 patients - which has been described by experts as a 'significant step' - showed that a vaccine could retrain patients' immune system.Researchers at the Stanford University Medical Centre used a vaccine to make the immune system cease its assault. The vaccine was targeted to the specific white blood cells which attack beta cells. The research showed that, once patients were given weekly injections for three months, the levels of those white blood cells fell.'We're ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/781/diabetes-hits-the-headlines-for-good-and-bad-reasons https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/781/diabetes-hits-the-headlines-for-good-and-bad-reasons Fri, 28 Jun 2013 00:00:00 GMT The news that hundreds of thousands of women across England and Wales could be spared the distress and uncertainty of a breast cancer diagnosis by taking a daily pill to help prevent the disease has been warmly received across the healthcare sector. Updated guidance by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) says the NHS should give tamoxifen or raloxifene to particular groups of women with a family history of cancer because the drugs can help stop them getting breast cancer if they are taken for five years. Roughly 50,000 women and 400 men are diagnosed with breast cancer each year in the UK, making it the most common cancer in the country. Of these breast cancer cases, one in five will be associated with a family history of the disease while hundreds of thousands of otherwise healthy people will be at risk of developing the disease because ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/490/welcome-response-to-news-on-pill-for-breast-cancer https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/490/welcome-response-to-news-on-pill-for-breast-cancer Fri, 28 Jun 2013 00:00:00 GMT The ABPI has announced that Catherine Meaden has been appointed as the organisation’s new Director of Communications with immediate effect. She will lead the communications department and will be responsible for the ABPI’s engagement with government, NHS, media, patient groups and wider the healthcare community.She will report directly to ABPI Chief Executive, Stephen Whitehead and will advise the Senior Leadership Team and Board of Management on communication issues. She will play a pivotal role in communicating to Government the value the pharmaceutical industry brings to the UK, through the creation of life changing medicines and as key driver of economic growth.Catherine joined the ABPI in April 2012 as Head of Policy and Public Affairs.Before working at the ABPI she headed up Marketing and Communications at NHS Direct – the telephone and online health advice service. During her time at NHS Direct she led their communications response to the swine flu ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/154/new-director-of-communications-for-abpi https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/154/new-director-of-communications-for-abpi Wed, 19 Jun 2013 00:00:00 GMT The Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee (PRAC) of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has recommended that codeine-containing medicines should only be used in children over twelve years old to treat acute (short lived) moderate pain, and only if it cannot be relieved by other painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.This is because some patients may be at an increased risk of rare but serious adverse reactions as a result of the way the body handles codeine and younger children may be particularly susceptible.PRAC also recommends that it should not be used in any patient under 18 years old who undergoes the removal of tonsils or adenoids for the treatment of sleep apnoea. This is due to an increased risk of severe breathing difficulties.The committee has said that where codeine is used in children it should be used at the lowest effective dose and only for the shortest period of time recommended ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/123/mhra-responds-to-ema-recommendation-on-codeine https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/123/mhra-responds-to-ema-recommendation-on-codeine Wed, 19 Jun 2013 00:00:00 GMT You may remember that in January we featured a request from Buchanhaven pharmacist, Samantha Melrose, for stem cell donors. A few weeks earlier, Samantha’s sixteen-year-old daughter, Catherine, had been diagnosed with Acute Myeloid leukaemia. The response on behalf of pharmacy was terrific, with many contacting us directly to ask about Catherine. Now, we’re delighted to share some optimistic news. At the beginning of June, Catherine underwent a stem cell transplant and, although she remains in hospital, is continuing to make steady improvement. She is currently coming up to day 30 since the operation and will be reassessed on day 100 to ascertain the presence – if any – of any leukaemia in her body. In the meantime, on behalf of Catherine’s family, we would like to ask you to contribute once again. As Catherine's blood group will be changed as part of the transplant process, she will probably need blood ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/894/keep-your-fingers-crossed https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/894/keep-your-fingers-crossed Wed, 19 Jun 2013 00:00:00 GMT Alzheimer’s Research UK has created the first ever virtual lab tour designed to help the public understand how new dementia treatments are developed. The Lab www.dementialab.org was launched on 21 June and takes visitors on an interactive journey through photo-realistic laboratory and hospital environments to learn about how research into diseases like Alzheimer’s takes place. Over 820,000 people in the UK are living with dementia, including more than 36,500 people in Wales. With over 40 per cent of the UK population knowing someone close with dementia, and support for Alzheimer’s Research UK on the rise, interest in dementia science has never been higher. Alzheimer’s Research UK funds more than £20m of ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/668/launch-of-new-online-virtual-lab-for-dementia https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/668/launch-of-new-online-virtual-lab-for-dementia Wed, 19 Jun 2013 00:00:00 GMT It’s often said that turnover is vanity and profit is sanity, but in reality cash flow is the King of the Roost. Cash flow is obviously a fundamental aspect of a business - one you must treat with great care and skill. Since generating cash to meet overhead, payroll and other monthly expenses can quickly become difficult, we’re now offering some free advice with our ‘Top 10 Tips to Improve Cash Flow’ so that we can help you shore up your business’s finances and help you avoid the most common fiscal afflictions facing small business today.To download this for free, please click here:https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/cashflow/ https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/699/cash-flow https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/699/cash-flow Fri, 14 Jun 2013 00:00:00 GMT Over 170 NI pharmacists attended two workshops organised by the National Pharmacy Association (NPA) and the Ulster Chemists’ Association (UCA) on Medicine Use Reviews following the launch of a pharmacy-based respiratory MUR service in Northern Ireland.The workshop, ‘Introducing Targeted MURs in Your Practice’ gave pharmacists advice on how to support the delivery of directed MURs in their practice, how to motivate staff to support and enrol clients and how to adopt new ways of working to allow the sustainable delivery of a quality new service. ‘The workshops were a great opportunity to provide pharmacists with information and practical advice on how to make MURs work for them and their business,’ said Anne McAlister, NPA Representation Manager in Northern Ireland. ‘Pharmacies have been asked to complete 120 respiratory MURs by April 2014 as part of their contract. It’s important that pharmacies have the necessary measures in place to deliver a quality ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/298/mur-workshops-major-success-for-ni-pharmacists https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/298/mur-workshops-major-success-for-ni-pharmacists Fri, 14 Jun 2013 00:00:00 GMT The G8 summit, which is now underway at the Lough Erne Resort in Enniskillen, is the result of many months of planning, but the summit organisers haven’t been the only busy people in the area! Local community pharmacists have had to make contingency plans for ensuring that healthcare runs smoothly during the G8 summit event in Fermanagh. Over the last month, pharmacists have been in discussion with the Health and Social Care Board planning extra rota duties and on call arrangements for out of hours. ‘Unfortunately, when there’s a major event such as the G8 taking place, healthcare professionals have to draw up a contingency plan to ensure there is adequate medical and pharmacy service provision to cope with the significant increase in the number of people visiting the area,' Loretto McManus from Erne Pharmacy told Pharmacy Life.'Similar contigency plans have been drawn up by the Western Trust for extra possible demand ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/878/major-headache-for-g8-summit-pharmacists https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/878/major-headache-for-g8-summit-pharmacists Fri, 14 Jun 2013 00:00:00 GMT All nicotine-containing products (NCPs), such as electronic cigarettes, are to be regulated as medicines in a move to make these products safer and more effective to reduce the harms of smoking. The UK Government has decided that the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) will regulate all NCPs as medicines so that people using these products have the confidence that they are safe, are of the right quality and work. Smoking is the biggest single cause of avoidable death - killing 80,000 people in England each year. Making safe and effective products available for people who smoke can help them cut down or quit.‘Reducing the harms of smoking to smokers and those around them is a key Government health priority,’ said Jeremy Mean, the MHRA’s Group Manager of Vigilance and Risk Management of Medicines. ‘Our research has shown that existing electronic cigarettes and other nicotine containing products on ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/540/uk-moves-towards-safe-and-effective-electronic-cigarettes https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/540/uk-moves-towards-safe-and-effective-electronic-cigarettes Fri, 14 Jun 2013 00:00:00 GMT The MPharm degree in pharmacy at Robert Gordon University (RGU) has been reaccredited by the General Pharmaceutical Council for the full period of six years: a move, which has been warmly welcomed by the Head of the School of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Professor Don Cairns. The MPharm course, which has been reaccredited with no conditions and no recommendations, was commended on its strength in ‘Continuing the development of IPE’. ‘This is a great outcome for us to do so well in a process which is far from trivial,’ said Professor Cairns, ‘and it’s a mighty performance by the staff.’Taught within RGU’s School of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, the MPharm is a masters level programme taught over a condensed four years. The role of the modern pharmacist has grown significantly in recent years, and the course prepares students for entry into the profession through a combination of teaching, laboratory work and ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/991/more-accolades-for-robert-gordon-university https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/991/more-accolades-for-robert-gordon-university Fri, 14 Jun 2013 00:00:00 GMT Available in two presentations 5mg/5ml and 10mg/5ml Oral Suspension to maximise flexibility of dosing.Martindale Pharma has announced the UK launch of Tapclob 5mg/5ml and Tapclob 10mg/5ml Oral Suspension, the first licensed oral liquid suspension version of clobazam. Supplies of this widely used and much needed oral liquid version of clobazam are now available to fulfill prescriptions. Tapclob will be distributed exclusively by Alliance Healthcare Distribution Limited. Tapclob 5mg/5ml and 10mg/5ml Oral Suspension (clobazam oral suspension) will be used principally as an adjunctive therapy for epilepsy, with the majority of use believed to be in children. It is an off-white oral suspension presented in a 150ml glass bottle in two strengths 5mg/5ml and 10mg/5ml to maximise flexibility of dosing. Tapclob has the same indications as clobazam tablets. This new licensed oral liquid version of clobazam not only allows for better ease of use, especially for paediatrics, but also provides healthcare professionals ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/925/first-licensed-oral-liquid-suspension-of-clobazam-launched https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/925/first-licensed-oral-liquid-suspension-of-clobazam-launched Fri, 14 Jun 2013 00:00:00 GMT Eighty five per cent of family doctors say that general practice is ‘in crisis’, as half now say that ‘GPs can no longer guarantee safe care to their patients.'The results, revealed in a poll by the Royal College of General Practitioners, indicate the extremity of the problems now facing general practice.The poll also shows that 48 per cent of family doctors think that patients now have to wait longer for a GP appointment, while four in five GPs are more likely to want to quit the profession than they were five years ago.The survey, which was conducted by Research Now, shows that 93 per cent of family doctors believe that working in general practice is more stressful than it was five years ago and 22 per cent of family doctors have had to seek support, guidance or advice for work-related stress.The poll also revealed that:• 55 per cent of GPs ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/891/general-practice-in-crisis-says-family-doctors https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/891/general-practice-in-crisis-says-family-doctors Fri, 14 Jun 2013 00:00:00 GMT The President of the Pharmaceutical Society NI, Jacqui Dougan, has launched the organisation’s Corporate Strategy ‘A New Era 2013-16’.‘This is the culmination of many hours of hard work and reflection,’ she said. ‘Today we are taking the next steps in delivering modern healthcare regulation for pharmacy in Northern Ireland. Going forward, we have a vision of being an exemplary regulator, using all our skills to continue bringing effective, proportionate and fair regulation to the pharmacy profession. All the while, building on our ability to be progressive, agile and responsive to the needs of our stakeholders.’ The strategy can be viewed at http://www.psni.org.uk/about/psni/corporate-strategy/  https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/752/a-new-era-for-pharmaceutical-society-ni https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/752/a-new-era-for-pharmaceutical-society-ni Fri, 14 Jun 2013 00:00:00 GMT New guidance from the British Menopause Society (BMS) has indicated that hundreds of thousands of women have suffered unnecessarily over the last decade as a result of the debate which has raged over the use of the treatment. According to the BMS, the studies that condemned HRT were 'flawed' and there are now indications that the benefits outweigh the risks. Just over a decade ago, the uptake of HRT halved and an estimated one million British women stopped taking it, after two studies found it was linked to an increased risk of heart disease and breast cancer. As a result of the studies, HRT changed - practically overnight - from being branded the 'elixir of youth' to being considered extremely risky and only to be used in certain circumstances. The emerging consensus is, however, that the benefits usually outweigh the risks and doctors should consider the latest guidelines ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/799/debate-continues-over-benefits-of-hrt https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/799/debate-continues-over-benefits-of-hrt Fri, 07 Jun 2013 00:00:00 GMT The Scottish Drugs Forum (SDF) has said that the drugs debate in Scotland needs to move from a continued narrow, wasteful and often 'ill-informed' focus on methadone and other forms of opiate replacement therapy (ORT) to a programme of effective and holistic response to the needs of 60,000 people with drug problems. SDF, a charity, which works to reduce problematic drug use and improve the quality of drugs services and policy, was replying to the Scottish Government's independent expert review of opiate replacement therapies (ORT) such as methadone, heroin substitute Subutex and diamorphine. In its formal submission, SDF stated that ORT has a key role in saving the lives of many problem drug users in Scotland as well as promoting, supporting and maximising their recovery. However, a failure to set ORT 'in the context of the overall response and in terms of a range of interventions' means that too often ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/317/end-wasteful-debate-over-opiate-replacement-therapy-say-experts https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/317/end-wasteful-debate-over-opiate-replacement-therapy-say-experts Fri, 07 Jun 2013 00:00:00 GMT Licensed nicotine products, such as patches and gum, should be offered to people who smoke and are struggling to quit to help them cut down on cigarettes, says National Institute for Care Excellence (NICE).The best way to reduce the harm of smoking is still to stop completely and in one step, but for many smokers this can be difficult to achieve, especially for those who are highly dependent on nicotine.One in five adults in England smoke, and around two-thirds of people who smoke say they would like to quit.NICE recommends that stop smoking advisers and health professionals advise people to stop smoking in one go, but for those who aren't ready or are unable to stop in one step, they should suggest considering a harm-reduction approach.Using licensed nicotine products, often in combination, can not only help people reduce the amount they smoke but also increase their chances of giving up ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/891/benefits-of-nicotine-products-recommended-by-nice https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/891/benefits-of-nicotine-products-recommended-by-nice Fri, 07 Jun 2013 00:00:00 GMT New research has suggested that B vitamins can help protect the parts of the brain affected by Alzheimer’s disease. Scientists from Oxford University studied participants with mild cognitive impairment who had raised blood levels of homocysteine: an amino acid which is turned into brain chemicals essential for memory function. It is estimated that people with elevated levels of homocysteine have almost double the risk of developing Alzheimer's.After the participants in the study were given high doses of vitamin B12, B6 and B9, however, it was found that the rapid shrinkage of particular regions of the brain was dramatically slowed down. The team also found that people given B vitamins, particularly B12, saw their high homocysteine levels fall.Dementia is estimated to cost the UK £23 billion a year, with an average cost of £29,746 per person. There are currently about 800,000 cases across the UK, but the disease is on the ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/251/role-of-vitamin-b12-highlighted-in-fight-against-alzheimers https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/251/role-of-vitamin-b12-highlighted-in-fight-against-alzheimers Fri, 07 Jun 2013 00:00:00 GMT Renal colic affects approximately 1.2 million people each year.  Mr Stephen Gordon FRCS(Urol), Consultant Urologist at Epson & St Helier University NHS Hospitals & St.Anthony's Hospital,  gives Pharmacy Life the lowdown on this painful condition. For further details please visit www.urology.me.uk or phone 01737 357258AnalgesiaRenal colic is caused by the sudden obstruction of the renal collecting system leading to a significant increase in intrarenal pressure. Pain is severe and may be associated with nausea and significant anxiety.Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) are very effective in acute renal colic and van give better analgesic efficacy when compared to opioids. Opioids may however also be needed but pethidine may be associated with a greater chance of vomiting. An NSAID should be the first drug of choice and initiated as soon as possible. Intravenous paracetamol is also gaining wider use and can be very effective and useful for such patients who often require multiple types ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/765/special-feature-focus-on-special-colic https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/765/special-feature-focus-on-special-colic Mon, 03 Jun 2013 00:00:00 GMT Northern Ireland Health Minister, Edwin Poots, has announced an MMR vaccination catch-up programme for children aged between five and fifteen who are unvaccinated or only partially vaccinated.The programme, which aims to prevent outbreaks of measles such as the recent outbreaks in England and Wales, will begin in the next few weeks and is expected to be concluded by September 2013. Families whose children require vaccination will be advised to contact their GP. ‘Although uptake rates of the MMR have traditionally been very high in Northern Ireland, there are still some children who remain unvaccinated or only partially vaccinated,’ said Mr Poots. ‘Measles is a very serious illness and is extremely infectious. I would urge all parents to ensure their children are fully protected with the MMR vaccine, and would urge all young people who are not fully vaccinated to go to their GP and get the vaccine.’The routine MMR vaccination ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/398/mmr-vaccination-catch-up-announced-for-ni-children https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/398/mmr-vaccination-catch-up-announced-for-ni-children Fri, 31 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT Almost one quarter of cancers in Scotland are detected at the earliest possible stage, according to figures which have been released by ISD Scotland. The statistics show that in 2010 and 2011, 23 per cent of people diagnosed with breast, colorectal or lung cancer were picked up at the earliest stage (stage one).Cancer is one of the major causes of death in Scotland. In 2011, over 15,300 people died of cancer in Scotland and 30,000 people were diagnosed with cancer. The most common causes of cancer death and diagnosis are lung, colorectal and breast cancer. In February 2012 the Cabinet Secretary formally launched the Detect Cancer Early (DCE) programme. One aim of the DCE programme is to increase the percentage of people who are diagnosed early in the disease process (with stage 1 disease) by 25 per cent by the end of 2015. A HEAT (Health, Efficiency, Access and Treatment) ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/123/quarter-of-cancers-detected-early-in-scotland https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/123/quarter-of-cancers-detected-early-in-scotland Fri, 31 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency has responded to the recommendations of the European Medicines Agency’s (EMA) pharmacovigilance risk assessment committee (PRAC) on Diane 35 – known as Dianette. The European Medicines Agency’s (EMA’s) Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee (PRAC) had concluded that the benefits of Diane 35 (cyproterone acetate 2 mg/ethinylestradiol 35 micrograms) and its generics outweigh the risks, provided that several measures are taken to minimise the risk of thromboembolism (formation of blood clots in the veins and arteries). These medicines should be used solely in the treatment of moderate to severe acne related to androgen sensitivity or hirsutism (excessive unwanted growth of hair) in women of reproductive age. Furthermore, Diane 35 should only be used for the treatment of acne when alternative treatments, such as topical therapy and oral antibiotic treatment, have failed.Since Diane 35 and its generics are hormonal contraceptives, women should not take these medicines ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/527/dianette-benefits-outweigh-risks-in-specific-patient-group https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/527/dianette-benefits-outweigh-risks-in-specific-patient-group Fri, 31 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT The Department of Health has announced four million pounds to improve the way diseases are diagnosed, benefiting patient care.Every year over 16 million diagnostic tests are carried out across the NHS. This money will fund research that looks at the way a number of different diseases are diagnosed, so patients can access the best available treatments more quickly. The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) will share the funding across four NHS organisations in London, Leeds, Newcastle and Oxford. These places will become national centres of expertise called NIHR Diagnostic Evidence Co-operatives. Faster and better diagnosis can be lifesaving for patients and the use of clinical research to improve the diagnosis and treatment of patients is a priority for the government. These centres will promote research into medical tests used to diagnose things like cancer, liver and respiratory diseases, so patients across the NHS can benefit from advances in technology. ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/844/4-million-of-funding-to-improve-diagnosis-of-diseases https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/844/4-million-of-funding-to-improve-diagnosis-of-diseases Fri, 31 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT PgDip Pharmacy ManagementNow available for September 2013 entry.About the ProgrammeTransform your career with a Postgraduate Diploma in Pharmacy Management from the University of Ulster. Not only will you join likeminded professionals who have already benefited from the programme, you will join a modern, online and flexible learning experience.The School of Pharmacy provides a real and holistic view of pharmacy management assisting new and established professionals achieve that real difference in their career. Written and delivered by practicing professionals, we recognise that this successful programme can make a real difference to you.Benefit from the programme’s unique features including online tutorials, an emphasis on pharmacy leadership, service development, and quality management and performance measurement.The PgDip Pharmacy Management is designed to deliver insight, understanding and vision to managing a successful pharmacy practice whether located within primary or secondary care.Transform yourself and reach your goals. Join the PgDip Pharmacy Management.Duration and mode of attendanceThe ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/637/great-opportunity-for-practising-pharmacists https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/637/great-opportunity-for-practising-pharmacists Thu, 30 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT New figures revealed by the National Audit Office (NAO) have shown that the Department of Health discarded around £74m worth of antiviral drug, Tamiflu, before its expiry date, due to unsafe storage procedures. Since 2006 the UK has spent £600 million to fight a flu pandemic that has, to date, not occurred. The panic over a possible pandemic occurring led to the British government creating a stockpile of Tamiflu and Relenza, which were new drugs that were supposed to neutralize the flu virus. Between 2006 and 2013 40 million units of Tamiflu were purchased, with a quarter being written off. Around 6.5 million units were distributed to the NHS but, when the pandemic didn’t occur, these units had to be written off since no one could guarantee that they had been kept in appropriate conditions. In response to the statistics, the Department of Health promised that it would ‘consider the ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/846/flu-hits-the-headlines-again https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/846/flu-hits-the-headlines-again Fri, 24 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT The British Pharmaceutical Students’ Association (BPSA), Pharmacy Voice, and the NHS Pharmacy Education and Development Committee have issued joint guidance for students on accepting or rejecting pre-registration training offers. Whilst there is currently no universal acceptance date for accepting pre-registration training offers, many students feel it is unprofessional to leave potential employers without a response of acceptance or rejection, and are often left unsure as to how to approach the situation.The guidance includes answers to common issues that pharmacy undergraduates experience when applying for pre-registration place, what to do if they feel a potential employer is pressurising them into accepting an offer and what to do if they accept an offer but wish to reject it at a later date. ‘Students have been contacting the BPSA with concerns that they are often left unsure whether to accept offers from the community sector early on in the year when hospital applications are ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/944/joint-guidance-issued-for-students-on-pre-registration-training-offers https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/944/joint-guidance-issued-for-students-on-pre-registration-training-offers Fri, 24 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT The Royal Pharmaceutical Society has released a multimedia package of social media guidance for pharmacists.The Social Media Guidance Package for Pharmacists is the first of its kind in UK healthcare, catering for all social media proficiency levels, and containing video, podcasts, presentations and documents.The aim of the package is to help pharmacists to use social media for the benefit of their practice, the profession, patients and the public. ‘Through social media,’ said Paul Gimson, Director for Wales, pharmacist and contributor to the package, ‘pharmacists can learn, network, share their expertise with other health care professionals and the public, and all this leads to better, safer patient care.’The package will continue to grow as new issues and technology arise and more guidance is contributed. The RPS welcomes comments, ideas and submissions.For more info visit http://www.rpharms.com/unsecure-support-resources/social-media-guidance.asp? https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/668/pharmacy-takes-digital-step-forward https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/668/pharmacy-takes-digital-step-forward Fri, 24 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has advised the NHS against funding the drug bevacizumab (Avastin) for advanced ovarian cancer. In two separate pieces of final guidance published for the health service, NICE has concluded that funding the treatment on the NHS does not represent the best use of taxpayers' money.‘The NHS has finite resources,’ said Sir Andrew Dillon, NICE Chief Executive, ‘so it's important that only the most cost-effective treatments - drugs that work well considering their cost and potential side-effects - are recommended.‘NICE has published guidance on two specific uses of bevacizumab as an advanced ovarian cancer treatment and we're naturally disappointed that we can't recommend it in either instance. Unfortunately, the evidence provided to the Appraisal Committee - which developed these two pieces of guidance for NICE - highlighted that, in both cases, bevacizumab was not cost-effective.’ Ovarian cancer is classed as ‘advanced' once ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/427/gb-cancer-patients-being-restricted-by-availability-of-cancer-drugs https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/427/gb-cancer-patients-being-restricted-by-availability-of-cancer-drugs Fri, 24 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT The second Welsh Pharmacy Conference, which was held recently in Cardiff City Hall, proved to be a considerable sounding board for many important issues.It could be argued that this year’s conference had a major job to do in attempting to emulate the success of last year’s event, but those present would probably agree that the quality of this year’s presentations was instrumental in ensuring a similar success this year! The conference, which took place during the day of the Welsh Pharmacy Awards, was attended by around 80 pharmacists and trade representatives and provided those with an interest in Welsh pharmacy the opportunity to air their views.The conference was chaired once again this year by Michael Holden, Chief Executive of National Pharmacists Association (NPA), who opened the day’s proceedings by welcoming everyone. Michael then introduced the Chief Pharmaceutical Officer for Wales, Roger Walker, who gave the delegates an overview of the ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/527/welsh-pharmacy-conference-2013 https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/527/welsh-pharmacy-conference-2013 Thu, 23 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT Northern Ireland Health Minister Edwin Poots has announced a new service aimed at helping people with respiratory conditions, who are taking multiple medications, to manage their medicines more effectively. The Medicines Use Review (MUR) service, which came into effect in April 2013, allows community pharmacists to review medication face to face with the patient and to offer their professional advice on how to best to manage prescribed medications.'This is good for patients,' said Mr Poots. 'The proposed vision for our public health framework is to ensure that all people are enabled and supported in achieving their full health potential and wellbeing. This new service which has been welcomed by the Regional Respiratory Advisory Group will maximise this support for people with respiratory problems. I want to see best use of medications that will benefit the patient in the long term.'The new service aligns to the objective of delivering services closer ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/348/murs-arrive-in-northern-ireland https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/348/murs-arrive-in-northern-ireland Mon, 20 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT The fact that the NHS is not providing insulin pumps to enough people with Type 1 diabetes – compared to much higher access rates in other European nations – may be exposing them to greater risk of serious health complications, according to two diabetes charities.Diabetes UK and JDRF have expressed concerns as the UK’s first ever audit of insulin pump use, which was published last week, revealed that just seven per cent of the estimated 247,500 UK people with Type 1 diabetes use a pump. Usage in the UK is thought to have gone up over the last five years, but the report highlights that the seven per cent figure is still much lower than in countries such as Germany and Norway, where over fifteen per cent of those with Type 1 diabetes use a pump. In the US, use of insulin pumps is even more widespread, with some 40 ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/715/uk-lagging-behind-rest-of-europe-on-insulin-pumps https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/715/uk-lagging-behind-rest-of-europe-on-insulin-pumps Mon, 20 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT New research has indicated that vitamin D may help to treat severe asthma. A study, which was carried out by researchers from King's College, London; Queen Mary, University of London and the Homerton University NHS Foundation Trust has suggested that the vitamin could help to control the symptoms of severe asthma. The study looked at vitamin D's impact on white blood cells and in particular at IL-17A, which is one of the molecules thought to be associated with the malfunctioning immune response seen in asthma. Researchers examined whether vitamin D had an effect on the levels of the molecule produced by white blood cells in a laboratory experiment.The researchers took blood from ten healthy adults and 28 patients with moderate to severe asthma and extracted white blood cells, including T cells. The patients had to have had diagnosed asthma for at least six months. Of the patients, 18 had asthma ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/251/vitamin-d-may-help-treat-severe-asthma https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/251/vitamin-d-may-help-treat-severe-asthma Mon, 20 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT The cream of Welsh pharmacy took a bow on Thursday night as the fifth annual Welsh Pharmacy Awards took place at Cardiff City Hall. As always, the glittering gala gave pharmacy professionals the opportunity to highlight their work and to be applauded by their peers for their achievements. The Welsh Pharmacy Awards are organised by Medical Communications Ltd, the publishers of pharmacy and healthcare magazines across the UK. Managing Director, Adrian Maginnis, believes that they are a great opportunity for Welsh pharmacy to show off its achievements and its ability to ‘think outside of the box’. ‘As with the other UK regions, Welsh pharmacy is currently facing budgetary restrictions,’ he said, ‘but these awards clearly demonstrate that, despite the difficulties currently being experienced, pharmacists are continuing to strive to provide the best possible standards of care for patients across the board.’The awards ceremony followed the second Welsh pharmacy conference ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/380/welsh-pharmacy-awards https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/380/welsh-pharmacy-awards Mon, 20 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT NPA member Shaheen Bhatia attended an awards ceremony last week) after being shortlisted for the Asian Women of Achievement Award. The awards aim to identify the most inspirational Asian women in Britain . In 1987 Shaheen and her husband converted an old grocery shop that has since helped pioneer health services in Ilford, Essex. Widowed in 1995 with two children, Shaheen helped to pilot and roll out vital local services in drug addiction, teenage pregnancy and sexual health. 'I’m delighted to have been shortlisted for this prestigious award,' said Shaheen, who was shortlisted for the entrepreneur category. 'I couldn’t have done it without the support of my husband Chris, who has helped to do all the promotional campaigns for our services. I am passionate about independent community pharmacy and feel we are the real heart and soul of the community.''It’s a wonderful accolade for Shaheen to have been nominated for ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/204/npa-member-shortlisted-for-asian-women-of-achievement-award https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/204/npa-member-shortlisted-for-asian-women-of-achievement-award Mon, 20 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT The Royal Pharmaceutical Society is calling on all care professionals to provide more help for patients with their medicines to improve outcomes and avoid medicines waste.The Society has today published Medicines Optimisation: helping patients make the most of medicines, providing four guiding principles to help front-line professionals in England support patients to improve their quality of life and outcomes from better use of medicines.Developed with health professionals, patients, lay representatives and patient groups, the principles are endorsed by NHS England, the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges, the Royal College of General Practitioners, the Royal College of Nursing and the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry.‘This important document represents a collaboration between patients and the health professionals that care for them,’ said Sir Bruce Keogh, Medical Director of NHS England. ‘It sets out four simple but important principles of ‘medicines optimisation’ that could revolutionise medicines use and outcomes:• aim to understand ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/702/rps-calls-for-adoption-of-medicines-optimisation-across-primary-care https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/702/rps-calls-for-adoption-of-medicines-optimisation-across-primary-care Fri, 10 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT Meningitis Research Foundation welcomes today’s news regarding improvements to the MenC vaccination schedule that will maintain protection against meningococcal C meningitis and septicaemia with a new teenage booster.Meningitis and septicaemia are the illnesses most feared by parents, killing more children under five than any other infectious disease in the UK. The MenC vaccine has prevented over 13,000 cases and saved over 1,300 lives since it was introduced 1999. Nowadays there are just a handful of cases of MenC each year.However, research now shows that direct protection the vaccine provides against MenC declines by the teenage years. A booster dose in early adolescence will extend protection later into life. Teenagers are the second most at-risk age group for MenC and are more likely to carry the germ than younger children or older adults. As the vaccine prevents carriage of MenC, vaccinating teenagers will not only protect this vulnerable age group, but ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/844/charity-welcomes-improvements-to-menc-vaccination-schedule https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/844/charity-welcomes-improvements-to-menc-vaccination-schedule Fri, 10 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT The number of women under 50 diagnosed with breast cancer each year in the UK has exceeded 10,000 for the first time according to latest statistics released by Cancer Research UK.This means that one in five breast cancer cases are in women under 50 as latest figures show the total number of women diagnosed each year is now approaching 50,000.Around 7,700 women under 50 were diagnosed with breast cancer in 1995 in the UK.But by 2010 more than 10,000 were diagnosed with the disease, with the corresponding incidence rates rising by eleven per cent. The rise in younger women reflects the overall steady increase in the numbers of breast cancer cases diagnosed in women of all ages – an 18 per cent growth in incidence rates over the same time period. It’s not clear why rates of breast cancer are rising in this age group but increasing alcohol intake and ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/718/breast-cancer-cases-in-over-50s-top-10000-cases-for-first-time https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/718/breast-cancer-cases-in-over-50s-top-10000-cases-for-first-time Fri, 10 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT The Welsh Health Minister, Mark Drakeford, has launched a framework to improve cardiac services in Wales. Heart disease is a major killer in Wales, particularly affecting poorer communities. According to the latest figures available from the Welsh Health Survey, 20 per cent of adults are being treated for high blood pressure and nine per cent for any heart condition, excluding high blood pressure. Although death rates in Wales have been falling over the last three decades, they remain around fifteen per cent higher than in England. The Welsh Government wants to minimise the numbers of preventable heart disease and to ensure those affected by any kind of heart disease have timely access to high quality services, regardless of where they live and whether these services are delivered through hospitals or in the community. ‘By 2016, the NHS must meet the Standards set out in the Cardiac Disease National Service Framework ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/702/health-minister-launches-heart-disease-delivery-plan https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/702/health-minister-launches-heart-disease-delivery-plan Fri, 10 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT A research study from the University of Melbourne has shown that seizures can be predicted with a new device. The device is put in the brain, and is able to give a warning that a seizure is coming. The device, once inside the brain, predicted seizures in some adults who have epilepsy that can’t be controlled by anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs). ‘Knowing when a seizure might happen could dramatically improve the quality of life and independence of people with epilepsy,’ said lead author Mark Cook from the University of Melbourne in Australia.The device has been designed to detect abnormal electrical activity in the brain. It is put between the skull and the brain’s surface. It looks at electrical activity in the brain all the time. This information is converted to data. It is then sent without wires to a device that can be held in the hand. This device makes a ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/427/new-device-claims-to-be-able-to-predict-seizures https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/427/new-device-claims-to-be-able-to-predict-seizures Fri, 03 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT Researchers at the University of Leicester are aiming to improve the prescribing behaviour of junior doctors in the NHS which will save lives as well as time and money.Dr Rakesh Patel from the College of Medicine, Biological Sciences and Psychology, together with Dr Ming Lim and Dr Will Green from the School of Management, were recently awarded a grant from the East Midlands HIEC to develop an educational intervention for reducing prescribing errors among junior doctors.The National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA) reported a significant year on-year increase in the reporting of medication incidents from England and Wales in 2007 and misprescription is currently costing the NHS over £70 million per annum. A previous study into the prescription behaviour of junior doctors found that 124,260 prescriptions made by foundation doctors across 19 hospitals over seven days contained 11,077 errors, which is 8.9 per cent of all prescriptions.On the importance of the ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/126/nhs-prescribing-errors-puts-patients-at-risk-warn-leicester-academics https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/126/nhs-prescribing-errors-puts-patients-at-risk-warn-leicester-academics Fri, 03 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) today issued a warning to people with diabetes about a software fault in a specific blood glucose meter. This could give an incorrect low result in the rare event that the blood glucose level is extremely high.People are being asked to check if they have the FreeStyle InsuLinx model at home. This blood glucose meter is manufactured by Abbott Diabetes Care and is used by up to 40,000 people.The manufacturer issued an alert to healthcare professionals because the faulty software causes the meters to give a falsely low reading in the unlikely event a person has an extremely high blood glucose level of 56.8 mmol/L and above.The software fault could mean diagnosis and treatment are delayed. If people with diabetes have these meters at home they should contact Abbott Diabetes Care who will provide a new meter or advice on how to ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/605/mhra-issues-warning-about-freestyle-insulinx-meter https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/605/mhra-issues-warning-about-freestyle-insulinx-meter Thu, 02 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT Coeliac UK, the national charity for coeliac disease, has announced the support of Joe Simpson, mountaineer, author and subject of the BAFTA award-winning film ‘Touching the Void,’ who has recently been diagnosed with coeliac disease, for their campaign to find the missing half a million people in the UK undiagnosed with the autoimmune disease and specifically targeting those diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). One in 100 people in the UK have coeliac disease, however only ten-fifteen per cent of those with the condition are diagnosed. Almost 25 per cent of coeliac patients had previously been told they had IBS or were treated for it before they were diagnosed with coeliac disease, according to recent research, suggesting that tens of thousands of people are not being investigated early enough for coeliac disease. Coeliac UK’s Gut Feeling campaign takes place from 13-19 May 2013 and the Charity is encouraging people across ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/991/support-for-coeliac-disease-trust-your-gut-feeling https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/991/support-for-coeliac-disease-trust-your-gut-feeling Thu, 02 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT An evaluation into Healthy Living Pharmacies (HLP) in England has indicated the important role of the pharmacy team in supporting people with health and well-being advice. Of the 1,034 people who accessed health and well-being advice and/or an NHS service at an HLP, 21 per cent said if they hadn’t accessed this support at an HLP, they wouldn’t have done anything. Sixty per cent said they would have gone to their GP. The HLP concept is aimed at achieving consistent delivery of a broad range of high quality services through community pharmacies to improve health and well-being and to reduce health inequalities. All HLPs have at least one Health Champion, a specially trained member of staff, who is proactive in promoting health and well-being and signposting the public to appropriate services. The key question to be answered by the evaluation was 'could the early results seen in Portsmouth be replicated ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/571/public-highly-approves-of-healthy-living-pharmacies-report https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/571/public-highly-approves-of-healthy-living-pharmacies-report Fri, 26 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT The Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee (PRAC) has published the European so-called ‘mandatory’ list of medicines under additional monitoring. Additional monitoring status is always applied to a medicine in the following cases:• it contains a new active substance authorised in the EU after 1 January 2011 • it is a biological medicine, such as a vaccine or a medicine derived from plasma (blood), for which there is limited post-marketing experience • it has been given a conditional approval (where the company that markets the medicine must provide more data about it) or approved under exceptional circumstances (where there are specific reasons why the company cannot provide a comprehensive set of data) • the company that markets the medicine is required to carry out additional studies, for instance, to provide more data on long-term use of the medicine or on a rare side effect seen during clinical trials The additional monitoring list ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/139/list-of-medicines-under-additional-monitoring-published https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/139/list-of-medicines-under-additional-monitoring-published Fri, 26 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT Public Health England has released figures that show that the measles outbreak, which up until now was thought to be confined to Wales, is now spreading across England.According to the figures, a total of 587 cases of measles with onset dates in the first quarter of 2013 has been confirmed in England. This continues the trend of monthly totals which are around the highest recorded since the enhanced surveillance commenced in 1994 and follows the highest annual figure over the same period of 1920 laboratory confirmed cases in 2012.The age distribution of the cases in the first quarter of 2013 shows a peak in the ten-fourteen year- old age group with an apparent shift in age, when compared to the previous four years. Analysis of cases by year of birth shows that, apart from children born in 2012 (who would be too young to be eligible for vaccination); attack rates ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/894/no-end-in-sight-for-measles-outbreak https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/894/no-end-in-sight-for-measles-outbreak Fri, 26 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT Hot on the heels of the Francis report and its findings on the failings of care for the elderly, the government has launched a new website providing information to help people choose, compare and comment on residential care homes and home care services.Launched by Care and Support Minister, Norman Lamb, the new care profiles help people to search and compare residential care homes and other care services and make confident choices about registered care for themselves or family members.The profiles bring together information from a variety of sources, including:• official information from the Care Quality Commission inspection reports on care services• information from care providers on the specialist services and facilities they offer, with details of staff and other useful information such as sample menus, photos of rooms and gardens• comments from the public, service users, residents and their families on their own experiences of the care provider, including links ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/443/government-launches-care-comparison-website https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/443/government-launches-care-comparison-website Fri, 26 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT Welsh Pharmacy Review is delighted to present the finalists of the 2013 Welsh Pharmacy Awards. Now in their fifth year, the awards continue to grow in strength and in the quality of the applications received. Our digital awards supplement gives you all the finalists and the details of their innovative projects and work that led to their being nominated and subsequently shortlisted. Please click here to read the full awards supplement! https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/154/welsh-finalists-take-a-bow https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/154/welsh-finalists-take-a-bow Mon, 22 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT The Royal Pharmaceutical Society has launched a commission that will examine new ways in which patient care can be improved though the better use of pharmacy.The Commission on future models of care delivered through pharmacy is chaired by Dr Judith Smith, Director of Policy at the independent charitable research foundation the Nuffield Trust. The commission will highlight existing and emerging examples of innovative services delivered through pharmacy. It will suggest ways in which implementation could be enabled, and relate this to the wider world of health care. The Commission, which will report in Autumn 2013, will seek the views of pharmacists, other health professions, policy makers, health managers, patients and the public, who will be asked to contribute examples of innovative service provision involving pharmacy, and their views about what helps or hinders the development of these new services. The Commission will bring together expertise from across pharmacy, the wider ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/267/new-commissioned-launched-by-rps https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/267/new-commissioned-launched-by-rps Fri, 19 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT The MHRA has issued a warning to people not to use a particular Chinese herbal medicine.The product, Zheng Tian Wan consists of herbal pills which contain aconite, a poisonous plant toxic to the heart and the nervous system and linked to serious health complications including deaths. The product is generally used to treat migraines. The product has recently come to the attention of the MHRA as a result of being supplied to a patient by an herbal practitioner.Aconite (also known as monkshood) is on a UK list of restricted herbal ingredients. Aconite should not be used in unlicensed products for oral use and Herbal practitioners in the UK should only use aconite in preparations for external use only on unbroken skin. It can be prescribed in oral medicines by a qualified medical doctor under supervision as a prescription-only medicine.The product is an unlicensed herbal medicine which means it has not ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/590/mhra-warns-over-potentially-toxic-chinese-herbal-medicine https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/590/mhra-warns-over-potentially-toxic-chinese-herbal-medicine Fri, 19 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT People in Tameside are more likely to die from coronary heart disease than anyone else in the UK. Their risk is three times higher than in Kensington and Chelsea - where people have the healthiest hearts.There wasn't much better news for Northern Ireland and Scotland, with Ballymoney and Glasgow taking second and third places!The statistics from the British Heart Foundation, which represent average death rates for the three years from 2009-2011, reported that there were 129 deaths from heart disease per 100,000 people living in Ballymoney and 128 per 100,000 people in Glasgow.In the London borough of Kensington and Chelsea people were found to have the healthiest hearts with just 39 deaths per 100,000 from heart disease.There was some good news, however, in that the statistics have shown that overall numbers of heart attack deaths fell in all areas.'Heart disease rates have come down at about the same rate in ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/173/where-you-live-can-have-a-huge-impact-on-your-heart-health https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/173/where-you-live-can-have-a-huge-impact-on-your-heart-health Fri, 19 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT Care of the elderly was the main focus of an international multi-disciplinary conference which was held in Belfast this week. The British Geriatrics Society chose the Waterfront in the Northern Ireland capital as the venue for the 2013 Scientific Meeting, which looked at a wide range of topics relevant to medical doctors and healthcare professionals who are concerned with the care of older people.The three-day meeting kicked off on Wednesday afternoon with presentations highlighting the exciting developments within the expanding areas of nursing home medicine, psychiatric liaison and orthogeriatric medicine. Thursday’s programme included sessions on stroke, which featured a summary covering the prevention and management of the thrombo-embolic complications of atrial fibrillation, followed by a presentation on the topic of imaging and radiological intervention in the acute stroke setting. This was followed by an important session on pain management, and then a review of driving matters in the elderly, including ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/671/international-conference-focuses-on-care-of-elderly https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/671/international-conference-focuses-on-care-of-elderly Fri, 19 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has issued final draft guidance recommending ranibizumab (Lucentis, Novartis) as a treatment for sight problems caused by macular oedema, which affects someone's ability to see detail and colour. The draft guidance relates to macular oedema caused when the vein to the retina or one of its branches is blocked (central or branch retinal vein occlusion).NICE recommends the treatment should only be prescribed if the manufacturer makes it available to the NHS under terms agreed with the Department of Health as part of a patient access scheme.The draft guidance has been issued to consultees, including the manufacturer, Novartis, national patient and carer groups and bodies representing health professionals, for appeal and factual changes, and is published on the NICE website for information.The macular is the central part of the retina responsible for seeing colour and fine detail. Macular oedema occurs when fluid ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/574/draft-guidance-from-nice-says-yes-to-ranibizumab https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/574/draft-guidance-from-nice-says-yes-to-ranibizumab Fri, 12 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT Researchers at the University Medical Center (UMC) Utrecht, the Netherlands, have identified a novel gene mutation that predisposes to seminoma, the most common form of testicular cancer in young men. The newly identified mutation, in the LRRC50 gene, can be considered as a new risk factor for testicular cancer and may be useful for screening purposes. The finding was published this week in PLoS Genetics. In preclinical research in zebrafish, it was found that mutation in the LRRC50 gene predisposes to testicular tumor formation and that zebrafish LRRC50 tumors are similar to human seminoma. These unique findings make zebrafish a useful animal model for human seminoma associated with mutation of the LRRC50 gene. Additional research revealed an increased prevalence of mutations in this specific gene in samples from patients who had family members similarly diagnosed with seminoma.‘Until recently, there was little information on the genetic components that determine risk factors ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/574/novel-gene-mutation-identified-that-predisposes-to-testicular-cancer https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/574/novel-gene-mutation-identified-that-predisposes-to-testicular-cancer Fri, 12 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT Breast cancer cells that break off from tumours have a biological 'fingerprint' that could allow doctors to spot women whose disease is likely to spread to the brain, according to US research.This could lead to better ways of treating women with the disease, and even to new drugs to stop it spreading.The discovery came after a team of researchers based at Baylor College of Medicine in Texas took cells that had broken away from women's breast cancers into their bloodstream and - in a world first - grew them in the laboratory.Analysis of the cells revealed that those from women whose cancer had spread to the brain bore a unique combination of proteins in their surface.These included human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2+), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), heparanase (HPSE) and Notch1.Further work in animal models confirmed that cells with this fingerprint were adept at spreading to the brain.These ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/493/researchers-uncover-fingerprint-of-breast-cancers-that-spread-to-brain https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/493/researchers-uncover-fingerprint-of-breast-cancers-that-spread-to-brain Fri, 12 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT A ground-breaking study at Swansea University, funded by Asthma UK, hopes to tackle both asthma and childhood obesity by developing a special exercise programme for schools. On average there are two children with asthma in every classroom in the UK, while childhood obesity rates have more than doubled over the last 20 years. Obesity has been linked to asthma and can lead to worse asthma control. Exercise can benefit children with asthma but, sadly, these children often sit out of PE lessons because they feel frightened and limited by their asthma. A vicious cycle can then develop where limited activity leads to obesity which, in turn can mean a worsening of asthma symptoms and even less physical activity. The researchers at Swansea University, led by Dr Gwyneth Davies, will tackle this cycle by developing an innovative new exercise programme tailored especially for children with asthma. 'We are excited about the ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/298/new-swansea-research-aims-to-break-cycle-of-asthma-and-obesity https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/298/new-swansea-research-aims-to-break-cycle-of-asthma-and-obesity Fri, 12 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT A new education programme developed by the Centre for Pharmacy Postgraduate Education and supported by Parkinson’s UK to increase understanding of Parkinson's amongst pharmacists is now available.As medication plays such an important role in managing symptoms, supporting pharmacists to understand more about Parkinson's is a key priority. For that reason, Parkinson’s UK has joined forces with the Centre for Pharmacy Postgraduate Education to create a learning portfolio focused on Parkinson's.This portfolio is aimed at pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and pre-registration pharmacist trainees.On completion of this learning programme, the pharmacist should be able to:• describe the diagnosis and pathophysiology of Parkinson’s• differentiate between the motor and non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s• explain the administration options available for a person with Parkinson’s who isundergoing surgery, or unable to use oral medicines• understand the importance of giving Parkinson’s medicines on time, at the correctdose, and describe the consequences of missed doses• demonstrate an understanding of ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/637/educating-pharmacists-to-get-it-on-time https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/637/educating-pharmacists-to-get-it-on-time Fri, 05 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT There’s been better news in Wales this week regarding the outbreak of measles. Public Health Wales has announced that the number of people coming forward for the MMR vaccination has increased, with just under 600 people in the Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board area receiving unscheduled MMR vaccine in the past seven days. This does not include those children who received the vaccine when it is normally given at thirteen months and three years four months. Vaccination catch up sessions were also held in Swansea, Neath Port Talbot and Bridgend on Saturday 6 April to encourage further uptake, but the likelihood that unvaccinated children across the country will come into contact with those already infected is still high. Those not vaccinated are highly likely to catch the disease and it is just a matter of time before a child is left with serious and permanent complications such as eye ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/217/nearly-600-extra-welsh-people-receive-mmr-in-past-week https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/217/nearly-600-extra-welsh-people-receive-mmr-in-past-week Fri, 05 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT The Pharmacists’ Defence Association (PDA) has struck out at pharmacies, who have been securing the services of locums even in the knowledge that they are unlikely to be able to pay them because of their cash flow difficulties. As a result, the PDA Union has called for regulatory action against pharmacy employers that routinely use locums without any intention of ever paying them. According to the PDA, they are aware at the moment of at least fifteen companies, which are making it a working practice to avoid paying their locums by repeatedly putting their business into liquidation.‘The practice by some pharmacy business owners of employing locum pharmacists without any intention of paying them is completely unacceptable and unprofessional,’ said John Murphy, PDA Union General Secretary. ‘We believe that regulatory action is appropriate to stamp out this behaviour and will be asking the GPhC to consider how best to tackle this ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/217/pda-calls-for-regulatory-action-against-rogue-pharmacy-employers https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/217/pda-calls-for-regulatory-action-against-rogue-pharmacy-employers Fri, 05 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT Are you ready for your exams? Whether it’s a ‘yes’ or a ‘no’, a new Pre-Registration Crash Course will help pave your way to success!The one-day event, which will be held at Marriott (Leicester), Grove Park, Leicester, on Sunday 19 May, will feature Leyla Hannbeck, Head of Pharmacy, NPA; Altaf Vaiya, Young Pharmacist of the Year 2009 and two newly-qualified pharmacists – Naeema Modi and Dania Shamil, who both qualified last year. In addition to listening to the relevant talks and presentations, students will be able to interact with the speakers and receive valuable first hand experience of how these pharmacists succeeded in their exams.This event is not intended as a profit-making one, but is instead intended to assist students in light of last September's exam pass rates, which were very low compared with previous years’ results and in the introduction of new format questions by GPhC this year. For ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/154/attention-all-pre-regs https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/154/attention-all-pre-regs Thu, 28 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT PSNC has emphasised how better use of community pharmacies by the NHS could ease pressures across the health service.The comments followed a report last week in which The Patients Association voiced concerns over local out of hours care. The results of a survey of more than 3,000 of its members showed that four out of five people did not feel safe relying on out-of-hours care.Sixty-one per cent said they had to wait longer than 48 hours to book a doctor’s appointment, while more than half said the process could have been easier or was difficult.The Patients Association chief executive, Katherine Murphy, suggested that this issue could be resolved through better use of community-based care, and she advised clinical commissioning groups to raise awareness of the care options available to patients.‘NHS services, including those offered by GPs both in and out-of-hours, are stretched more than ever before at the moment under ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/715/psnc-highlights-role-for-pharmacy-following-out-of-hours-care-concerns https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/715/psnc-highlights-role-for-pharmacy-following-out-of-hours-care-concerns Thu, 28 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT Three men and one woman have been sentenced in relation to the illegal online supply of prescription only and counterfeit medicines. This follows an undercover operation by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).Andrew Luxton of 1 Plantation Row, Gwent, was sentenced to twelve months in prison on five counts involving conspiracy to sell or supply prescription only medicines, possession of counterfeit medicines in breach of trademarks, possession of methadone, a Class A controlled drug and supplying Diazepam, a Class C controlled drug.Samantha Steed of 1 Plantation Row, Gwent, was sentenced to twelve months in prison suspended for 18 month on four counts involving conspiracy to supply prescription only medicines, possession of counterfeit medicines in breach of trademarks and supplying Diazepam a Class C controlled drug. Additionally Ms Steed was given a community service order of 18 months.Carl Willis of 11 Western Terrace, was sentenced to six months in ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/524/mhra-undercover-operation-proves-successful https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/524/mhra-undercover-operation-proves-successful Thu, 28 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT The National Pharmacy Association’s (NPA) sales department has supplied nearly half a million alcohol scratch cards since they were launched in September last year. The scratch cards are used by pharmacy teams to educate people about their alcohol intake and the effect this has on their health.‘Initiating a conversation about alcohol intake can be awkward but it doesn’t have to be,’ said Anne Smith, Head of Sales at the NPA. ‘Our alcohol scratch cards have been very popular, because our members have found them to be a useful tool in starting conversations.’ The scratch cards are one of a number of products that NPA Sales supplies to help members promote good health. Other products include: • Personalised posters on sexual health, children’s health and flu vaccinations. • Personalised marketing leaflets on smoking cessation, allergies and diet and exercise There are also related media and social media resources which can ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/652/alcohol-scratch-cards-now-widespread-in-pharmacies https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/652/alcohol-scratch-cards-now-widespread-in-pharmacies Thu, 28 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT Scotland is the third nation in the world to set an ambitious target to become tobacco-free – by having less than five per cent the population choosing to smoke by 2034.The aim is part of a new tobacco control strategy, launched to reduce the number of people choosing to smoke. The strategy supports the introduction of standardised packaging and education programmes to prevent young people from starting to smoke. Services to help people stop smoking are to be improved and measures to protect people from the harms caused by second-hand smoke are also included in the strategy.Minister for Public Health Michael Matheson launched the new strategy during a visit to an education programme for 16-24 year olds in Carnegie College, Fife.‘We’ve already seen the huge health benefits that followed the ban on smoking in public places,’ he said. ‘This Government is determined to build on this success, improving health and ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/618/new-tobacco-control-strategy-launched-for-scotland https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/618/new-tobacco-control-strategy-launched-for-scotland Thu, 28 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT It’s often said that turnover is vanity and profit is sanity, but in reality cash flow is the King of the Roost. Cash flow is obviously a fundamental aspect of a business - one you must treat with great care and skill. Since generating cash to meet overhead, payroll and other monthly expenses can quickly become difficult, we’re now offering some free advice with our ‘Top 10 Tips to Improve Cash Flow’ so that we can help you shore up your business’s finances and help you avoid the most common fiscal afflictions facing small business today.To download this for free, please click here:pharmacy-life.co.uk/cashflow https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/170/top-ten-tips-to-improve-cash-flow https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/170/top-ten-tips-to-improve-cash-flow Tue, 26 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT Medical Communications Ltd, publisher of Welsh Pharmacy Review, will host the Welsh Pharmacy Conference in Cardiff City Hall on the 16th May 2013.We are once again delighted to welcome Michael Holden (Chief Executive NPA) as Chair of the conference, alongside a number of excellent speakers. The stimulating agenda also features two substantive question and answer sessions, allowing you the opportunity to provide your views on current pharmacy practice. Please click here to register and view full agendaFor further information please email bridget.mccabe@nimedical.info or phone 028 90775500 and ask for Bridget https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/571/welsh-pharmacy-conference-2013 https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/571/welsh-pharmacy-conference-2013 Tue, 26 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT Diabetes healthcare in England is failing thousands of people with the condition and is leading to devastating complications, premature deaths and an unsustainable rise in costs to the NHS, according to a group of cross-party MPs.The MPs, members of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Diabetes (APPGD), are pressing the Government to take urgent action so that all people with diabetes receive the recommended standard of care.Annual checks missedIn a report by the MPs about the current state of diabetes care, Delivering Better Diabetes Outcomes in the New NHS, they highlight the huge variations in standards of diabetes care across England. Almost half of people with diabetes in England are not getting the nine annual checks recommended by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). Without effective care, people with diabetes are at higher risk of devastating complications such as blindness, amputation and stroke.National implementation planThe report recommends a ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/527/mps-call-for-government-action-on-poor-state-of-diabetes-care https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/527/mps-call-for-government-action-on-poor-state-of-diabetes-care Fri, 22 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT PSNC has issued an update on its ongoing funding negotiations and highlighted a number of changes being introduced from April that will be important for contractors.The key changes include:- an increase in practice payments of 8p per item;- revised methadone fee arrangements;- the introduction of 100 per cent advance payments for contractors;- the introduction of the Government’s supply chain finance scheme;- a new requirement to ensure prescriptions have a prescriber code.A number of other changes to the April Drug Tariff will reflect the changes in NHS structures and responsibilities.Negotiations on the Cost of Service Inquiry continue, and PSNC aims to reach a settlement of funding in the near future.‘Although there will be no ‘big bang’ on April 1st when the organisations of the reformed NHS take over from the existing bodies, for community pharmacies there are going to be a number of important change,’ said PSNC Chief Executive Sue Sharpe.‘Contractors ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/846/funding-negotiations-and-changes-announced-by-psnc https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/846/funding-negotiations-and-changes-announced-by-psnc Fri, 22 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT The National Pharmacy Association (NPA), Independent Pharmacy Federation (IPF) Association of Independent Multiple Pharmacies (AIMp) have launched a consultation on their collaborative vision for independent pharmacy: A Manifesto for Independent Community Pharmacy. The three-month consultation will involve engagement events across the UK, as well as surveys of independents and direct member input into discussions at NPA board level. ‘In all of the NPA’s public policy work, we have the interests of independent community pharmacy front and centre – the Manifesto project is a clear demonstration of this commitment,’ said NPA chief executive, Mike Holden. ‘The Manifesto will describe a vision for independent community pharmacy, set out the overarching threats and opportunities for independents and consider solutions at a strategic and operational level. It will be an ambitious agenda which is entirely focused on independents and independent multiples, but the themes are likely to resonate across the whole ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/699/npa-ipf-and-aimp-join-forces-on-manifesto-for-independents https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/699/npa-ipf-and-aimp-join-forces-on-manifesto-for-independents Fri, 22 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT NHS Commissioning Board has completed the authorization of the remaining 48 Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs), bringing the total to the planned 211.The NHS Commissioning Board authorized the first 34 CCGs in December of last year, with a further 67 following in January 2013. Now the Board has authorised the final wave of 48 CCGs, prior to commissioning responsibilities going ‘live’ on 1 April 2013.The 211 CCGs, which will be responsible for £65 billion of the £95 billion NHS commissioning budget and which have all completed a rigorous assessment, will - in total - plan and commission hospital, community health and mental health services on behalf of more than 65 million people.Set up by the Health and Social Care Act 2012, CCGs will replace the 152 primary care trusts that currently commission healthcare services. They are independent statutory bodies, led by their members: the GP practices in their area. All 8,000-plus ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/540/green-light-for-remaining-ccgs https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/540/green-light-for-remaining-ccgs Fri, 22 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT Medical Communications Ltd, publisher of Welsh Pharmacy Review, will host the Welsh Pharmacy Conference in Cardiff City Hall on the 16th May 2013.We are once again delighted to welcome Michael Holden (Chief Executive NPA) as Chair of the conference, alongside a number of excellent speakers. The stimulating agenda also features two substantive question and answer sessions, allowing you the opportunity to provide your views on current pharmacy practice. Please click here to register and view full agendaFor further information please email bridget.mccabe@nimedical.info or phone 028 90775500 and ask for Bridget https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/878/welsh-pharmacy-conference-2013 https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/878/welsh-pharmacy-conference-2013 Fri, 15 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT For the first time researchers have calculated by how much radiotherapy for breast cancer increases the risk of heart disease and the findings can now be used by doctors to help treat patients more appropriately, according to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine.The research, by scientists at the University of Oxford and in Scandinavia, looked at over 2,000 women treated with radiotherapy in Denmark and Sweden. They found that the risk of radiation-related heart disease was real, but that for most women it was small.It has long been known that radiotherapy reduces the risk of breast cancer returning for many women after it has been removed by surgery. But the heart usually receives some incidental radiation exposure during this treatment, particularly if the cancer is in the left breast or if the lymph nodes inside the chest are irradiated. Until now, doctors have been uncertain as ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/267/heart-risk-after-breast-cancer-radiotherapy-smaller-than-thought https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/267/heart-risk-after-breast-cancer-radiotherapy-smaller-than-thought Fri, 15 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT Research from the Health Protection Agency (HPA) has revealed that food, water, chopping boards, cleaning cloths and security wristbands sampled from mobile and outdoor food vendors were contaminated with a range of bacteria including E.coli.This bacteria, which originates from human or animal faeces indicates either poor hygiene, undercooking or cross-contamination in the kitchen.The report ‘A follow-up study of hygiene practices in catering premises at large scale events in the United Kingdom’ is now published on the HPA website.Over a seven month period in 2010, 1,662 samples were collected from 153 events by Local Authority sampling officers and tested by the HPA for a range of bacteria including Enterobacteriacae, E.coli and Staphylococcus aureus.The events where samples were taken included 50 concerts or music festivals, 20 sports events, 39 carnivals, fetes and fairs and 44 ‘other’ events of a type not stated.Eight per cent of food samples (53/659) were noted as being ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/715/alfresco-food-a-faecal-feast https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/715/alfresco-food-a-faecal-feast Fri, 15 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT The Scottish Government has written to NHS Health Boards in Scotland advising of the establishment of a national twelve-month trial scheme designed to encourage improved uptake by beneficiaries in Scotland of Healthy Start Vitamins. Boards are now required to invite all Community Pharmacies and dispensing practices in their area to participate in this trial for the supply and distribution of Healthy Start Vitamins to support the healthier nutrition of pregnant women and young children who meet the eligibility criteria. The arrangements for the provision of Healthy Start Vitamins must be put in place in order to begin supply on 25 March 2013. The arrangements will be for a twelve-month trial period ending 31 March 2014 and the impact of the trial arrangements will be monitored. Contractors (community pharmacies and dispensing doctors) who sign up will receive a £200 opt-in fee. Contractors may also sell, at their professional discretion, vitamin ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/590/scottish-green-light-for-healthy-start-vitamins https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/590/scottish-green-light-for-healthy-start-vitamins Fri, 15 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT Successful examples of community pharmacy supporting the public health agenda were recently presented by Celesio’s public sector and healthcare services director, Andrew Willetts. Andrew was speaking at an event for local commissioners in the House of Commons on 14 March, which was also addressed by public health minister Anna Soubry, and Rosamond Roughton, director for commissioning systems and strategy at the NHS Commissioning Board.Andrew told those present that Clinical Commissioning Groups, Health & Wellbeing Boards and Local Authorities have a ‘golden opportunity’ to transform healthcare delivery in England and that community pharmacy has a critical role to play. ‘The new roles for Local Authorities, CCGs and HWBs should provide an opportunity to redesign how services are provided, create new care models and start implementing rather than simply talking about patient-centric care pathways,’ he said. ‘Unless we are bold and innovative there is a risk that services will be commissioned more ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/427/benefits-of-community-pharmacy-highlighted-by-celesio-director https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/427/benefits-of-community-pharmacy-highlighted-by-celesio-director Fri, 15 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT Northern Ireland Health Minister Edwin Poots has restated his determination to address the challenges faced in transforming the province’s health service. Mr Poots was delivering the keynote address at the Northern Ireland Confederation for Health and Social Care (NICON) Conference at the Millennium Forum in Londonderry. Addressing managers across the Health and Social Care system, the Minister emphasised the importance of both leadership and transparency. ‘In order to continue to build trust, there is a need for greater openness and transparency,’ he told the assembled delegates. ‘That is why I am moving ahead on public accountability for Arms Length Bodies. From May onwards, a number of organisations will take part in public accountability meetings with me each year. I will also take opportunities to meet more frequently with groups of service users and staff on the ground to hear their views about the services that these organisations provide. I ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/668/leadership-and-transparency-are-vital-in-driving-change https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/668/leadership-and-transparency-are-vital-in-driving-change Fri, 08 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT Following its review of contractor data on methadone fees and supply, PSNC has announced that the Department of Health (DH) has agreed new fee arrangements for oral liquid methadone to be introduced from April 2013.The revised system now includes a requirement for contractor endorsement and has been agreed following extensive modelling to ensure that it reflects the costs of dispensing in all scenarios.On each occasion the pharmacist provides methadone to the patient ie, for each interaction or ‘pick-up’, contractors will continue to receive a professional fee, CD fee, consumables allowance and any relevant volume related fees.The ‘item level fee’ for oral liquid methadone prescriptions (introduced in July 2012) will continue to be paid but will change to £2.50 per prescription.As well as this fee, from April 2013 contractors will be able to claim a fee of 55pper additional dose packaged separately.‘Additional’ doses are doses given to patients in addition to ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/314/new-fee-arrangements-for-oral-liquid-methadone https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/314/new-fee-arrangements-for-oral-liquid-methadone Fri, 08 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT In final draft guidance just published this week, NICE has recommended omalizumab (Xolair, Novartis Pharmaceuticals UK) as an option for treating severe, persistent allergic asthma in adults, adolescents and children following additional analyses and submission of a patient access scheme (PAS) by the manufacturer. In previous draft recommendations published for consultation in November 2012, NICE did not recommend the treatment. Omalizumab is recommended as an option for treating severe, persistent confirmed allergic IgE-mediated asthma in people aged six years and older as an add-on to optimised standard therapy for those people who need continuous or frequent treatment with oral corticosteroids (defined as four or more courses in the previous year), only if the manufacturer makes omalizumab available with the agreed patient access scheme. Omalizumab has a UK marketing authorisation as an add-on therapy to standard care to improve control of asthma in adults and adolescents (twelve years and over) and ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/396/nice-says-yes-to-treatment-for-asthma https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/396/nice-says-yes-to-treatment-for-asthma Fri, 08 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT The Welsh Pharmacy Review is delighted to announce the recent launch of the fifth Welsh Pharmacy Awards. The awards celebrate those in pharmacy, who have not only excelled in their chosen field, but who have made a difference to the profession. Now we’d like to hear from you! Don’t hide your light under a bushel – contact us today and tell us about the fabulous work that you have done in both your pharmacy and your community. Whether it’s a successful project that you’ve run or a new scheme that you’ve set up to educate and inform your patients, we want to hear about it!Contact Bridget McCabe, Events Manager at Medical Communications Ltd by email at bridget.mccabe@nimedical.info or call her on 028 90 775500. Get your application form today and tell us about your achievements! Diolch yn fawr llaes pob lwc!!! https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/314/welsh-pharmacists-let-us-know-about-your-achievements https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/314/welsh-pharmacists-let-us-know-about-your-achievements Tue, 05 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT The Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee has highlighted key changes that contractors and LPCs will need to be aware of within the newly laid National Health Service (Pharmaceutical and Local Pharmaceutical Services) Regulations 2013.The regulations, which will come into force on April 1 2013, replace the existing pharmaceutical regulations to accommodate the structural changes being made to the NHS and to include the new organisations within it.For example, they substitute the NHS Commissioning Board as the commissioner of pharmacy services and the determining authority for market entry regulations; and make Health and Wellbeing Boards (HWBs) rather than PCTs responsible for Pharmaceutical Needs Assessments.The regulations set out the arrangements for important aspects of the pharmacy service such as: - new pharmacy applications including relocations and changes of ownership;- determination of pharmacy remuneration;- providing fitness to practise information; and- Terms of Service.There are a number of changes within the regulations that contractors and ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/540/psnc-highlights-key-changes-for-contractors https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/540/psnc-highlights-key-changes-for-contractors Fri, 01 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT The GPhC has responded to the Government’s announcement regarding language testing for doctors who qualified overseas.‘All health professionals must be able to communicate effectively in English in order to keep patients safe,’ said Duncan Rudkin, Chief Executive of the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). ‘That is why we believe that all of the health professions regulators should be given the right to test language competence at the point of registration. We have previously called for changes to the relevant legislation to give us these powers.‘We would suggest that the Department of Health could consider putting forward proposals to give all of the health professions regulators the ability to test language skills in its planned consultation to be held later this year.‘We would be happy to work with the Department of Health on the changes that would need to be made to the legislation governing pharmacy regulation.’New checks are being introduced to ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/925/gphc-calls-for-language-skills-for-pharmacists https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/925/gphc-calls-for-language-skills-for-pharmacists Fri, 01 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT The NHS prescription charge in England will increase by 20p from £7.65 to £7.85 for each quantity of a drug or appliance from 1 April 2013.However, the cost of a prescription prepayment certificate (PPC) will remain at £29.10 for a three-month certificate. The cost of the annual certificate will remain at £104.PPCs offer savings for those needing four or more items in three months, or fourteen or more items in one year.In England, around 90 per cent of prescription items are dispensed free.Dental charges- The dental charge payable for a band 1 course of treatment will increase by 50p from £17.50 to £18.- The dental charge for a band 2 course of treatment will increase by £1 from £48 to £49.- The charge for a band 3 course of treatment will increase by £5 from £209 to £214.Increases in charges from 1 April 2012Item: - Prescription - Current Charge ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/765/nhs-prescription-charges-to-rise-in-england https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/765/nhs-prescription-charges-to-rise-in-england Fri, 01 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT More than 70 health organisations (PDF) from across the UK have backed a new independent alcohol strategy calling for the UK Government to prioritise Minimum Unit Pricing (MUP), amongst a set of key policies aimed at curbing the nation's drink problem.Published by the University of Stirling the report, Health First: An evidence-based alcohol strategy for the UK (PDF) sets out for the first time a series of no-nonsense recommendations to tackle the harm caused by excess drinking across the UK. The strategy was developed by a group of experts independent from government and the alcohol industry under the auspices of the Alcohol Health Alliance. There was unanimous agreement from the 70 organisations that a 50p minimum price per unit of alcohol sold should be the priority.The group urges the UK government to adopt the measure to avoid England, Northern Ireland and Wales being left behind Scotland, which has already passed ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/446/experts-call-for-uk-wide-tough-action-on-alcohol-pricing https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/446/experts-call-for-uk-wide-tough-action-on-alcohol-pricing Fri, 01 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT Breast cancer survival is lower in the UK and Denmark than in Australia, Canada, Norway and Sweden, according to new research published in the British Journal of Cancer.The study was conducted by the International Cancer Benchmarking Partnership. The analyses - funded by the Department of Health and led by the Cancer Research UK Cancer Survival Group at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine - included 257,362 women diagnosed with breast cancer during 2000-7 and recorded in cancer registries in six countries.Three-year survival was 87-89 per cent in the UK and Denmark, and 91-94 per cent in the other four countries. One-year survival varied less, from 94.3 per cent in the UK to 98.4 per cent in Sweden.The study investigated whether international differences in survival up to three years after diagnosis were explained by differences in the stage of disease at diagnosis.In the UK, similar proportions of women were ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/527/bad-news-for-uk-women-with-late-stage-breast-cancer https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/527/bad-news-for-uk-women-with-late-stage-breast-cancer Fri, 01 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT The cream of the Province’s healthcare industry took a bow last night as the fourteenth annual Northern Ireland Healthcare Awards took place at the Europa Hotel in Belfast. As always, the glittering gala gave healthcare professionals here the opportunity to highlight their own work and to be applauded by their peers for their achievements.The Northern Ireland Healthcare Awards are organised by Medical Communications Ltd, the publishers of pharmacy and healthcare magazines across the UK. Managing Director, Adrian Maginnis, believes that they are a great opportunity for Northern Ireland healthcare to show off its achievements and its ability to ‘think outside of the box’.‘No one is under any illusions about the state of the country’s healthcare system at the moment and the budgetary restrictions, which are being imposed on it,’ he said. ‘The Northern Ireland Healthcare Awards have clearly demonstrated that, despite the difficulties currently being experienced, healthcare professionals throughout Northern ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/991/glittering-gala-at-europa-showcases-ni-healthcare https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/991/glittering-gala-at-europa-showcases-ni-healthcare Fri, 22 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT The widely held belief that the UK supply of innovative new medicines has conspicuously dwindled in recent decades, is not borne out by the evidence, reveals reseach that has been published in BMJ Open.In fact, the reverse may be true, the figures suggest.The prevailing view is that pharmaceutical industry innovation has been in decline, with fewer new drugs launched in recent decades than before—despite more cash being pumped into research and development—prompting a good deal of hand-wringing, say the authors.They wanted to find out whether this view was justified, by looking at all new medicines added every year to the prescribing and dispensing drugs bible, the British National Formulary, or BNF for short, over 30 years. The BNF is updated every six months.After the US, the UK is the next largest source of new drug development, generating more than ten per cent of all new medicines around the globe.All new ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/527/innovative-new-pharma-drugs-drying-up-a-myth https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/527/innovative-new-pharma-drugs-drying-up-a-myth Fri, 22 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT New standards to improve integrated care for the diagnosis and treatment of asthma have been published by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE).The importance of the initiative is underlined by the continuing high mortality rate that the UK has, with one person in every eight hours dying from the disease (2009 figures).The standards describe high-priority areas for quality improvement in a defined care or service area for the diagnosis and treatment of asthma in adults, young people and children aged 12 months and older. They are derived either from NICE guidance or NICE accredited sources, and apply right across the NHS in England.The new quality standard on asthma consists of a prioritised set of specific, concise and measurable statements that, when delivered collectively, should contribute to improving the effectiveness, quality, safety and experience of care for people with the condition.‘Asthma is a common lung disorder in the ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/891/new-quality-statement-for-asthma-diagnosis-treatment https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/891/new-quality-statement-for-asthma-diagnosis-treatment Fri, 22 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT Men who spend most their day sitting down may be at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, cancer and other chronic diseases.A new study by researchers at Kansas State University, published in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, found that men who sat for more than four hours a day had an elevated risk of chronic disease .Led by researcher Richard Rosenkranz, the team assessed over 63,000 Australian men aged 45-65 on their health, level of physical activity and time spent sitting each day.After accounting for factors like age, body mass index, income and education, they found that men who sat for more than four hours a day were at a significantly increased risk of developing chronic disease compared to those who sat for less than four hours. The longer the time spent sitting, the higher the risk became. In particular, men who sat ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/941/too-much-sitting-may-elevate-risk-of-type-2-diabetes https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/941/too-much-sitting-may-elevate-risk-of-type-2-diabetes Fri, 22 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT A Lancashire woman who gave up smoking on her 102nd birthday has proved that it’s never too late to stop the habit.The spritely Preston lass – who previously credited her long life to a cigarette a day and whiskey in her cuppa– was encouraged into making the decision by her family.The Lancashire Evening Post reported that Clara Cowell’s children were worried about a possible accident from falling ash and encouraged their mother to have a change of heart.She had smoked two to three cigarettes each day since 1931, resulting to having puffed almost 60,000 over her long life.The former tailoress, who last year wowed crowds at Blackpool Tower ballroom with a waltz, celebrated her 102nd birthday with five generations of her family – at the local pub! https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/574/woman-gives-up-smoking-on-her-102nd-birthday https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/574/woman-gives-up-smoking-on-her-102nd-birthday Fri, 22 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT A major new centre to boost the development of drugs to tackle the foremost diseases of the developing world is to be created at the University of Dundee.There is an urgent need for new drugs to treat infectious diseases of the developing world, such as tuberculosis (TB), malaria and African sleeping sickness. However, despite significant efforts in early stage drug discovery, there is a bottleneck when it comes to the lead optimisation stage of molecules targeting these diseases.Lead optimisation is a key stage in the drug discovery process, where early leads are improved through cycles of design, synthesis and testing to identify potential drugs which are suitable for testing in a clinical setting. It is a labour intensive process requiring significant laboratory resource over a number of years.To address this need Professor Paul Wyatt and colleagues at the Drug Discovery Unit (DDU) at the University of Dundee, with joint funding ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/527/tuberculosis-and-neglected-diseases-targeted-by-new-centre https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/527/tuberculosis-and-neglected-diseases-targeted-by-new-centre Fri, 15 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT Research published in PLoS Medicine has indicated that the painkiller diclofenac – which increases the risk of heart attack and stroke - may actually be overprescribed.However, calls to ban diclofenac because of its higher cardiovascular risk have, according to Pulse, been rejected as an overreaction by GPs and rheumatology experts.The research team that looked at prescribing practices for fifteen countries, including England, found that, despite its increased risk of side effects, diclofenac was still often the preferred choice over other painkillers.Experts say the absolute risk of complications with diclofenac is small and patients prescribed this drug by their doctors should stay on it.A similar drug called rofecoxib (Vioxx), in the same non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug family (NSAIDs) as diclofenac, was voluntarily taken off the market by its manufacturer in 2004 amid concerns over associated heart risks.Often used to treat painful conditions like arthritis, diclofenac is not usually recommended for people with ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/204/gps-reject-claim-that-diclofenac-overused-despite-heart-risk https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/204/gps-reject-claim-that-diclofenac-overused-despite-heart-risk Fri, 15 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT A scan that offers patients a less invasive test, sometimes called a ‘virtual colonoscopy’, is more effective than the traditional X-ray test of barium enema and should now be considered alongside the ‘gold standard’ of colonoscopy for investigating patients with a possible bowel cancer.But the researchers, funded by the National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment and Cancer Research UK, caution that guidelines are needed before this type of scan, also called CT colonography (CTC), is used more widely because its ability to detect relatively unimportant findings can result in patients being referred for unnecessary follow-up tests.In the first of the two trials, which were published in the Lancet, more than 3,800 patients were given either a CTC or a barium enema. The researchers showed that CTC was more effective than barium enema at finding bowel cancers and precancerous polyps.‘Our trial shows that CTC is more accurate than barium ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/891/ct-scans-best-alternative-to-colonoscopy-for-bowel-cancer-symptoms https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/891/ct-scans-best-alternative-to-colonoscopy-for-bowel-cancer-symptoms Fri, 15 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT With an ageing population and people living longer with serious illness and disability, caring for an older or disabled loved one is increasingly a reality for UK families.Statistics just released by the Office of National Statistics have shown that the number of unpaid carers in England and Wales has reached 5.8 million - a rise of 600,000 since 2001. the figure means that more than one in ten people are now providing unpaid-for care.The 2011 figures show that the largest increase was in unpaid carers working for 50 or more hours a week and that Wales had a higher percentage of people providing unpaid care compared with any English region.Among other findings were:• The absolute number of unpaid carers has grown by 600,000 since 2001; the largest growth was in the highest unpaid care category, fifty or more hours per week.• Unpaid care has increased at a faster pace than ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/540/the-cost-of-caring-highlighted-as-new-inquiry-is-launched https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/540/the-cost-of-caring-highlighted-as-new-inquiry-is-launched Fri, 15 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT The hunt for new life-saving antibiotics is taking researchers to some of the deepest and coldest places on EarthLed by the University of Aberdeen, scientists from across Europe will probe previously untapped oceanic trenches in the Arctic and Antarctic to collect and screen samples of mud and sediment.The PharmaSea project will plunge up to 8km below sea level to retrieve samples from some of the most extreme parts of the planet in a bid to uncover new bacteria that can produce novel antibiotics.Antibiotics have saved millions of lives over the years but new drugs need to be constantly created as bacteria build up resistance, making infections difficult if not impossible to treat.Most experts agree over reliance and inappropriate prescribing of antibiotics has led to a rapid increase in drug-resistant bugs and now medical experts fear effective antibiotics might soon run out completely, leaving no means to treat seriously ill patients ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/380/plunging-new-depths-in-hunt-for-life-saving-antibiotics https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/380/plunging-new-depths-in-hunt-for-life-saving-antibiotics Fri, 15 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT A Change4Life campaign has been launched to raise awareness of the health risks associated with drinking regularly over the guidelines. Four weeks of nationwide TV advertising, beginning today, form the main part of the campaign. The advert shows how drinking can easily ‘sneak up on you’ and encourages people to check their drinking online using the Change4Life Drinks Checker.Drinkers underestimate their alcohol habitsTo get a picture of drinking habits and find out the difference cutting down can make, the Change4Life team asked 19 people to keep a detailed drinks diary for two weeks. The findings show those that took part were drinking on average the equivalent of an extra large glass of wine each day, or 40 per cent more than they thought.After keeping a drinks diary for a week, the participants were offered simple tips on cutting down and as a result they:- cut their alcohol consumption by over ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/139/new-alcohol-campaign-warns-of-sneaky-drinks https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/139/new-alcohol-campaign-warns-of-sneaky-drinks Sun, 10 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT The MHRA has expressed concern over unlicensed medicine originating from Poland and other Eastern European countries which are being offered for sale in a number of retail outlets throughout the UK.Seventy four cases involving Polish and other medicines from Eastern European countries being sold in ‘corner shops’ were investigated by the MHRA last year – these included medicines which fall into the category of pharmacy-only and prescription only medicines.In an effort to overcome any misunderstanding about product status, the MHRA has produced guidance for consumers, retailers and wholesalers to provide assistance in terms of understanding and complying with the UK regulatory requirements.Only medicines which have been licensed for sale in the UK and labelled in the English language (with an accompanying Patient Information Leaflet / PIL in English) can be sold and supplied legally in the UK.Medicines that are licensed only in Poland or other European Member States cannot be ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/298/concern-over-unlicensed-medicines-in-uk https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/298/concern-over-unlicensed-medicines-in-uk Sun, 10 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT New research published in the BMJ has shown that limiting paracetamol pack sizes has reduced the number of deaths through overdose. Now, The Royal Pharmaceutical Society has called for legislation to stop retailers offering multi-buy deals on paracetamol.Currently retailers only have to abide by voluntary guidelines not to sell large quantities of paracetamol. Whilst most retailers comply with these voluntary agreements, others have not.In a statement the RPS said that, when Poundland starting selling paracetamol as a multi-buy deal in 2012, it contravened the voluntary guidelines. The RPS also pointed out that when they asked Poundland to stop selling paracetamol in this way, Poundland refused to change their approach. Today, Poundland still sell three packs of paracetamol for £1.‘The sale of medicines brings added responsibilities to retailers because of the potential for medicines to harm people if they are not taken correctly,’ said Martin Astbury, President of the RPS.‘The RPS ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/752/rps-calls-for-tighter-controls-on-paracetamol-packs https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/752/rps-calls-for-tighter-controls-on-paracetamol-packs Fri, 08 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT The first ever UK-wide inhaler recycling and recovery scheme - Complete the Cycle - for all inhalers used to treat asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is being launched by UK-based GlaxoSmithKline (GSK). Seventy three million inhalers are used in the UK every year and over 63 per cent are placed in domestic bins after use. Complete the Cycle enables patients to play their part in dramatically reducing the impact on the environment caused by the landfill disposal of inhalers by simply returning them to a participating pharmacy.A smaller scale GSK pilot scheme showed that Complete the Cycle offers benefits for patients beyond recycling. Twenty nine per cent of inhalers returned were not empty, providing opportunities for pharmacists to help patients improve how they use their inhaler, manage their condition and help reduce medicine wastage. Complete the Cycle is now available in over 1,300 pharmacies within three miles of ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/944/innovative-inhaler-recycling-scheme-now-accessible-uk-wide https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/944/innovative-inhaler-recycling-scheme-now-accessible-uk-wide Wed, 06 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has launched a public health campaign in partnership with pharmacy organisations to highlight the need for the public to report any suspected side effects from medicines through the Yellow Card Scheme.The Yellow Card Scheme – was introduced in 1964 following the Thalidomide tragedy and has proved to be a successful system for the early detection of emerging safety issues with medicines. It acts as an early warning system for identifying previously unrecognised adverse drug reactions, but also provides valuable information on recognised side effects. This allows the MHRA to identify and refine understanding of potential safety issues that may affect the treatment of patients. It is used to update prescribing advice for health professionals.Healthcare professionals and the public can report side effects on a voluntary basis and there is a legal obligation for pharmaceutical companies to do so. While the MHRA appreciates ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/154/medicines-watchdog-launches-side-effect-campaign https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/154/medicines-watchdog-launches-side-effect-campaign Wed, 06 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT Leading soft drinks brands Lucozade and Ribena are to reduce the amount of sugar and calories in their products by up to ten per cent as part of the Government’s drive to curb obesity levels, Public Health Minister Anna Soubry announced this week.Speaking at the Food and Drink Federation’s ’Delivering Healthy Growth’ stakeholder event, the minister unveiled the latest brands to sign up to the Responsibility Deal’s calorie reduction pledge. Ribena ready to drink and Lucozade Energy will reduce the amount of sugar and calories by up to ten per cent; AG Barr, who produce IrnBru, will reduce the calorific content across their portfolio of drinks by five per cent; and J2O will launch two flavours in a new slim-line can which will represent a ten per cent calorie reduction compared with their standard 275mL bottle.The UK has some of the highest obesity rates in the developed world, with 60 ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/618/sweet-move-by-soft-drinks-companies https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/618/sweet-move-by-soft-drinks-companies Fri, 01 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT Welsh pharmacy entrepreneur, Raj Aggarwal OBE, was recently appointed as the new Honorary Consul for India in Wales. Mr Aggarwal was asked by the President of India to be his representative in Wales and a ceremony marking the appointment was held at the India Centre in Cardiff. Mr Aggarwal, who was joined at the ceremony by The High Commissioner of India, Dr Jaimini Bhagwati and First Minister, Carwyn Jones AM, is Managing Director of the Aggarwal Group – which runs a number of pharmaceutical and successful businesses based in South Wales. He holds a number of public appointments including; Board Member of the Wales International Business Council, Member of the Council of Cardiff University, Chairman of Community Pharmacy and Deputy Lieutenant for South Glamorgan. Mr Aggarwal will act on behalf of the Indian High Commission, looking after the needs of Indian Nationals living and working in Wales and helping to ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/298/major-accolade-for-welsh-pharmacist https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/298/major-accolade-for-welsh-pharmacist Fri, 01 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT According to the latest report by business intelligence providers GBI Research, the introduction of generic statins has kick-started a decline that will see the global statins market lose over US $7 billion in revenue by 2018, states the latest report by business intelligence providers GBI Research.According to the latest report by business intelligence providers GBI Research, the introduction of generic statins has kick-started a decline that will see the global statins market lose over US$7 billion in revenue by 2018, states the latest report by business intelligence providers GBI Research.The firm’s new report forecasts the worldwide statins market to drop from a 2012 valuation of US$19.7 billion to US$12.2 billion just five years later at a negative Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7.7 per cent.Statins are increasingly under threat from non-statins and combination therapies (a mixture of statins and non-statins), but the primary threat to global revenue lies with ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/251/generic-statins-to-slash-global-market-value-by-2018 https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/251/generic-statins-to-slash-global-market-value-by-2018 Thu, 31 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT Buchanhaven pharmacist, Samantha Melrose, makes a very personal plea…‘Two weeks ago, my daughter Catherine, who is 16, was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia. In around two months’ time Catherine will require a stem cell (bone marrow) transplant. At the moment we are hopeful that her sister will be a match, but the chances are only one in four.‘Catherine is not alone. There are currently 1700 patients waiting for a match in the UK and an incredible 37,000 worldwide. It therefore goes without saying that it is vital that people register for stem cell donation as so much is required.'‘All blood cells originate in the bone marrow from the same type of cell called a blood stem cell. A blood stem cell, or bone marrow, transplant can replace a damaged immune system in a person with blood cancer – but only if the donor’s cell type matches. Currently, however, organisations like ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/527/urgent-medical-appeal-on-behalf-of-scottish-pharmacist https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/527/urgent-medical-appeal-on-behalf-of-scottish-pharmacist Wed, 30 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT Last November’s second Scottish Pharmacy Conference was delighted to welcome – among others - Dr Hamish Wilson, who had, only a few days before, presented his long-awaited Review to the Scottish Government. The Conference also provided a platform for some of Scotland’s pharmacy experts to showcase some of the sterling work currently being done throughout the country. For those of you who missed it, the videos of each presentation are now available to view online!Simply click here to view all highlights, including Dr.Hamish Wilson's presentation https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/170/highlights-of-second-scottish-pharmacy-conference-now-available-online https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/170/highlights-of-second-scottish-pharmacy-conference-now-available-online Wed, 30 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT All unexpired stock of both originator and parallel-distributed packs of Tredaptive modifield-release tablets (Nicotinic acid and Laropiprant) have been recalled to pharmacy, clinic and wholesaler level irrespective of batch number, expiry date and pack size.The product is being withdrawn throughout the European Union after a study has shown a failure to reduce major vascular events and an increase in non-fatal serious adverse events. Both the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) and the Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee have concluded that the benefits no longer outweigh the risks.Our information from the European Medicines Agency indicates that one parallel-distributor, Swingward Ltd T/A Medihealth has registered as a parallel-distributor. Both originator and parallel-distributed stock is in the supply-chain and will need to be handled differently as outlined below.No further Tredaptive tablets should be dispensed. Pharmacists should refer patients with new or repeat prescriptions to the treating physician to review their treatment ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/298/recall-for-tredaptive-modified-release-tablets https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/298/recall-for-tredaptive-modified-release-tablets Fri, 25 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT New research released by Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, has suggested a link between hearing loss and cognitive decline.In the study, it (pure-tone average> 25 dB) had annual rates of decline in 3MS and Digit Symbol Substitution test scores that were 41 per cent and 32 per cent greater, respectively, than those among individuals with normal hearing. Compared to those with normal hearing, individuals with hearing loss at baseline had a 24 per cent increased risk for incident cognitive impairment. It was therefore concluded that rates of cognitive decline and the risk for incident cognitive impairment were linearly associated with the severity of an individual's baseline hearing loss. Hearing loss, it would appear, is independently associated with accelerated cognitive decline and incident cognitive impairment in community-dwelling older adults. Further studies are, however, needed to investigate what the mechanistic basis of this association is and whether hearing rehabilitative interventions could ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/524/hearing-loss-us-study-finds-link-with-cognitive-decline https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/524/hearing-loss-us-study-finds-link-with-cognitive-decline Fri, 25 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT Scotland’s spending watchdog has said that GPs could save Scotland's NHS £26m a year without affecting patient care.In its report, Audit Scotland said the savings could be made by reducing waste and cutting the use of less suitable medicines. It also revealed, however, that, despite a rise in the number of prescriptions, spending on drugs had actually fallen over the last seven years. General Practice (GP) prescribing accounts for 70 per cent of all National Health Service (NHS) spending on drugs in Scotland. This amounts to almost £1 billion a year. In its report Prescribing in general practice in Scotland - its third report on the subject – Audit Scotland has said that the health service has improved its management of GP prescribing, and family doctors are getting more support and guidance on their prescribing. Spending fell by eleven per cent in real terms between 2004 and 2011, despite the ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/345/scottish-gps-have-potential-to-save-nhs-26m https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/345/scottish-gps-have-potential-to-save-nhs-26m Fri, 25 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT The signs of psychosis and schizophrenia in children and young people need to be identified early to help ensure they receive the treatment and care they need to live with the condition, says NICE.In the first clinical guideline to focus specifically on the condition in children and young people up to the age of 18, NICE recommends that GPs refer patients who present with psychotic symptoms or other experiences suggestive of possible psychosis without delay to a specialist mental health services.Specialist services include Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) for those up to 17 years of age, or an early intervention in psychosis service for those fourteen years or over, which includes a consultant psychiatrist with training in child and adolescent mental health.Children and young people with a first presentation of sustained psychotic symptoms lasting four weeks or more should also be referred urgently from primary care to a ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/637/spot-signs-of-psychosis-and-schizophrenia-early-says-nice https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/637/spot-signs-of-psychosis-and-schizophrenia-early-says-nice Fri, 25 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT Cancer Research UK’s Drug Development Office (DDO), in partnership with AstraZeneca, has opened a unique three-armed study of a new investigational drug called AZD0424 that is being tested for the treatment of a range of cancers.This first-ever phase I trial of the AstraZeneca-owned drug is led from the Oxford Cancer Research UK Cancer Centre based at the Churchill Hospital. It will recruit up to 30 patients, initially across all solid tumour types. Later the design of the trial will be adapted, enabling the study to separate into three separate ‘personalised’ arms. Each of these future arms will test AZD0424 in different combinations alongside standard or other experimental treatments in specific patient populations. The Edinburgh and Belfast Cancer Research UK Centres are also involved as clinical sites, carrying out research to guide the drugs to be used in combination with AZD0424 and the specific patient groups involved in the trial.This is ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/765/new-potential-multi-cancer-drug-enters-unique-trial https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/765/new-potential-multi-cancer-drug-enters-unique-trial Fri, 25 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT Northern Ireland may have been hitting the headlines in recent weeks for all the wrong reasons, but a conference held 17 and 18 January at the Dunadry Hotel allowed the province’s healthcare professionals to highlight the sterling work being done in the field of medicines management. The conference, which was attended by more than 100 delegates, provided an international perspective on quality and safety initiatives that optimise medicines use. The Northern Health and Social Care Trust’s Integrated Medicines Management (IMM) model, which considers all aspects of medicines use is seen as a world leader. It has been developed, enhanced and extended over the last ten years and adopted in other Trusts not only in the UK, but also in the South of Ireland, Sweden and the Netherlands. The conference was therefore an exciting opportunity for leading figures in medicines managed from around the world to share research and best practice ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/846/ni-medicines-management-gains-international-recognition https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/846/ni-medicines-management-gains-international-recognition Sun, 20 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT New figures released by Alzheimer’s Society reveal wide variations in how many people are receiving a diagnosis of dementia in Britain.Diagnosis rates range from 31.6 per cent in East Riding of Yorkshire to 75.5 per cent in Belfast. There has been a 3 per cent increase in the number of people in the UK that have been diagnosed with dementia raising the number of people who now have a formal diagnosis to 46 per cent. However, there are thought to be another 428,000 in the UK (54 per cent people) who are living with the condition but who are not diagnosed. Now, Alzheimer’s Society has produced an interactive map - alzheimers.org.uk/dementiamap - which highlights the number of people who have a diagnosis of dementia in different Primary Care Trusts in the UK. To investigate the quality of assessment people with dementia are receiving, Alzheimer’s Society surveyed memory clinics in the ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/524/dramatic-variation-in-dementia-diagnosis-across-uk https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/524/dramatic-variation-in-dementia-diagnosis-across-uk Tue, 15 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT Women at high genetic risk of breast cancer could soon have a new treatment option other than double mastectomy. Draft recommendations from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) - the drugs watchdog in England and Wales - say such women should be given the option of taking tamoxifen or another drug called raloxifene for five years to cut their lifetime risk of the disease. Until now, women who have been living with the strong likelihood that they would one day develop breast cancer have only had two real options – hope that it doesn’t happen or have both breasts removed. Now, NICE has begun a consultation on a draft version of the guideline with new, provisional recommendations relating to genetic testing, screening and the use of preventive treatments. For the first time, the draft update also makes recommendations for people with a recent diagnosis of breast ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/204/nice-updates-its-guidelines-on-familial-breast-cancer https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/204/nice-updates-its-guidelines-on-familial-breast-cancer Tue, 15 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT New data released by the Dispensing Doctors’ Association has revealed that Scotland's most rural medical services are being starved of funding. The report, which was based on investigation into Scotland's Health Service Costs has revealed that, across Scotland, 2012 expenditure on primary medical services stood at £747,071: a rise of 0.8 per cent, compared to 2011, while practice list sizes increased 0.3 per cent.However, across four rural health boards - NHS Western Isles, NHS Highland, NHS Orkney and NHS Shetland - expenditure on primary medical services fell by an average of 9.6 per cent for the same period, despite a fall in average practice size lists for the four Board areas of only 0.1 per cent. Of the four Board areas, NHS Western Isles was by far the hardest hit; its primary medical services were slashed by eleven per cent and over the period of funding cuts, two of its ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/749/rise-in-scottish-community-pharmacy-leads-to-reduction-in-gp-funding https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/749/rise-in-scottish-community-pharmacy-leads-to-reduction-in-gp-funding Mon, 14 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT Joint research by the University of Auckland and the University of Nottingham has shown that eating fast food three times a week may lead to asthma and eczema in children. The data, which was based on a study of more than 500,000 children in more than 50 countries suggests that poor diet may be to blame for rising levels of these allergy-related conditions. The authors of the study, Professor Innes Asher from the University of Auckland in New Zealand and Professor Hywel Williams from the University found that those who ate fast food, such as take-away burgers, risked severe asthma, eczema and itchy, watery eyes. It is believed that this may be because fast food often contains high levels of saturated and trans-fatty acids, which are known to affect immunity, while fruit is rich in antioxidants and other beneficial compounds. Alarmingly, in the study, children in their early teens who ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/894/fast-food-linked-to-childhood-asthma-and-eczema https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/894/fast-food-linked-to-childhood-asthma-and-eczema Mon, 14 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT Recent reports suggest that 700,000 people in the UK are set to have diabetes by the end of the decade – but new research for Asda shows that more than half of people don’t see it as a health concern.Asda’s latest research shows that more than one in ten (thirteen) people don’t know what diabetes is. There is also confusion about the causes, even among people who suffer themselves, or know someone has been diagnosed with it.Some 40 per cent of people in the UK incorrectly believe eating sugary foods, a virus or fasting for long periods of time causes diabetes – of which all are myths.‘It is worrying to discover people still aren’t clued up to the causes of diabetes,’ said Faisal Tuddy, deputy superintendent pharmacist at Asda, ‘especially when statistics from Diabetes UK and the NHS prove we’re a nation at risk.‘We offer free blood glucose screening and ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/799/majority-of-population-doesnt-see-diabetes-as-a-problem https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/799/majority-of-population-doesnt-see-diabetes-as-a-problem Fri, 11 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT A £5.45 billion two-year ring-fenced public health budget for local authorities has been announced. From April 2013, public health budgets will be protected for the first time, with local authorities taking the lead for improving the health of their local communities. This will help drive local efforts to improve health and wellbeing by tackling the wider determinants of poor health.Building on advice from an independent expert group – the Advisory Committee on Resource Allocation (ACRA) – funding is specifically targeted, for the first time, at those areas with the worst health outcomes.The funding allocations support the Government’s vision of helping people live longer, healthier and more fulfilling lives and tackling inequalities in health.In 2013/14 the total budget for local public health services will be just under £2.7 billion. In 2014/15 the budget will be just under £2.8 billion and every local authority will receive a real terms increase in funding.Providing ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/925/local-public-health-budgets-to-be-protected-for-first-time https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/925/local-public-health-budgets-to-be-protected-for-first-time Fri, 11 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT According to a new report from Roland Berger Strategy Consultants, global pharma is in ‘a strategic crisis’ and new business models are required. The report found that:• Three out of four pharmaceutical companies are convinced their industry is in the midst of a strategic crisis • Price and cost pressure, regulatory changes and expiring patents are leading to shrinking margins • Emerging markets offer the biggest growth opportunities for the pharmaceutical industry – Their market share is set to rise to almost 40 per cent by 2016, albeit with smaller margins • Pharmaceutical companies are prepared to relocate their administration (44 per cent), R&D (43 per cent) and sales departments (51 per cent) to emerging markets • Four fundamental product/market constellations are driving strategic realignment of business models Increasing price and cost pressure, regulatory changes and expiring patents are leading to shrinking margins in the pharmaceutical industry, with almost three ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/123/pharma-industry-in-strategic-crisis-says-report https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/123/pharma-industry-in-strategic-crisis-says-report Fri, 11 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT According to new research by scientists in Brighton and Dundee, testing asthmatic children for a specific gene could prevent their condition from worsening.The arginine-16 genotype of the beta-2 receptor is carried by one in seven sufferers and the research found their condition could be aggravated by the use of the long-term controller medicine, Salmeterol, a long-acting beta-receptor stimulant, which is administered through an inhaler.Testing children for the genotype would identify those who might react poorly to Salmeterol and means their asthma control may improve with the use of alternative medicines.The research was carried out by Professor Somnath Mukhopadhyay from the Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS) which is run jointly by Brighton and Sussex universities, and Professor Brian Lipworth and genetics expert Professor Colin Palmer, both from the University of Dundee.They carried out the first genotyped study comparing additional treatments given to asthmatic children who continue to experience symptoms despite ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/345/gene-testing-asthmatic-children-could-lead-to-better-treatment https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/345/gene-testing-asthmatic-children-could-lead-to-better-treatment Tue, 08 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT A study released in San Diego has found that Beta Blockers might reduce the risk of dementia. People with high blood pressure, who had been taking the blood pressure drugs beta blockers may be less likely to experience changes in the brain that can be signs of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. This is in comparison to those taking other medication to manage their blood pressure.The study involved 774 elderly Japanese-American men, of whom 610 had high blood pressure or were being treated with medication for high blood pressure. Among those who had been treated, about 350 people, fifteen per cent only received beta blocker medication, 18 per cent received a beta blocker plus other medications and the rest of the participants received other blood pressure drugs. Autopsies were performed on the men after their death.The study found that the men who had received beta blockers as their ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/781/beta-blockers-may-reduce-the-risk-of-dementia https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/781/beta-blockers-may-reduce-the-risk-of-dementia Tue, 08 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT The UK has the world’s fifth highest rate of Type 1 diagnosis in children aged up to fourteen, according to a new international league table compiled by Diabetes UK.The league table, based on estimates from the International Diabetes Federation, shows that 24.5 per 100,000 children aged 0 to 14 in the UK are diagnosed with the condition every year. Of all the countries with data, only Finland, Sweden, Saudi Arabia and Norway have higher rates.The rate in the UK is over double that in France (12.2) and Italy (12.1). In Papua New Guinea and Venezuela, which have the joint lowest reported rates in the world, just 0.1 per 100,000 develop the condition a year. Scientists do not fully understand why there is such wide variation but genetics is thought to play a role. What is known, however, is that, unlike Type 2 diabetes, the majority of cases of Type 1 ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/398/alarming-statistics-released-on-type-1-diabetes-in-children https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/398/alarming-statistics-released-on-type-1-diabetes-in-children Fri, 04 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT More than a third of men who bank their sperm prior to cancer treatment do not attend a single follow-up appointment to assess their fertility.Fertility can fluctuate and many men need to attend follow-up appointments to keep tabs on their fertility in the years after completing cancer treatment.But a Cancer Research UK-funded study presented at the Fertility 2013 conference in Liverpool has shown that some men are missing out on vital up-to-date fertility advice. The research suggested that that clinics need to develop new strategies to encourage men to engage with ongoing fertility monitoring programmes.Men diagnosed with cancers requiring treatments like chemotherapy or radiotherapy are often offered the chance to store their sperm to safeguard against the risk of post-treatment infertility.But many men do not realise that their sperm can be disposed of after a decade if doctors cannot confirm ongoing infertility - a fact that could leave them unable ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/944/men-not-attending-fertility-appointments-after-cancer-treatment https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/944/men-not-attending-fertility-appointments-after-cancer-treatment Fri, 04 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT PSNC committee member Raj Patel has been recognised in the New Year honours list for his services to pharmacy.Raj, who is an independent contractor and owner of six pharmacies, has been an influential member of the PSNC committee since 2000. He now sits on the committee’s Funding and Contract Subcommittee and he was closely involved in the work and negotiation leading up to the introduction of the 2005 community pharmacy contractual framework.‘I’m delighted to have received this recognition, but this is not just an award for me, it reflects the recognition that community pharmacy as a whole is now getting from both patients and the Government,’ he said.Essex community pharmacist Kaushik Chaturbhai Patel was also appointed MBE for services to pharmacy in this year’s honours, while Leslie Morgan, pharmacist and managing director of specialist medical supply company Durbin PLC, was appointed OBE for services to the pharmaceutical industry and to ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/490/pharmacy-scores-well-in-new-year-honours-list https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/490/pharmacy-scores-well-in-new-year-honours-list Fri, 04 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT The costs of wasted medicines have dominated headlines for some time now, but official figures released today show that the cost of incinerating such medicines is now more than £500,000 a year.The figures were obtained under the Freedom of Information (FoI) law by the Scottish Liberal Democrats, who insist this is ‘just the tip of the iceberg’.Only ten of Scotland’s fourteen health boards responded to the FoI requests, which asked specifically about the annual costs of removing and destroying prescription medicines, which are returned unused to pharmacies in their local areas.The figures show that tens of thousands of tonnes of prescription drugs were removed and destroyed after being returned unused to pharmacies in parts of Scotland last year. In total, squandered medicines included between 150,000 and 180,000 litres of waste returned to Scotland’s biggest health board Greater Glasgow and Clyde, at a cost of more than £120,000.The figures showed that ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/941/scottish-drug-incineration-costs-top-500k-a-year https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/941/scottish-drug-incineration-costs-top-500k-a-year Thu, 03 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT The Government has announced that the number of students embarking on pharmacy programmes in England will now be restricted to match the number of NHS-funded training placements. The decision, which was taken by the universities and science minister, David Willetts and health minister, Lord Howe, and released by Health Education England, follows a vigorous campaign by both the Pharmacy Schools Council (PhSC) and the British Pharmaceutical Students’ Association (BPSA) to introduce such a cap. In July of last year, British Pharmaceutical Students’ Association (BPSA) had stressed its concern that the number of undergraduate students entering Schools of Pharmacy was continuing to increase year on year and had also highlighted the potential difficulty these graduates may face in securing a pre-registration training place in the future. Currently, the demand for pre-registration places is met by the supply of pharmacy graduates, but at the time the BPSA had stressed that there ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/446/ministers-place-cap-on-pharmacy-student-numbers https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/446/ministers-place-cap-on-pharmacy-student-numbers Thu, 03 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT A University of Hull research team has successfully developed a novel system for keeping human heart tissue biopsies alive whilst continuing to ‘beat’ and otherwise function as though they were in the human body, thanks to a grant from Yorkshire-based charity Heart Research UK. The system can be used to study both healthy and diseased heart tissue in life-like conditions, as well as simulating disease conditions such as heart attacks or changes caused by surgery, in ways not currently possible. The system could become an important research tool to help scientists to understand more about the processes involved in heart disease and to develop new treatments. The team, led by Professor John Greenman, carried out the research thanks to a grant of £199,728 from Heart Research UK. This work led to Professor Greenman being awarded this year’s Heart Research UK Outstanding Researcher of the Year Award in recognition of ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/765/new-technique-may-aid-heart-surgery https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/765/new-technique-may-aid-heart-surgery Wed, 19 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT Drugs that do not represent value for money or are medically unproven may be increasingly reaching one of Europe’s largest pharmaceutical markets, according to research undertaken by Cambridge sociologist Professor Lawrence King.Professor King and colleagues Dr Piotr Ozieranski (University of Leicester) and Professor Martin McKee (London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine) found that multinational drug companies are deploying their massive financial resources to capture stakeholders at every stage of the process for the scientific recommendation of drugs in Poland.Through direct and indirect methods, many of which remain hidden from public view, some of the world’s biggest pharmaceutical companies, as well as politicians, are exercising influence over the drug evaluation programme in Poland – which is overseen by the Polish Agency for Health Technology Assessment (AHTAPol).Their ground-breaking findings are published in the December issue of Health Policy. Professor King and his colleagues conducted more than 100 interviews with people on ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/972/the-drugs-dont-work https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/972/the-drugs-dont-work Wed, 19 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT Professor David Haslam has been appointed as Chair of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, succeeding Professor Sir Michael Rawlins, who has chaired NICE since its creation in 1999. Professor David Haslam is the immediate Past President of the British Medical Association and was President of the Royal College of General Practitioners from 2006-09. From 1976-2011 he was a GP in Huntingdon. Professor Haslam is also an experienced publisher and broadcaster on health issues, and was awarded the CBE in 2004 for services to Medicine and Health Care. https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/314/nice-appoints-new-chair https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/314/nice-appoints-new-chair Fri, 14 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT The arguments for and against patients being ‘parked’ on methadone continue with a House of Commons home affairs select committee now saying that more patients should be prescribed buprenorphine to treat drug addiction rather than methadone.The committee came out last week to say that government should understand the potential for more effective drug addiction treatments, rather than ignoring the side effects of existing opioid substitute treatments, such as methadone, because they are available, familiar and cost-effective. The committee also said that greater emphasis should be placed on burpenorphine as an alternative to methadone, as this would lead to better outcomes for patients and society.Following a year-long inquiry, the committee highlighted that the proportion of addicts prescribed buprenorphine rose steadily after its introduction in 1999, but that the figure had remained at approximately fifteen per cent for the past seven years.In conclusion, the committee urged the government to set up a ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/862/mps-call-for-alternatives-to-methadone-to-be-explored https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/862/mps-call-for-alternatives-to-methadone-to-be-explored Fri, 14 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT An Audit Scotland report, Health inequalities in Scotland, says that while overall health has improved in the past 50 years, deep-seated inequalities remain. Deprivation is the key determinant, although age, gender and ethnicity are also factors. Men in the most deprived areas die 11 years earlier than those in the most affluent, and the gap is 7.5 years for women. People in deprived areas also have higher rates of heart disease, obesity, diabetes, drug and alcohol misuse, and mental health problems.The report assesses how well public sector bodies are working together to target resources at health inequalities and monitor their collective performance, and reviews health services and initiatives aimed at reducing health inequalities. The report says it is not clear how much money NHS boards and councils spend in this area, or what it is spent on. The Scottish Government takes account of deprivation and other local needs in allocating ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/862/scotlands-health-inequalities-need-targeted-resources https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/862/scotlands-health-inequalities-need-targeted-resources Fri, 14 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT Health Minister, Edwin Poots, has welcomed an agreement with Community Pharmacy Northern Ireland (CPNI) which has allowed both sides to withdraw the appeal and cross-appeal of the Treacy J judgment of 21 December 2011 with regard to community pharmacy remuneration arrangements.Since the Minister's declaration almost a year ago that a potential 100 of the province’s pharmacies may be closed to make savings, both he and DHSSPS have been at loggerheads with CPNI.'Following a year-long process involving DHSSPS/HSC Board and Community Pharmacy Northern Ireland (CPNI) and culminating in a period of intensive negotiations under the chairmanship of the Permanent Secretary DHSSPS,' said Edwin Poots, 'an accommodation has been reached that has allowed both sides to withdraw the respective appeal and cross-appeal of the Treacy J judgement of 21 December 2011 of community pharmacy remuneration arrangements. The agreed accommodation with CPNI now provides an opportunity to break the cycle of litigation ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/844/what-next-for-community-pharmacy-in-northern-ireland https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/844/what-next-for-community-pharmacy-in-northern-ireland Fri, 14 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT A new study has highlighted opportunities for a better coordinated international response to the threat of falsified, or counterfeit, medicines. The prevention of pharmaceutical falsification should be seen as an integral part of the global health community’s effort to improve access to effective, good quality medicines and protect public health worldwide. Falsified Medicines and the Global Public’s Health was commissioned by the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations (IFPMA) and was independently prepared by researchers at the University College London (UCL) School of Pharmacy and the international research agency Matrix Insight. The new report focuses on the need for high quality information about the scale of harm caused by medicine falsification. Past studies found that 15 to 50 percent of anti-malarial treatments purchased in parts of Asia and Africa to be counterfeit, and data overall suggest that falsified products may account for nearly one percent of global medicine sales. ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/348/falsified-medicines-pose-major-threat-report https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/348/falsified-medicines-pose-major-threat-report Thu, 13 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT Survival for people diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia (CML) has risen by nearly half, with around 58 per cent of people surviving their disease for at least five years compared with only around 40 per cent in the late 1990s, according to a new report from the National Cancer Intelligence Network (NCIN).The improvements are largely down to a family of drugs called Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (TKIs) which have now become the standard treatment for the disease. The first of these was imatinib (Glivec), which was licensed in 2001.The Northern and Yorkshire Cancer Registry and Information Service (NYCRIS), on behalf of the NCIN Haematology Site Specific Clinical Reference Group (SSCRG), looked at the rates of people in England getting, dying from and surviving a range of different blood cancers between 1995 and 2008. It is the first national study in England to look at survival for different types of leukaemia.For patients ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/944/chronic-myeloid-leukaemia-rates-increase-survival-chances https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/944/chronic-myeloid-leukaemia-rates-increase-survival-chances Thu, 13 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT Evidence taken from the PharmOutcomes platform has proven the impact the New Medicine Service (NMS) is having on medicines adherence and, in doing so, has provided key evidence to be used to help persuade the Government and Department of Health of the value in commissioning it beyond April 2013.That’s the verdict of an analysis carried out by Gary Warner, chair of PSNC’s service development subcommittee, on PharmOutcomes data covering NMS interventions provided to more than 224,000 patients between 1 October 2011 and 30 September 2012.The analysis found that 31.9 per cent of non-adherent patients became adherent to 31.5 per cent of their medicines after the NMS intervention. It also showed that pharmacists gave 366,702 pieces of healthy living advice to patients while they provided the service.Other key findings from the analysis included that:• 99.6 per cent of NMS patients were recruited directly by pharmacies, with the remainder referred by GP ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/574/new-data-highlights-nms-success https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/574/new-data-highlights-nms-success Mon, 10 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has opened a consultation on draft guidance which recommends abatacept (Orencia) for rheumatoid arthritis after conventional disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) have failed.The draft recommendations say that abatacept in combination with methotrexate is recommended as an option for treating people with rheumatoid arthritis only if:• the disease has responded inadequately to two conventional non-biological DMARDs including methotrexate and it is used in line with the recommendations for other biological DMARDs in Adalimumab, etanercept and infliximab for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (NICE technology appraisal guidance 130), and• the manufacturer provides abatacept with the discount agreed in the patient access scheme.The draft guidance also says that people currently receiving abatacept, but whose disease does not meet these criteria, should be able to continue treatment until they and their clinician consider it appropriate to stop.In August 2011, NICE issued guidance TA234 not recommending abatacept ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/925/new-nice-guidance-on-rheumatoid-arthritis-drug https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/925/new-nice-guidance-on-rheumatoid-arthritis-drug Mon, 10 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT Celesio, Lloydspharmacy's parent company, has launched a virtual pharmacy chain. Last week, the company introduced the corner stones of its future European Pharmacy Network (EPN) in Bicester, just outside London. Other pilot pharmacies have already opened in Bromsgrove, Worcestershire and in Italy and, following the pilot, the concept will be rolled out across the company’s 2200 own pharmacies in Europe under the brand name of ‘Lloyds’.'Under the name of ‘Lloyds’, we wish to establish in the coming years the leading European pharmacy brand,’ said Stephan Borchert, a member of Celesio’s management board. ‘It will stand for pharmaceutical excellence in service, medical advice and product portfolio as well as for a new and positive pharmacy experience on the part of the customers. We will strengthen the pharmacy as a multi-functional pharmaceutical service and retail concept.’A combination of innovative service formats, high quality products and the latest technology will create a state-of-the-art ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/524/celesio-set-the-bar-high-in-pharmacy https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/524/celesio-set-the-bar-high-in-pharmacy Sun, 09 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT A new oral drug treatment has been launched that improves blood sugar control and promotes weight loss in patients with type 2 diabetes.Developed by Bristol-Myers Squibb andAstraZeneca, dapagliflozin (Forxigatm) is part of new group of medicines called sodium-glucose cotransporter (SGLT2) inhibitors, which work in a different way to existing diabetes drugs. They reduce the amount of glucosereabsorbed by the kidneys so that excess glucose is filtered out of the body, along with the associatedcalories, through the urine. This not only lowers blood glucose levels but also reduces weight .Because this process occurs independently of insulin action, it means dapagliflozin can be used in combination with other commonly used diabetes medications, includinginsulin, as well as a monotherapy to improve glycemic control .The drug has been granted marketing authorisation by the European Commission and will be marketed by Bristol-Myers Squibb and AstraZeneca this month.‘Specialists in diabetes will be keen to work with ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/668/weight-loss-benefit-for-type-2-diabetes-sufferers https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/668/weight-loss-benefit-for-type-2-diabetes-sufferers Sun, 09 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT A new national Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) audit programme for England and Wales has been announced at the British Thoracic Society Winter meeting in London. The programme will be clinically led by the Royal College of Physicians, the British Thoracic Society, the Primary Care Respiratory Society in partnership with the British Lung Foundation. The new audit programme brings together primary care, secondary care, rehabilitation and patient experience, marking a brand new partnership approach to drive improvements in COPD patient care. The audit aims to map the patient journey, map the variation in patient care and to use the data collected extensively and innovatively to drive up standards of care.The programme will start in early 2013 and will run for an initial three years. The launch of the programme came just a month after the British Lung Foundation Scotland, in partnership with the Health Inequalities Alliance, launched a new report ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/862/fresh-air-breathed-into-care-for-copd-patients https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/862/fresh-air-breathed-into-care-for-copd-patients Sun, 09 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT People who use herbal products are being asked to check if they have any ‘Black Cohosh Root’ capsules that are made by Viridian Nutrition in their homes. If they do, people should return the product to where they bought it because the product has been found to contain an unintended and undeclared plant material.The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has taken action to request that the manufacturer Viridian Nutrition also recalls their ‘Black Cohosh Root’ capsules from sale in health shops. The manufacturer stopped marketing this product in July but some stock of the product may still be being sold.Testing found that the product, which should only contain Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa), also contained another species, most probably Cimicifuga foetida. The undeclared plant material, Cimicifuga foetida, is not generally used in Western herbal medicine and its properties or safety has not been evaluated. This means that the product ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/621/mhra-issues-herbal-health-sos-to-public https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/621/mhra-issues-herbal-health-sos-to-public Wed, 28 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT In a newly published report, The Patients Association has told how 15-year-old Lauren Hughes died three days after being admitted to Ross-on-Wye Community Hospital with a severe asthma attack. The report suggests that failures by hospital staff to initially administer prompt and proper treatment may have caused her to suffer brain damage due to lack of oxygen.Stories from the present, lessons for the future is a report cataloguing thirteen cases of poor patient care, including Lauren's, within hospitals and care homes across the country. The Patients Association says the report is a snapshot of the many stories of poor care heard by its helpline and claims it reflects wider shortcomings in the NHS which need to be addressed. ‘This is a tragic case and our thoughts and hearts go out to Lauren's family and friends,’ said Cher Piddock, Lead Asthma Nurse at Asthma UK. ‘It shows how crucial it is ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/364/patients-association-slams-poor-nhs-care-in-girls-asthma-death https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/364/patients-association-slams-poor-nhs-care-in-girls-asthma-death Wed, 28 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT According to a new report from a leading think tank, cracks are ‘beginning to appear’ in the performance of the NHS in England, halfway through the government’s current spell in power. The King’s Fund review, which is often classed as a mid-term report for the government, said that while overall performance was holding up well, cracks were definitely beginning to appear in the NHS’ performance.Among the review’s findings were:Waiting times for hospital services generally remain steady. Median waits for most hospital services at the end of 2011 were very close to the levels recorded in 2009. However, the number of patients waiting longer than the four-hour target for treatment in accident and emergency (A&E) departments rose by 19 per cent from 2010/11 to 2011/12 (quarter 2) (Department of Health 2011q). Patients’ overall rating of access and waiting in the survey of inpatients declined slightly, from 84.2 (2009/10) to 83.8 (2011/12) ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/154/could-do-better-says-leading-think-tank-report https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/154/could-do-better-says-leading-think-tank-report Wed, 28 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT Canadian researchers have warned of a ‘lack of knowledge’ about the dangers of mixing some medications with grapefruit. Writing in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, the doctors said that the number of drugs that became dangerous with grapefruit was rapidly increasing.The team at the Lawson Health Research Institute in Canada said the number of drugs which had serious side effects with grapefruit had gone from 17 in 2008 to 43 in 2012. The drugs in question included those for a range of conditions, including blood pressure, cancer and cholesterol-lowering statins and those taken to suppress the immune system after an organ transplant. ‘One tablet with a glass of grapefruit juice can be like taking five or ten tablets with a glass of water,’ said researcher, Dr David Bailey. ‘People don’t believe it, but I can show you that scientifically it is sound. So you can unintentionally go from a therapeutic ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/590/grapefruit-a-bitter-pill-to-swallow-says-research https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/590/grapefruit-a-bitter-pill-to-swallow-says-research Wed, 28 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT Researchers in London have linked smoking and high blood pressure to cognitive decline in the over 50s. The study was published today in the journal Age and Ageing. Scientists at King’s College London studied data from 8,780 people with an average age of 67, who were taking part in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing. At the start of the study, data was collected on the participants’ smoking habits, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, risk of stroke and body mass index (BMI). The participants also took part in a range of cognitive tests to assess their memory and thinking skills after four and eight years.The results showed that smoking was consistently linked to lower cognitive scores after both four and eight years, while in younger groups of participants, high blood pressure was also linked to worse performance on some cognitive tests after eight years. The researchers suggest that multiple cardiovascular risk ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/972/smoking-and-high-blood-pressure-linked-to-cognitive-decline https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/972/smoking-and-high-blood-pressure-linked-to-cognitive-decline Mon, 26 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT According to a new report by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), the quality of services provided to people across the health and care sectors in England is beginning to suffer.The regulator’s report highlights that issues around staffing and ensuring they have the right skills to care for people with complex conditions are beginning to affect the quality of care that services deliver. This is especially having an impact on respecting people who use services and nutrition.The increase in people requiring care for age-related conditions, or multiple conditions, has meant that there has been a growth in demand for nursing home services. In 2011/12, there was a 1.4 per cent increase in the number of nursing home services that registered with CQC.The report notes many examples of organisations that meet these challenges and deliver an excellent quality of care, but the regulator emphasised that its inspectors had seen examples of services ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/123/pressures-on-healthcare-services-increasing-risks-of-poor-care https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/123/pressures-on-healthcare-services-increasing-risks-of-poor-care Mon, 26 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT A review is underway to assess the current systems for making new medicines available across NHS Scotland to ensure consistency of approach to their introduction, Health Secretary Alex Neil has announced.The Health Secretary has instructed work to be undertaken to look at every aspect of the introduction of new medicines from national advice to local decision-making to establish whether any further improvements can be made.The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) appraises all newly licensed medicines and provides advice to NHS Boards on their clinical and cost-effectiveness. Currently, if a medicine is accepted for use by the SMC then individual health boards set the criteria for prescribing it. If the medicine is not accepted then health boards do not make it routinely available. However, clinicians can prescribe medicines that are not accepted for routine use by the SMC for individual patients in certain circumstances by special request through Individual Patient Treatment Requests.Independent ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/364/new-medicines-review https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/364/new-medicines-review Fri, 23 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT Lloyds TSB’s Commercial Healthcare Confidence Index has provided primary healthcare providers with an outlook for their businesses in both the short term (twelve months) and longer term (five years). The Index shows that the confidence of GPs remains low and that they remain pessimistic about the future of the profession. GPs have seen their overall index figure slip in two successive surveys, probably due to seeing strong performance management from PCTs in their departing days, and 18 per cent of them are still planning to retire early. At least a third now definitely want to be involved in property ownership, and it is thought unlikely that any more single-handed practices will be set up.There is definitely more short-term confidence from pharmacists, however. Their ten-point swing to the positive indicates that some of the opportunities which may now fall the profession’s way are bolstering positivity.The fact that a combined 31 per ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/718/not-much-to-cheer-in-healthcare-confidence-report https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/718/not-much-to-cheer-in-healthcare-confidence-report Fri, 23 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT Leading meningitis charity Meningitis Research Foundation (MRF) has welcomed the news that a potentially lifesaving vaccine to prevent MenB is one step closer with today’s positive opinion by the European Medicines Agency (EMA). The vaccine, 4CMenB produced by Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics Limited is the first ever vaccine against meningococcal B meningitis and septicaemia (MenB) designed to cover most strains of the disease in Europe. MenB is responsible for an average of 1870 cases across the UK each year, mostly in young children. Around 1 in 10 people affected will die, and a further 1 in 10 survivors will be left with serious after-effects, such as limb amputations, deafness, blindness, and brain damage. The new vaccine will require a licence from the European Commission before European governments can consider it for implementation. The UK Government takes vaccination advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation. If they recommend ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/671/new-meningitis-vaccine-one-step-closer https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/671/new-meningitis-vaccine-one-step-closer Thu, 22 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT Europe’s pharmacists have issued a call for urgent action to tackle medicines shortages. The call was made at the Pharmaceutical Group of the European Union’s (PGEU) General Assembly in Brussels on 15 November. PGEU says that the number of reports of medicine shortages in the EU is increasing and many classes of medicines are affected. But there is still not enough reliable EU-wide data available and therefore there is no clear understanding of the scope and full extent of the problem - this is crucial in developing solutions. It is clear that there are many different causes of shortages, including moves to consolidate production facilities and cost-pressures on the medicines supply chain. All countries considered in recent PGEU research were experiencing medicine shortages. PGEU sets out a list of recommendations to Governments, which include strengthening policies to promote the adequate supply of medicines and better communications about shortages.‘It is ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/317/pharmacists-call-for-action-on-medicine-shortages https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/317/pharmacists-call-for-action-on-medicine-shortages Thu, 22 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT Nine out of 10 parents do not know the four main symptoms of Type 1 diabetes, according to a new survey commissioned by Diabetes UK.The IPSOS Mori survey of 1,170 parents found that just nine per cent were able to correctly identify that frequently urinating, excessive thirst, extreme tiredness, and unexplained weight loss are all symptoms of the condition.This lack of understanding is one of the reasons that a quarter of children with Type 1 diabetes are only diagnosed once they are already seriously ill with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a life threatening condition which needs immediate specialist treatment in hospital.The 4 TsTo address this lack of awareness, Diabetes UK has launched its campaign to highlight the ‘4 Ts’ of Type 1 diabetes symptosms: Toilet, Thirsty, Tired, and Thinner. The campaign posters use children’s fridge magnets to spell out the 4 Ts, with the aim being to help ensure parents, carers ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/799/e-out-of-ten-parents-unaware-of-type-1-diabetes-symptoms https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/799/e-out-of-ten-parents-unaware-of-type-1-diabetes-symptoms Wed, 21 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has issued a new fact sheet, which contains guidance on the use of self-test kits. Self-test kits are available for a variety of conditions including fertility, sexually transmitted infections and cancer and can have an important role to play in healthcare. They should not, however, be relied upon on their own and the new guidance provides advice for patients on what to look out for before buying a kit, before using one and what to do with the results.MHRA is advising that, when buying a self-test kit whether from the high street or online, customers should only buy from a source that they trust. They should also seek advice from a healthcare professional such as a pharmacist or practice nurse on the right kit to select, and should not buy the kit if it looks damaged or the seals are broken. The ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/718/a-issues-guidance-on-self-test-kits https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/718/a-issues-guidance-on-self-test-kits Wed, 21 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT Comprehensive action is needed to stop the rising tide of liver disease: that’s one of the key findings to emerge from Chief Medical Officer Professor Dame Sally Davies first annual report, which was launched today.The report, which is the first of two volumes, provides a comprehensive picture of England’s health by bringing together a number of data sources in one place for the first time.It brings into sharp focus that England is one of the few countries in the EU where a major cause of preventable death is on the increase.Between 2000 and 2009, deaths from chronic liver disease and cirrhosis in the under 65s increased by around 20 per cent while they fell by the same amount in most EU countries. And all three major causes of liver disease – obesity, undiagnosed infection, and, increasingly, harmful drinking – are preventable.The report draws on data from a number of sources ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/718/ion-needed-on-liver-disease-says-chief-medical-officer https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/718/ion-needed-on-liver-disease-says-chief-medical-officer Wed, 21 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT Antibiotic resistance is one of the greatest threats to modern health and we face a future without cures for infection if antibiotics are not used responsibly, the Chief Medical Officer Professor Dame Sally Davies has warned.The warning, which was jointly issued with the Health Protection Agency, comes amid reports of growing problems with resistant strains of bugs, such as E coli and gonorrhoea.Urgent action is now needed at a national, EU and international level to make sure we use them in the right way, at the right dose, and at the right time, to help slow down the development of antibiotic resistance.‘Antibiotics are losing their effectiveness at a rate that is both alarming and irreversible – similar to global warming,’ said Professor Dame Sally Davies. ‘I urge patients and prescribers to think about the drugs they are requesting and dispensing. ‘Bacteria are adapting and finding ways to survive the effects ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/antibiotic-resistance-poses-alarming-threat https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/antibiotic-resistance-poses-alarming-threat Fri, 16 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT Multiple pharmacy chain, Day Lewis, has teamed up with the National Pharmacy Association to develop a new Patient Group Direction (PGD) service for community pharmacists which will be available soon for all NPA members.The PGD will enable pharmacists to dispense certain Prescription Only Medicines (POMs) to treat a range of medical conditions. Patients can access the service online, where the enrolment process will mirror a face-to-face consultation, or in the pharmacy. Pharmacists will be able to dispense the following medicines: Men’s Health: Viagra, Cialis, Levitra (to treat erectile dysfunction)Women’s Health: Trimethoprim (to treat cystitis)Sexual Health: Zithromax, Doxycycline, ellaOne (to treat Chlamydia and provide EHC) General Health: Ventolin, Telfast, Dovonex ointment (to treat asthma, hay fever and psoriasis)Travel Health: Malarone, Malarone Paed, Lariam, Doxycycline, Ciproxin and Scopoderm (for malaria prevention, travellers’ diarrhoea and motion sickness)‘We’re delighted to be working with the NPA on this service to lead the way and benefit ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/npaday-lewis-team-up-to-develop-new-patient-group-direction-service https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/npaday-lewis-team-up-to-develop-new-patient-group-direction-service Fri, 16 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT Bristol-Myers Squibb and AstraZeneca have confirmed that FORXIGATM (dapagliflozin), a new once-daily tablet to improve blood glucose control for adults with Type 2 diabetes, has been granted Marketing Authorisation by the European Commission. Dapagliflozin will be available in the UK later this month. This treatment is for use in combination with other glucose lowering treatments, including insulin when these, together with diet and exercise, do not provide adequate blood glucose control in patients. It can also be used as a monotherapy when diet and exercise alone do not work in patients for whom the blood glucose lowering product metformin cannot be tolerated. Up to now, the development of treatments for Type 2 diabetes has focussed primarily on mechanisms that rely on the body’s own insulin, a hormone that helps to keep blood glucose at normal levels. However, as the body gradually becomes resistant to insulin, many ‘insulin-dependent’ therapies are unable ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/forxiga-licensed-for-use-in-uk-for-type-2-diabetes https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/forxiga-licensed-for-use-in-uk-for-type-2-diabetes Thu, 15 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT While overall drug use has declined in England, there has been an increase in those needing treatment for ‘club drugs’ such as ketamine and mephedrone in the last six years, the National Treatment Agency for Substance Misuse (NTA) has revealed, as it releases a report containing the first ever treatment data on club drugs. Club drug users make up just two per cent of adults in treatment and ten per cent of young people in specialist services.‘It is clear that some club drug users are developing serious health problems and even dependency,’ said Paul Hayes, NTA Chief Executive. ‘While drug use overall is falling, there is an increase in the number of people turning to treatment for club drugs. The numbers remain small compared to heroin and crack addiction, but services need to be geared up to meet these emerging needs.‘For those who do seek treatment, they stand a very ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/club-drug-users-warned-as-figures-show-more-getting-help https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/club-drug-users-warned-as-figures-show-more-getting-help Wed, 14 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT An independent inquiry has concluded that care for people with schizophrenia in England is falling ‘catastrophically short’. The Schizophrenia Commission, which was set up a year ago by the charity Rethink Mental Illness, said patients spent too long in ‘demoralised and dysfunctional’ hospital wards.Among the commission’s recommendations are:• A radical overhaul of poor acute care units including better use of alternatives to admission like recovery houses to manage the transition between hospital and community services•Greater partnership and shared decision making with service users – valuing their experiences and making their preferences central to a recovery focused approach adopted by all services•Better prescribing and a right to a second opinion on medication involving, where appropriate, a specialist pharmacist•Extending general practitioner training in mental illness to improve support for those with psychosis managed by primary care•Extending the popular Early Intervention for Psychosis services (not cutting or diluting)•Increasing access to psychological therapies in ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/money-better-spent-on-preventing-schizophrenia-says-inquiry https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/money-better-spent-on-preventing-schizophrenia-says-inquiry Wed, 14 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT A new vaccination programme, planned to begin in September 2013, will see children under four months vaccinated against the highly infectious rotavirus.Causing around 140,000 diarrhoea cases a year in the under-5s, rotavirus leads to hospital stays for nearly one in ten (around 14,000) of those who get it in the UK.The oral vaccine, which is expected to halve the number of vomiting and diarrhoea cases caused by rotavirus and lead to 70% fewer hospital stays, will be given to infants in two separate doses with other routine vaccines.Rotavirus vaccines, including the Rotarix vaccine which will be used in the UK, are already used to routinely vaccinate children in many countries including the US.Studies in the US have shown that rotavirus-related hospital admissions for young children have been cut by more than two thirds since rotavirus vaccination was introduced.‘Rotavirus spreads very easily and affects around 140,000 children every year, causing distress ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/new-vaccine-to-help-protect-babies-against-rotavirus https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/new-vaccine-to-help-protect-babies-against-rotavirus Mon, 12 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT Although the findings of the Wilson Review of Scottish Pharmacy are not yet known, Dr Hamish Wilson was present at the second Scottish Pharmacy Conference on Wednesday 7 November to give delegates a hint of what was to come! The conference, which was organised by Medical Communications Ltd, also included talks by the Chief Pharmaceutical Officer, Professor Bill Scott, Deputy Chief Pharmaceutical Officer, Alpana Mair and fellow luminaries of Scottish pharmacy, including George Romanes and John Cromarty, Director of Pharmacy for NHS Higland, who later that evening was to be the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award 2012. The awards allowed Scottish pharmacy to celebrate both its successes and achievements at the Thistle Hotel in Glasgow, proving once again that Scottish pharmacy is healthy, vibrant and dedicated to taking the industry forward in the most dynamic way possible. https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/second-scottish-pharmacy-conference-a-major-success https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/second-scottish-pharmacy-conference-a-major-success Mon, 12 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT Martindale Pharma, leaders in the manufacture and supply of specialty pharmaceuticals announces today it has made the strategic decision to enter the wound care market. The first product in Martindale Pharma’s new wound care range is Drawtex, a novel hydroconductive wound dressing based on patented LevaFiber Technology. Drawtex applies advanced materials technology which rapidly and effectively lifts, holds and transfers exudate and necrotic tissue away from the wound, shortening the time to create a healthy wound bed. Drawtex will be of benefit to the management of moderate to heavily exudating chronic wounds including diabetic foot ulcers or chronic venous leg ulcers. Drawtex was launched today at the UK’s leading wound care conference, Wounds UK, in Harrogate.Currently marketed modern wound care dressings have been criticised due to their poor absorption of exudate, bacteria and toxins, shape loss and the frequent need for changing as they saturate this can lead ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/martindale-pharma-enters-the-wound-care-market https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/martindale-pharma-enters-the-wound-care-market Mon, 12 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT PSNC has warned the Department of Health (DH) that commissioning bodies in the reformed NHS must learn from the poor commissioning decision-making practices of the past to ensure a level playing field for community pharmacy and all service providers.Responding to the Department’s consultation ‘Securing best value for NHS patients’, PSNC said poor decision-making processes had included a failure to identify and address self-interest, inadequate governance, and a lack of transparency over commissioning decisions.To ensure a level playing field for all potential providers and protect patient choice, PSNC has set out a number of recommendations for the DH.These include that: - Commissioning in the new NHS must be underpinned by robust governance, pro-active disclosure of self-interest by commissioners and a presumption against self-interest commissioning - This must be enshrined in regulations, not left to good practice guidance - Monitor should have the authority to ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/psnc-highlights-key-risks-to-commissioning-in-reformed-nhs https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/psnc-highlights-key-risks-to-commissioning-in-reformed-nhs Fri, 09 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT A new study published in Research in Social & Administrative Pharmacy has found that patients with type 2 diabetes believe that going to a pharmacist for advice ‘violates the natural line of treatment.'The research found that, while patients identified a role for pharmacists in their care, they actually viewed their GP as the controller of their treatment. The findings come on the back of the UK Government’s push for pharmacists to take on a greater role in managing medicines for people with type 2 diabetes. The news comes as further research has shown that a new blood test could identify those at risk of developing the condition up to ten years in advance.Researchers at the Lund University Diabetes Centre (LUDC) have for the first time established a link between a protein called SFRP4 and the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. The study, which is published in the journal Cell ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/new-research-on-diabetes-not-good-news-for-pharmacists https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/new-research-on-diabetes-not-good-news-for-pharmacists Fri, 09 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT The Medicines and Healthcare Products regulatory Agency (MNRA) has reaffirmed its ruling that the decongestant pseudoephedrine (PSE) is classed as a pharmacy-controlled product. It recently reported in its annual review for 2012 of the impact of measures introduced to control the potential misuse of medicines containing pseudoephedrine (PSE), or ephedrine (EPH), in the manufacture of the Class A controlled drug methylamphetamineThe MNRA’s Commission on Human Medicines (CHM) concluded that the regulatory measures implemented in 2009 and 2010 to manage the risk of misuse of OTC medicines containing PSE or EPH were continuing to be effective.It first considered re-classifying pseudoephedrine as a prescription only medicine in 2007 due to growing concerns that it was being used in the production of illicit drugs. But continued vigilance from community pharmacy has provided the assurance that this product can remain accessible to the public. The report also showed that the CHM recommended that ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/pse-to-be-retained-as-pharmacy-controlled-product https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/pse-to-be-retained-as-pharmacy-controlled-product Fri, 09 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT In newly published draft guidance NICE has not recommended omalizumab (Xolair, Novartis Pharmaceuticals UK) for treating severe, persistent allergic asthma in adults and children. People currently taking omalizumab should be able to continue treatment until they and their clinician consider it appropriate to stop. For children and adolescents, this decision should be made jointly by the clinician, the child or adolescent and their parents or carers. Omalizumab has a UK marketing authorisation as an add-on therapy to standard care to improve control of asthma in adults and adolescents (twelve years and over) and children aged six to eleven years with severe persistent allergic asthma. It is currently only offered to those whose asthma remains poorly controlled. Standard therapies for asthma include high-dose inhaled corticosteroids (which NICE has recommended), long-acting beta-2 agonists and, where appropriate, oral corticosteroids. This appraisal of omalizumab is a review of NICE technology appraisal guidance 133 (omalizumab ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/nice-consults-on-treatment-for-asthma-in-children-and-adults https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/nice-consults-on-treatment-for-asthma-in-children-and-adults Fri, 09 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT The Ethical Medicines Industry Group (EMIG) has welcomed the House of Commons Health Select Committee's inquiry into the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). This is a timely opportunity for the SME specialist bio-pharmaceutical sector to reflect on the workings of the medicines regulator, in particular its future role in supporting the new commissioning environment and how the value of innovative new medicines will be assessed. Responding to the Committee's call for evidence, EMIG Chairman Leslie Galloway commented: "EMIG welcomes the Health Select Committee's inquiry into the current and future role of NICE. As the negotiations to shape the future of value-based pricing get underway, now is an opportune time for the Committee to investigate how the creation of a new pricing system for innovative medicines can deliver better access to medicines for patients, drive value for money in the NHS and contribute to a flourishing life sciences ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/928/emig-welcomes-parliamentary-inquiry-into-nice https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/928/emig-welcomes-parliamentary-inquiry-into-nice Thu, 01 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT The latest forecast by the Office of Health Economics (OHE) for the ABPI has found that total expenditure on medicines in England in the NHS is firmly under control whilst spending on the newest innovative medicines is actually falling as a proportion of the healthcare budget. The findings follow analysis conducted earlier in the year by OHE which forecast spending on medicines in the UK as a whole.In response to the findings, Stephen Whitehead, the leader of the research based pharmaceutical industry in the UK, said he is concerned that with the NHS spending less and less on the newest branded medicines we risk falling further behind Europe on patient healthcare outcomes.The figures for England show that spending on the newest and most innovative branded medicines will rise by just 1.2 per cent annually over the next three years, which represents an actual decrease in real terms as total NHS ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/781/spending-on-new-medicines-declining-in-england-abpi https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/781/spending-on-new-medicines-declining-in-england-abpi Thu, 01 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT UK Chief Pharmaceutical Officers (CPOs) have published a statement on exploratory work with professional and regulatory bodies in pharmacy on the balance of medicines legislation and statutory independent professional regulation. The CPOs point out that recent discussions about the supervision of the sale and supply of medicines in registered pharmacies have taken place against a background of a wider, but associated, agenda. This includes the Medicines & Healthcare products Regulatory Agency’s (MHRA) work on the consolidation of medicines legislation and the planned review of penalties and sanctions, the recommendations from the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) & the Professional Forum of the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland (PFPSNI) review of the implementation of the Responsible Pharmacist (RP) Regulations and the General Pharmaceutical Council’s (GPhC) consultation on standards for registered pharmacies.Developments in the broader context of legislation and regulation generally, including the Government’s initiatives to reduce regulatory burden, greater reliance on professional ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/605/uk-to-consider-greater-self-regulation-for-pharmacy https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/605/uk-to-consider-greater-self-regulation-for-pharmacy Wed, 31 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is today reminding people about the risk of liver problems with the herbal remedy Black Cohosh – a product commonly used to relieve menopausal symptoms.The reminder follows a serious case of liver failure resulting in a liver transplant suspected to have been caused by a herbal product containing Black Cohosh. The investigation of this case and of the product involved is ongoing.To date, the MHRA has received 53 reports of adverse reactions suspected to be associated with the use of Black Cohosh products through its medicines safety monitoring reporting system, the Yellow Card Scheme. The majority of these reports (36) have involved liver problems including abnormal liver function, jaundice and hepatitis.Black Cohosh products are available for general sale in pharmacies, supermarkets and health food shops. Currently, there are both authorised (registered under the Traditional Herbal Registration (THR) scheme) and unlicensed products legally ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/490/liver-failure-case-highlights-need-to-use-black-cohosh-carefully https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/490/liver-failure-case-highlights-need-to-use-black-cohosh-carefully Wed, 31 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT A new report shows a distinct variation in use of NICE-approved medicines across the NHS.The report was commissioned by the Department of Health and produced by the HSCIC in collaboration with NICE (National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence), and with the involvement of the pharmaceutical industry. It considers the medicines used for 25 different treatment groups. Of these, it was able to compare observed or actual use with expected use for 13 treatment groups – showing that use appeared higher than expected for six and lower than expected for another six. For one medicine – Ranibzumab – the results varied according to the method of calculation. The drugs whose use was higher than expected were: • Temozolomide - licensed for the treatment of newly diagnosed brain cancer in adults. It is also licensed for second-line treatment of brain cancer in adults and children over three• Varenicline - an aid ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/637/new-report-shows-apparent-variation-in-use-across-nhs https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/637/new-report-shows-apparent-variation-in-use-across-nhs Fri, 26 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT A proposal for pharmacy fees to be doubled for methadone supplied over a week is with the Department of Health for discussion.But pharmacy groups and contractors have given a cautious welcome to the Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee (PSNC) new proposed payment system, adopting a ‘wait and see’ attitude.There will be a two-tier level of ‘per interaction' methadone payments. Pharmacists will receive a £4.05 fee for providing a supply covering up to seven days, which will double to £8.10 for interactions where a supply covering eight days or more is provided.The previous changes, which came into effect in July, introduced the £4.05 fee regardless of script length alongside a reduction in CD and professional fees.PSNC says that this new system takes the modelled costs into account and ensures that contractors are more than meeting their costs of supplying methadone in all modelled prescription scenarios.‘PSNC seeks to treat all contractors fairly to ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/314/psnc-in-discussion-with-dh-over-new-methadone-fee-proposal https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/314/psnc-in-discussion-with-dh-over-new-methadone-fee-proposal Fri, 26 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT Pharmacy contractors will welcome a new scheme for 2013-14 which will enable them to receive payment earlier for dispensed prescriptions.Announced this week by PM David Cameron the new voluntary scheme will mean that contractors will receive advance payments for prescriptions dispensed on day seven or eight of the month following that in which the items were dispensed, in effect a few days after submission of their prescriptions. ‘Anything that can help pharmacy contractors to better manage their cash flow in these tough economic times is good news, and as such we welcome this initiative from the government. If the levy terms are good enough, this could be a help to some businesses,’ said Sue Sharpe, PSNC Chief Executive.For prescriptions dispensed in January, contractors would be able to access the NHS Business Services Authority (NHS BSA) advance payment on the 7th or 8th of February. The full and final payment would ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/220/earlier-payment-scheme-for-pharmacy-contractors-welcomed https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/220/earlier-payment-scheme-for-pharmacy-contractors-welcomed Thu, 25 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT Excessive chip or crisp eating by pregnant mothers can potentially affect the health of a new born baby as much as smoking, a new European report has revealed.The report found that Bradford mothers –who represented England in the study – had the highest levels of the chemical acrylamide in their bodies and their babies had the lowest birth rate and smallest head circumference.The international study, led by the Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL) in Barcelona, looked at the diet of 1,100 pregnant women and newborn babies from Denmark, England, Greece, Norway and Spain between 2006 and 2010.The women were questioned about their diet and other lifestyle factors which could affect the unborn baby, including smoking. Baby cord blood samples also provided researchers with information about levels of acrylamide exposure during the last months of pregnancy.Acrylamide is a chemical which is formed in high-carbohydrate foods such as crisps, chips ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/972/chip-and-crisp-eating-harmful-for-babies https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/972/chip-and-crisp-eating-harmful-for-babies Thu, 25 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT Doctors in the UK are to become the first in the world to have regular assessments to ensure that their training and expertise are up-to-date and that they are fit to carry out their roles, Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt has announced. The General Medical Council will work with employers to implement and manage the system.The skills involved in treating patients, who often have an increasing number of complex conditions, the different options for treatment, and the technology involved in modern medicine has increased dramatically in recent decades. There are now over 90,000 technologies in use across the NHS and thousands of new pieces of medical research are published on a frequent basis.The new system, called medical revalidation, will help doctors keep up to the standard expected of them by ensuring they stay up-to-date with the latest techniques, technologies and research. This will be important in making improvements in the ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/540/new-checks-for-doctors-in-world-first-patient-safety-boost https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/540/new-checks-for-doctors-in-world-first-patient-safety-boost Tue, 23 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) is currently appraising the use of ivabradine (Procoralan, Servier Laboratories) as a treatment option for some people with chronic heart failure. In recently published final draft guidance NICE has confirmed its earlier draft recommending ivabradine as an option for the treatment of people with chronic heart failure (NYHA class II to IV) with systolic dysfunctioni, who are in sinus rhythm and whose heart rate is 75 beats per minute or more) and who have a left ventricular ejection fraction of 35 per cent or less. The draft guidance also states that ivabradine should be taken in combination with standard therapy, including beta-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and aldosterone antagonists, or when beta-blockers are contraindicated or not tolerated, and only after a stabilisation period of four weeks on optimised standard therapy. Treatment with ivabradine should be initiated by a heart failure specialist with ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/139/nice-draft-guidance-for-chronic-heart-failure-patients https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/139/nice-draft-guidance-for-chronic-heart-failure-patients Tue, 23 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT A new study has found that the number of children admitted to hospital in England for acute throat infections increased by 76 per cent between 1999 and 2010.The study, which appeared in Archives of Disease in Childhood, investigated admission rates for children up to age 17 with ATI alongside trends in tonsillectomy rates, between 1999 and 2010. The study was motivated by concerns that the decline in tonsillectomy rates in recent years has led to an increase in hospital admissions for tonsillitis of increased severity. It also investigated whether performing fewer tonsillectomies is associated with higher rates of complications such as quinsy, an abscess that can occur when an infection spreads from a tonsil to the surrounding area.The research, which was funded by a fellowship from the National Institute for Health Research, showed that the number of children admitted to hospital with ATI increased from 12,283 in 1999 to 22,071 ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/217/sharp-rise-in-children-admitted-to-hospital-with-throat-infections https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/217/sharp-rise-in-children-admitted-to-hospital-with-throat-infections Mon, 22 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT Research by data analysts, SSentif Intelligence, shows that mental illness and depression is on the rise across England, with some Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) reporting increases of more than 40 per cent in the number of people seeking treatment in the last three years.Data expert, SSentif, completed national, regional and local analysis of depression, dementia and mental illness prevalence rates across England, and found that nationally all areas are showing an increase, with depression rates demonstrating the sharpest increase in patient numbers.Nationally, the number of registered patients suffering from depression has increased by 11.5 per cent, a rise of nearly half a million people in the last three years. The latest figures show that almost ten per cent of the population now suffers from depression and that the number of prescriptions written for anti-depressants in same timeframe has risen by a fifth.Regionally, the highest percentage increase in depression prevalence rates ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/618/is-the-uk-facing-a-mental-health-crisis https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/618/is-the-uk-facing-a-mental-health-crisis Fri, 19 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT A new report published today by the Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC) shows that NICE appraised medicines are being underused by the NHS in half of the disease groups raising concerns that patients are not receiving the best treatments available. The findings, published in Use of NICE-appraised medicines in the NHS in England, in 2010 and 2011 are the result of a 2009 agreement between the ABPI and Government to measure how well patients are able to access the medicines approved by NICE. It illustrates where medicines use is lower than, in line with or higher than the NICE expectation.After nearly four years, the latest report continues to show that patients are still not getting access to NICE recommended medicines at the expected level, as half of the disease groups are showing lower than expected use. In fact, the picture for some of the medicines showing under use ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/170/nice-approved-medicines-still-underused https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/170/nice-approved-medicines-still-underused Fri, 19 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT A new report commissioned by the Department of Health and produced by the HSCIC in collaboration with NICE (National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence), has shown an apparent variation in NICE-appraised drug use across the NHS. The report considered the medicines used for 25 different treatment groups. Of these, it was able to compare observed or actual use with expected use for thirteen treatment groups – showing that use appeared higher than expected for six and lower than expected for another six. For one medicine – ranibzumab – the results varied according to the method of calculation. The report included comparisons in the use of these treatment groups by NHS organisations, where patient numbers were large enough to do so without risking identification. It is these comparisons that suggest variation.‘This report is a continuation of valuable work looking at the use of NICE appraised medicines by the NHS,’ said ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/571/report-shows-apparent-variation-in-nice-appraised-drug-use-across-nhs https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/571/report-shows-apparent-variation-in-nice-appraised-drug-use-across-nhs Thu, 18 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT Newly released Department of Health figures show that the NHS is spending more on food than ever before. The average amount spent per patient per day has increased by almost ten per cent over the last two years, to £8.77. However there is still significant regional variation on costs, with the biggest spending hospital spending £15.65 per patient on food – almost double the average and over £10 more than the lowest spending hospital. Across the NHS, the cost of food remains very low (at less than 0.5 per cent of the NHS budget) and previous studies have shown that there is no direct link between quality and cost when it comes to hospital food. However, the high levels of variation across the country suggest that some hospitals may need to spend more, while others could become more efficient.The new figures have been published just days after Health Secretary ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/267/increase-in-nhs-hospital-food-budget https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/267/increase-in-nhs-hospital-food-budget Thu, 18 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT The General Pharmaceutical Council has updated its policy for pharmacy professionals returning to the register. Council has agreed that all applicants wishing to rejoin the register after an absence of more than a year will have to submit a portfolio of evidence.In the portfolio applicants will have to map their current competence against the Standards of conduct, ethics and performance, the core standards for all registrants. The portfolio will then be assessed by expert evaluators who will make a recommendation to the Registrar as to whether registration should be granted.Applicants will only have to pay the standard registration fees; the GPhC is not planning to charge an extra fee for the portfolio to be assessed.The new policy represents a change from the transitional arrangements which had been in place since September 2010. Under the transitional arrangements, not all applicants were required to submit a portfolio of evidence.‘We have ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/317/new-policy-for-pharmacy-professionals-returning-to-the-register https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/317/new-policy-for-pharmacy-professionals-returning-to-the-register Wed, 17 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT For some years now, the idea of health ‘MOTs’ has been advocated as a means of spotting conditions such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes. But now, new research from Denmark has indicated that such general check-ups are unlikely to lead to a condition needing treatment being identified, and may, in fact, cause undue stress.The review, which involved more than 180,000 patients, showed that MOTs neither reduced overall deaths, or deaths from cancer and heart disease. The news will come as a blow for the 2009 initiative, which was launched in England, which sees people aged 40-74 offered a free health check. ‘From the evidence we've seen, inviting patients to general health checks is unlikely to be beneficial,’ said lead researchers, Lasse Krogsbøll.Prior to this research it had been suggested that the English scheme could save 650 lives a year, but the researchers believe that this may be because of ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/699/danish-researchers-criticise-health-check-ups https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/699/danish-researchers-criticise-health-check-ups Wed, 17 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT By 2040 there will be more than one million women in the UK living with breast cancer aged 65 and over. This is almost quadruple the 340,000 older women currently living with the disease, according to research funded by Macmillan Cancer Support (340,000 in 2010 to 1,220,000 in 2040).The research by King’s College London, recently published in the British Journal of Cancer reveals that by 2040, nearly three-quarters of all breast cancer survivors will be 65 and over (an increase from 59 per cent today to 73 per cent in 2040).Older women are currently much more likely to be diagnosed later with advanced breast cancer.They are also less likely to undergo breast conserving surgery as compared to their younger counterparts, and only a small percentage undergo breast reconstructive surgery.‘The NHS needs to take heed of these figures,’ said Ciarán Devane, Chief Executive, Macmillan Cancer Support. ‘It is already struggling to ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/894/breast-cancer-survivors-to-almost-quadruple-by-2040 https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/894/breast-cancer-survivors-to-almost-quadruple-by-2040 Tue, 16 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT New research by scientists at the University of Aberdeen has shown that smoking in the car, even with the windows open, creates a level of pollution that is in excess of official ‘safe’ limits.The Scottish research team took measurements during 85 car journeys and found that readings broke World Health Organization limits, according to a report in the Tobacco Control journal. Using a device strapped to the back seat of the car, the researchers logged and subsequently analysed air quality data during a number of journeys ranging from about ten minutes to an hour in duration.During the study it was discovered that, even if the driver smoked only one cigarette and had the window wide open, particulate matter levels still exceeded the limit at some point during the journey. On average, the level of second-hand smoke was between one half and one third of that measured in UK bars before ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/396/smoking-in-the-car-breaks-toxic-limit https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/396/smoking-in-the-car-breaks-toxic-limit Tue, 16 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT Many older people are missing out on potentially life-saving surgery treatments due to age discrimination, Age UK and the Royal College of Surgeons are warning. Access all Ages, a new survey which examines the patterns of surgical treatment in relation to age, has revealed that whilst our health needs increase with age, planned surgery rates decline steadily for people as they grow older. The study, which was conducted by Age UK, also warns that the £20bn NHS efficiency drive could increase the danger of older people being disproportionately impacted - because of the perceived reduction in the cost effectiveness of providing treatment when relative life expectancy is shorter. 'When it comes to people's health, their date of birth actually tells you very little,' said Michelle Mitchell, of Age UK. 'A healthy living 80 year old could literally run rings round someone many years younger who does not share ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/718/dont-discriminate-against-elderly-say-age-uk-and-rcs https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/718/dont-discriminate-against-elderly-say-age-uk-and-rcs Mon, 15 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT The Welsh Government has announced the introduction of a new screening programme for Wales, which could save more than 100 lives each year.The Wales Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening Programme is a partnership between the seven Health Boards, Public Health Wales and Welsh Government, who are all contributing to the £1.6m development.A project to plan the implementation of the programme is already underway. It will be run by Public Health Wales and screening is being planned to start in 2013.The aorta is the main blood vessel which carries blood to the body. As people get older, the walls of this vessel may develop a weakness and expand to form an aneurysm. The condition is most common in men aged over 65.Most people with an aneurysm will have no symptoms. Rarely, the aneurysm becomes very large and there is a danger that the vessel walls will give way. This is a life ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/220/new-welsh-abdominal-aortic-aneurysm-screening-programme https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/220/new-welsh-abdominal-aortic-aneurysm-screening-programme Mon, 15 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT It doesn’t even open until later this week, but news that NI is to have its first abortion clinic has already stirred up widespread opposition from pro-life campaigners. The Health Minister, Edwin Poots, has questioned the legal position of the centre, which is to be run by international charity Marie Stopes. Such is level of the opposition to the opening that the charity is refusing to reveal the exact location of the centre.Marie Stopes has stressed that the new centre will not be a ‘walk-in service’ but will operate instead on an ‘appointments only’ basis.Women who want to have an early medical abortion, ie, up to nine weeks in their pregnancy, will undergo consultations with two independent doctors who will be resident in the centre. The women’s own GPs will then be contacted if the doctors have any follow-up questions about the women’s case history. A psychiatrist will also be ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/944/nis-first-abortion-clinic-sparks-major-row https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/944/nis-first-abortion-clinic-sparks-major-row Sun, 14 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT Public perception that excessive drinking is monopolised by the teens and twenties generation has been blown out of the water by new research by Alcohol Concern. The first ever map of alcohol-related health costs reveals that it’s actually the baby boom generation who are the greatest burden on the NHS compared to all other age groups.The figures reveal the inpatient cost of the 55-74 age group, closely aligned to the baby boom generation, is over ten times greater than the 16-24 age group, often negatively associated with 'binge drinking' and their impact on NHS resources. Furthermore, the baby boom generation inpatient costs are greater than the 16-24 age group inpatient costs plus all alcohol related A&E costs put together.The findings, taken from the Alcohol Harm Map, are the first complete picture of alcohol-related health costs across England by local authority. The launch of the map comes six months before local ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/298/baby-boomers-draining-nhs-resources-through-alcohol-misuse https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/298/baby-boomers-draining-nhs-resources-through-alcohol-misuse Fri, 12 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT New data has been released by the Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC), which shows that hospital admissions for eating disorders rose by a massive 16 per cent in England over the last two years. It is estimated that about 1.6 million people across the UK are currently affected by an eating disorder.Three quarters of the hospital admissions were related to anorexia nervosa, and, alarmingly, it was children and young people, who accounted for most admissions.The HSCIC’s figures show that, of the 2290 admissions in the twelve months to June of this year:• There were a total of 2,288 finished admission episodes (FAEs) for an eating disorder: a 16 per cent increase from 1,973 for the previous twelve months. All finished admission episodes increased by 1.4 per cent during the same period;• 1,695 (74 per cent) of the FAEs were for anorexia, 149 (7 per cent) were for bulimia ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/298/hospital-admissions-for-eating-disorders-up-by-16-per-cent https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/298/hospital-admissions-for-eating-disorders-up-by-16-per-cent Fri, 12 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT Roche has called for the Scottish government to do more to improve access to cancer drugs after the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) refused to recommend Avastin as a treatment for women with advanced ovarian cancer.The Swiss pharma company said the country was falling behind its English neighbour, which introduced a cancer drugs fund in April 2011 to provide £200m a year to pay for cancer medicines not recommended by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE).‘In Scotland,’ said John Melville, general manager, Roche UK, ‘almost no patients have access to Avastin. The Scottish government must act to prevent Scotland falling further behind England in access to innovative cancer drugs that address an unmet medical need and clearly benefit patients, or face a negative impact on clinical research as well as increasing difficulties in recruiting and retaining the best clinicians.Between April 2011 and March 2012, more than 10,000 requests ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/123/more-access-to-cancer-drugs-required-in-scotland-roche https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/123/more-access-to-cancer-drugs-required-in-scotland-roche Wed, 10 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT Pharma giant, Novartis, is utilising the ability of YouTube to broadcast a new talk show about advanced breast cancer. The move forms part of Novartis’ continued disease awareness efforts.The company’s main product in the breast cancer area is Afinitor (everolimus), which gained European approval for advanced breast cancer in July. The first episode of the ‘Each Voice Counts’ talk show series features four women sharing their stories of life with the disease and comes a week after the relaunch of Novartis’ website: www.globalAdvancedBreastCancerCommunity.org.The website is a collaboration between Novartis and Inspire, which builds and manages online support communities for patients and carers.Advanced Breast Cancer Community offers a ‘clearing house’ of tailored information, covering topics such as creating a personal care plan and metastasis and recurrence. https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/699/novartis-uses-technology-to-spread-awareness https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/699/novartis-uses-technology-to-spread-awareness Wed, 10 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT Stroke costs the UK over £8.2 billion every year, with an estimated 152,000 people suffering from one. Now, new research from Finland has claimed that men with the highest blood levels of a chemical found in tomatoes are at half the risk of suffering a stroke than those with the lowest levels.The study, which was published yesterday in the journal ‘Neurology’, involved more than 1,000 Finnish men between 46 and 65 who had never had a stroke. These men had their blood levels of lycopene - a powerful antioxidant found in tomatoes - tested at the beginning of the study and they were monitored over an average period of twelve years to see if they developed strokes. During that period 67 men had a stroke: 25 of whom had the lowest levels of lycopene and eleven who had the highest.The results showed that in strokes caused by clots, rather than ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/671/tomatoes-linked-to-decreased-rate-of-stroke-in-men https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/671/tomatoes-linked-to-decreased-rate-of-stroke-in-men Tue, 09 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT According to two new studies, a blood test that reads genetic changes in blood cells like a barcode can predict how severe a man's prostate cancer is likely to be. By reading the pattern of genes switched on and off in blood cells researchers accurately identified which prostate cancers had the worst survival rates.The researchers hope the test could eventually be used alongside the existing PSA test to select men who need more aggressive or immediate treatment.‘We've shown it is possible to learn more about prostate cancers by the signs they leave in the blood,’ said Professor Johann de Bono, who led one of the studies at The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR), London, ‘allowing us to develop a test that is potentially more accurate than those available now and easier for patients than taking a biopsy.‘Our test reads the pattern of genetic activity like a barcode, picking up signs ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/524/gene-barcode-blood-test-can-predict-aggressive-prostate-cancers https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/524/gene-barcode-blood-test-can-predict-aggressive-prostate-cancers Tue, 09 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT Community pharmacists will play an important role in delivering the ‘Transforming Your Care’ agenda and bringing care closer to patients’ homes.That was the message from Health Minister, Edwin Poots as he spoke at the ‘Transforming Your Pharmaceutical Care’ seminar at Queen’s University, Belfast. “Pharmacists will play a key role in delivering the Transforming Your Care (TYC) model to the community,’ said the Health Minister. ‘The TYC proposals envisage a changing model of care which will move the care of patients as close to home as possible. ‘This is an opportunity for community pharmacists to strengthen their role in improving medicines management for patients, helping to minimise waste, contributing to avoiding unnecessary hospital admissions due to medicines and in preventing conditions deteriorating.‘I would like to see pharmacists boost their role further by focussing on three particular areas within the community; to advise and educate; to intervene and protect; and to advocate ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/925/community-pharmacists-at-the-heart-of-transforming-your-care https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/925/community-pharmacists-at-the-heart-of-transforming-your-care Fri, 05 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT People with Type 1 diabetes are more likely to have cardiovascular disease such as heart attacks and strokes, a study conducted in Scotland has shown. They also have a higher risk of dying prematurely from any cause. Controlling blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol can help reduce these risks.Strategies employed to improve blood glucose control, which in turn help reduce associated complications, are working, but there is room for improvement, according to the study, which is published in this week’s PLOS Medicine.Higher risk of heart related complicationsThe researchers, led by Helen Colhoun from the University of Dundee, based their study on information from Scottish national databases covering 2005 to 2008, and representing over 20,000 patients. They found that people with Type 1 diabetes had a two- to three-times greater risk of heart attacks, strokes, or premature death than the general population.They also found the increased risk to be higher in ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/348/increased-risk-of-heart-related-complication-for-type-1-diabetics https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/348/increased-risk-of-heart-related-complication-for-type-1-diabetics Fri, 05 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT The main reason women are less likely to survive ovarian cancer in the UK than in other comparable countries appears to be due to very low survival in those with more advanced stages of the disease, shows new research published in the journal Gynecologic Oncology.The research is part of the International Cancer Benchmarking Partnership (ICBP) - a unique global collaboration funded by the Department of Health.Overall, the UK had similar proportions of women diagnosed at each stage of the disease as in the other participating countries (Australia, Canada, Denmark and Norway). This indicates that differences in access to treatment, or in the quality of care, could play the largest role in the UK’s lower survival for ovarian cancer, along with other factors such as having another illness which may prevent some women from receiving or completing a specific treatment.Researchers from Cancer Research UK’s Cancer Survival Group at the London School ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/173/new-research-into-uk-ovarian-cancer-survival-rates https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/173/new-research-into-uk-ovarian-cancer-survival-rates Thu, 04 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT More than £6.5 million worth of counterfeit and unlicensed medicines has been seized across the globe as part of a week-long international crackdown on the illicit internet trade in pharmaceuticals.Operation Pangea V ran between 25 September and 2 October and resulted in 79 people being arrested worldwide. It also saw approximately 18,000 illegal online pharmacy websites being shut down through domain name or payment facility removal. The operation is the largest internet-targeting enforcement action of its kind with 100 countries participating in this year’s event.Internationally, preliminary results show that more than 133,000 packages were inspected by regulators and customs officials resulting in the seizure of over 3.7 million doses of unlicensed and counterfeit pills.Coordinated by INTERPOL and carried out with the assistance of police, customs and national medicines regulators, the operation targeted the four main elements misused in the illegal website trade – the drugs supplier, internet infrastructure, the electronic ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/398/mhra-plays-vital-role-in-65-million-drugs-bust-and-spam-emails https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/398/mhra-plays-vital-role-in-65-million-drugs-bust-and-spam-emails Thu, 04 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT A new stop smoking campaign – Stoptober – officially has kicked off with support from celebrities nationwide. The campaign encourages smokers across England to take up the challenge to stop smoking for 28 days.Celebrity Stoptober advocates, including the former England football player Ian Wright, have pledged their support for the innovative campaign.‘This is a fantastic campaign,’ said Ian, ‘which will really help encourage quitters to work together and give up cigarettes for good.‘I will be supporting everyone by showing ways to improve health and fitness for people of all levels, and to make sure the cigarettes stay stubbed out.’Promotion of the campaign, which is backed by Cancer Research UK and the British Heart Foundation, includes ads on TV, radio and in the press, plus national media partnerships, posters, and in-pharmacy literature.People joining the campaign are able to receive support from a Stoptober pack, an online and smartphone app and a ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/781/stoptober-underway https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/781/stoptober-underway Wed, 03 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT Chemicals similar to those found in cannabis form the basis of a new drug that is being trialled in UK cancer patients for the first time by researchers at the Cancer Research UK and National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre in Newcastle.The trial – funded by UK-based e-Therapeutics plc, who also manufacture the drug – will investigate its potential for treating patients with a variety of solid tumours. A similar phase I trial is already underway in the US in brain cancer and results from both are expected during 2013.The drug, called dexanabinol, is from a family of compounds called cannabinoids. It is chemically related to compounds found in cannabis plants, but is synthesised in the lab and lacks any cannabis-like psychological effects.‘The starting point for this trial was to map networks of proteins that appear to have a role in cancer,’ said Professor Ruth Plummer ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/427/investigation-into-cannabis-related-chemicals https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/427/investigation-into-cannabis-related-chemicals Wed, 03 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT The UK’s National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has published the first list of topics it will develop guidance for, ahead of the expansion of the body’s remit into social care, which will come into effect in April 2013. The Institute already develops guidelines in England and Wales for healthcare, including the recommendation of drugs, but, from next year, it will also publish quality standards in such areas as autism and child maltreatment, as part of its new responsibilities outlined in the Health and Social Care Act.Other areas NICE is to develop guidelines for include mental well-being of older people in residential care; medicines management in care homes; management of physical and mental co-morbidities of older people in community and residential care settings; domiciliary care; and the transition between children and adult services.In addition, quality standards will also be created to manage the transition between health and social ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/574/nice-publishes-new-list-of-guidance-topics https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/574/nice-publishes-new-list-of-guidance-topics Tue, 02 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT Following a rise in the number of cases of whooping cough in young babies, the Chief Medical Officer, Professor Dame Sally Davies, has announced that pregnant women will be offered vaccinations to protect their newborn babies.‘Whooping cough is highly contagious and newborns are particularly vulnerable,’ she said. ‘Nine infants have died as a result of whooping cough this year and there have been 302 cases of the disease in children under three months old.‘It’s vital that babies are protected from the day they are born – that’s why we are offering the vaccine to all pregnant women.’Due to begin next week, the temporary vaccination programme aims to boost the short-term immunity passed on by pregnant women to their newborn babies who normally cannot be vaccinated themselves until they are two months old.‘Over the last year,’ said Professor David Salisbury, Director of Immunisation, ‘we have seen a large rise in the ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/251/pregnant-women-to-be-offered-whooping-cough-vaccination https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/251/pregnant-women-to-be-offered-whooping-cough-vaccination Fri, 28 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT NI Health Minister ,Edwin Poots, has launched an innovative new programme for palliative and end of life care that will improve people’s experience of care at the end of their life.The Minister was speaking at the Northern Ireland Hospice as he launched the ‘Palliative and End of Life Care Learning and Development Programme’ and the ‘Learning Development Programme’ for nursing homes in Northern Ireland.‘Palliative and end of life care is about what we as a society can do to support those people who require high quality, dignified and compassionate care through the last stages of their life,’ the Health Minister said.‘I welcome this new and innovative learning and development programme for nursing homes throughout Northern Ireland. It marks a great step forward in promoting the delivery of high quality care and person centred palliative and end of life care that our population deserve.’The Minister also paid tribute to the enthusiasm ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/618/new-programme-to-improve-palliative-and-end-of-life-care https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/618/new-programme-to-improve-palliative-and-end-of-life-care Thu, 27 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT Medical Communications Ltd is delighted to announce the second Scottish Pharmacy Conference. The conference, which is to be held in Glasgow on 7 November 2012, will create and inform debate on issues pertinent to the successful development of pharmacy in Scotland.Planning for both now and the immediate future is imperative for Scottish pharmacists today. The Scottish Pharmacy Conference 2012 will give you and your colleagues the opportunity to invest in yourself and your business.Last year’s inaugural event was an overwhelming success, with 98 per cent of delegates confirming that they would definitely be returning this year! An outstanding recommendation that clearly shows how beneficial everyone found the day’s proceedings.Your time is precious, so it is imperative that any conference in this economic climate offers value that is highly relevant and irresistible. For the past year, Scottish pharmacy has been holding its breath awaiting the outcome of Dr Hamish Wilson’s review ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/975/scottish-pharmacy-conference-2012 https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/975/scottish-pharmacy-conference-2012 Wed, 26 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is launching a brand new publication – the ‘Good Clinical Practice Guide’ covers the legislation, guidance and good practice that relates to the conduct of clinical trials of medicinal products for human use in the UK.The ‘Good Clinical Practice Guide’ will be beneficial for any individual or organisation involved in conducting clinical trials with medicines in the UK. This includes both commercial and non-commercial sponsors and hosts of clinical trials, as well as contract research organisations, clinical research consultants and other niche providers. As the guide references European legislation and guidance as well as international standards, it will also be relevant to organisations conducting clinical trials across Europe and beyond.It is intended that this guide will complement currently available legislation and guidance and provide practical advice about implementing the principles of Good Clinical Practice (GCP) across the wide range of trials conducted ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/652/new-authoritative-guide-to-good-clinical-practice https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/652/new-authoritative-guide-to-good-clinical-practice Tue, 25 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT The rates of people dying from cancer are predicted to fall by 17 per cent (16.8) in the UK by 2030 according to new statistics released by Cancer Research UK.For all cancers, adjusting for age, 170 people in every 100,000 died from the disease in 2010 but by 2030 it is predicted this will fall to 142 in every 100,000. This is largely due to better survival rates, thanks to earlier diagnosis and improved treatments, but also reflects a reduction in smoking-related cancers leading to fewer deaths.The new figures are released in the run-up to Stand Up To Cancer - an unprecedented partnership between Cancer Research UK and Channel 4 - which will culminate in a television fundraising entertainment extravaganza live on TV on Friday October 19th.Ovarian cancer will see the biggest fall in people dying, with death rates expected to reduce by over 40 per cent (42.6) – ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/652/cancer-death-rates-set-to-drop-17-per-cent-by-2030 https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/652/cancer-death-rates-set-to-drop-17-per-cent-by-2030 Tue, 25 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT The European Medicines Agency’s Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) has recommended the authorisation of the first medicine specifically for the symptomatic treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in the European Union (EU).The Agency is recommending that Constella (linaclotide) be authorised for adults with moderate to severe IBS with constipation (IBS-C), a common subtype of the disease. Linaclotide is a new, synthetic fourteen-amino-acid peptide, which works by increasing the secretion of fluid in the intestine and accelerating the movement of material through the gut. It is taken by mouth once a day at least 30 minutes before a meal.IBS is a long-term disorder of the gut characterised by intestinal pain or discomfort together with altered bowel habit, abdominal distension, bloating, constipation or diarrhoea, often resulting in reduced quality of life and work productivity.Despite affecting up to 20 per cent of the Western population, no medicines have been authorised ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/799/ema-recommends-first-medicine-specifically-for-ibs https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/799/ema-recommends-first-medicine-specifically-for-ibs Fri, 21 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT A new campaign which aims to increase early diagnosis rates for dementia across England by tackling the public's fears of talking about the condition, has been launched today by the Department of Health with support from Alzheimer's Society.The 'A Day to Remember' campaign is part of the Prime Minister’s Challenge on Dementia and will encourage people to have that first ‘difficult conversation’ with a friend or family member when they spot the signs and symptoms of dementia, and encourage them to visit their GP. New research shows: • Half of people (50 per cent) say they would find it hard to talk about dementia to a friend or family member they thought might have it• A third (33 per cent) say that personal concerns (such as fear of upsetting someone or feeling awkward or anxious) would discourage them from talking about dementia or memory loss with a friend or relative• ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/702/a-day-to-remember https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/702/a-day-to-remember Fri, 21 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has urged those with diabetes using Hypurin Porcine Isophane insulin cartridges to check their medication after a packaging error came to light.The issue occurred when a carton for cartridges of intermediate acting Hypurin Porcine Isophane Insulin 100 IU/ml got into the production line for the short acting Hypurin Porcine Neutral Insulin 100IU/ml. This could mean a patient experiences the insulin wearing off earlier than expected.One such pack was identified by a pharmacist before it reached the patient and whilst the manufacturer, Wockhardt UK Ltd, believes it is highly unlikely there are any other such packs in the supply chain, patients and pharmacists are being asked to check their cartons.The issue relates to one batch of Hypurin Porcine Neutral Insulin, with the batch number PL40147, and although it is considered highly unlikely that there are any other rogue packs in the supply chain ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/154/diabetes-patients-urged-to-check-hypurin-porcine-isophane-cartridges https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/154/diabetes-patients-urged-to-check-hypurin-porcine-isophane-cartridges Wed, 19 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT People who regularly take medicines, such as aspirin, paracetamol and triptans could be causing themselves more pain than relief according to new guidance from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), which advises GPs and other healthcare professionals to consider the possibility of ‘medication overuse’ in their patients who have been taking medicines for up to half of the days in a month, over three months.More than ten million people in the UK experience regular or frequent headaches, making them one of the most common health complaints. In fact, they account for around one in 25 of GP consultations.While common over-the-counter treatments are effective for easing the pain of occasional headaches, it has been estimated that up to one in 50 people experience headaches caused by medication overuse and that women are five times more likely to get them than men. They occur when people take painkillers or ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/477/could-painkillers-be-causing-your-headaches https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/477/could-painkillers-be-causing-your-headaches Wed, 19 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT Complaints about doctors have hit a record high with patients more prepared to raise concerns about their treatment, a General Medical Council (GMC) report has said.The number of complaints to the GMC – which oversees doctors practising medicine in the UK - increased by 23 per cent from 7,153 in 2010 to 8,781 in 2011 - continuing a pattern which has been rising since 2007.While the rise in complaints does not mean that medical standards are falling, the likelihood that the GMC will investigate a doctor increased from one in 68 in 2010 to one in 64 in 2011.The findings come in the GMC’s second annual ‘The state of medical education and practice in the UK’ report, which presents a profile of the medical profession over the last year and outlines challenges for the future. The report looks at the changes in the medical profession, the challenges facing doctors at ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/715/record-number-of-complaints-against-doctors-gmc-report https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/715/record-number-of-complaints-against-doctors-gmc-report Wed, 19 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT According to new research, cancer and chronic disease account for 42 per cent of all deaths, ie, more than two in five deaths. The research, which was carried out at the Radboud University Medical Centre in the Netherlands, looked at the death certificates of 4.8 million people across 27 European Union countries. The research, which was published in BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care, found that for those over the age of 65, cancer and chronic disease accounts for 1,783 deaths per 100,000 people. Across the population as a whole, the figure is just 409 deaths per 100,000.Because illnesses such as cancer and chronic disease are more common in those over the age of 65, the authors concluded that policy makers need to develop long and short-term palliative care strategies to help cope with the burden of these diseases, and that, as the population ages, the numbers of people dying of ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/154/report-urges-palliative-care-change https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/154/report-urges-palliative-care-change Tue, 18 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT The PSNC has announced its interim community pharmacy funding changes which are to be brought in from October 2012. PSNC said, however, that since the 2012/13 funding agreement will take into account the results of the Cost of Service Inquiry (COSI), it has not been possible to complete the negotiations by the same time this year. As the negotiations are not likely to be concluded in the immediate future, the Department of Health is making interim funding changes at this stage which will again be delivered by implementing adjustments to the Drug Tariff from October. The changes will bring funding levels in line with an interim total funding figure for 2012/13 which is based on that agreed for the last financial year (£2,486m). The changes also take into account the results of the 2011/12 margins survey, which shows that pharmacies’ retained purchase margin exceeded the sum allowed by £235 million ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/878/psnc-announced-interim-funding-arrangements https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/878/psnc-announced-interim-funding-arrangements Fri, 14 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT A new survey has revealed that asthma treatment that has been used for decades for millions of people with a milder form of the disease may be of no more benefit than that derived by those who turn to their inhalers only when they have symptoms. The report, which was published in The Journal of the American Medical Association on September 12, challenges guidelines that have been in place for 20 years. Perceived wisdom has been that, if a person’s asthma is mild but persistent, he or she should take an inhaled steroid every day to suppress airway inflammation and reduce the risk of exacerbations.‘Daily treatment with an inhaled corticosteroid has long been believed to be the best treatment for mild persistent asthma, but it is not followed by the majority of patients,’ said senior author Homer A Boushey, MD, a UCSF professor of medicine in the division of Pulmonary ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/301/daily-steroid-inhaler-not-needed-for-mild-asthma https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/301/daily-steroid-inhaler-not-needed-for-mild-asthma Fri, 14 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT A drug used by diabetes sufferers could have the potential to treat neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, a study by scientists at the University of Ulster has revealed. Type II diabetes is a known risk factor for Alzheimer’s and it is thought that impaired insulin signalling in the brain could damage nerve cells and contribute to the disease. Scientists believe that drugs designed to tackle Type II diabetes could also have benefits for keeping our brain cells healthy. To investigate this, Prof Christian Hölscher and his team at the Biomedical Sciences Research Institute on the Coleraine campus used an experimental drug called (Val8)GLP-1. This drug simulates the activity of a protein called GLP-1, which can help the body control its response to blood sugar. The scientists treated healthy mice with the drug and studied its effects in the brain. Although it is often difficult for drugs to cross from the blood ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/126/breakthrough-in-alzheimers-research https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/126/breakthrough-in-alzheimers-research Thu, 13 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT Shocking new figures from Macmillan Cancer Support show that over 220,000 9-16 year olds (4%) believe that you can ‘catch’ cancer from someone else. The poll of 500 school children, shows that under-16 year olds are worryingly ill-informed about the lifestyle choices that can lead to cancer. Nearly all (97%) surveyed were unaware that sunburn can cause cancer, one in eleven (9%) don’t know that smoking causes it, whilst 2% think you can get it from being badly behaved. And it isn’t just the causes of cancer that confuse children.One in five (21%) believe that cancer is always fatal and over half (52%) don’t know what cancer is. This is despite two-thirds (67%) knowing someone who has been diagnosed with it. It is not surprising, therefore, that over half (53%) say the word ‘cancer’ makes them feel frightened. 'The unknown is always scary,' says Katherine Donnelly ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/380/nearly-250000-school-children-think-that-cancer-is-contagious https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/380/nearly-250000-school-children-think-that-cancer-is-contagious Wed, 12 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT It is a matter of urgency that pharmacists engage with Local Professional Networks (LPNs), according to the national pharmacy bodies, which have jointly issued a call to action to pharmacists across England. By April 2013, all primary care trusts and strategic health authorities will be abolished, to be replaced by new commissioning structures which will include approximately 30 pharmacy LPNs as part of the new NHS Commissioning Board (NHSCB). LPNs are intended to feed into commissioning decisions, engage with local representative committees and improve the quality of health services, including safety. The Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee, Pharmacy Voice and the Royal Pharmaceutical Society met in August to consider how they might together encourage pharmacists to get involved with LPNs and to engage with LPNs productively. The bodies agreed that the first task is to map the Pharmacy LPNs against the new NHS structures and secondly to collectively provide support to ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/702/lpns-provide-opportunity-to-put-pharmacists-at-the-heart-of-commission https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/702/lpns-provide-opportunity-to-put-pharmacists-at-the-heart-of-commission Wed, 12 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT Almost 60 per cent of people with diabetes are not meeting their cholesterol targets despite the vast majority of them now getting it checked at least once a year, according to a new analysis by Diabetes UK.While the charity welcomes the news that 91.6 per cent of people with diabetes in England are now getting the annual check, according to National Diabetes Audit data, it is concerned that the large numbers of people missing their cholesterol targets means that these checks are not leading to improved outcomes for many people.This is a concern because people with both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are more likely to develop heart disease than the rest of the population, with cardiovascular disease accounting for 44 per cent of deaths in people with Type 1 diabetes and 52 per cent in people with Type 2. People with Type 2 diabetes also have twice the ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/204/more-than-half-of-diabetics-have-poor-cholesterol-control https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/204/more-than-half-of-diabetics-have-poor-cholesterol-control Tue, 11 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has released its first inventory of research needs in children’s medicines for consultation, and hopes to highlight commercial possibilities to pharma while helping fill R&D gaps. Developed by the Agency's Paediatric Committee (PDCO), the first details from the inventory cover cardiovascular medicines for use in children, and sets out where further R&D is needed for each drug. This mainly includes the need for data on a drug’s safety and efficacy for certain age groups, as well as data on specific dose formulations.Drugs listed include warfarin, propranolol and low molecular weight heparins, all of which are unavailable for or have limited use in children and similar lists for other therapeutic areas will be released for public consultation during 2012 and 2013. According to the EMA, the aims of the completed inventory include an opportunity for companies to identify areas of business development, where they could expand ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/204/ema-wants-pharma-to-see-commercial-potential-in-paediatric-rd https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/204/ema-wants-pharma-to-see-commercial-potential-in-paediatric-rd Tue, 11 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT Cancer Research UK scientists have discovered how a key protein fuels breast cancer growth by boosting numbers of cancer stem cells in tumours that have low levels of a protein called claudin, accounting for up to ten per cent of all breast cancers.This raises the prospect that treatments currently being developed to inhibit this key protein – called Transforming Growth Factor Beta (TGF-beta) – could be used to treat this group of women, who tend to have poorer survival and for whom there are currently no targeted treatments.The study is published in Nature Communications.Earlier this year the same team, from Cancer Research UK’s Cambridge Research Institute, published a groundbreaking study showing that breast cancer was not one disease, but ten, each defined by its own unique ‘genetic fingerprint’.In this study they used this knowledge to explore, for the first time, how the network of genes activated by TGF-beta differs among ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/527/study-highlights-potential-drug-target-for-breast-cancers https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/527/study-highlights-potential-drug-target-for-breast-cancers Tue, 11 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT A nationwide campaign to urge UK smokers to quit for a month is to be launched by the government in October. The Department of Health has announced that Britain's eight million smokers will be encouraged to kick the habit for 28 days from October 1 as part of the campaign, which has been named Stoptober. England's Chief Medical Officer Professor Dame Sally Davies said it was the first time that the government had launched a 'mass quit attempt'. Backed by groups such as Cancer Research UK and British Heart Foundation, the campaign will involve television and radio adverts, a daily messaging service and roadshows around the country. 'Smoking is still the biggest cause of premature death in England,' said Professor Davies, 'taking more than 100,000 lives in the UK every year. This is the first time that we have launched a mass quit attempt like Stoptober and would encourage people ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/928/nationwide-stop-smoking-campaign-launched https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/928/nationwide-stop-smoking-campaign-launched Mon, 10 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT The decision by Boots to extend their '3 for 2' offers across its entire healthcare range –including medicines – has been attacked by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS). The new promotion means that Boots customers are now able to get one healthcare product free if they buy three items in a ‘3 for 2’ mix and match promotion. The company says that the move will give customers greater control over their healthcare needs and will enable them to ‘discover new healthcare solutions for themselves and their family’.Boots say that the decision was made on the back of customer feedback and that emphasis will be placed on the fact that the offer is intended to add value across a range of products rather to enable stocking up on one particular item.'We’ve worked closely with our pharmacists to ensure that their views and feedback have been taken into account in developing this offer,' ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/605/extension-of-boots-3-for-2-offer-criticised https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/605/extension-of-boots-3-for-2-offer-criticised Fri, 07 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT The number of people suffering from Alzheimer’s continues to grow but two new studies have revealed new facts about the disease. For some time, ginkgo biloba has been feted as a means of reducing older people’s risk of developing Alzheimer’s, but now, according to research published in Lancet Neurology, the herbal remedy has been found to have few, if any benefits in preventing the disease.The study by University of Toulouse, involved 2854 people in France aged 70 years old or older who had gone to their GP with memory problems. 1406 people were given 120mg of ginkgo biloba twice a day for five years while 1414 people were given a placebo. After five years, 61 (four per cent) of people in the ginkgo biloba group had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's compared to 73 (five per cent) of people in the placebo group. 'It is understandable that people would want to ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/752/two-studies-reveal-new-facts-about-alzheimers https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/752/two-studies-reveal-new-facts-about-alzheimers Thu, 06 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT A risk profile on toxoplasma in the food chain by the Advisory Committee on the Microbiological Safety of Food (ACMSF) has recommended that further studies are needed to establish the importance of foodborne routes of infection and identify the highest risks. The suggested studies include work to assess the prevalence of toxoplasma in UK livestock and in food.The ACMSF's Ad Hoc Group on Vulnerable Groups was asked by the Agency to review the current evidence on toxoplasmosis in humans and animals in the UK, to consider the risks from acquiring infection from food and identify what work may be needed to obtain robust data on foodborne sources of toxoplasmosis.The group also looked at the toxoplasmosis advice given to vulnerable groups in the UK and other countries, and suggested that the current consumer advice to these groups should be reviewed. 'This thorough and detailed report,’ said FSA Chief Scientist, Andrew Wadge ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/605/further-studies-on-toxoplasma-needed https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/605/further-studies-on-toxoplasma-needed Thu, 06 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT A new ‘traffic light’ test devised by Dr Nick Sheron and colleagues at University of Southampton and University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust could be used in primary care to diagnose liver fibrosis and cirrhosis in high risk populations more easily than at present.Liver disease develops silently without symptoms, and many people have no idea they have liver failure until it is too late - one-third of people admitted to hospital with end-stage liver disease die within the first few months. A simple test available in primary care could diagnose disease much earlier, enabling those at risk to change their behaviour and save lives.The Southampton Traffic Light (STL) test, details of which are published in the September 2012 issue of the British Journal of General Practice, combines several different tests and clinical markers which are given a score that indicates the patient’s likelihood of developing liver fibrosis and liver cirrhosis.*The ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/637/new-traffic-light-test-could-save-lives https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/637/new-traffic-light-test-could-save-lives Thu, 06 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT Diabetes UK Cymru has joined forces with the Stoke Association, Public Health Wales, Community Pharmacy Wales and all seven health boards to launch a major public health campaign in September.The aim of the campaign is to find the one in ten people in Wales who are at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes or having a stroke. Free risk assessments will be on offer at every single pharmacy outlet in the country – a total of 714 chemists. 'It’s really important that people know their risks,' said Ana Palazon, director of the Stroke Association in Wales. 'Eleven thousand people have a stroke every year in Wales but many can be prevented. Once you know you are at risk, there are plenty of things that you can do to lower your chances of having a stroke, such as changing your diet, giving up smoking and cutting down your drinking.'“There are an ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/637/wales-aims-to-find-the-one-in-ten https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/637/wales-aims-to-find-the-one-in-ten Wed, 05 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT A new survey commissioned by the ABPI has revealed that the British public misunderstands the cost and value of medicines in the UK.The figures show that many mistakenly believe the NHS spends much more on medicines than it actually does, whilst there is poor understanding of the huge expense involved in their discovery, development, approval and launch. The head of the UK pharmaceutical industry believes it is vital that the public better understands the facts and fully appreciates their low cost compared to their considerable economic and health benefits.The survey shows:• Over a third of respondents (35 per cent) think that 20 per cent or more of the NHS budget is spent on medicines. In reality, the NHS spent just 9.7 per cent of its entire budget on medicines in 2011, down from 12.5 per cent in 1999.•Among the most striking of the figures shows that over half of people ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/490/publics-misunderstanding-of-cost-and-value-of-medicines https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/490/publics-misunderstanding-of-cost-and-value-of-medicines Wed, 05 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has ruled that the popular DMAA containing sports supplement Jack3D is an unlicensed medicinal product and that it and all other DMAA containing products need to be removed from the UK market amid concerns of potential risks to public safety.DMAA is most commonly used as a workout aid or weight-loss supplement and can have a physiological effect on the body narrowing the arteries and raising the heart rate; this has been linked to suspected adverse drug reactions worldwide, ranging from shortness of breath to heart attacks. It has also been linked to at least one fatality.The MHRA has already issued eight urgent notices instructing retailers to remove the product and any other DMAA containing products from sale. The MHRA has recently taken action against a number of products presented as sports supplements that fall within the definition of a medicinal product because ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/812/mhra-to-remove-popular-sports-supplement https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/812/mhra-to-remove-popular-sports-supplement Wed, 05 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT Pharmacy support group Cambrian Alliance has launched ordering software that allows members to automatically order from the cheapest supplier. Officially launched at this year’s Pharmacy Show at the NEC (September 30) eCASS (electronic Cambrian Alliance Supplier Selector) has been designed to help members save time and make more money, the group said. Piloted in 30 pharmacies across the UK, eCASS is automatically downloaded onto members’ PMR systems at the beginning of each month and replaces the paper-based supplier guides that Cambrian Alliance currently issues to its 800 plus members. Director Paul Mayberry, who helped develop the electronic system, said: “Each and every month we negotiate new and improved deals with all our suppliers and put more than 5,000 products out to tender. I believe that we are unique in doing so. “It’s vital therefore that our members are kept up to date and eCASS allows them to automatically select the ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/862/cambrian-alliance-launches-electronic-ordering-tool https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/862/cambrian-alliance-launches-electronic-ordering-tool Thu, 30 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) yesterday advised parents and carers not to use oral herbal products containing Echinacea for children under 12 years of age. Children aged 12 or over and adults can continue to use herbal products containing Echinacea.This move by the MHRA follows precautionary advice from the European Herbal Medicinal Products Committee (HMPC) and from the UK Herbal Medicines Advisory Committee (HMAC). They both concluded that the perceived benefits of the use of Echinacea in children under 12 years are outweighed by the potential risks in this age-group and there is a low risk of allergic reactions but these could be severe. Children aged 12 years or over and adults can continue to use oral products containing Echinacea. Risks of side effects in older children and adults are reduced because they weigh more and in general catch fewer colds.Two Echinacea products (Echinaforce Junior Cold ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/314/mhra-warns-on-echinacea-for-under-twelves https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/314/mhra-warns-on-echinacea-for-under-twelves Thu, 30 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has recommended Amgen’s Xgeva (denosumab) as a treatment for people with bone metastases from most solid cancer tumours. The draft guidance, which has been produced after a review of available evidence and two stages of public consultation, provisionally recommends denosumab for the prevention of skeletal-related events in people with bone metastases from breast cancer and people with bone metastases from solid tumours (other than breast or prostate) who would otherwise be prescribed bisphosphonates. The draft guidance also stipulates that denosumab should be prescribed to these patients if the manufacturer provides denosumab at the discounted rate agreed with the Department of Health as part of a patient access scheme. ‘Bone metastasis can severely affect a person’s quality of life,’ said Carole Longson, director of the Centre for Health Technology Evaluation at the NICE, ‘stopping them from doing things so many of us ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/139/new-recommendation-by-nice https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/139/new-recommendation-by-nice Mon, 20 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT Our Welsh Pharmacy Review regularly features initatives centred around diabetes in Wales. Now, Dai Williams, Director, Diabetes UK and Russell Goodway, Chief Executive, Community Pharmacy Wales, have invited people in Wales to pop into their local pharmacy during the first two weeks in September and spend a few minutes taking a risk assessment test for diabetes and stroke.One in ten people in Wales is at risk of getting diabetes or stroke, but there’s no doubt that, once they know the risk, they can take immediate steps to lower it. Pharmacists will help interested parties fill in a simple, confidential questionnaire about their health and lifestyle and, if they prove to be at increased risk, they’ll be advised what to do next. Every single pharmacy in Wales is offering this service from September 3-14.People unable to attend their local pharmacy can carry out a diabetes risk assessment online at www.diabetes.org.uk/Riskscore. https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/891/take-test-for-health https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/891/take-test-for-health Mon, 20 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT The alarming scale of Scotland’s methadone industry has once again hit the headlines. There are currently 22,000 people on the methadone programme in Scotland, but figures revealed by the Daily Record last week show that hundreds of chemists, from high street giants Boots to small independent pharmacies, are being paid tens of thousands of pounds of taxpayers’ cash to dish out the heroin substitute. In response, Community Pharmacy Scotland was quick to point out that community pharmacies are obliged to provide methadone when it has been prescribed, and many pharmacists have also contacted Scottish Pharmacy Review to complain that they are being shown up in a bad light. After all, many say, what else can they do? Community Pharmacy Scotland also pointed out that, while misusers in methadone treatment for a year or less cost approximately £23,085 a year per person, and those in treatment for more than ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/715/cost-of-methadone-raises-eyebrows https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/715/cost-of-methadone-raises-eyebrows Mon, 20 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) has given the green light to a drug which can extend the lives of men with incurable prostate cancer. Until now, Scotland was the only part of the UK where abiraterone was not yet available on the NHS since the SMC had previously rejected a submission to allow it to be used in Scotland on the grounds that the cost – estimated at £3000 per month – did not justify the health benefits. The SMC has, however, now reversed its initial decision and given doctors the green light to prescribe it, but has restricted its use to patients who have only received one prior chemotherapy regimen.The SMC's website said: ‘This SMC advice takes account of the benefits of a Patient Access Scheme (PAS) that improves the cost-effectiveness of abiraterone. This SMC advice is contingent upon the continuing availability of the patient access scheme in NHS ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/139/prostate-cancer-drug-abiraterone-approved-by-smc https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/139/prostate-cancer-drug-abiraterone-approved-by-smc Tue, 14 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT Cancer Research UK has today launched a trial investigating the health benefits and risks of spending time in the sun. It is hoped the trial will help solve years of controversy surrounding vitamin D, the ‘sunshine vitamin’, and how much sun is too much.The amount of sun exposure needed to make enough vitamin D varies from person to person, largely dependent on skin colour. But at the moment there are no clear guidelines about what level of sun exposure is needed to produce enough vitamin D without causing excessive DNA damage to the skin, which can cause skin cancer.This Cancer Research UK-funded trial will use simulated sunlight to determine whether certain amounts of sun are beneficial for certain skin types, and how much is too much.Study leader Professor Lesley Rhodes, from the University of Manchester, said: “There’s no doubt that too much sun can seriously increase skin cancer risk, but ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/540/new-cancer-research-uk-trial-to-shed-light-on-sun-exposure https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/540/new-cancer-research-uk-trial-to-shed-light-on-sun-exposure Tue, 14 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT New research has shown that making sure you get enough exercise in midlife can help protect your heart. The study of more than 4000 people, which was published in the journal circulation, showed that people who did the recommended two and a half hours of exercise each week had the lower levels of inflammatory markers in their blood. The markers are important as high levels have been linked to increased heart risk.The study also showed that even those who make the switch as late as their late 40s and 50s can still benefit and don’t actually need to do ‘hard labour’ in a gym as gardening and brisk walks also count towards the required 2.5 hours of moderate activity per week. More work is, however, needed since the study looked at markers linked to heart problems and not to heart disease itself. It also relied on people accurately reporting how ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/540/exercising-in-midlife-protects-heart-says-research https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/540/exercising-in-midlife-protects-heart-says-research Tue, 14 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT A herbal remedy sold by Holland and Barrett for young children and adolescents is being taken off shelves because the product is unlicensed, is labelled incorrectly and the claimed herbal ingredients present are incorrectly described. There are concerns that this product may not be suitable for use in children and adolescents and may cause unwanted side effects.The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has asked Holland and Barrett to stop marketing Herbal Authority: Echinacea & Golden Root for Juniors. Holland and Barrett have agreed to do this.The pictures on the product do not match the labelling description and appears to show Goldenseal root (Hydrastis canadensis) and not Golden root (Rhodiola rosea). The botanical name on the product Berberis aquifolium is also incorrect.This Holland and Barrett herbal product is not registered under the traditional herbal registration scheme (THR), which is a scheme to help consumers be confident that the herbal ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/862/labelling-error-on-childrens-herbal-medicines https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/862/labelling-error-on-childrens-herbal-medicines Mon, 13 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT A new EU report shows that medical products accounted for the biggest haul of counterfeit products detained by EU customs officers last year.The ‘Report on EU customs enforcement of intellectual property rights’ found that over 27 million medical products were intercepted by customs officers in 2011. This accounted for 24 per cent of all detained products. Pharmacy Voice has been meeting with manufacturers and wholesalers to work out how systems could be implemented to efficiently and cost-effectively reduce the risk of counterfeit medicines reaching patients. ‘It’s vital that we develop a system that not only avoids increasing bureaucracy and workload in pharmacy but also does not leave opportunities open to counterfeiters. Our message to the Government is that this task should be left to those already working across the medicines supply chain, as they are best-placed to deliver this system,’ said Gareth Jones from Pharmacy Voice. https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/204/call-to-strengthen-protection-against-counterfeit-medicines https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/204/call-to-strengthen-protection-against-counterfeit-medicines Mon, 13 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT English children aged 11- 15 are drinking, smoking and taking fewer drugs, according to recent research from the Information Centre for Health and Social Care.The research for 2011 show that 17 per cent of children asked admitted to have ever taken drugs compared to 29 per cent in 2001. Cannabis is still the most likely drug to have been taken by the 12 per cent of children who reported taking drugs in the last year, and three quarters of children reported that they had turned down taking drugs at least once.Last year only five per cent of children reported smoking regularly and there has been an encouraging increase in the proportion of children who have never drunk alcohol, 55 per cent in 2011 compared to 39 per cent in 2003.The research also showed that smoking, drinking and drug use was least prevalent with black children and other ethnic minority groups. https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/702/smoking-drinking-and-drug-use-decline-for-english-youth https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/702/smoking-drinking-and-drug-use-decline-for-english-youth Mon, 13 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT NICE, the healthcare guidance body, has issued draft guidance requesting Roche, the manufacturer of vemurafenib (Zelboraf) provides further information on the use of their drug for the treatment of unresectable locally advanced or metastatic BRAF V600 mutation-positive melanoma.NICE published draft guidance not recommending vemurafenib for consultation in June. Publication of this new draft follows the submission of additional analysis on the cost effectiveness of the drug by the manufacturer. The new draft guidance has been issued today (10 August) for consultation. Until final guidance is issued to the NHS, NHS bodies should make decisions locally on the funding of specific treatments. Once NICE issues its final guidance on a technology, it replaces local recommendations across the country.Commenting on the new draft recommendations, Professor Carole Longson, Health Technology Evaluation Centre Director at NICE said: "We need to be sure that new treatments provide sufficient benefits to patients to justify the significant ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/217/nice-asks-for-more-information-on-skin-cancer-drug https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/217/nice-asks-for-more-information-on-skin-cancer-drug Fri, 10 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT The NI Health Minister has welcomed the RQIA Review of Mixed Gender Accommodation across the NI health service.Speaking following the publication of the RQIA report, Health Minister Poots said: 'I welcome the publication of the RQIA’s independent review on mixed gender accommodation across our health service.'Privacy and dignity plays a major role in the patient experience in our hospitals and greatly contributes to the provision of care people are entitled to.'The report found that mixed gender accommodation is provided in three of the five trusts and, while there is work to be done to reduce the incidences of patients being treated in mixed gender accommodation, I am pleased that in the majority of cases, the RQIA report that these incidents are being appropriately managed. The Review makes a number of helpful recommendations which aim to further improve the operation of mixed gender accommodation.' The Minister continued: 'My Department has a ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/490/ni-health-minister-welcomes-rqia-review-of-mixed-gender-accommodation https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/490/ni-health-minister-welcomes-rqia-review-of-mixed-gender-accommodation Fri, 10 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) is encouraging members to make sure their current practice is permissible within the Human Medicines Regulations 2012, which are expected come into force on August 14.The regulations include a repeal of section 10 (7) of the Medicines Act which previously allowed pharmacies to wholesale medicines in some circumstances without a wholesale dealer’s licence (WDL). ‘Pharmacists need to make sure that when these changes come into play, they are operating within the new regulations. The repeal of section 10 (7) means that pharmacies trading commercially will need a wholesaler dealer license – trading without this will risk criminal prosecution. Small scale supplies from one pharmacy to another to meet individual patient needs will still be permitted, as will supplies to other healthcare providers,’ advises Gareth Jones, Public Affairs Manager, NPA.The law also includes some new policy changes including: - Removing statutory warnings for over-the-counter products other ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/540/npa-guidance-on-human-medicines-regulations-2012 https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/540/npa-guidance-on-human-medicines-regulations-2012 Fri, 10 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT The Pharmacists’ Defence Association has submitted its ‘Road Map for Scotland’ proposals for strategic change to the Scottish Government’s review of pharmaceutical care.Under the PDA’s Road Map for Scotland a substantive number of pharmaceutical care services would be provided through a contract independent of the current pharmacy contract for medicines supply, making greater use of pharmacists’ skills, improving medicines use and increasing collaboration between pharmacists and GPs. The PDA proposes that pharmaceutical care services should be provided by two categories of pharmacists – patient facing and clinic pharmacists. The patient facing pharmacist would provide a medicines supply and advice service to patients on a walk-in basis, while the clinic pharmacist would provide a more detailed pharmaceutical care service to patients with long term conditions on a registered patient, appointment-led basis.Clinic pharmacists would provide a range of pharmaceutical care services that are currently handled in general practice, releasing GP capacity to ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/217/pda-submits-road-map-proposals-to-scottish-government https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/217/pda-submits-road-map-proposals-to-scottish-government Thu, 09 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT Health Minister Lesley Griffiths has launched a major new plan, which will focus on prevention, earlier diagnosis and treatment to reduce incidence of cardiac disease in Wales today.‘Together for health – a Cardiac Delivery Plan’ outlines how services will be improved across Wales. Circulatory disease is the largest cause of deaths in Wales, accounting for more than 10,000 deaths every year. Of these, 4,700 are from coronary heart disease. Reducing the incidence of cardiac disease is a key commitment in the Welsh Government’s Programme for Government and its five-year plan for the NHS, ‘Together for Health’.Together for health – a Cardiac Delivery Plan aims to: - Prevent cardiac disease through educating people about the importance of healthy lifestyles and to manage existing conditions with medication.- Detect disease sooner through identify those at risk of avoidable cardiac disease, manage that risk effectively and detect cardiac disease where it occurs.- Provide fast ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/941/plan-to-reduce-heart-disease-in-wales https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/941/plan-to-reduce-heart-disease-in-wales Thu, 09 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT Novo Nordisk, the Danish pharmaceutical giant, has announced that its diabetes drug Victoza and synthetic insulin products helped boost overall business during the second quarter of 2012.The world's largest insulin producer said that sales of Victoza and modern insulins - synthetic rather than older-generation human hormones – both exceeded forecasts, rising 83 per cent and 23 per cent respectively over the three months.The strong figures for its key products helped push total second-quarter sales up by 22 per cent to 19.47 billion kroner (roughly £), and deliver a second-quarter net profit of 5.35 billion kroner – an increase of 29 per cent on last year’s figure. "We are very satisfied with the financial performance in the first half of 2012, driven by a continued strong performance of our modern insulins and Victoza," Novo chief executive, Lars Rebien Sorensen, commented.The company said it now expects full-year sales growth of 9-12 per ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/621/diabetes-drugs-deliver-strong-results-for-novo-nordisk https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/621/diabetes-drugs-deliver-strong-results-for-novo-nordisk Thu, 09 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT A female scientist from the Queen's University Ionic Liquid Laboratories (QUILL) Research Centre has won a prestigious fellowship for her work on ionic liquids enabling biomedical applications.Dr Geetha Srinivasan is one of four outstanding female scientists to be awarded the 2012 L’Oréal-UNESCO UK and Ireland For Women in Science Fellowships (FWIS) The fellowships,worth £15,000 each, can be spent on whatever they may need to continue their research, from buying scientific equipment to paying for childcare or travel.The winners were selected by a jury of eminent scientists, chaired by Professor Dame Athene Donald (DBE, FRS), Professor of Physics and Gender Equality Champion at the University of Cambridge and FWIS Laureate.The other winners were Dr Silvia Giordani, from Trinity College Dublin, for her work on a new avenue towards “smart” medicines; Dr Katrina Lythgoe, from Imperial College London, for her work in multiscale evolutionary dynamics of important human diseases; and Dr Claire Spottiswoode ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/364/queens-university-scientist-awarded-top-prize https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/364/queens-university-scientist-awarded-top-prize Wed, 08 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT The RPS has now launched Professional Standards for Hospital Pharmacy Services: Optimising patient outcomes from medicines. The standards have been developed by a wide range of stakeholders across GB and covers pharmacy services delivered by acute, mental health, private and community service providers. The ten overarching standards underpin patient experience and the safe, effective management of medicines within and across organisations. They will enable patients to experience a consistent quality of service within and across healthcare providers, that helps protect them from incidents of avoidable harm and enables them to get the best outcomes from their medicines. Catherine Duggan, Director of Professional Development & Support said: “The standards will help organisations to ensure their patients receive a consistent quality of service, regardless of where they receive care that helps protect them from avoidable harm and enables them to get the best outcomes from their medicines. It will support chief pharmacists ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/781/rps-publishes-new-professional-standards-for-hospital-pharmacy-service https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/781/rps-publishes-new-professional-standards-for-hospital-pharmacy-service Wed, 08 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT Heath Minister Lord Howe has announced plans to give new prescribing powers for advanced practitioner physiotherapists and podiatrists for medicines such pain relief and anti-inflammatories. Physiotherapists and podiatrists who have successfully completed Health Professions Council (HPC) approved education programmes and are annotated on theHPCregister could be prescribing independently in 2014. These physiotherapists and podiatrists in the UK would be the first in the world to be able to independently prescribe medicines where clinically appropriate. Physiotherapists would be able to prescribe medicines for issues such as chronic pain and respiratory diseases like asthma. Podiatrists who treat patients with a wide range of conditions including diabetic foot ulcers and arthritic disorders in the foot and ankle would be able to prescribe medication, if required. Amendments to legislation will be laid in the autumn with the first cohort of Podiatrists/Physiotherapists is expected to be recruited to approved independent prescribing education ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/527/prescribing-powers-for-physiotherapists-and-podiatrists-announced https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/527/prescribing-powers-for-physiotherapists-and-podiatrists-announced Wed, 08 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT The Department of Health has announced the new Category M prices which will apply to prescriptions from January to March 2010. Category M was first introduced into the Drug Tariff during April 2005 when the new community pharmacy contract was launched in England and Wales. It is used to adjust the reimbursement of over 500 medicines across the UK. The prices set by Caetgory M are based on information gathered from manufacturers on volumes and prices of products sold, as well as further information from the NHS Business Services Authority Prescription Pricing Division. For more information and to download a copy of the latest list in full, please visit the PSNC website at http://www.psnc.org.uk/pages/category_m.html https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/217/new-category-m-prices-announced https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/217/new-category-m-prices-announced Tue, 07 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) is supporting a petition by Antibiotic Action, to raise awareness of the issues within the use and overuse of antibiotics. Antibiotic Action is a forum through which government, health professionals, industry and charities can stimulate and regenerate interest in the discovery and development of antibiotics of the future. The petition will be delivered to the government on 9th November. It can be signed at http://antibiotic-action.com/join/.   https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/862/rps-backs-antibiotics-petition https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/862/rps-backs-antibiotics-petition Tue, 07 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT Patients with diabetes are at increased risk of having a foot amputated because of an "appalling" lack of specialist services, according to Diabetes UK. https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/618/diabetic-foot-care-appalling https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/618/diabetic-foot-care-appalling Mon, 06 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT Selected Boots pharmacies across Wales and England have made the HPV vaccine available to women aged 18-54 who are registered with a doctor. The introduction of the Boots Pharmacy+ Cervical Cancer Vaccination Service means that women who fall outside the Government vaccination programme will have access to the vaccination against HPV strains 16 and 18 which are responsible for 70% of cervical cancer cases. Approximately three women die every day as a result of cervical cancer and it is the second most common cancer in women under 35. Boots pharmacist Sachin Patel said, “Both research and improved awareness has shown that increased education about the HPV is making young women reassess their risk of developing cervical cancer. The introduction of a vaccination service available on the high street means it is easy for those interested to receive the vaccine (where appropriate) to help protect themselves against two of the viruses ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/267/selected-boots-pharmacies-across-wales-and-england-have-made https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/267/selected-boots-pharmacies-across-wales-and-england-have-made Tue, 26 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT The PSNC has established its vision and work programme for 2011, and has set out how these plans will fit into a wider four year programme of activity leading up to 2015. The plans, which have been in formulation for a number of months, were ratified by committee members at PSNC’s January Committee meeting. As the national representative body for NHS pharmacy in England, PSNC has developed the plans with a mind to enabling community pharmacies to offer an increased range of high quality and fully funded services.   At the heart of the plans is a focus on supporting and empowering LPCs to act as a strong voice for pharmacy at a local level, a goal which should fit in well with the ongoing power shift from central to local decision making across the Health Service.   With this focus in mind, the PSNC’s principal objectives in 2011 are: •    To ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/443/psnc-publishes-2011-work-programme https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/443/psnc-publishes-2011-work-programme Tue, 26 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT Under new plans announced by the government on No Smoking Day, eye catching tobacco displays will no longer be allowed in shops. Healthy Lives, Healthy People: A Tobacco Control Plan for England has set out how tobacco control will be delivered throughout the next five years. It introduces a number of new measures aimed at reducing smoking rates and therefore harm to the public from smoking. Andrew Lansley said, “Smoking is undeniably one of the biggest and most stubborn challenges in public health. Over eight million people in England still smoke and it causes more than 80,000 deaths each year. “Smoking affects the health of smokers and their families. My ambition is to reduce smoking rates faster over the next five years than has been achieved in the past five years. “We want to do everything we can to help people to choose to stop smoking and encourage young people not to ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/765/new-plans-to-stub-out-smoking https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/765/new-plans-to-stub-out-smoking Tue, 26 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT Employers in Wales may find themselves paying the medical costs of staff who suffer from exposure to asbestos if legislation proposed by a Welsh assembly member becomes law. The bill, put forward by Pontypridd AM Mick Antoniw, would oblige companies to reimburse the NHS for treating workers who suffer. AMs backed the proposal on Wednesday - the first step in what could be a long process of passing legislation. One expert said there was an argument for the idea but warned employers could "plead ignorance" in old cases. Mr Antoniw worked on the cases of hundreds of victims and their families as a solicitor before being elected to the assembly. The Labour AM said negligent employers should be accountable for the cost to the NHS of asbestos-related diseases. AMs approved a motion allowing him to introduce the Asbestos (Recovery of Medical Costs) Bill by 54 votes to nil after a debate in the Senedd. The money raised ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/154/welsh-bosses-may-face-asbestosis-costs https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/154/welsh-bosses-may-face-asbestosis-costs Thu, 17 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT The provision of pharmaceutical care in Scottish care homes is in need of a ‘radical examination’, according to the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS). A report from the RPS, ‘Improving Pharmaceutical Care in Care Homes’, specifies that a “more robust contract system and service level agreement is required between community pharmacy services and care home providers”, in order to reduce the likelihood of medication errors occurring. RPS finds that the increasing complex needs of care home residents has not been matched by furthering the expertise of care home workers, which remains crucial to the future performance of services because of an ageing population and the reality that users with more moderate care needs are increasingly directed towards social care services instead. Key recommendations from the report include the aligning of care home and NHS services, the establishment of a nationally accredited training programme, adherence to a multidisciplinary assessment tool, the reduction of bureaucracy and ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/427/scotland-care-home-failures-require-scrutiny https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/427/scotland-care-home-failures-require-scrutiny Thu, 17 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT The National Pharmacy Association is distributing 2,000 support packs to pharmacy teams to help them during the London 2012 Olympics. The pack, ‘Game Plan – Preparing for 2012’ includes information on business continuity, foreign drug identification, signposting to translation services, over the counter medicines for common minor ailments and changes to deliveries during the Olympics. The NPA has also created a section on www.askyourpharmacist.co.uk which includes a series of short videos, aimed at foreign visitors, on what people can expect from a pharmacy. Leyla Hannbeck, Head of Information Services at the National Pharmacy Association said: “We’re pleased that our members are engaging with the Games and are putting measures in place to plan ahead. The Games are a fantastic platform to showcase the expert advice on offer at commuity pharmacies. But like any large event, the Games will bring challenges. Pharmacists near the Games are thinking about staffing, transport and ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/975/london-2012-npa-to-support-pharmacies https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/975/london-2012-npa-to-support-pharmacies Thu, 17 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT  Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust is introducing a new integrated digital dictation platform to improve workflow, patient care and deliver time and efficiency savings for clinicians and secretaries.   MedisecTRUST Digital Dictation, which benefits from Olympus speech microphones, tags dictated voice files from Alder Hey clinicians with central Patient Administration System (PAS) data to automatically generate clinical correspondence.   “This is a key move in our drive to improve administrative efficiencies,” said Alder Hey’s EPS Project Manager Heather Swanston.   “We had already streamlined the transfer of patient information using the MedisecTRUST solution, but transcription times will now be much faster with the integration of Medisec’s digital dictation platform.”   Digital dictation eliminates the time-consuming process of physically moving file notes and audio cassettes between hospital departments while the tagged files allow dictations to be quickly identified and transcribed.   When a patient is selected, the system opens the integrated dictation software. The resulting voice file is tagged ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/749/alder-hey-launches-digital-dictation https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/749/alder-hey-launches-digital-dictation Thu, 17 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT New research from the University of Glasgow, in collaboration with academics in Edinburgh, Aberdeen (James Hutton Institute and the University of Aberdeen) and INRA (France) has shown that fertility in a subset of men could be threatened by chemicals that are routinely found within our environment.   Humans and other animals are all constantly exposed to a whole range of chemicals in our environment including cosmetics, detergents and pollutants.  Some of these chemicals can interfere with communication systems within the body and potentially have adverse effects on health and wellbeing.  It has been suggested that the rise in the need for in-vitro fertilization in humans, particularly as a result of low sperm counts, is due to exposure to chemicals in our environment.    In this study, the researchers looked at the testicles of sheep that had been exposed to the typical range of chemicals that humans encounter in everyday life, from when ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/173/environmental-threat-to-male-fertility https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/173/environmental-threat-to-male-fertility Thu, 17 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT The All-Party Pharmacy Group has released a report showing patients in some areas of the UK are suffering from shortages of medicines. They say the situation has been brought about in part by the practice of buying drugs cheaply in the UK and then reselling them at a profit in Europe. The MPs say the government needs to "up its game" to tackle the acute and disproportionate impact on patients. The Department of Health says it has issued new guidelines and is working with every part of the supply chain. The report is the result of an investigation by MPs into shortages of some prescription medicines which have caused difficulties for the NHS for the last four years. At any one time between 30 and 40 medicines are in short supply. These have included treatments for Parkinson's disease, some cancers and depression. The All Party Pharmacy Group of MPs says the main cause is some ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/427/mps-raise-alarm-on-drugs-shortages https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/427/mps-raise-alarm-on-drugs-shortages Tue, 15 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT Diabetes healthcare in England has drifted into a "state of crisis" where less than half of people with the condition are getting the basic minimum care they need, a new report has warned. According to the State of the Nation 2012 report, published today by Diabetes UK, there are some areas where just six per cent of people with diabetes are getting the regular checks and services recommended by the National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). The report details how the large number of people not getting these checks has helped fuel a rise in rates of diabetes-related complications such as amputation, blindness, kidney failure and stroke, all of which dramatically reduce quality of life and can lead to early death. These complications account for about 80 per cent of NHS spending on diabetes and are one of the main reasons that treating diabetes costs about 10 per cent of ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/894/diabetes-healthcare-in-state-of-crisis https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/894/diabetes-healthcare-in-state-of-crisis Tue, 15 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT A government review into the PIP breast implant scandal has found that serious lessons must be learned. The review, led by Health Minister Lord Howe, examined the role of the Department of Health and the UK regulator the MHRA. It questions how well women with these implants were informed about the risks. It says that although the MHRA followed scientific and clinical advice, it should ‘review and further develop its communications capability.’ And it must ‘obtain evidence from a wider and more detailed set of sources...’ The issue is with safety of silicone breast implants made by the French company Poly Implant Prothese (PIP). The firm's products were banned in 2010 when it emerged that industrial grade silicone was being used. Implants should be made from medical grade material, which has passed safety tests for use in a human body. The report says this was a case of deliberate fraud by the PIP manufacturer and regulation alone ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/699/pip-breast-implants-lessons-to-be-learned https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/699/pip-breast-implants-lessons-to-be-learned Tue, 15 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT The UK government plans to offer parents up to 10 free two-hour sessions of advice on how best to bring up their children. Initially the scheme will be piloted in three areas - Middlesbrough, Camden in north London and High Peak, Derbyshire - but could be extended throughout England and Wales if it proves a success. Parents will be able to use the vouchers to buy lessons from independent organisations such as the National Childcare Trust. Currently the courts can impose such classes on the parents of unruly children, but ministers hope that the involvement of Boots will persuade families to see them as normal as ante-natal classes. A government official said, ‘We are using Boots to hand out the vouchers because it is all part of the process of making it a normal, respectable experience. If we asked people to queue up at their local social security offices to get them, no-one would ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/781/boots-to-offer-parenting-advice-vouchers https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/781/boots-to-offer-parenting-advice-vouchers Tue, 15 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT Accenture has been awarded a one-year contract extension by the United Kingdom Department of Health to continue to provide Picture Archiving and Communications Systems (PACS) to National Health Service Trusts (NHS) in the North East and East of England/East Midlands that have chosen to extend their current service provision with Accenture. The contract will run until June 30, 2016. Accenture’s PACS is a community-wide system that is used to electronically capture, view, store and distribute medical imaging (i.e. x-rays, MRIs) digitally rather than the old system of printing images onto film. This digital technology has benefitted more than 90 hospitals, helping to improve patient care. Accenture will continue to manage the Central Data Store, which provides Trusts with a centrally-hosted, long-term image archive, until June 2016. This enables Trusts to postpone costs that would be incurred for ‘data localization’ – the process of moving their large imaging history in-house or to other ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/862/accenture-bags-medical-imaging-contract https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/862/accenture-bags-medical-imaging-contract Mon, 14 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT The James Whale Fund for Kidney Cancer has announced the date of their next Kidney Cancer Patient Day on Thursday 14th June at the Imperial War Museum, Duxford, Cambridgeshire. Chaired by Professor Tim Eisen, Professor of Oncology from the University of Cambridge and Addenbrooke’s Hospital, one of the UK’s leading kidney cancer experts, this event promises to be both informative and interesting. During the morning session there will be presentations from some of the country’s leading kidney cancer specialists on the latest treatments for kidney cancer, kidney cancer surgery, the role of the clinical nurse specialist, dietary considerations for kidney cancer patients and patient support. The afternoon session will give delegates the opportunity to engage with a panel of kidney cancer experts, patients and healthcare professionals in a Question and Answer session. This is an ideal opportunity for kidney cancer patients and their families and carers to learn more about kidney cancer ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/637/june-14-to-be-james-whale-kidney-patient-day https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/637/june-14-to-be-james-whale-kidney-patient-day Mon, 14 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT The two million people with a potentially fatal lung-disease who have not been diagnosed could now be identified and treated if the NHS follows a new action plan for respiratory problems. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema, is mainly caused by smoking. It kills around 23,000 people per year, making it the UK’s fifth biggest killer disease. The Department of Health today published A Companion Document to the Outcomes Strategy for COPD and Asthma, which if followed across the NHS could save an estimated 7,800 lives annually. The NHS currently spends £1bn a year treating COPD, but implementing the top five actions for COPD patients alone could lead to savings of nearly £1/2 billion over ten years. It costs nearly ten times more to treat severe COPD than the mild form of the disease, so improved diagnosis rates will save money. Around 3.2m adults have COPD but an estimated ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/637/lung-disease-plan-could-save-7800-lives https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/637/lung-disease-plan-could-save-7800-lives Mon, 14 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT The government will conduct a UK-wide consultation with food manufacturers, supermarkets and health experts on how best to label nutritional content in food. Today, health secretary Andrew Lansley launched the 12-week consultation, which will look to encourage all UK food businesses to use a uniformed labelling system. This will allow consumers to be aware of levels of fat, sugar, salt and calories in food. Current formats include the “traffic light” colour-coded system, which labels unhealthy levels in food with red, green for healthy and yellow for average. Guideline Daily Amounts (GDAs) offer a percentage of recommended intake. European regulations state nutritional information must be labelled either by per portion or per 100g. Lansley said: “We want to arrive at a consistent format. At the moment we have a lot of different approaches, but I recognise there are some really big commercial interests here. What I want is for people to be able to buy ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/123/govt-launches-food-labeling-consultation https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/123/govt-launches-food-labeling-consultation Mon, 14 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT The National Pharmacy Association has launched a free service to help NPA members to advertise job vacancies for pharmacy students. The pharmacy recruitment service enables members to place a vacancy for all types of positions including pre-registration roles, summer placements and work experience. Deborah Evans, Director of Pharmacy at the National Pharmacy Association said: “The NPA attends many student days and the feedback from students is that they want a simple way of finding vacancies. We are pleased to launch a service which not only helps our members to fill vacancies, but also makes it easier for students to find a suitable placement.” NPA members can upload their vacancies online by visiting www.npa.co.uk/pharmacy-placements. Students are able to search for vacancies using an interactive map. https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/364/free-recruitment-service-for-npa-members https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/364/free-recruitment-service-for-npa-members Mon, 14 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT A review of healthcare in Scotland has prompted calls for community pharmacists to have more power to make changes to patients’ pharmaceutical care. The review, ‘NHS pharmaceutical care of patients in the community’ published in the Pharmaceutical Journal, has the ‘potential to make significant changes in how patients are cared for and how pharmacists work,’ according to the Royal Pharmaceutical Society. The report sparked calls for pharmacists to have the power to amend treatment under the umbrella of the chronic medication service. The National Pharmacy Association wants pharmacists to be able to carry out generic and brand substitution, make minor dose changes and change the formulation of medicines to meet patients’ needs, all without the bureaucracy of requiring new prescriptions. Community Pharmacy Scotland argues that creating a pharmaceutical care plan for people living in care homes and a framework to allow pharmacists to make treatment changes should be a priority. CPS told authors of ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/217/scottish-pharmacists-should-have-more-power https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/217/scottish-pharmacists-should-have-more-power Fri, 11 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT The anti-wrinkle agent Botox is to become available on the NHS to people whose lives are blighted by chronic migraines. The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (Nice) is to recommend the injections as a treatment to stop headaches from developing in adults who are badly affected by migraines. Only last February, NICE opposed Botox being used for such patients, saying there was too little evidence to justify approving it. Now, however, it is now backing the use of botulinum toxin type A in adults with chronic migraine whose condition has not been alleviated by at least three previous preventative medications and who are not overusing medication. Headache specialists believe Botox could make a huge difference to some migraine sufferers. ‘The headache experts with first-hand experience in treating chronic migraine know how debilitating the condition can be for some patients and Botox can be a life-changing treatment,’ said Dr Fayyaz Ahmed, chair of the ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/540/botox-to-be-available-on-nhs-for-migraines https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/540/botox-to-be-available-on-nhs-for-migraines Fri, 11 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT The European Medicines Agency (EMA), the European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) and the Environment Agency have been slammed after accounting errors were found in them. Concern about the three – whose combined budget comes to some €137m, was raised as MEPs debated the approval, or discharge as it is known, of the 2010 EU budget accounts at the mini plenary on Thursday. MEPs adopted a report by Romanian EPP member Monica Macovei that the approval of the food agency’s 2010 budget will be postponed. A strongly worded resolution was adopted denouncing the alleged conflicts of interest that have plagued the agency. A similar decision was taken on the approval of the 2010 budget of the medicines agency. A European Court of Auditors report for the year 2010 states that the ‘error rate’- the term for the irregular use of funds- has grown by 3.7 per cent, or €4.6bn, for the EU budget as a whole. Auditors ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/715/ema-among-european-agencies-lashed-by-mep https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/715/ema-among-european-agencies-lashed-by-mep Fri, 11 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT A worldwide alert over dangerous metal-on-metal hip implants and other sub-standard medical devices has prompted the European Union to push for patient and implant registries. A European Parliament committee unanimously passed a resolution at the end of April to create registries to track patients who receive hip replacements, and methods to trace the devices themselves. ‘It is essential to … strengthen surveillance and safety controls and placing on the market requirements,’ the committee stated. Researchers in the UK have been at the forefront of uncovering the alarming long-term complications from the all-metal artificial hips. In January, The Telegraph reported that the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) was investigating the safety of the implants because a British Hip Society study found that 49 per cent of such devices require revision surgery within six years. By the end of February, the MHRA was recommending that patients with all-metal hip implants — especially those with ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/702/hip-crisis-to-trigger-medical-device-registry https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/702/hip-crisis-to-trigger-medical-device-registry Fri, 11 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT The NHS in England is spending almost £50m each year to ensure the nation gets a good night’s sleep as job insecurity and money worries bite during the economic downturn, according to new research out todaY. Insomnia is a significant problem which now affects more than one in three adults.   The Co-operative Pharmacy has investigated the provision of sleeping pills by the health service and found costs have risen 17 per cent in four years between 2007/08 and 2010/11, up from £42m to £49.2m. England spends £1.20 per head on prescribed sleeping pills.   Costs across the English regions have risen by up to 36 percent (East Midlands) and cost as much as £1.56 per person (North West).   Last year, pharmacies dispensed more than 15.2 million items to aid sleep, according to the figures obtained under Freedom of Information legislation from the NHS Business Services Authority by The Co-operative Pharmacy.   Zoplicone was dispensed to more ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/524/50m-the-cost-of-a-good-nights-sleep https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/524/50m-the-cost-of-a-good-nights-sleep Fri, 11 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT  A man has received a £14.4m confiscation order at Southwark Crown Court for dealing in counterfeit Viagra. It follows a six-year probe of his criminal network by a medical-industry watchdog. Manchester-based Simon Hickman had already served two years in prison from 2009 for his offences, which included six counts of selling and applying fake medicines – plus a series of related money-laundering activities that had channelled £1.4m. Hickman, 49, operated a range of businesses, including an illegal online pharmacy to sell fake Viagra throughout the United Kingdom and abroad. The dealer, believed to have earned around £15,430,000 from his criminality, has six months to make an initial compensation payment of £14,408,000 – or face a default, 10-year prison sentence in addition to time already served. The probe was spearheaded by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), with assistance from specialist Greater Manchester Police investigators in the North West Regional Asset ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/799/144m-fine-for-fake-viagra-dealer https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/799/144m-fine-for-fake-viagra-dealer Wed, 09 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT The Health Secretary, Andrew Lansley, has used his ministerial veto to stop publication of an internal risk report on highly controversial NHS reforms. The Cabinet moved to defy an Information Tribunal ruling that the risk register on NHS reforms should be released under the Freedom of Information Act. Mr Lansley said he believed in “greater transparency” but that it was also essential to retain “a safe space where officials are able to give ministers full and frank advice in developing policies and programmes.” The register might now only be published under the 30 year rule, when all Government papers are published, although some Government sources even questioned if this would happen as the Government of the day can decide not to disclose the assessment. The November 2010 risk register for the Health and Social Care Act reforms, which became law in March, was requested by Labour MP John Healey. Information Commissioner Christopher Graham agreed that ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/364/nhs-risk-assessment-to-remain-secret https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/364/nhs-risk-assessment-to-remain-secret Wed, 09 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has issued guidance on tackling obesity which warns against using the term ‘obese’ which could be seen as derogatory.   Public health workers have been advised that ‘it might be better to refer to a ‘healthier weight’ rather than ‘obesity’ – and to talk more generally about health and wellbeing or specific community issues. The advice is included in NICE's paper entitled Obesity: Working with Local Communities and urges health professionals to use ‘appropriate language’ to help obese patients. It said: ‘The term 'obesity' may be unhelpful - while some people may like to 'hear it like it is', others may consider it derogatory.’ The advice prompted opposition from some health campaigners. ‘This is extremely patronizing,’ said Tam Try of the National Obesity Forum. ‘They should be talking to people in an adult fashion. ‘There should be no problem with using the proper terminology. If you beat ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/217/obese-label-derogatory https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/217/obese-label-derogatory Wed, 09 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT AAH and Lloyds are to share departments such as IT and human resources in a move which has raised fears of job losses. Lloyds said the move was aimed at making the companies more innovative and flexible, and insisted no redundancies had been announced. However the company admitted that there would be ‘a reduction in the number of posts required in the new structure.’ A 90-day consultation period on the plans started on 8 May. In March Celesio, the parent company of AAH and Lloyds, announced it expected to return to profitable growth after the overhaul. Operating profits dropped by 26 per cent to £430.8 million in the 2011 fiscal year.     https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/267/job-loss-fears-at-lloyds-and-aah https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/267/job-loss-fears-at-lloyds-and-aah Wed, 09 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT During the six years following the withdrawal of the analgesic co-proxamol in the UK in 2005, there was a major reduction in poisoning deaths involving this drug, without apparent significant increase in deaths involving other analgesics. These are the findings of a study by Keith Hawton of the University of Oxford, UK and colleagues and published in this week's PLoS Medicine. Co-proxamol, a prescription analgesic (or pain killer) containing paracetamol and the opioid dextropropoxyphene, was implicated in a fifth of drug-poisoning suicides in England and Wales between 1997 and 1999. Mainly in response to concerns over the drug's widespread use for suicidal poisoning, co-proxamol was withdrawn completely from use in the UK during the period 2005-2007. A previous study by the same authors showed beneficial effects on the number of co-proxamol-related suicides and no evidence of an increase in poisoning deaths from other prescription analgesics during this three-year withdrawal phase. The ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/251/coproxamol-deaths-down-after-drug-withdrawn https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/251/coproxamol-deaths-down-after-drug-withdrawn Wed, 09 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT Ministers are entering into final discussions over the ordered release of a document highlighting the risks of controversial NHS reforms, it has been reported. The Department of Health was ordered to release the transition risk register by an Information Rights Tribunal, after it lost in an appeal against a decision that the document needed to be released under freedom of information (FoI) laws. It first emerged in March that the tribunal had rejected the government's appeal against the Information Commissioner's original decision. This was despite an argument from the government that the risk register was a place for important ‘frank’ advice from civil servants to ministers, and was therefore not a balanced assessment of the NHS reforms or suitable for public consumption. The tribunal then published its full decision on 5 April ordering the release. But the government has still not published the document. The Guardian reported that there are now ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/396/nhs-risk-register-can-ministers-still-veto https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/396/nhs-risk-register-can-ministers-still-veto Tue, 08 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT New figures suggest that patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome receive adequate care from fewer than one in three health trusts. The study also revealed a postcode lottery in the way people with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis were treated, with wide regional discrepancies across the UK. ME, which affects 250,000 people in Britain, is a long-term chronic illness which attacks people’s nervous and immune systems. The National Institute for Clinical Excellence gives all 151 primary care trusts in England explicit guidance on how children and adults with ME should be treated. However a Freedom of Information survey of trusts and health boards in the UK found that this was largely being ignored. Only 15 of the trusts – fewer than a third of those in England which responded to the survey - offered a specific ‘pathway’ to getting sufferers the right treatment. A similar problem was in other parts of the UK, with half of Scotland’s health boards ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/618/two-in-three-health-trusts-fail-me-patients https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/618/two-in-three-health-trusts-fail-me-patients Tue, 08 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT Two British men blinded by retinitis pigmentosa have had electronic retinas fitted. Chris James, 54, and Robin Millar, 60, took part in a clinical trial coordinated by Oxford University and funded by the National Institute of Health Research. Retinitis pigmentosa is a rare hereditary condition that causes gradual deterioration of the light-detecting cells in the retina, which can lead to blindness. The electronic retinas are implants containing light detectors designed to replace the lost light-detecting cells. When the implants were switched on, both men were able to detect light and are now beginning to use their restored vision. Chris James has reported being able to recognise a plate on a table. This early success in these two patients raises hope for the treatment of retinitis pigmentosa, which is currently incurable. Up to 10 further patients with retinitis pigmentosa will now be treated as part of this clinical trial, which was carried out at ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/941/electronic-retinas-restore-sight https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/941/electronic-retinas-restore-sight Tue, 08 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT Hot on the heels of the ‘Live Well, Stay Well’ scheme - which helps people with long term conditions to manage their health more effectively - the Department of Health on the Isle of Man is launching an additional course called ‘Looking After Me’, aimed at ensuring that carers who also have long-term conditions look after themselves.  The course, which is due to start in the summer, has been designed to address the specific needs of people with long-term conditions who find themselves caring for others. It recognises that carers often have their own health conditions, which can be neglected.  ‘Looking After Me’ hopes to redress this balance, and provide carers with the skills and tools to help ensure their health needs are catered for. ‘Carers, whether they be full time, part time, young or older, often find themselves too busy looking after their relatives or friends to look after themselves fully,’ said ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/878/isle-of-man-launches-course-for-carers https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/878/isle-of-man-launches-course-for-carers Tue, 08 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT Government plans to run checks on all retail staff before letting them work in pharmacies and other shops have been abandoned. The move follows three years of lobbying by pharmacy trade bodies. Pharmacy Voice, in partnership with the British Retail Consortium (BRC) and the Optical Confederation, argued for the exclusion of non-regulated healthcare staff from the government's vetting and barring scheme. Under the proposals, 9.3 million people would have had to undergo official assessments to determine whether they posed a risk of harm to vulnerable groups. The measure was proposed in the wake of the Soham murders in an effort to increase security. The government’s initial plans for the vetting and barring scheme have been scaled back to ‘common sense levels’, and it will no longer oblige employers to conduct checks on retail staff as standard. ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/765/government-abandons-plans-to-vet-retail-staff https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/765/government-abandons-plans-to-vet-retail-staff Tue, 08 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT New guidelines that establish how the Department of Health (DH) supports charity-funded research in the NHS have been published. The guidelines, 'Attributing the Costs of Health and Social Care Research & Development' (AcoRD) have been developed by the DH and the Association of Medical Research Charities (AMRC). They recognise the unique contribution that medical research charities make to high-quality NHS research. During 2009/10, 37 per cent of NHS clinical studies were supported with money from AMRC members. And more than £1 billion is spent on research annually by charities. ‘Today's announcement recognises the vital contribution that charities like Cancer Research UK make towards funding medical research in the UK,’ said Dr Harpal Kumar, Cancer Research UK chief executive. ‘As a charity, we fund the majority of NHS cancer trials - research that is driving forward huge progress and saving lives from cancer. ‘This vital work wouldn't be possible without the huge generosity of our supporters ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/590/guidelines-on-charity-funded-research-out https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/590/guidelines-on-charity-funded-research-out Mon, 07 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT It was standing room when Elizabeth Roddick, pharmacist and owner of New Life Pharmacy was introducing her Vitamin D to the people of Netherlee, South Glasgow. ‘Vitamin D deficiency is a known problem in Scotland and I wanted to raise awareness of this and offer solutions to tackling the issue,’ said Elizabeth yesterday. Elizabeth is working with Dr Eva Kocovska, a researcher at Glasgow University who has recently had her research published. ‘Vitamin D and autism: Clinical Review’makes an argument for a possible link between the role of Vitamin D and autism. ‘This pharmacy service is indeed an innovative project,’ Dr Kocovska explains. ‘Elizabeth is working in collaboration with myself to scrutinise for any possible link or association between specific Vitamin D levels and various health conditions or changes.’ Dr Helga Rhein, a GP working in Lothian NHS, is another proponent of Vitamin D supplementation: ‘Elizabeth Roddick has taken up the Vitamin D challenge ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/618/vitamin-d-clinic-makes-cd-innovation-finals https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/618/vitamin-d-clinic-makes-cd-innovation-finals Mon, 07 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT Research traineeships with drug-makers have declined as sector tightens. Training for academics by UK drug-makers declined from 2007 to 2011, finds a survey by the London-based Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry. The number of research-training placements fell owing, in part, to outsourcing and site closures. The number of industry postdoctoral positions dropped by more than 12 per cent, and posts for undergraduates decreased by half. But support for PhD students is up because companies are moving towards funding for four years, rather than three, to offer broader training. Association spokeswoman Louise Leong notes that industry training schemes help to tailor the workforce, which facilitates job placement.     https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/972/uk-placements-down https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/972/uk-placements-down Mon, 07 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry has announced a new regional team to work closer with the NHS to bring innovative treatments quicker to NHS patients. The ABPI is delighted about the Government’s plans to work closer with the pharma industry, as demonstrated in the Government’s Innovation Health and Wealth report, which looked to encourage the quicker adoption of innovative medicines. Stephen Whitehead, the CEO of the ABPI, said: ‘I firmly believe partnership working is the future of healthcare in the UK. Generic medicines do save us money, but it is innovation that saves lives. We have to be careful not to focus on cost saving when we should be focusing on patients.’ He highlighted the fact that developing new innovative medicines could save money elsewhere in care, such as with Alzheimer’s. He warned about the understandable concern for the NHS to keep prices down, as any failure to recognise and value ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/524/abpi-to-partner-with-nhs-in-innovation-drive https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/524/abpi-to-partner-with-nhs-in-innovation-drive Mon, 07 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT A new campaign this week will encourage people to get a free hearing check online or over the phone. Customers at more than 200 pharmacies in Cardiff, the Vale of Glamorgan, Powys, Merthyr Tydfil and Rhondda Cynon Taf will be urged to take the free test of a person’s ability to hear someone speaking with background noise. After the check, the person will be advised on whether they may have a hearing loss and on the next steps to take. The campaign is run by Action on Hearing Loss Cymru with Community Pharmacy Wales. Health Minister Lesley Griffiths, who will launch the campaign, said: ‘The earlier you identify a hearing loss, the more chance you have of taking act to address it.’ Richard Williams, director of AHLC, said: ‘It takes between 10 and 15 years from the time people realise they have a hearing loss to actually doing something about it. In that time ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/621/free-hearing-checks-on-offer-in-wales https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/621/free-hearing-checks-on-offer-in-wales Mon, 07 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT The Midlands is the worst place in the UK for people who suffer from hay fever, according to new research by the National Aerobiology Research Unit. The study, carried out in association with Lloyds Pharmacy, shows thee Midlands has the longest seasons for two of the three types of pollen and the second longest in the other. The research also shows the Midlands has more high grass pollen count days than any other region with 30 a year. Whilst the peak season for grass pollen does not begin until mid-May, it's not unusual for sufferers to experience symptoms early. ‘In the middle of the last decade, the grass pollen catch reached particularly high levels,’ said Beverley Adams-Groom, chief palynologist for the NPARU. ‘However, it has decreased, giving a less favourable environment for grass growth and therefore pollen production. "Nevertheless, for all types of pollens (tree, grass and weed) there is continuing long term trend towards increasing ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/298/midlands-is-uk-hayfever-blackspot https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/298/midlands-is-uk-hayfever-blackspot Fri, 04 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT A new law banning people under 18 from using sunbeds in Northern Ireland has come into force. Any business found to be allowing those below the age limit to use, buy or hire the equipment could face prosecution. Northern Ireland's Health Minister Edwin Poots has said skin cancer is now the most common form of cancer in the region. He said people under 18 are particularly at risk, as their skin is more delicate and prone to damage than older skin. Sunbed users under the age of 35 have a 75 per cent higher risk of developing malignant melanoma - the deadliest type of skin cancer. The legislation bans the use of sunbeds by under-18s and also ensures that adults who want to use sunbeds will be given information on the health risks. ‘Many people think having a tan makes them look healthier and more attractive,’ said Dr Carolyn Harper, Director of Public Health for Northern ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/749/n-ireland-bans-sunbeds-for-under-18s https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/749/n-ireland-bans-sunbeds-for-under-18s Fri, 04 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT New standards for children attending A&E or walk-in centres have been set by the Royal Colleges to ensure they all work to the same level. The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, working with other organisations, want to see an initial clinical assessment, or triage, within 15 minutes of the patient’s arrival. Larger A&E departments should employ a consultant who has had extra training in paediatric emergency medicine, children’s nurses should be available on every shift and doctors should have training in assessing the mental health of children. In addition, the report by the colleges added that at least one cubicle should be kept free for child patients in larger units and all staff should have 24-hour access to experts in child protection. The colleges also noted a degree of confusion among parents as to where they should take their child if they are involved in an accident or fall ill at a ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/590/children-should-be-assessed-in-ae-in-15-mins https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/590/children-should-be-assessed-in-ae-in-15-mins Fri, 04 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT Circle is to keep the first £2m of any annual profits it makes at Hinchingbrooke hospital in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire. It will also pocket a percentage of any further surplus. The arrangement has been blasted as a blatant example of privatizing the NHS.   The struggling hospital was taken over by Circle earlier this year in a £1 billion, 10-year deal. Hinchingbrooke was £40m in debt, and unions say any profits should go to paying off creditors and safeguarding jobs and standards of patient care.   Reports indicate that if Circle can turn the hospital’s fortunes around, it will be entitled to keep the first £2m of profits, and 25 per cent of any surplus between £2m and £6m, plus 33 per cent of profits between £6m and £10m. Any further surplus will go towards paying off money the hospital owes. It’s estimated that Hinchingbrooke will have to make a surplus of some £70m to ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/139/private-nhs-hospital-to-pocket-2m-profit https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/139/private-nhs-hospital-to-pocket-2m-profit Fri, 04 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT The financial package for contractors in Scotland providing pharmaceutical services has received a £5m boost. The global sum package of £170.108m for 2012–13, compared with £165.251m in the previous year has been agreed following negotiations between Community Pharmacy Scotland and the Scottish Government. The increase will be partly delivered to eligible community pharmacy contractors by a new phasing payment, to be made monthly between April 2012 and March 2013. In broad terms, the transitional payment structure announced last October is being rolled forward for April to June 2012. Changes include a rise to 90 per cent in the electronic prescription claims target rate (under the Quality and Efficiency payment), which will apply from August 2012. Contractors receiving community migration payments or shadow fee payments and essential small pharmacy contractors will receive a revised monthly payment supplement of up to £500 per month from 1 April 2012 to 30 June 2012.   https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/173/new-package-for-scottish-contractors https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/173/new-package-for-scottish-contractors Fri, 04 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT The study shows that children born after more than 42 weeks suffer from a higher risk of behavioral and emotional conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in early childhood. The study of 5,145 babies was conducted in the Netherlands and published in the International Journal for Epidemiology.  Lead researcher Hanan El Marroun from the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Erasmus MC-Sophia in Rotterdam, said, "Post-term children are more than twice as likely as term-born children to have clinical ADHD."  There have been cases of pregnancies lasting beyond 43 weeks and “10-month mamas". El Marroun said that these “pregnant women should be educated about the potential harmful effects to their child".   In 2009, more than 28,000 babies were born after 42 weeks of gestation in England and Wales.   However, Dr Virginia Beckett, spokeswoman for the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists said, "In the UK it is unusual for women to go ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/671/post-term-babies-at-risk-of-adhd https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/671/post-term-babies-at-risk-of-adhd Fri, 04 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT Runcorn pharmaceutical wholesaler Phoenix Healthcare Distribution has reported a 6.2 per cent boost in its turnover. Phoenix, which is based at the Whitehouse Industrial Estate and supplies pharmacies, GPs and hospitals, reported turnover of just over £1bn – up 6.2 per cent on the previous year’s figure of £958m. The performance has helped the company post pre-tax profits of £26.9m – up 40% on the previous year. ‘The increase in turnover is primarily due to increased sales under reduced wholesaler models and to hospital customers,’ said a company spokesman. ‘Gross margin for the year was 9.3 per cent compared to 8.7 per cent in the previous year. The increase is due to an improved sales mix of higher margin products.’ The company is ultimately owned by German giant, Phoenix Pharmahandel. Phoenix moved into the UK in November 1998 when it bought Wrexham-based pharmacy chain L Rowland & Co and Birmingham firm Philip Harris Medical. It went on ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/314/turnover-boost-for-phoenix-healthcare https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/314/turnover-boost-for-phoenix-healthcare Fri, 04 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT Guidance on caesarean sections published by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence has led to widespread media reports that pregnant women in England and Wales will be able to demand a caesarean section regardless of medical need. Women fearing birth trauma currently have to pay for private care if there is no medical need for a caesarean section. Around one in four UK babies is delivered by caesarean and NICE says its guidance may actually reduce the incidence of caesareans because it insists women be given better advice about their childbirth options. In September the Royal College of Midwives said an extra 4,700 midwives were needed due to a surge in  births. The birthrate has risen by approximately 10 % over the last decade. Some media reports speculated that the new NICE guidance was linked to the midwife shortage. https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/812/nhs-to-offer-caesareans-on-demand https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/812/nhs-to-offer-caesareans-on-demand Thu, 03 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT Pharmacy Voice has responded to the findings of a study into GP prescribing which found that around 1 in 20 prescriptions written by family doctors contained an error.  The research, commissioned by the General Medical Council looked at a sample of GP practices in England and found that the most common errors were missing information on dosage, prescribing an incorrect dosage, and failing to ensure that patients got necessary monitoring through blood tests. Ian Facer, Chairman of Pharmacy Voice said: ‘With millions of prescription items issued by GPs each day, some errors are perhaps inevitable - so it is important to have a safeguard against patient harm; that safeguard is provided by local pharmacies. ‘Pharmacists perform clinical checks on many millions of prescriptions dispensed in pharmacies each year.  The intervention of community pharmacies prevents the vast majority of prescribing errors materialising into harm to the patient. ‘Local pharmacists work in partnership with GPs to ensure ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/752/pharmacy-voice-responds-to-prescribing-errors https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/752/pharmacy-voice-responds-to-prescribing-errors Thu, 03 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0cm; mso-para-margin-right:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0cm; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} Five industry professionals are being recruited by the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry to form an NHS liaison team, charged with building strong local relationships between the industry and the NHS. The team will comprise one representative for each of England’s four strategic health authority clusters, plus a fifth member to provide strategic oversight. Its aims will include driving the uptake of new drugs in the NHS and boosting local health outcomes — without promoting individual companies or products. ABPI chief executive Stephen Whitehead said: ‘This is a significant investment by the ABPI, but it is the right one because I firmly believe partnership working is the future of healthcare in the UK.’ Chief executive of the NHS Confederation Mike Farrar echoed his view, adding: ‘I have witnessed first-hand how working [with the pharmaceutical industry and technology sector] can deliver significant patient benefits, above and ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/443/abpi-to-promote-industry-nhs-collaboration https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/443/abpi-to-promote-industry-nhs-collaboration Thu, 03 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT It has emerged that women in Scotland are to have access to the contraceptive pill directly from pharmacies without a prescription. Around a quarter of Scottish women take the contraceptive pill, and until now they have obtained it using a prescription from their GP surgery. Now a local NHS board in Aberdeen has given the green light to a pharmacy in the town to prescribe the pill directly in what will be a national first. The scheme is being run by a branch of Boots in the Bon Accord shopping centre and will be monitored by the Scottish government with a view to rolling it out nationwide if successful. The news came after it emerged last week that pharmacists involved in a similar scheme in England had prescribed the pill to girls as young as 13. Research in England has shown a drop in the number of women asking for the morning-after pill at ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/844/scottish-pharmacists-to-prescribe-pill https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/844/scottish-pharmacists-to-prescribe-pill Thu, 03 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT As the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) launches its second anti-counterfeiting strategy, the UK medicines regulator reveals it has seized more than £25 million of counterfeit and stolen medicines in the last five years. This has contributed to a marked reduction in known incidents of counterfeit medical products entering the regulated UK supply chain. The new strategy, the Falsified Medical Products Strategy 2012 – 2015, details measures that the MHRA will take to tackle counterfeit medicines and medical devices. It brings together its stakeholders and international partners to combine efforts in raising public awareness and carrying out enforcement policy. The overall aim of the new strategy is to reduce the risks to patients and consumers in the UK from the threats posed by counterfeit medical products whilst increasing the pressure on those behind this illegal activity. It falls into three main areas centred around prevention, incident management and investigation. Nimo Ahmed ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/846/over-25-million-of-counterfeit-drugs-seized https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/846/over-25-million-of-counterfeit-drugs-seized Thu, 03 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT  Scottish people have listed a warm home and good health as the key to happiness, ahead of having a bulging bank balance. Nearly 3000 Scots agreed that wealth and success is not as important as living in a clean and friendly neighbourhood with a clean bill of health. The research carried out by Oxfam Scotland revealed that domestic security topped the list for priorities in life, while wealth only came fifth on the life priority list. Job satisfaction was ranked joint third in the list of life priorities, as well as having a good relationship. People ranked safety, green spaces and having secure and suitable work as fourth on the list. Meanwhile, wealth only came fifth on the list, while education, good facilities and transport came sixth. The research was carried out for the Oxfam Humankind Index for Scotland– a new measure of the country’s collective prosperity. The charity claim ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/991/scots-list-health-over-wealth-in-priorities https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/991/scots-list-health-over-wealth-in-priorities Mon, 23 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT  DRINKERS in the Rhymney Valley are being asked to consider the impact of having a tipple too many as part of the Welsh Government’s first alcohol awareness campaign. Figures from a recent Welsh Health Survey revealed that 29% of adults in the borough binge drink more than once a week and 46% are drinking above the recommended guidelines. “Don’t let drink sneak up on you” is the campaign slogan aimed at those who fall into the category of high risk drinkers but see their drinking habits as harmless. The current daily guidelines recommended no more than two to three units per day for women – no more than a standard 175ml glass of wine – or three to four units per day for men – not much more than a pint of lager, beer or cider. The campaign will be challenging drinkers across Wales to try an online calculator to work out how many ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/991/dont-let-drink-sneak-up-warning https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/991/dont-let-drink-sneak-up-warning Mon, 23 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT   HEALTH bosses believe the provision of 30 adult psychiatric beds at the new £10m Gransha hospital due to open in July is the way forward for mental health in Londonderry. Gransha Hospital currently has two 20 bed single sex wards providing inpatient mental health care for people untreatable in a community setting. The complex was once home to over 500 people with mental health problems. Now the Western Trust has confirmed the new unit is the preferred option for adult mental health provision in the North West. The move does not conflict with a recent health review proposal to close all long-stay psychiatric institutions across Northern Ireland by 2015. A Western Trust spokesperson said: ‘Following a request by the Health Social Care Board (HSCB), the Western Health and Social Care Trust undertook a review of the future requirements of Acute Mental Health provision in the Western area. ‘The outcome of the review was reported at ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/891/30-bed-gransha-unit-is-future-of-nw-care https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/891/30-bed-gransha-unit-is-future-of-nw-care Mon, 23 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT A new 3D printing process developed at the University of Glasgow could revolutionise the way scientists, doctors and even the general public create chemical products. Professor Lee Cronin, Gardiner Chair of Chemistry at the University, believes his research could lead to the development of home chemical fabricators which consumers could use to design and create medicine at home. A new research paper, published in the journal Nature Chemistry, outlines how the process has been proven to work. Using a commercially-available 3D printer operated by open-source computer-aided design software, Professor Cronin and his team have built what they call ‘reactionware’, special vessels for chemical reactions which are made from a polymer gel which sets at room temperature. By adding other chemicals to the gel deposited by the printer, the team has been able to make the vessel itself part of the reaction process. While this is common in large-scale chemical engineering, the development ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/715/diy-drugstores-in-development https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/715/diy-drugstores-in-development Mon, 23 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT  One of the most senior doctors in the UK has lambasted the health service in Northern Ireland — saying patient safety is jeopardised by long waiting lists. Dr Laurence Buckman, chair of the British Medical Association’s (BMA) GP committee, said waiting times for hospital appointments are the worst in the UK. And he said patient safety is frequently being compromised because of the long waits. “This is very serious and the people from Northern Ireland need to know what is going on,” he said. Dr Buckman interrupted proceedings at the annual conference of BMA (Northern Ireland) to express his concern after listening to accounts of patient care from GPs working in NI. Current government targets state no patient should wait longer than 21 weeks for a first outpatient appointment. However, an increasing number of patients are waiting up to a year before they see a hospital doctor. At the conference, GPs from across Northern ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/345/senior-doctor-lambasts-the-ni-health-service https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/345/senior-doctor-lambasts-the-ni-health-service Fri, 30 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT  Pregnancies in girls under 18 have fallen to their lowest rate in 18 years, Welsh government figures show. In 2010, 37.7 per 1,000 girls under 18 became pregnant, compared to 40.1 per 1,000 in 2009. It is the lowest rate since 1992. The Royal College of Midwives said while the downward trend was welcome it was worried about the high number of teenage abortions. The Welsh government said the figures reflect work to promote sexual health. Helen Rogers, director of the Royal College of Midwives Wales, said Wales had once had one of Europe's highest pregnancy, but the figures should be considered in the context of the wider picture, with the abortion rate for the age group rising. Welsh government statistics for 2010 show that 45 per cent of conceptions for under-18s were terminated, compared to 20 per cent for all ages. "In areas like Merthyr Tydfil where the teenage pregnancy rate has come down quite ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/527/teenage-pregnancies-in-wales-at-record-low https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/527/teenage-pregnancies-in-wales-at-record-low Fri, 30 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT  The Scottish LMCs conference in Glasgow have passed a motion calling for food labelling to clearly indicate the ‘potential health impact of all foodstuffs’. Glasgow GP Dr John Ip, who proposed both motions, said people are confused by the complexity of information on food packaging and called for it to be simplified. He told the conference: ‘The direct cost of obesity to the NHS is estimated at £4bn. People are overwhelmed by the complexity of information that is available on food. Labelling needs to be clear to allow people the opportunity to make informed decisions about what they eat. Obesity has become a public health priority and the government needs to act now to tackle it.’ Chairman of the BMA’s Scottish GPC Dr Dean Marshall said: ‘Obesity is a very serious issue that can lead to a number of life-threatening health problems. Doctors have a role to play in supporting overweight patients ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/139/gps-demand-compulsory-nutritional-education https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/139/gps-demand-compulsory-nutritional-education Fri, 30 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT  The development of a novel antidepressant ground to a halt this week when researchers found it did not make patients feel any better than the pills they were already taking. The drug firms took the hit, with shares tumbling in Targacept, while AstraZeneca wrote off a total of $146.5 million for the drug's failure. It was bad news for investors and bad news for patients - and a depressingly familiar tale for drugmakers seeking to develop new treatments for brain illnesses. Data from Thomson Reuters Pharma shows returns for pharmaceutical companies in the antidepressant market are collapsing - despite widespread use of pills like Prozac - as patents expire and new drugs fail to make it to market. Some Big Pharma firms are quitting the field altogether. Others are hacking back investment and shedding jobs. These might seem like prudent decisions in an increasingly expensive and frustrating field. Other diseases such as cancer and diabetes ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/267/antidepressants-give-drugmakers-the-blues https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/267/antidepressants-give-drugmakers-the-blues Fri, 30 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT Eight senior managers from Alliance Healthcare in the UK and Alliance Boots have launched a sponsorship campaign for their forthcoming cycle challenge from John O’Groats to Lands End (JOGLE) to raise at least £100,000. The proceeds will go towards Europe’s first state-of-the-art ‘Biobank’ for the study of colorectal cancer.   Starting on 23 May 2012, the ‘JOGLE’ relay challenge will cover 894 miles over three days finishing on 26 May 2012. The challenge is part of the fundraising activities within the 5 year pan-European partnership between Alliance Boots and EORTC (European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer) Charitable Trust to raise over €5million for colorectal cancer research through the EORTC Biobank. (www.bmycharity.com/jogle2012)   This Biobank will be the first pan-European facility to address the development of tailored therapies for colorectal cancer sufferers through the knowledge available from the mapping of the human genome.   ‘The JOGLE Challenge Team and I are delighted to be taking ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/799/cycle-challenge-for-colorectal-cancer https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/799/cycle-challenge-for-colorectal-cancer Wed, 21 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT  During 2011 Ayrshire and Arran’s pharmacy service helped support more than 5000 people in their attempt to quit smoking and just under half of these people were successful in managing to kick the habit.    One local pharmacy which goes over and above in helping people to quit smoking is Doon Valley Pharmacy in Dalmellington. Each year the pharmacy helps promote National No Smoking day. It runs a poster competition at the local school and displays information both inside the pharmacy and in the window. Staff also arrange for school children to visit the pharmacy to learn more about the hazards of smoking and the advantages of stopping.   In 2011 Doon Valley Pharmacy was awarded the Best Pharmacy in Britain Activity award for No Smoking day by Marjory Burns of the British Heart Foundation.    ‘Our community pharmacies offer a fantastic service for the people of Ayrshire and Arran,’ said Allan Wilson, Community Pharmacy ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/170/smoking-cessation-success-for-doon-valley https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/170/smoking-cessation-success-for-doon-valley Wed, 21 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT  A small new study gives insight into how electroshock therapy, an effective yet poorly understood treatment for severe depression, affects the brains of depressed people. Researchers used functional MRI scans to look at brain activity in nine adults with severe depression before and after electroshock therapy. The investigators found that electroshock, or electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), dampens the connections between different areas of the brain in depressed people. “With our study we were able to confirm that there is hyperconnectivity [in depression], and in addition we could show that treatment removes it,” said study co-author Christian Schwarzbauer, a professor of neuroimaging at the University of Aberdeen in Scotland. Although it may seem counterintuitive that people with severe depression, who are often also lethargic, would have brains on overdrive, one explanation could be that they have too much internal brain activity and cannot deal as well with external stimulation, Schwarzbauer said. This study could point to ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/891/shock-therapy-might-ease-severe-depression https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/891/shock-therapy-might-ease-severe-depression Wed, 21 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT  Numark has revealed that its latest patient support project on pain management has increased adherence to medication by 40 per cent and has lead to significant reductions in pain scores amongst participants.   The pilot was conducted in ten Numark pharmacies who were asked to recruit patients to a support service and perform interventions. Participating pharmacies were given training to ensure they had the knowledge and skills to engage with this specific patient group. The interventions involved giving key messages about the correct use of the medication and were delivered at weeks one, two, four and eight both face to face and via the telephone. As the pain medication was administered via a patch, a key intervention was the correct application of this.    At week eight, over 77 per cent of patients were still adherent to treatment, compared to the 37 per cent of patients at week eight, who did not receive pharmacist intervention.   In ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/490/pain-support-programme-increases-adherence https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/490/pain-support-programme-increases-adherence Wed, 21 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT  Numark has revealed that its latest patient support project on pain management has increased adherence to medication by 40 per cent and has lead to significant reductions in pain scores amongst participants.   The pilot was conducted in ten Numark pharmacies who were asked to recruit patients to a support service and perform interventions. Participating pharmacies were given training to ensure they had the knowledge and skills to engage with this specific patient group. The interventions involved giving key messages about the correct use of the medication and were delivered at weeks one, two, four and eight both face to face and via the telephone. As the pain medication was administered via a patch, a key intervention was the correct application of this.    At week eight, over 77 per cent of patients were still adherent to treatment, compared to the 37 per cent of patients at week eight, who did not receive pharmacist intervention.   In ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/812/pain-support-programme-increases-adherence https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/812/pain-support-programme-increases-adherence Wed, 21 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT The NSPCC is calling on the Scottish Government to strengthen its commitment to early intervention by putting Scotland’s youngest children at the heart of its forthcoming mental health strategy at a conference in Glasgow today. More than 150 social workers, health professionals and academics are gathered in Glasgow today to hear from international experts in infant mental health Professor Charley Zeanah from New Orleans and Professor T Berry Brazelton from Harvard University speak at the NSPCC’s conference, ‘Helping children living with a high risk of harm’. New figures released by the Scottish Government show that 980 children under the age of five were taken into care last year. 384 of them were under the age of one. Across Scotland 16,171 children are looked after by local authorities, the number of looked after children in Scotland is now at its highest since 1981. Across Scotland 16,171 children are looked after by local authorities, the number ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/139/scottish-government-asked-to-prioritise-infan https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/139/scottish-government-asked-to-prioritise-infan Wed, 07 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) in Scotland has launched a new report that calls for radical changes to the way pharmaceutical care is provided in care homes. The report calls for:   ·         Dedicated roles for pharmacists that are integrated with those of other health professionals working in care homes ·         Clinical information and prescribing data to be shared with pharmacists working in care homes to improve the safe and effective use of medicines ·         Reducing the use of psychoactive medication and more frequent patient medication reviews to improve patient safety and care. ·         Consider greater use of the model of one pharmacist and one GP to each care home to improve the quality of pharmaceutical care and team work.   With increasing numbers of frail older people living with long term conditions and increasingly complex requirements, many with palliative care needs, some care homes are now providing aspects of care which historically would have ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/715/rps-to-report-on-pharma-care-in-care-homes https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/715/rps-to-report-on-pharma-care-in-care-homes Wed, 07 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT Cancer Research UK survey finds eight out of ten adults unaware of possible symptoms. Eight out of ten adults surveyed failed to mention coughing or problems with bowels or the bladder while a higher number did not categorise pain as a symptom, according to the Cancer Research UK study. Even when people did recognise signs they thought might be serious, the survey found that more than 40% said they might delay getting symptoms checked out because they were worried what the doctor might find. More than a quarter told the report - Delay Kills - that they might put off checks because they feared wasting the doctor's time. Tesco has pledged to raise £10m to help scientists find ways to increase survival rates in the UK. As well as an in-store customer awareness campaign, the funding will help continue funding for 32 early-diagnosis research projects across the UK, in cities including Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow and ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/139/scots-failing-to-recognise-cancer-signs https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/139/scots-failing-to-recognise-cancer-signs Wed, 07 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT One in four workers suffers work-related stress in times of recession, resulting in sharp spikes in employee absence, according to research published today. The number of staff taking time off due to job stress leaps 25% during economic downturns, while total time due to work-related stress increases by more than a third during a slump.   The study of tens of thousands of civil servants in Northern Ireland by researchers at the University of Nottingham and the University of Ulster should act as a “stark warning” to employers, according to the Society of Occupational Medicine. It said that the results showed firms that they should use occupational health services or risk long-term damage to productivity.   The study, published in the scientific journal Occupational Medicine, compared the findings of two surveys. The first was conducted in 2005 prior to the onset of the recession and the second in 2009 while the economy was severely hit. Scientists ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/618/major-study-reveals-shocking-impact-of-stress https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/618/major-study-reveals-shocking-impact-of-stress Tue, 06 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT According to research from the University of Abertay Dundee, Scotland, men with strong immune systems are seen as 'more attractive' to the opposite sex. The researchers noted that a strong immune system plays a greater role in attracting women, compared to having huge muscles or a hot bod. They say that men who have more testosterone generally have healthier immune systems and therefore are more attractive. The researchers also discovered males with a strong immune response and higher levels of testosterone were given the highest attractiveness ratings by women. Lower testosterone levels were linked to higher cortisol (stress hormone) levels. The researchers suggest that cortisol inhibits immune response. So basically the more stressed you are the worse your immune system will be – and the uglier you’ll look to women. https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/637/good-news-for-men-with-good-immune-systems https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/637/good-news-for-men-with-good-immune-systems Tue, 06 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Public Health Protection Unit is advising all injecting drug users to take precautions following the recent diagnosis of six cases of HIV among people living in Glasgow who inject drugs. Injecting drug users are reminded not to share needles or other drug injecting equipment and to use a sterile set of equipment for each injection.  NHSGGC also reminds this group of the importance of using condoms to practice safer sex. Public health consultant Eleanor Anderson explained: "It is important for injecting drug users to engage with the wide range of services we offer designed to help them tackle their addictions. However for those who continue to inject we remind them to take all the safety precautions necessary to protect themselves and others." Sterile injecting equipment is available from a number of sites, including community pharmacies and drug services so injectors can access sterile needles syringes and ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/752/hiv-warning-for-drug-users-in-glasgow https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/752/hiv-warning-for-drug-users-in-glasgow Tue, 06 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT  Bee keepers in mid and north Wales are being urged to help with research into the healing properties of honey as scientists look to counter MRSA. Cardiff University and the National Botanic Garden of Wales launched the hunt last summer for honeys which can counteract bacteria. They have created a honey map of Wales, pinpointing where the jars are coming from but they want to fill the gaps. Bee keepers in south Wales and other parts of the UK are taking part. Honey's anti-bacterial properties have been known since ancient times and it is believed it was used by both the ancient Greeks and Egyptians. Since last summer's appeal, scientists at Cardiff University's school of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences have been analysing honey sent in from across the UK. https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/894/honey-as-healing-agent-for-mrsa https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/894/honey-as-healing-agent-for-mrsa Tue, 06 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT David Cameron has said he expects telehealth to help three million NHS patients in coming years at the same time as reducing costs for the health service.   Now, it has been reported that Scotland's 32 local authorities are to spend millions of pounds on telecare services in the hope of helping vulnerable patients. Scotland Excel, the procurement body for Scottish councils, said authorities would use their new telecare framework to help disabled people, people with mental health problems, older people, and other vulnerable patients to live more independently. Participating authorities are expected to spend a total of up to £10.2m over the life of the contract. According to Guardian Government Computing Scotland Excel said: "Technology and telecare products will play an increasing role in promoting such independence and reduce the reliance on traditional services and the costs associated with these." Telehealth and telecare technologies, which allow clinicians to monitor patients' long term health conditions ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/123/scottish-councils-to-spend-millions https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/123/scottish-councils-to-spend-millions Tue, 06 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT  More than a quarter of elderly people with dementia are being given dangerous ‘chemical cosh’ drugs, researchers warn. Doctors are prescribing anti-psychotics to patients for two or more years even though they are only meant to be taken for a maximum of three months – and then only as a last resort.   Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2104058/One-dementia-sufferers-prescribed-chemical-cosh-drugs.html#ixzz1n7ZpwTm2     https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/765/dementia-sufferers-prescribed-chemical-cosh https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/765/dementia-sufferers-prescribed-chemical-cosh Wed, 22 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT The Royal Pharmaceutical Society in Scotland and the Royal College of General Practitioners Scotland have announced an initiative to improve patient care by creating an enhanced partnership between their two professions. A joint statement that maps out how GPs and pharmacists can work together was published on Wednesday 22nd February.       The statement identifies a need for shared standards and practice but also the building blocks for change. This means sharing patient information in a secure manner, creating joint education and training from undergraduate levels to CPD and linking the work of GP practices with pharmacies in the same community. The RPS and the RCGP in Scotland believe their initiative will lead to better outcomes for patients with long-term conditions, safer use of medicines and better self-care for common conditions.      ‘Our initiative is a landmark for both professions in Scotland,’ said Alex MacKinnon, the RPS’ Director for Scotland. ‘By working together pharmacists and ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/317/collaboration-emphasised-in-scotland https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/317/collaboration-emphasised-in-scotland Tue, 21 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT Editors of three leading healthcare publications have  heavily criticised the government’s proposed NHS reforms, calling for a public debate on its future to “salvage some good” from the plans. In an editorial published simultaneously by the BMJ, Health Service Journal and Nursing Times, the editors of the three publications have said the NHS “is far too important to be left at the mercy of ideological and incompetent intervention”. They suggested that parliament should now establish an independently appointed standing commission “to initiate a mature and informed national discussion on the future of our national health system”. Otherwise, once the bill becomes law, they believe that health professionals will still be in the dark about how the new system will work and that the system itself will not be fit for purpose. They also warned that “another major NHS reform programme is guaranteed within five years”.   https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/345/health-publications-slam-nhs-reforms https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/345/health-publications-slam-nhs-reforms Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT Following the successful launch of the inaugural NPA Health Education Foundation bursary in 2011, applications are now open for the 2012 bursary. The £10,000 bursary aims to support pharmacists who have an interest in developing their skills to undertake research relating to community pharmacy practice. More information is available from The Secretary to the Trustees, Janet Misson, on j.misson@npa.co.uk or 01727 858687. An application pack can be downloaded from http://npa.co.uk/About-us/Health-Education-Foundation/Health-Education-Foundation-Bursary/.   https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/668/bursary-open-to-applications-from-pharmacists https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/668/bursary-open-to-applications-from-pharmacists Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT The first NHS national bowel cancer public awareness campaign has launched in England. Campaign advertisements will run for nine weeks and feature on TV, radio and other national media until the end of March. The Department of Health has developed a campaign factsheet to support pharmacists. Pharmacies can also help promote the ‘Be Clear on Cancer’ campaign by displaying posters and leaflets about bowel cancer. These can be ordered at www.orderline.dh.gov.uk or by phoning 0300 123 1002. RPS guidance can also support you in reviewing your knowledge of bowel cancer so you are fully up-to-date. The RPS is recruiting community pharmacies to take part in a GB-wide clinical audit of bowel cancer 5-19 March. Interested parties can register at http://www.rpharms.com/what-s-happening-/news_show.asp?id=413. https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/699/bowel-cancer-awareness-campaign-launches https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/699/bowel-cancer-awareness-campaign-launches Mon, 30 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT NHS Employers have produced a video about medicines reconciliation which follows the medicines pathway from a patient's point of view, demonstrating that both hospital and community pharmacists can work together to improve patients' understanding of their medicines. The production of the video follows the publication of guidance earlier this month showing how NMS and post discharge Medicines Use Reviews (MURs) can be used to provide a seamless care pathway for patients who transfer from hospital to the community setting. The video is available from http://www.nhsemployers.org/PayAndContracts/CommunityPharmacyContract/Pages/Medicines-Reconciliation.aspx.   https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/941/new-medicines-reconciliation-video https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/941/new-medicines-reconciliation-video Mon, 30 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT  The Centre for Pharmacy Postgraduate Education (CPPE) has launched , a new specials e-learning programme for the pharmacy profession. The new programme, called Safer use and supply of Specials, looks at the key professional responsibilities for pharmacists when dealing with the supply of Specials, including the changes to reimbursement arrangements that were introduced in November 2011. Professor Christopher Cutts, director of CPPE, said, "In recent years, pharmacists have increasingly bought in Specials rather than preparing products extemporaneously within the pharmacy setting. This practice has arisen from a need to ensure quality in the manufacturing process and to enhance patient safety. "Completing Safer use and supply of Specials will give pharmacists and pharmacy technicians a better understanding of the standards, guidance, risks and responsibilities involved, and will help them in their dealings with patients, prescribers and suppliers." Safer use and supply of Specials and CPPE's other e-learning materials are available on the CPPE e-learning site. https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/493/new-specials-e-learning-programme https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/493/new-specials-e-learning-programme Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT The death rate from heart attack in England has halved in the last decade, claims a research paper published on bmj.com. Using national hospital and mortality data, researchers from the University of Oxford looked at 840,175 men and women in England who had suffered from a total of 861,134 heart attacks between 2002 and 2010. Overall, they found the death rates for heart attacks fell by 50% in men and 53% in women. The researchers investigated how much of the decline in death rates resulted from a decrease in the occurrence of new heart attacks, and how much was a result of improved survival after heart attack. They concluded that just over half of the decline in total death can be attributed to a decline in the number of new heart attacks, and just under half to a decline in the death rate after heart attack. According to the researcher, the substantial drop ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/894/heart-attack-death-rate-halves https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/894/heart-attack-death-rate-halves Thu, 26 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT Pharmacy Voice has welcomed the launch of the Public Health Outcomes Framework, which focuses on improving healthy life expectancy and reducing differences in life expectancy and healthy life expectancy between communities. The Framework was unveiled on Monday 22nd January by Health Secretary Andrew Lansley at an event held at the Royal Society of Public Health. Mike Holden, Chief Executive of the National Pharmacy Association, who was invited to the event, said, “If you look at the progress indicators that local authorities will be measured against – such as fewer falls and smokers – you can immediately see where community pharmacy fits in. Community pharmacy has an absolutely key role in improving the public’s health. During the Q&A, I pressed the Secretary of State on what assurances he can give that community pharmacy will be consistently and appropriately commissioned nationwide and locally in the future. This is important - the Healthy Living Pharmacy ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/396/pharmacy-voice-welcomes-launch https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/396/pharmacy-voice-welcomes-launch Thu, 26 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT The second Quality in Care (QiC) Diabetes programme will be launched at this year’s Diabetes UK conference in Glasgow, from 7-9th March, recognising good healthcare practice in diabetes in the UK. Supported by Diabetes UK, NHS Diabetes and Sanofi, QiC Diabetes 2012 comprises both an awards event and subsequent opportunities for finalists to explain why their efforts were successful to a wider healthcare audience, including presenting at the Diabetes UK’s Annual Professional Conference. Diabetes was chosen as the first therapy area to be covered by QiC in 2011 due to the increasing need to find the best way to tackle the social and economic burden of the condition which now affects 2.9 million people in the UK. Simon O’Neill, Director of Care, Information and Advocacy, Diabetes UK, said, “Diabetes UK is delighted to continue its support of QiC Diabetes. The standard of entries in the first year was outstanding and has enabled us ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/220/second-qic-diabetes-programme-to-launch https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/220/second-qic-diabetes-programme-to-launch Wed, 25 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) has attended a Scottish Government briefing about the scope and timetable for the Review of NHS Pharmaceutical Care of Patients in the Community. The event, held o Tuesday 24th January at St Andrew’s House in Edinburgh was hosted by Dr Hamish Wilson and Professor Nick Barber. The NPA joined other pharmacy groups to hear from the leads the background to the review, its aims, objectives and scope, and the approach to evidence gathering and stakeholder engagement. Janice Oman, the National Pharmacy Association’s Representation Manager in Scotland said, “The review will be hugely influential on pharmacy service provision and community pharmacy business in the future. Scottish Government is inviting the NPA to help shape the future of our profession in Scotland and we will give a balanced, comprehensive view, based on the experience and aspirations of NPA members. “The NPA will be enabling members to contribute to the review ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/571/npa-attends-briefing-on-review https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/571/npa-attends-briefing-on-review Wed, 25 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) has released a statement on the Health and Social Care Bill. Chair of the English Pharmacy Board Lindsey Gilpin said, “There is uncertainty in the NHS at the moment as the Health and Social Care Bill continues to work its way through Parliament.  The recent Health Select Committee report focused on the ability of the NHS to make efficiency savings and the upcoming meeting of the Academy of Royal Medical Colleges is likely to create further interest.  “The RPS has actively consulted members throughout the public policy-making process, seeking their views when the details contained within the Health and Social Care Bill were first published in consultation documents.  “We collated the opinions of members to construct a profession-wide view across all the sectors of pharmacy practice. Our members‘ views at the time suggested that we engage on the issues in the Bill rather than reject the Bill outright. ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/718/rps-comments-on-health-bill https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/718/rps-comments-on-health-bill Tue, 24 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) is currently recruiting community pharmacies to take part in a Great Britain-wide clinical audit of bowel cancer. Pharmacies can use the audit as one of their yearly audits, or as a pre-registration mandatory audit, in order to meet GPhC performance standards. There is no minimum or maximum number of patients for the collection of data, just as many as present with the relevant symptoms. Anyone who will be employed as a community pharmacist in the same pharmacy during the audit period 5-19th March can take part. People who wish to take part should register their details at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/RVC65WP before Wednesday 22nd February. Pharmacists who return their audit form by 26th March 2012 will be entered into a prize draw to win £150 of Marks and Spencer vouchers.   https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/846/rps-seeks-pharmacists-for-audit https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/846/rps-seeks-pharmacists-for-audit Mon, 23 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT Young Britons have an average of 237 Facebook friends but nearly two out of three people (61%) say they could only turn to two friends at most for support in a crisis, according to a new poll by Macmillan Cancer Support for Cancer Talk Week (23-29th January 2012). A poll of 1,000 people, age 18-35, has revealed that one in eight (13%) surveyed couldn’t even turn to one single friend for support when faced with a serious problem. Men were more likely (16%) than women (12%) to have no-one to turn to. This is despite the ‘boom’ of social networking sites such as facebook and twitter in recent years. The poll also shows that social networking sites have also sometimes had a negative impact on friendships, as one in six (18%) of those who use these sites say they see or talk to their friends less often. Jeannie Wilkinson, a Macmillan-funded Relate counsellor, said ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/301/many-britons-lack-friends-for-support https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/301/many-britons-lack-friends-for-support Mon, 23 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT Pharmacies are being encouraged to play a role in one of the UK’s longest standing and most successful health campaigns. The No Smoking Day campaign, which is now in its 29th year and recently merged with the British Heart Foundation, is urging pharmacy staff to help spread the word to customers about quit smoking resources and services in their local area. The slogan for the 2012 campaign is ‘take the leap’ and smokers will be asked to do this on February 29 – leap year day – and prepare to quit smoking on No Smoking Day itself two weeks later on March 14. Vishnee Sauntoo, No Smoking Day campaign marketing manager, said, “Pharmacies are perfectly placed to help spread the word about No Smoking Day and help people ditch their cigarettes for good. “Whether it’s helping people who’ve already decided to quit and are actively looking for support, or tactfully broaching the subject with ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/348/pharmacists-urged-to-take-part-in-campaign https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/348/pharmacists-urged-to-take-part-in-campaign Fri, 20 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT Pharmacy Voice is calling for an end to blunt medicines quotas, which result in pharmacists having to seek emergency supplies and keep patients waiting for their medicines. In its response to the All-Party Parliamentary Pharmacy Group’s inquiry into branded medicines shortages in the UK, Pharmacy Voice also says there should be a more concrete obligation to get medicines to pharmacies within 24 hours of an order. Rob Darracott, Chief Executive of Pharmacy Voice, said, “The problems are now longstanding, and are damaging to relationships in the supply chain, as well as working against the interests of patients. “There are several factors feeding the problem. Yet the fundamentals of a solution are obvious: enough medicines need to go into the UK system, medicines distribution needs to be flexible enough to match patient need at pharmacy level, and all parties must observe law and ethics. The Pharmacy Voice proposals to the parliamentary group address all ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/846/call-for-an-end-to-blunt-medicine-quotas https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/846/call-for-an-end-to-blunt-medicine-quotas Fri, 20 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT PSNC and NHS Employers have today published detailed official Guidance on MURs for pharmacy contractors, their staff and PCTs. A list of suggested questions has also been developed, with input from an expert group, to help shape the discussion pharmacists have with patients during the MUR consultation. The use of the questions is not compulsory, but pharmacists may find them useful to obtain the maximum amount of information from the patient’s perspective as is possible.   The guidance is available from www.psnc.org.uk/data/files/PharmacyContract/Contract_changes_2011/Guidance_on_the_Medicines_Use_Review_service_Jan_2012_final.pdf, The list of suggested questions can be found at www.psnc.org.uk/data/files/PharmacyContract/Contract_changes_2011/Medicines_Use_Review_Exemplar_Interview_Schedule_Jan_2012.pdf   https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/749/new-guidance-on-murs https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/749/new-guidance-on-murs Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT Asthma UK has called on the Government to freeze the cost of prescriptions in England until 2015. As many people with long-term conditions use Prescription Prepayment Certificates (PPCs) to spread the cost of their medicines and save money, the charity is also calling for the Government to continue last year’s freeze on the cost of PPCs until 2015. Finally, it wants the Government to work towards making prescriptions free for people with long-term medical conditions in the future. The petition is available at http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/25087. Asthma UK leads the Prescription Charges Coalition, which is made up of 24 charities and has been campaigning for a number of years for free prescriptions for people with long-term medical conditions.   https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/972/asthma-uk-launches-prescription-petition https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/972/asthma-uk-launches-prescription-petition Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT Healthcare professionals requiring expert medicines information on the go can now download the British National Formulary (BNF) and BNF for Children to their Apple, Android or Blackberry devices. Both resources provide up-to-date guidance on prescribing, dispensing and administering medicines and the BNF has been recognised as the best source of information on drug treatment available at the point- of-care. Availability via mobile app will now ensure instant and uninterrupted access to BNF and BNF for Children wherever and whenever they are needed. The full content of the current edition is downloaded on to the mobile device allowing users to access without relying on an internet connection. The iPhone version of the BNF app was launched in 2010 and since then has become one of the top-selling medical applications via iTunes Store. All formats allow users to browse content based on condition or therapeutic area, or search for specific drugs based on brand, generic ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/220/bnf-phone-application-launched https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/220/bnf-phone-application-launched Wed, 18 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT Peter Carter, Chief Executive & General Secretary of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) visited his local pharmacy in Hertfordshire on Monday 16th January to learn more about the services on offer and to talk about how healthcare professionals can work together to benefit patients. He was joined by Graham Phillips himself a pharmacist, who is the owner of Manor Pharmacy Group, pharmacist Paul Samuels who runs the pharmacy and Stephen Fishwick from Pharmacy Voice.   Dr Peter Carter said, “Pharmacies have transformed in recent years and provide a vital service at the heart of communities. We talked at length about getting better value from the drugs budget by optimising the use of medicines. We also agreed that all health care professionals should coordinate their efforts around the needs of patients, both at a local level and across the UK.”   https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/925/rcn-chief-executive-visits-pharmacy https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/925/rcn-chief-executive-visits-pharmacy Wed, 18 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT Pharmacy Voice, PSNC and Community Pharmacy Wales have submitted a joint response to the MHRA consolidation and review of UK medicines legislation (MLX 375). Rob Darracott, Chief Executive of Pharmacy Voice said, “The MHRA proposals to repeal the legal clause that currently permits pharmacies to supply small quantities of medicines to GPs and to each other for use in their routine practice are troubling. We will be working closely with MHRA to make sure that useful current practice that is in the patient interest can continue. “We don’t want tidier law if it means a total mess at pharmacy level.” Section 10 (7) of the 1968 Medicines Act allows community pharmacies to supply medicines to GPs, dentists, chiropodists, opticians, veterinary practitioners, first aiders, charities and others for use with their patients. Pharmacists also use this clause in times of medicines shortages where a neighbouring pharmacy may require stock for a particular patient in ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/796/pharmacy-groups-respond-to-consultation https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/796/pharmacy-groups-respond-to-consultation Tue, 17 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has received warning of possible bacterial contamination in batches of the saline nasal spray Sterimar Isotonic 100ml. As part of its regulatory requirement the manufacturer has informed the MHRA of a bacterial infection in two batches of the spray. The two bacteria identified are commonly found in soil, water and hospital environments and human infections are rare. The bacteria shouldn’t affect healthy people. However, those who suffer from existing sinus or nasal problems, have recently undergone surgery or have a weakened immune system may be at risk. The possible symptoms exhibited can be nasal or facial tenderness, discoloured mucus or a fever. Consumers are asked that if they have any of the affected batches, to stop using the product immediately and return it to the retailer. If they exhibit any of the symptoms listed above then they should consult a healthcare professional. The affected batches are ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/944/nasal-spray-may-be-contaminated https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/944/nasal-spray-may-be-contaminated Mon, 16 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) has successfully brought a prosecution against a pharmacist for practising whilst suspended from the register. This is the first time the GPhC has brought such a prosecution against a pharmacist for this offence. Mark Robert Taylor was convicted of an offence under the Pharmacy Order 2010 at Tower Bridge Magistrates Court on 9 January 2012 and fined £1,750 plus costs. The GPhC’s Fitness to Practise Committee had suspended Mr Taylor’s registration on 9th June 2011 for six months, after a number of allegations were found proved during a hearing. These allegations included accessing the controlled drugs cabinet when not on duty and without authorisation and demonstrating unprofessional and threatening behaviour to a colleague. A GPhC Inspector conducting a routine inspection of a pharmacy on 14th July 2011 found that Mr Taylor had unlawfully been working there during his period of suspension. Duncan Rudkin, Chief Executive of the GPhC ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/524/prosecution-for-practising-while-suspended https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/524/prosecution-for-practising-while-suspended Mon, 16 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has issued its final draft guidance on the use of Bydureon (exenatide) as a treatment option for some people with Type 2 diabetes. Exenatide is already in use as a twice daily injection known as Byetta, but Bydureon only needs injecting once a week. Although exenatide is injected, it is not insulin and works in three ways: to help the body to produce more insulin when it is needed; reduce the amount of glucose being produced by the liver when it is not needed; and by reducing the rate at which glucose from food is released into the blood. The NICE guidance recommends the treatment be used in conjunction with other diabetes treatments – metformin and a sulphonylurea, or metformin and a thiazolidinedione. Exenatide is recommended for people with Type 2 diabetes whose blood glucose levels are not well controlled and have other risk factors ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/524/new-diabetes-treatment-approved https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/524/new-diabetes-treatment-approved Mon, 16 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT More than one in ten (13%) UK based scientists or doctors have witnessed colleagues intentionally altering or fabricating data during their research or for the purposes of publication, reveals a BMJ survey which attracted over 2,700 responses. Additionally, 6% said they are aware of possible research misconduct at their institution that has not been properly investigated. According to the BMJ, the results suggest that research misconduct is alive and well in the UK and highlight the need for better systems to deter, detect, and investigate the problem. They also reflect previous research among newly appointed consultants in seven UK hospitals. One in ten said they had first-hand knowledge of scientists or doctors intentionally altering or fabricating data, and 6% admitted to past personal research misconduct. The full results will be presented at a high level meeting in London on 13th January, hosted by the BMJ and the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE), which aims to ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/348/data-being-falsified-in-studies https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/348/data-being-falsified-in-studies Fri, 13 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT Eating too much processed meat may increases the risk of pancreatic cancer, new research published in the British Journal of Cancer has found. The study, funded by the Swedish Cancer Foundation and Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm, Sweden, found that for each 50 grams of processed meat eaten every day (equivalent to a sausage or two rashers of bacon) there was a 19% rise in the risk of pancreatic cancer compared to those who ate no meat. Pancreatic cancer risk increased by 38% and 57% for people who eat 100 grams per day and 150 grams per day of processed meat respectively, compared to those who eat none. Those who ate 100 grams per day of processed meat had a 19% higher risk of pancreatic cancer compared to those who eat 50 grams a day. The evidence for red meat was inconclusive with an increase in risk for men but not for women. The results ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/671/processed-meat-may-increase-cancer-risk https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/671/processed-meat-may-increase-cancer-risk Fri, 13 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has successfully helped convict a fraudster who was sentenced to nine months (suspended for two years), for posing as a medical practitioner who illegally fitted and sold low grade dentures to members of the public. Mr Sickelmore admitted illegally supplying dentures and related dental services, supplying dentures that were poorly made and fitted, along with delaying dealing with complaints. MHRA, Director of Devices, Peter Commins, said, “This case highlights the length fraudsters will go for financial gain. Mr Sicklemore undermined essential manufacturing and medical devices principles which are designed to protect the public and eliminate risk of infection to patients. “He was an unqualified person posing as a medical practitioner producing illegal medical devices – dentures without a licence and manufacturing them in a sub-standard sanitary environment. "Medical devices bring widespread health benefits for patients and the public but no product is risk-free. Our priority is ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/749/mhra-convicts-denture-fraudster https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/749/mhra-convicts-denture-fraudster Fri, 13 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT More than 40 national health and social care charities have written to The Times calling on the Government to make the Health Bill work better for patients and other service users. The charities, who are all members of the National Voices coalition, say that the Bill is weak on patient involvement in their care and that this can and should be remedied easily through: • sharing decisions about the most appropriate treatments, based on patient preferences and values as well as clinical knowledge • personalising care planning, where professionals help organise care packages over time, focussed around the needs of the individual • supporting people to manage chronic conditions in order to maximise quality of life Diabetes UK is one of the charities behind the call. Its Chief Executive, Barbara Young, said, "People with long-term conditions need access to a complex web of care joined up round their needs in order to stay ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/812/call-for-government-to-change-health-bill https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/812/call-for-government-to-change-health-bill Thu, 12 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT Macmillan Cancer Support has welcomed the Welfare Reform Bill vote defeat in House of Lords Mike Hobday, Director of Policy and Research at Macmillan Cancer Support, said, “We are delighted that Lords protected vital support for cancer patients in a crucial Welfare Reform Bill vote. This is a vote for compassion and common-sense. “The Lords have stood up for cancer patients so they are not penalised simply because they have not recovered quickly enough from treatment. This vote could now signal a dramatic improvement for thousands of cancer patients who would no longer have a time limit on recovery to get back to work following their illness. “We hope that the Coalition Government does the right thing and backs this decision as the Bill reaches its final stages in Parliament. “We are also pleased that all disabled people will have at least two years to claim ESA (double the current time limit proposed ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/752/macmillan-welcomes-welfare-bill-defeat https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/752/macmillan-welcomes-welfare-bill-defeat Thu, 12 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT Pharmacy Voice has welcomed the proposals outlined in the National Institute of Clinical Excellence’s (NICE) consultation on ‘Preventing type-2 diabetes’ which recommends a greater role for pharmacies in assessing people at risk of the disease. The proposals would mean that all high-risk patients over 25 years would be screened for type 2 diabetes by GPs, with the remainder being able to complete a self-assessment questionnaire in settings such as pharmacies and shopping centres. Rob Darracott, Chief Executive at Pharmacy Voice said, “We welcome the guidance which recommends a greater role for pharmacies in assessing people’s risk of type-2 diabetes. There is no reason why all risk assessments need to be carried out by GPs or in GP surgeries, it makes sense to offer people ease of access through community pharmacy. Through the New Medicine Service, pharmacists are making progress in improving medicines use amongst people with type-2 diabetes and a range of ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/846/pharmacy-voice-welcomes-nice-proposals https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/846/pharmacy-voice-welcomes-nice-proposals Thu, 12 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT  New guidance was published today showing how the New Medicine Service (NMS) and post discharge Medicines Use Reviews (MURs) can be used to provide a seamless care pathway for patients who transfer from hospital to the community setting.   It has been developed and published by the NHS Employers organisation and the Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee (PSNC) working with a hospital and community pharmacy reference group. The guidance has been endorsed by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS).   Hospitals and community pharmacists can use the support tools to formalise how they share information about changes to patients' prescriptions. This will help ensure patients get the right medicines and the most value from them when they transfer care, as well as potentially reduce the risk of hospital readmissions.   To support the transfer of care a national referral form has been developed that can, with patient consent, be used by hospitals and pharmacists to transfer patient information.   There ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/715/new-nms-and-mur-guidance https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/715/new-nms-and-mur-guidance Wed, 11 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT There is little conclusive evidence to justify the wide-spread use of herbal medicines to relieve the symptoms of the painful joint condition osteoarthritis, says a comprehensive review of these products in the latest issue of the Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin (DTB). Herbal medicines that have traditionally been used to treat osteoarthritis include vegetable extracts of avocado or soybean oils (ASUs), cat’s claw, devil’s claw, Indian frankincense, ginger, nettle, rosehip, turmeric and willow bark. However, DTB has warned that few studies on the use of herbal medicines for osteoarthritis have been carried out and those that have, frequently contain design flaws and limitations, such as variations in the chemical make-up of the same herb, all of which compromise the validity of the findings. Furthermore, these studies have included insufficient numbers of patients and have not lasted very long, which is a particular issue for a long term condition, such as osteoarthritis. According to DTB ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/345/herbal-medicines-may-not-help-joint-problems https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/345/herbal-medicines-may-not-help-joint-problems Wed, 11 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT The Health Secretary, Andrew Lansley, HAS announced a series of steps to respond to recent concerns regarding French Poly Implant Prostheses (PiP) implants. The first step will be a review led by Professor Sir Bruce Keogh, the NHS Medical Director that will look at the arrangements for ensuring the safety of people seeking cosmetic interventions such as breast implants and dermal fillers. Another review, looking at what happened within the UK itself, will be led by the Minister for Quality, Lord Howe. In addition, the Care Quality Commission will conduct a swift review of private clinics that offer cosmetic surgery. They will look at whether they meet essential levels of safety and quality and at the information and support they provide to their patients. Where a provider does not meet these requirements, the CQC has a wide range of enforcement powers that it can use to protect the safety of patients. Andrew Lansley said, “My ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/267/review-to-ensure-safety-of-cosmetic-surgery https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/267/review-to-ensure-safety-of-cosmetic-surgery Wed, 11 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT Tesco is aiming to raise over £10 million to help Cancer Research UK’s work to beat cancer by making Cancer Research UK its Charity of the Year in 2012. The money – to be raised by Tesco, its staff, customers and suppliers – will be spent on new research and an awareness campaign to improve early diagnosis and detection of the disease. This will help more people survive cancer and keep more families together. Tesco will also continue to be the main sponsor of Race for Life for the next three years. It has already supported the event for ten years. Richard Brasher, Tesco UK CEO, said, “I’m delighted to announce our increased commitment to Cancer Research UK - an amazing organisation, which has saved so many lives already through its ground-breaking research. “I’m particularly pleased that the partnership builds on our continued support of Race for Life. During the past 10 years over ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/220/tesco-to-support-cancer-research-uk https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/220/tesco-to-support-cancer-research-uk Tue, 10 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT The Government has accepted the latest recommendations from the independent NHS Future Forum, Health Secretary Andrew Lansley has announced. As part of the Government’s pledge to carry on listening to NHS staff, patients and the public, the independent NHS Future Forum was asked in the summer to listen to views on education and training, information, integrated care, and public health. The Government has now accepted the recommendations following the Future Forum’s report, and specifically on: • The NHS’s role in the public’s health: Following the Forum’s recommendation on ‘every contact counts’, the Government will consult on a new responsibility for healthcare professionals to promote healthy living through their day–to-day contact with patients. • Education and training: Employers and professionals will have a greater say in developing the health workforce in the future, such as through local plans. And, for the first time, the Government will introduce an outcomes framework for education and training. • Integrated ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/126/government-accepts-future-forum-report https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/126/government-accepts-future-forum-report Tue, 10 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT Pharmacy Voice has welcomed a new report from the NHS Future Forum which encourages pharmacists and other health care professionals to “make every contact count” to improve patients’ mental and physical health and wellbeing. The report, released today, says that greater focus should be given to tackling four barriers to a healthy lifestyle: diet, exercise, alcohol and tobacco and asks Health Secretary Andrew Lansley to reflect this in the legally-binding NHS Constitution. Rob Darracott, Chief Executive of Pharmacy Voice said, “The report gives clear recognition of the significant and valuable role that community pharmacy plays in healthcare. Making every contact count is at the very heart of pharmacy. Every prescription or consultation is an opportunity to offer someone help with maintaining good health and wellbeing as shown through the successes of the Healthy Living Pharmacy initiative. “A radical shift in the community pharmacy funding structure is required to turn the recommendations on lifestyle ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/173/nhs-future-forum-report-welcomed https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/173/nhs-future-forum-report-welcomed Tue, 10 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT The MHRA has announced the launch of a new homepage for its website, www.mhra.gov.uk, which is designed to present all of the organisation’s latest information in a user friendly way. The development of the new home page was based on user feedback, including a website survey it carried out over the summer. The MHRA would now like to hear feedback on the new homepage. Comments can be sent to webusability@mhra.gsi.gov.uk.   https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/540/mhra-launches-new-homepage https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/540/mhra-launches-new-homepage Mon, 09 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT The brain’s capacity for memory, reasoning and comprehension skills can start to deteriorate from age 45, rather than age 60 as previously thought, according to new research published on bmj.com. Researchers, led by Archana Singh-Manoux from the Centre for Research in Epidemiology and Population Health in France and University College London in the UK observed 5,198 men and 2,192 women over a 10-year period from 1997. They were all civil servants aged between 45 and 70 and were part of the Whitehall II cohort study established in 1985. Participants’ cognitive functions were assessed three times over the study period. Individuals were tested for memory, vocabulary and aural and visual comprehension skills. The latter include recalling in writing as many words beginning with “S” (phonemic fluency) and as many animal names (semantic fluency) as possible.  Differences in education level were taken into account. The results show that cognitive scores declined in all categories (memory ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/217/cognitive-function-may-decrease-from-age-45 https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/217/cognitive-function-may-decrease-from-age-45 Fri, 06 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT A nation-wide campaign to help people in England plan affordable healthier meals was launched this week by Change4Life. The Supermeals campaign offers discounts on healthy ingredients, such as fruit and veg and low fat yoghurts, at more than 1,000 Asda, Co-operative Food and Aldi stores across England. Public Health Minister Anne Milton said: “The New Year is a good time to think about losing weight. The Supermeals campaign will give us all some great ideas for balanced meals on a budget. “Do make use of all the great offers, useful tips and recipe ideas available on the Change4Life website and in the new cookbook.” Four million recipe packs with quick healthy meal ideas will also be distributed to Change4Life supporters and an online recipe finder can help families plan their meals. 100, 000 free copies of a brand new cookbook with celebrity chef Ainsley Harriott will also be made available later this month. It contains a ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/217/campaign-offers-money-off-healthy-ingredients https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/217/campaign-offers-money-off-healthy-ingredients Thu, 05 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT Diabetes UK has created a series of New Year’s resolutions to help people with diabetes who have indulged too much over Christmas. Barbara Young, Chief Executive at Diabetes UK, explained, “The New Year is a good time to assess your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes in the future and for people living with diabetes to review your self-management and the care you’re receiving. “We’ve provided some helpful advice to get you back on track for 2012, including the Diabetes UK 15 healthcare essentials to enable those of you living with diabetes to ensure you get the right level of care in the year ahead.” The resolutions are available from www.diabetes.org.uk/About_us/News_Landing_Page/New-Years-Resolutions/.   https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/765/diabetes-uk-creates-new-years-resolutions https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/765/diabetes-uk-creates-new-years-resolutions Wed, 04 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT Anti-depressant and anxiety drug use has risen 26% and cost the health service over £1billion since the start of the economic downturn in 2007, according to new research. A study by The Co-operative Pharmacy into antidepressant and anxiety drug dispensing across over 150 primary care trusts in England found that in 2010/11 49.8 million items were prescribed, up from 39.5 million items in 2007/08. However, costs have fallen – down 12% from almost £291million in 2007/08 to £258 million in 2010/11. In 2010/11, the North West had the highest usage of anti-depressants and anxiety medication, with over 8 million items prescribed. It was followed by East of England (5.7m) and Yorkshire and Humber (5.45m) The biggest increase in use over the last four years has been in the East Midlands up 44% from 3 to 4.4million items followed by the North East, up 29% from 2.7 to 3.5 million items. Findings by The Co-operative Pharmacy ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/173/anti-depressant-use-on-the-rise https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/173/anti-depressant-use-on-the-rise Tue, 03 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT New research by Macmillan Cancer Support has shown just how important physical activity is to the recovery and long term health of cancer patients. Called Move More, the study produced a number of key findings, including: • breast cancer patients’ risk of recurrence and of dying from the disease can be reduced by up to 40% by doing recommended levels of physical activity. • bowel cancer patients’ risk of recurrence and of dying from the disease can be reduced by around 50% by doing significant amounts of physical activity. • prostate cancer patients’ risk of dying from the disease can be reduced by up to 30% by doing recommended levels of physical activity. • after treatment all cancer patients can reduce their risk of getting side effects of cancer and its treatment by doing recommended levels of physical activity. These include fatigue, depression, osteoporosis and heart disease. However, further research by the charity revealed that ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/749/many-cancer-patients-not-active-enough https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/749/many-cancer-patients-not-active-enough Mon, 02 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT Many smokers are underestimating how damaging smoking is to their personal health and finances, according to new research released by NHS Smokefree to coincide with the start of the New Year. The research shows: • More than half (53%) of smokers underestimate the number of people who die annually from smoking related diseases by at least 70,000 (the actual figure is over 80,000 deaths a year in England as a result of smoking). • More than half (58%) of smokers underestimate how many long term smokers die early from smoking related disease (the actual figure is that 1 in 2 of all long-term smokers will die early from smoking related disease). • More than a third (35%) of smokers underestimate the number of cancer deaths caused by smoking (the actual figure is that smoking is estimated to be responsible for almost a third of all cancer deaths in the England2. • And surprisingly, 8% of smokers still do not ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/941/smokers-underestimating-the-cost-of-smoking https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/941/smokers-underestimating-the-cost-of-smoking Mon, 02 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT The government has committed to change the law such that genuine errors in dispensing would no longer be criminalized. Pharmacy Minister Earl Howe stated in parliament on Monday 19th December that his department would bring forward legislation at the earliest opportunity. The move comes following representations from national pharmacy bodies that dispensing errors committed by registered healthcare professionals that have not occurred through gross negligence, recklessness or wilful harm should not face the prospect of criminal prosecution. Pharmacy Voice, the Independent Pharmacy Federation, the Pharmacists Defence Association (PDA) and the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) said in a joint statement, “The process of changing the law relating to dispensing errors has been a long and complex one. The profession has been active in seeking the relevant changes and has succeeded in achieving incremental movement towards our final goal. Ultimately, we are seeking a change to the law to remove the strict liability basis ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/348/dispensing-error-law-change-committment https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/348/dispensing-error-law-change-committment Fri, 23 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) will soon be notifying by letter anyone whose Register entry is being removed at the end of 2011. It will affect anyone who failed to renew, and were due to, at the end of October 2011 deadline. The full lists of those pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and premises that have lapsed will be posted on the GPhC website in the New Year.   https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/637/gphc-to-notify-people-removed-from-register https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/637/gphc-to-notify-people-removed-from-register Thu, 22 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) has welcomed the result of a judicial review, which ruled this week that the Northern Ireland Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSPS) implemented £38m worth of cuts to the community pharmacy budget inappropriately. Mike Holden, Chief Executive of the National Pharmacy Association said, “We are pleased with the outcome of the judicial review, which is a clear vindication of pharmacy’s position. The ruling is about the process and we now must move on to talk about substance. The real win for pharmacy and the population of Northern Ireland will only come when a new contractual framework is negotiated which offers sustainability and fair investment. “Negotiations must now be accelerated and be in line with the Compton Review of Health and Social Care which calls for an expanded role for pharmacy in public health and the management of long term conditions. ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/173/npa-welcomes-findings-of-cuts-review https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/173/npa-welcomes-findings-of-cuts-review Thu, 22 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhc) has agreed a new prosecutions policy to guide its work in this area. The policy covers Great Britain, while recognising that there are different legal processes in this regard in Scotland. It is available from www.pharmacyregulation.org/sites/default/files/Prosecution%20Policy%2C%2010-11-2011_0.pdf.   https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/364/gphc-agrees-new-prosecutions-policy https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/364/gphc-agrees-new-prosecutions-policy Wed, 21 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT The DVLA has agreed to work with Diabetes UK and people with diabetes on rewriting driving licence application forms, following concerns that drivers with diabetes could lose their licence because of the impact of new rules. Under the new European directive on driving, people with diabetes who report two 'severe' hypo episodes in a 12-month period may have their Group 1 licence revoked. Diabetes UK has expressed concern that the word 'severe' could be misunderstood, as many hypos can be quickly and easily treated by the person themselves with an appropriate snack. After a top-level meeting with Transport Minister Mike Penning last month, a working group was set up to review the impact of the new rules. The Chief Executive of Diabetes UK, Barbara Young, and other representatives of the charity met with the DVLA for the first meeting this week. As well as raising concerns about what was meant by 'severe' hypoglycaemia, the ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/427/dvla-to-work-with-diabetes-uk https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/427/dvla-to-work-with-diabetes-uk Tue, 20 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) is disappointed with the recently launched Tobacco Control Action Plan for Wales because it has failed to recognise community pharmacy’s important role in smoking cessation and tobacco control. Commenting on the plan, Steve Simmonds, NPA Representation Manager for Wales said, “We applaud the ambitious targets set out in the Action Plan but they will only succeed if there is adequate capacity in the system and a national network of support, which meets the individual needs of potential quitters. “Community pharmacy is located where people work, shop and live and any person wanting to quit should be able to walk into any community pharmacy for NHS support. Excluding pharmacy is a real missed opportunity. People in Scotland are able to access this service from their local community pharmacies and we are hugely disappointed that the Welsh Government seems unwilling to take the same approach.”   https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/844/npa-criticises-tobacco-control-plan https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/844/npa-criticises-tobacco-control-plan Tue, 20 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) has announced the completion of the initial processing of applications for registration by pharmacy technicians that were submitted by 1st July. It had expected 16,000 applications but the figure is closer to 20,500. There are a relatively small number of applications yet to receive final approval, many of those requiring further information, but it is seeking to process these as efficiently as it can.   https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/493/gphc-processes-technician-registration https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/493/gphc-processes-technician-registration Tue, 20 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) has signed a ‘memorandum of understanding’ with the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland (PSNI), the body which has responsibility for regulating pharmacy in Northern Ireland. The aim is to ensure that the principles by which pharmacy is regulated are consistent across the UK. Both organisations believe that this consistency is important in maintaining public confidence and in helping pharmacists safely and easily practise wherever they choose within the UK. GPhC chief executive and registrar, Duncan Rudkin, said, “We have a strong and collaborative relationship with the PSNI already and this MOU cements that strong bond. Signing a memorandum of understanding is not just a token of ‘friendship’, but a practical agreement and guide for our collaboration in the future. It’s important in terms of reassuring patients and the public that both regulators are working together to maintain standards on a UK-wide basis.”   https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/605/gphc-and-psni-sign-memorandum https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/605/gphc-and-psni-sign-memorandum Mon, 19 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) has welcomed findings from the review of Health and Social Care in Northern Ireland, conducted by John Compton, that call for a stronger role for pharmacy in community health promotion and service provision. The Report, Transforming your Care, which was launched by Health Minister Edwin Poots on December 13TH, has identified an expanded role for community pharmacy in the arena of health promotion, with contribution to minor ailments, smoking cessation and obesity management. There is also a call for a stronger role for community pharmacy in medication management for long term conditions and a recommendation on the roll out of improved electronic information sharing between primary and secondary care. Mike Holden, Chief Executive of the National Pharmacy Association said, “The report brings much needed good news for community pharmacy in Northern Ireland. Pharmacy can make a valuable contribution in supporting those with long term conditions and by giving ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/928/npa-welcomes-findings-of-review https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/928/npa-welcomes-findings-of-review Mon, 19 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT The Centre for Post-graduate Pharmacy Education (CPPE) is launching a new guide that lists over 40 online health apps that can help pharmacy professionals in their practice. Called Useful apps in pharmacy, it lists apps that are a source of information, apps that can be used during consultations with patients and apps that are useful for signposting patients to advice on healthy lifestyles and self-care. Sally Greensmith, programme developer and tutor for CPPE, commented: "Pharmacy teams have more information to hand than ever with the use of apps. I especially like the healthy lifestyle apps, which can be used by pharmacy professionals and patients alike. These are ideal for public health consultations and helping patients keeping their New Year resolutions. "Many of the apps are free or cost very little and will assist pharmacy in helping improve the lifestyles of our patients. The list is by no means exhaustive; new apps are being ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/781/cppe-launches-app-guide https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/781/cppe-launches-app-guide Mon, 19 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT The Co-operative Pharmacy is targeting pharmacy students with two new work experience programmes. The business has also launched a new website to make it easier for students to apply for the schemes. There are two training programmes: • Recruitment is now underway for the 2012 summer placement which will offer a combination of paid and voluntary places to enable a greater number of students to gain access to work experience. • Applications for the 2013 Pre-Registration programme will open in the New Year. The 2012 six-week summer placement is open to third year pharmacy students only and will offer 20 paid roles across the UK. During the scheme trainees will undertake a project to enhance their commercial and managerial skills after which they will present their recommendations to a senior manager within The Co-operative Pharmacy. On successful completion of their assessed project this will result in a direct offer for the 2013 ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/618/co-op-launches-new-training-programmes https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/618/co-op-launches-new-training-programmes Fri, 16 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT Contractors have been urged by the PSNC to consider whether they are going to request rechecks of bundles of prescriptions in the period 1 April 2009 to 31 March 2011 if they have not already done so. The deadline for making these requests is 31 December 2011. PSNC has said it would encourage contractors to submit their request forms as soon as possible and not to wait until the last minute. The full details of the payment package, together with a 'question & answer' document and a form to be used for requesting rechecks are available on the NHSBSA website via www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/PrescriptionServices/3456.aspx Further details regarding the CIP error package can be found at http://www.psnc.org.uk/pages/cip_error_package_1_april_2009-31_march_2011.html.   https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/844/cip-error-deadline-reminder https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/844/cip-error-deadline-reminder Fri, 16 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) has responded to calls from researchers to review how dosing regimes for children are calculated. Speaking on behalf of the Society, expert pharmacists Stephen Tomlin said, "Dose banding offers an easy way to dose medicines, but this study rightly points out that average weights for the population are changing and thus the banding need to be reviewed over time. What we need to ensure is that doses remain optimal and whilst we have little proof of harm or ineffectiveness we must always strive to ensure medicine use is as appropriate as possible. However we must take care with changes in practice; a swap to a dose based on a childs weight brings it's own potential problems with calculations and hard to measure doses. Any changes must be made to scientific justification and risk management in mind." Another expert pharmacist, Simon Keady added, "This research and its outcomes ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/443/rps-comments-on-dosing-regime-research https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/443/rps-comments-on-dosing-regime-research Fri, 16 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT The proportion of children in England who are obese in their final year of primary school is rising, according to new NHS Information Centre figures. In 2010/11 19.0 per cent of Year 6 children measured as part of the National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP) were obese, compared to 18.7 per cent in 2009/10 and 17.5 per cent in 2006/7. The British Heart Foundation has commented on the figures. Tracy Parker, the charity’s Heart Health Dietitian, said, “This is a really sad statistic. It is a shame that even more of our children are finishing primary school obese. “It has been shown obese children are more likely to become obese adults. And obesity in adults is associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease. We’ve got to realise that children’s food and lifestyle choices today could have long term consequences on their future health. “That’s why our Food4Thought campaign is ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/991/childhood-obesity-on-the-rise https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/991/childhood-obesity-on-the-rise Thu, 15 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT Pharmacy Voice has conducted the second of a series of ‘Lightening the Load’ scrutiny panels, at which regulators, NHS bodies and executive agencies are quizzed about their impact on community pharmacies. NHS Business Services Authority was the second group to take the hot seat following on from the GPhC, which met with the panel in September. Michael Hamilton, Senior Policy Manager at NHS Prescription Services (part of NHSBSA) took questions from Pharmacy Voice members at the National Pharmacy Association HQ in St Albans on Wednesday 7th December. Pharmacy Voice spokesperson Gareth Jones said, “There was a frank discussion with NHS Business Services Authority about the shortcomings of the current prescription payment arrangements and we made it clear that there must be rapid and radical improvements. To be fair, the NHSBSA representative accepted that accuracy has not always been as it should be and acknowledged the concerns of pharmacy contractors. We were impressed at ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/251/pharmacy-voice-quizzes-nhs-body https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/251/pharmacy-voice-quizzes-nhs-body Thu, 15 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT A new resource has been produced by PSNC to help pharmacists identify what they need to endorse under the new arrangements for unlicensed specials and imports. This flowchart is designed to be easy-to-follow and can be downloaded from www.psnc.org.uk/data/files/Specials_changes/Quick_specials_guide.pdf.   https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/652/unlicensed-specials-and-imports-flowchart https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/652/unlicensed-specials-and-imports-flowchart Thu, 15 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT Macmillan Cancer support has responded positively to new government plans to invest up to £150 million in procuring a new ‘proton beam therapy’ cancer service. Commenting on the plans, Professor Jane Maher, Chief Medical Officer at Macmillan Cancer Support, said, “Plans to invest in a new national ‘proton beam therapy’ service is fantastic news for cancer patients. “As more people survive cancer, breakthroughs are not just about curing cancer but also about reducing the long-term damage to healthy tissues. This is particularly important for children as a large proportion of them experience long-term effects of cancer treatment.”   https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/267/charity-responds-to-new-cancer-service https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/267/charity-responds-to-new-cancer-service Wed, 14 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT Up to 24,000 people with diabetes suffer an avoidable death in England each year, according to a report into mortality from the National Diabetes Audit, published by the NHS Information Centre. The first ever report into mortality from the National Diabetes Audit also found death rates among women aged 15 to 34 with diabetes are up to nine times higher than the average for this age group. The PSNC has issued a response to the new figures, explaining that pharmacy has a role to play in helping people with diabetes cope with their condition. Poor management of a patient's condition; such as not receiving basic healthcare checks, leading an unhealthy lifestyle and not taking medication appropriately, can increase the risk of death from causes including critically high or low blood sugar, heart failure or kidney failure. PSNC Head of NHS Services Alastair Buxton said, “The New Medicine Service can save lives by preventing non-adherence ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/540/many-diabetics-suffering-avoidable-death https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/540/many-diabetics-suffering-avoidable-death Wed, 14 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT Pharmacy Voice is calling on the Government to strengthen the Sustainable Communities Act (2007), as an official report warns that high streets have reached crisis point. Television presenter Mary Portas was asked by the Government to look into the future of Britain’s high streets. In the report, released today, she warns that many high streets are “sickly and others are on the critical list.” Mike Holden, speaking for Pharmacy Voice said, “Pharmacies provide employment for local people and also act as anchors for economic activity, so helping to sustain a commercially viable high street. Furthermore, secure health infrastructure is important to maintain resilient communities, in towns, cities and rural locations. Pharmacies are not only an integral part of the NHS family but also an essential community facility and an important component in many neighbourhood economies.” “We are pleased that Mary Portas’ report has put the health of high streets higher ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/796/pharmacy-body-responds-to-high-street-report https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/796/pharmacy-body-responds-to-high-street-report Tue, 13 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT A new website and information service has been launched to help parents when they need to give medicines to their children at home. Called Medicines for Children and written by paediatricians, pharmacists, parents and carers, the new website provides answers to the questions parents are asking about how and when to give medicine and addresses common concerns about possible side effects and dosing. Helpful leaflets produced by Medicines for Children are also available on the site and to order in print. Information on more medicines is in production and suggestions from parents and professionals on topics not yet covered are welcomed. National children’s charity, WellChild, the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH), and the Neonatal and Paediatric Pharmacists Group (NPPG) formed a partnership to provide this important new resource in response to concerns from parents. Dr William van’t Hoff, Consultant Paediatrician at Great Ormond Street Hospital, who is on the panel driving this ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/574/new-site-on-medicines-for-parents https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/574/new-site-on-medicines-for-parents Tue, 13 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT Health Secretary Andrew Lansley has unveiled plans to invest up to £150 million in procuring a new cutting-edge ‘proton beam therapy’ radiotherapy cancer service. Proton beam therapy (PBT) is a type of radiotherapy, which uses a precision high-energy beam of particles to destroy cancer cells. The treatment is particularly suitable for complex childhood cancers. PBT increases success rates and reduces side-effects, such as deafness, loss of IQ and secondary cancers. At present, people in need of proton beam therapy are sent abroad – either to Switzerland or the USA. However, for many patients with cancer, travelling abroad is inappropriate because it is an additional worry and they require other treatments alongside proton beam therapy. Health Secretary Andrew Lansley said, “We want to make sure that cancer services in England are world class and that NHS patients receive the best quality treatments that are available. “This investment will ensure that Britain remains at the ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/574/thousands-to-get-new-cancer-laser-treatment https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/574/thousands-to-get-new-cancer-laser-treatment Tue, 13 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT PSNC has published an updated summary of the NHS Community Pharmacy Contractual Framework for people who are not familiar with the work of community pharmacy. The document may, for example, be used by LPCs and community pharmacists to brief local authority staff and councillors on pharmacy services. It complements a briefing aimed at local authority staff and councillors on public health services provided by community pharmacies. The summary and briefing are both available on the PSNC website at www.psnc.org.uk/news.php/1195/updated_cpcf_summary_published.   https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/348/psnc-updates-community-pharmacy-summary https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/348/psnc-updates-community-pharmacy-summary Mon, 12 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT Diabetes UK today made a direct call for the government to put diabetes at the top of the health agenda, as new figures from the Department of Health revealed that up to half of people with diabetes in England are missing out on the basic health checks recommended by NICE. The NHS Atlas of Variation in Healthcare, published today, reports that two thirds of people with Type 1 diabetes (68%) and almost half of people with Type 2 diabetes (47%) did not receive all the nine recommended healthcare checks between 2009 and 2010. This shows almost no improvement from when the Atlas was first published in 2010, when it stated that 68% of people with Type 1 and 49% of people with Type 2 diabetes failed to receive the relevant healthcare checks. The level of care received also varied greatly depending on where people lived. People with Type 1 diabetes were found to ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/170/charity-calls-for-action-on-diabetes https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/170/charity-calls-for-action-on-diabetes Mon, 12 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is telling consumers that natural does not always mean safe following a safety notice issued for FSC Black Cohosh 1000mg capsules, an unlicensed herbal remedy commonly used to relieve menopausal symptoms. The MHRA has asked the manufacturer to remove the product from the market because it does not have the appropriate authorisation as a medicine and contains 50 times the approved dose for menopausal complaints. The product also had insufficient labelling detailing safety information and side-effects. It has been found online and is thought to be sold in independent health food shops. Since 1998 the MHRA has received 50 suspected adverse reaction reports associated with various unlicensed black cohosh products. Whilst rare some of these reactions have included jaundice, liver problems and hepatitis. There are black cohosh products with a traditional herbal registration (THR) available for the relief of menopausal symptoms which come with a ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/652/safety-notice-issued-for-menopausal-remedy https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/652/safety-notice-issued-for-menopausal-remedy Fri, 09 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT The English, Welsh and Scottish boards of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) have responded to a report looking at the impact of the Responsible Pharmacist regulations. The report was commissioned by the RPS in conjunction with the Professional Forum of the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland (PSNI). Both organisations strongly believed that it was the right time to gather evidence and take stock of the impact of the responsible pharmacist regulations on pharmacy practice. The findings will help support the Society’s response to the future consultation on supervision. The RPS and PSNI research will be used to identify whether further change to pharmacy practice is warranted to optimise the safe and effective pharmaceutical care. More information on the report is available from www.rpharms.com/professional-empowerment/responsible-pharmacist-impact-research.asp.   https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/398/rps-responds-to-responsible-pharmacist-report https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/398/rps-responds-to-responsible-pharmacist-report Fri, 09 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT People who take bisphosphonates after joint replacement surgery are less likely to need a repeat operation, finds a new study published on bmj.com. A team of researchers, led by Professor Nigel Arden at the University of Oxford, tested whether bisphosphonate use is related to improved implant survival time by using data from the General Practice Research Database. They identified all patients over the age of 40 undergoing hip or knee replacement surgery from 1986-2006 for osteoarthritis. Patients who were prescribed bisphosphonates at least six months before revision surgery were defined as bisphosphonate users. Non-users were defined as those who were never prescribed bisphosphonates or who had their first prescription after revision surgery. Factors that could affect the results, such as age, sex, body mass index (BMI), smoking status, alcohol intake, use of calcium and vitamin D supplements, and previous fractures were also taken into account. Patients were tracked for a maximum of 15 years ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/975/supplement-may-help-after-joint-surgery https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/975/supplement-may-help-after-joint-surgery Thu, 08 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT Children born just a few weeks too early are significantly more likely to have behavioural and/or emotional problems in the pre-school years, suggests research published online in the Archives of Disease in Childhood. It is well known that children born very premature (under 32 weeks) tend to have significantly more behavioural and/or emotional problems than children born full term, but it has not been clear what impact birth just a few weeks too early might have. Dutch researchers therefore decided to investigate the issues, basing their findings on more than 1,500 children whose behaviour and emotional development were assessed at the age of 4, using validated tests. All the children were part of a long term study looking at the growth, development, and general health of children born prematurely (The Longitudinal Preterm Outcome Project or Lollypop). Just under 1,000 children were born between 32 and 35 weeks of pregnancy, classified as “moderately premature,” ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/301/more-behavioural-problems-in-kids-born-early https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/301/more-behavioural-problems-in-kids-born-early Thu, 08 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT The GPhC are concerned that a small but significant minority of pharmacists and technicians are yet to renew their registration and are urging anyone who is yet to renew their registration to do so now. The current figures for those yet to renew across Great Britain stand at: • Pharmacists 1356 (3.2%) • Technicians 192 (2.1%) • Premises 588 owned by 381 owners (4.5% out of a total 13167)   GPhC registrations can be renewed either through the myGPhC portal (this can be accessed via www.pharmacyregulation.org) or by getting in touch with the GPhC contact centre on 020 3365 3400 or info@pharmacyregulation.org. The deadline for renewal is two months before the expiry of the current registration period.   https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/204/gphc-renewal-reminder https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/204/gphc-renewal-reminder Wed, 07 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT More than 100,000 cancers are being caused by smoking, unhealthy diets, alcohol and excess weight, according to new research by Cancer Research UK. This new review of cancer and lifestyle in the UK is the most comprehensive undertaken to date and has been published in a supplement to the British Journal of Cancer. Smoking is far and away the most important lifestyle factor causing 23% of cancers in men and 15.6% in women (nearly one in five cancers). Overall the review shows that 45% of all cancers in men could be prevented, compared with 40% of all cancers in women. Professor Max Parkin, a Cancer Research UK epidemiologist based at Queen Mary, University of London, and the study’s author, said “Many people believe cancer is down to fate or ‘in the genes’ and that it is the luck of the draw whether they get it. “Looking at all the evidence, it’s clear that around 40% ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/652/many-cancers-caused-by-lifestyle-factors https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/652/many-cancers-caused-by-lifestyle-factors Wed, 07 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT Macmillan has published a new report, Improving Access?, praising the Cancer Drugs Fund in England for improving access to vital medicines for thousands of cancer patients. The key findings of the report include: • The fund has helped more than 7,500 cancer patients including people with rarer cancers access drugs that are not available on the NHS. • The fund is paving the way for a much better understanding of the clinical effectiveness of drugs to treat rarer cancers by the increase in off-label drugs being approved by funding panels. • The regional approach to the fund has resulted in significant variation in the number of applications made and application approval rates across the different areas. • There is concern that once the Cancer Drugs Fund ends in 2014 and the new Value-Based Pricing system is introduced, there are no plans to ensure cancer patients receiving treatment from the Fund will continue to have access ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/652/macmillan-report-on-cancer-drugs-fund https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/652/macmillan-report-on-cancer-drugs-fund Tue, 06 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT New research shows being physically fit could have more of an impact on your health than controlling your weight. The study involving nearly 15,000 men revealed that maintaining or improving fitness levels was associated with a lower risk of dying, even if body weight increased or did not change. Researchers also found that increased fitness, measured over a period of six years, was associated with a 19 per cent lower risk of heart and circulatory disease. Their work was recently published in Circulation, a journal of the American Heart Association. The British Heart Foundation has commented on the research. Doireann Maddock, the charity’s Senior Cardiac Nurse, said, “The heart health benefits of physical activity are well known and this study highlights just how important it is to stay active. “But this research certainly shouldn’t encourage anyone to ignore the importance of keeping to a healthy weight. If you’re overweight or obese you’ve a higher ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/204/physical-fitness-has-major-impact-on-health https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/204/physical-fitness-has-major-impact-on-health Tue, 06 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT Macmillan Cancer Support responds to the Prime Minister’s announcement to consult on proposals on a new ‘early access scheme’ which will put new treatments in NHS hospitals more quickly. Mike Hobday, Director of Policy and Research of Macmillan Cancer Support, says, “There are still types of cancers, such as lung and brain, where the increase in median survival over recent years has been tragically low. Recently, Macmillan released a report showing that patients with these cancers had not experienced the major improvements in their survival expectancy that patients with, say, colon cancer had done. “We warmly welcome any step that gives cancer patients, especially ones with rarer cancers, a better chance of access to vital treatments that their doctors believe could improve the quality of their lives, or gives them more time with their families and friends. That is also why in our new report, released today, we praise the Cancer Drugs ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/752/charity-welcomes-early-access-scheme https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/752/charity-welcomes-early-access-scheme Mon, 05 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT PSNC has welcomed the All Party Pharmacy Group’s (APPG) inquiry into medicines shortages as it publishes survey results demonstrating the impact of the problem on patients and pharmacists. An online survey of 647 pharmacists revealed that 89% felt problems had not improved in the last three months. From a list of branded manufacturers, contractors highlighted Boehringer Ingelheim, Lilly UK, Lundbeck and Novartis in particular for being associated with problem branded products. PSNC Chief Executive Sue Sharpe said, “Patients and pharmacists have had to suffer for too long with no improvement in this very worrying situation. PSNC welcomes the All Party Pharmacy Group's inquiry and will submit evidence, including this survey data, on behalf of pharmacy contractors. The Government must listen to and act upon the recommendations from this inquiry by MPs. “PSNC is seeking to work closely with the Department of Health and other stakeholders, including representatives of pharmaceutical wholesalers, to put a stop ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/637/no-improvement-in-supply-chain-for-many https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/637/no-improvement-in-supply-chain-for-many Mon, 05 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT Pharmacy Minister Earl Howe’s statement this week that clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) must work closely with pharmacists is highly significant, according to Pharmacy Voice, which has been lobbying the House of Lords on this specific point. In a Lords debate on amendments to the Health and Social Care Bill, the Minister stated, “The [NHS Commissioning] Board and CCGs will certainly have to work closely and effectively with all the providers with which they contract. I would say that this most certainly would include pharmacists. Effective commissioning will require the full range of clinical and professional input.....clinical commissioning groups will be required to obtain advice appropriate for enabling them to effectively discharge their functions from a broad range of healthcare professionals.” Pharmacy Voice chief executive Rob Darracott said, “At last there is an explicit Government commitment on the parliamentary record that clinical commissioning groups must draw on the advice of pharmacists ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/799/obligation-to-involve-pharmacy-significant https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/799/obligation-to-involve-pharmacy-significant Mon, 05 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) has put together a Q&A on its recent parliamentary activity on decriminalisation to ensure its members remain informed. This explains the background to the process, how the amendment will help and what it will mean for pharmacists and patients. It can be accessed at http://www.rpharms.com/decriminalising-dispensing-errors/qandasdecriminalisation.asp.   https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/862/rps-answers-questions-on-decriminalisation https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/862/rps-answers-questions-on-decriminalisation Fri, 02 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT A consultation into relaxing the restrictions placed on the work that can be undertaken by HIV positive healthcare workers has been launched by Chief Medical Officer Dame Sally Davies, following a review by a group of leading experts. The Expert Advisory Group on AIDS, the UK Advisory Panel of Healthcare Workers Infected with Blood-borne Viruses and the Advisory Group on Hepatitis jointly examined evidence around the risk of HIV transmission from healthcare workers with HIV to patients. They found that there have been no reported transmissions of HIV from healthcare workers even though there have been investigations involving 10,000 patients who were tested for HIV. They also found that few other countries have such tight restrictions as the UK does. Under the current system, healthcare workers diagnosed with HIV are not allowed to perform most surgical or dental procedures. These restrictions will remain in place until the outcome of the consultation is decided. The ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/752/consultation-on-hiv-positive-healthcare-staff https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/752/consultation-on-hiv-positive-healthcare-staff Thu, 01 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) has today launched a new report focusing on joint decision-making between professionals and patients. Called Involvement, Shared Decision-Making and Medicines, the report was written by Professor Alan Cribb. Commenting on his work, he said, “Despite wide acceptance of increased patient involvement as best practice there remains a significant gap between policy ideal and the reality on the ground. The need to bridge this gap has become more apparent with the current government placing patient involvement firmly at the centre of health policy.” The paper raises the need of greater clarity about the range of different purposes and agendas in the area of medicines and patient involvement. It argues that referring to different purposes under a single heading such as "shared decision-making" is often unhelpful and masks the diversity of approaches needed to tailor involvement to specific circumstances and cases. This then prompts questions about systems re-thinking and systemic ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/477/rps-launches-joint-decision-making-report https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/477/rps-launches-joint-decision-making-report Thu, 01 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT Four UK charities have joined forces to urgently campaign for a potentially sight-saving drug to be made available for people with diabetic macular oedema (DMO) after the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) turned down an appeal for it to be used on the NHS. Diabetes UK, JDRF, the Macular Disease Society (MDS) and the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) are urging the manufacturer of Lucentis, Novartis, to rapidly agree a patient access scheme with the Department of Health and NICE. According to Diabetes UK, such a scheme would reduce the cost of this treatment to the NHS and ensure the maximum number of people with DMO can benefit from the treatment without delay. At least 50,000 people in the UK are affected by DMO, a serious eye condition which can lead to sight loss as a result of fluid leaking from the small blood vessels in the eye. Traditionally ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/154/charities-campaign-for-sight-saving-drug https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/154/charities-campaign-for-sight-saving-drug Wed, 30 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT Policies aimed specifically at men are urgently needed to improve the health of Europe’s men, experts on bmj.com have said. Professor Alan White at Leeds Metropolitan University and colleagues whose have produced a new report, The State of Men’s Health in Europe, which shows marked differences in health outcomes between men, which are strongly related to their biology, culture, and socioeconomic realities. Right across Europe working age men have significantly higher mortality rates than working age women, particularly in Eastern Europe, which means too many avoidable premature deaths, with a heavy toll on families, communities and economies. However, the Report’s most significant and pressing finding is the marked differences in health outcomes between men in different social classes living in the same country, largely influenced by social determinants such as education and employment. In every country, men in the lowest socio-economic groups have the poorest health of all. The authors argue that public health ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/154/policies-needed-to-improve-mens-health https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/154/policies-needed-to-improve-mens-health Wed, 30 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT The Liberal Democrat peer Lord Clement Jones has tabled an amendment to the Health and Social Care Bill to end the automatic criminalising of dispensing errors. The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) worked with Lord Clement Jones to ensure the amendment was tabled after other avenues had been exhausted. The Society will be lobbying all major groups within the House of Lords to ensure support is gained from all sides of the House. Martin Astbury RPS President said, "The issue of automatic criminalisation has been a burden to pharmacists for far too long. "The Society and pharmacists have been patient in waiting for a resolution, but we have now seized the initiative to ensure that we use the opportunity presented by the Health and Social Care Bill to resolve this issue for our members and their patients. "This is not an easy route and there is an arduous legislative process ahead. We will ask ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/844/initiative-to-decriminalise-dispensing-errors https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/844/initiative-to-decriminalise-dispensing-errors Wed, 30 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT The Council for Healthcare Regulatory Excellence (CHRE)is seeking stakeholder views on the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland (PSNI). The CHRE is the overarching, independent body overseeing the work of healthcare professional regulatory bodies across the United Kingdom.   Each year it carries out a performance review of the regulatory bodies and report its findings to Parliament.   As part of this year's review, it is seeking the views of third party stakeholders and would like to hear about the experiences individuals may have had with the PSNI in 2011.   The PSNC has encouraged interested parties and stakeholders to respond to the invitation for third party feedback.   Anyone interested in doing so should visit the CHRE website at http://www.chre.org.uk/yourviews/443/ and leave feedback before 16th December.   https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/894/views-sought-on-psni https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/894/views-sought-on-psni Tue, 29 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT Concerns have recently been raised with NHS Employers and PSNC about the payment structure that supports the recently introduced New Medicine Service. NHS Employers and PSNC are now looking into the concerns raised as a matter of urgency. In the meantime the PSNC has said it would encourage contractors to continue to deliver the NMS in order to support the development of the service and maximise the benefit to patients.   https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/540/concerns-over-nms-pay-structure https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/540/concerns-over-nms-pay-structure Tue, 29 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT The NHS Information Centre has published the General Pharmaceutical Services in England. The publication contains information about services provided by community pharmacies in England in contract with Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) to dispense NHS prescriptions between 2001-2002 and 2010-11. Key facts include: • NHS Business Services Authority reports show that there were 10,951 community pharmacies in England at 31 March 2011, compared to 10,691 at 31 March 2010, an increase of 260 (2.4 per cent). There has been an increase of 12.3 per cent (1,195) since 2001-02. • The number of prescription items dispensed by community pharmacies in England in 2010-11 was 850.7 million compared to the 80.7 million items dispensed by GPs and 5.8 million by appliance contractors. This was an increase of 37.3 million (4.6 per cent) from 2009-10 when the figure for community pharmacies was 813.3 million. There were 538.3 million prescription items dispensed in 2001-02. • The number of dispensing fees received by ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/301/information-on-services-in-england-published https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/301/information-on-services-in-england-published Mon, 28 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) has introduced a new equality, diversity and inclusion scheme. Under the Equality Act 2010, the GPhc has a duty to promote equality, not just to protect minority groups from discrimination, but to do what it can to ensure that, regardless of age, disability, race, sexuality, religion or other protected characteristics, all patients have equal access to pharmacy services. The scheme was finalised after the GPhC conducted a formal consultation, which ended in September 2011. Chief Executive, Duncan Rudkin, said, “We’re not looking to put requirements on registrants. We want to influence pharmacy as well as regulate it and this is one of those areas where helping people to see the business case for good equality and diversity practice is really powerful. Because, in the end, it’s about providing the best possible service to all patients and customers – whatever the setting, meeting their needs in the best possible ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/170/new-equality-diversity-and-inclusion-scheme https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/170/new-equality-diversity-and-inclusion-scheme Mon, 28 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) is looking for feedback on new draft guidance on obtaining consent, confidentiality, raising concerns and maintaining professional boundaries. Pharmacists have until the 15 December to share their thoughts on the guidance. More information can be found at www.pharmacyregulation.org/get-involved/taking-view.   https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/574/gphc-seeks-views-on-draft-guidance https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/574/gphc-seeks-views-on-draft-guidance Fri, 25 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT A survey has found that 88% of people think that drug manufacturers should be under a legal obligation to guarantee uninterrupted supply of life saving prescription medicines in the same way that water and electricity companies are under a legal obligation to provide a minimum level of service to customers. The results of the Pharmacy Voice survey were released a day after MPs debated the issue of medicines supply in the House of Commons. Speaking at the debate, Labour MP Huw Irranca-Davies, said pharmacists were spending increasing time calling suppliers to replenish stocks. He said: "If they are doing that they aren't doing the front-of-counter service we want in terms of helping people with minor ailments." Pharmacists are worried that if a solution is not found urgently then there will be a serious risk of significant patient harm. Ian Facer, Chairman of Pharmacy Voice said, “Medicines are not ordinary items of commerce, because ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/298/calls-for-tougher-rules-on-drug-manufacturers https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/298/calls-for-tougher-rules-on-drug-manufacturers Fri, 25 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT The Operating Framework for the NHS in England for 2012/13 has been published. The document outlines how the NHS will develop over the coming year. PSNC Chief Executive Sue Sharpe said, “What this document emphasises above all is the pressure the NHS is under to improve its financial standing. Making better use of pharmacy is a huge part of that, and the most important thing for us to do over the coming year is to prove the value of the New Medicine Service and targeted Medicines Use Reviews.” PSNC Head of NHS Services Alastair Buxton said, “Community pharmacy can support the Government’s objectives on long term conditions and public health, in reducing unplanned hospital admissions and in creating resilience in the provision of care. A high volume of good quality NMS and MUR will tick a number of these boxes and consequently provision of these services alongside current obligations should be our ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/154/201213-operating-framework-published https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/154/201213-operating-framework-published Fri, 25 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has issued drug alerts to hospitals, clinics and wholesalers about some batches of the cancer drugs Busilvex and Velcade, used to treat bone marrow cancer, following a precautionary recall concerning a theoretical risk of contamination. The European Medicines Agency’s (EMA) Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) recommended the precautionary recall of both drugs following an inspection of a United States manufacturing site that highlighted several quality assurance problems in the sterilisation process. Full details of the drugs recalled can be found at www.mhra.gov.uk/NewsCentre/Pressreleases/CON135026.   https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/975/cancer-drugs-recalled https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/975/cancer-drugs-recalled Thu, 24 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT A simple device that filters out airborne asthma triggers during sleep can ease persistent symptoms of the condition during the day and improve quality of life, suggests new research published online in Thorax. The filter, called temperature controlled laminar airflow treatment, or TLA for short, is designed to deliver a constant, slightly cooled airflow in the patient’s breathing area. The device displaces warmer air containing irritants and allergens, such as house dust mite and pet hairs, which may set off the patient’s asthma if inhaled. To investigate the effectiveness of TLA, the researchers conducted a study involving 281 non-smokers aged between 7 and 70, from six European countries. All of them had poorly controlled atopic (allergic) asthma. Of these, 189 slept with a TLA device (Protexo) just above their bed for a year. The remainder were given a dummy device. A validated score was used to assess quality of life before and after the ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/126/device-may-ease-asthma-symptoms https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/126/device-may-ease-asthma-symptoms Thu, 24 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) is encouraging people to follow the instructions on their medicines and the advice of their pharmacist after researchers have found that taking slightly more paracetamol than is recommended can cause significant damage over time. The research, conducted by the University of Edinburgh and the Scottish Liver Transplantation Unit looked at data from 663 patients admitted to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh between 1992 and 2008 with paracetamol-induced liver injury. Staggered overdoses accounted for admissions of 161 patients. Leyla Hannbeck, Head of Information Services at the NPA said, “Paracetamol is a commonly used and safe medicine but like others it can harm as well as heal if taken inappropriately. Before taking any medicine, people should carefully read the patient information leaflet and follow any instructions given to them by their pharmacist or GP. Adults can take 1-2 tablets of paracetamol 4-6 hourly, up to four times a day ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/878/npa-responds-to-new-painkiller-research https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/878/npa-responds-to-new-painkiller-research Thu, 24 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT Representatives from across the country recently gathered in Manchester for the annual LPC Conference. This year an audience of over 200 delegates met on 22nd November and discussed a wide range of issues including pharmacy funding, prescription pricing and the contractual framework. Speeches from the conference and the resolutions made during it can be found on the PSNC website at www.psnc.org.uk/news.php/1182/lpc_conference_2011.   https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/571/annual-lpc-conference-held https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/571/annual-lpc-conference-held Wed, 23 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) has responded to new research on paracetamol published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology Commenting on the study, Professor Roger Knaggs, spokesperson on pain management for the Royal Pharmaceutical Society said, "This research re-enforces the message that paracetamol is a safe drug but can be harmful if dosage instructions are ignored. “If people experience pain and paracetamol doesn't help, rather than thinking a "top up" dose may work, they should consult their pharmacist for alternative pain control or referral to someone who can help with the cause of the pain. “The message is clear: if you take more paracetamol than is recommended, you won't improve your pain control, but you may seriously damage your health. “At this time of year people should also take care with combination cold and flu products which may have paracetamol as one of the ingredients. It’s easy to take more than intended ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/380/rps-responds-to-paracetamol-report https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/380/rps-responds-to-paracetamol-report Wed, 23 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT The Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has published a report on the optimal doses of paracetamol for children. The new dosing guidelines for paracetamol were first introduced on 6th June 2011, but the report has only been posted on the site now. There has been be no withdrawal of medicines since the change was not prompted by safety concerns. This means that the drug will continue to be labelled and packaged with the old doses until stocks are exhausted. The new packs will be available from the end of 2011. Until then, the RPS has advised pharmacists to tell parents and carers that they can continue to safely use the doses and advice printed on the existing packaging. The MHRA’s report can be found at http://www.mhra.gov.uk/Safetyinformation/Safetywarningsalertsandrecalls/Safetywarningsandmessagesformedicines/CON134919. Pharmacists seeking more advice can RPS Support team or call on 0845 257 2570.   https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/251/mhra-publishes-paracetamol-dosage-report https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/251/mhra-publishes-paracetamol-dosage-report Tue, 22 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT The illegal online pharmacy industry was dealt a significant blow with the sentencing of two men at Harrow Crown Court today. Aziz Ahmed, 48, of Beaver Lane, Hounslow and Benjamin Newsome, 37, of May Avenue, Doncaster were yesterday sentenced to a total of 24 months. Aziz Ahmed received a custodial sentence of 18 months for conspiracy to supply counterfeit medicines. He also received a custodial sentence of nine months for possession of class C drugs with intent to supply Benjamin Newsome received a six month custodial sentence for conspiring to supply counterfeit medicines. He also received one month for possession of the class B drug Methylphenidate and conspiring to supply an unlicensed erectile dysfunction drug. All of these sentences are to run concurrently. The sentencing follows a two-year investigation dubbed Operation Aimee by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), which uncovered the sale of large quantities of counterfeit medicines and controlled drugs. From ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/477/illegal-online-pharmacies-dealt-a-blow https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/477/illegal-online-pharmacies-dealt-a-blow Tue, 22 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT Pharmacy Voice has welcomed the All-Party Pharmacy Group’s (APPG) announcement that they will hold a full-scale inquiry into the continuing problem of shortages of NHS medicines. The group has called for written evidence and witnesses to attend evidence sessions and will produce a report containing its conclusions and recommendations for action by government and other parties. Mike Holden said, “Problems with the supply chain are now longstanding and widespread and show no realsign of improving. We look forward to working with the group and feeding in the work we are currently undertaking on this matter as well as continuing to press for a publicservice obligation. In the meantime, the proper course is for everyone involved in the supply chain to co-operate, with all eyes fixed firmly on the needs of patients.” More information on the inquiry can be found at www.appg.org.uk/Medicine-Shortages.htm.   https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/699/appg-announces-medicine-shortage-inquiry https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/699/appg-announces-medicine-shortage-inquiry Mon, 21 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT A new study has highlighted the worrying lengths that Brits will go to when it comes to losing weight. According to research conducted by The Co-operative Pharmacy, one in 10 people would starve themselves to lose weight and another one in 20 would consider bariatric surgery such as a gastric band to shed the pounds. Disturbingly, the number of those willing to go hungry in the 18-21 year-old age group almost doubled to nearly one in five. Weight loss clubs were most popular among with those in their mid to late thirties. While the top way to lose weight was dieting, a significant number of people questioned were willing to consider drastic weight loss options now or in the future. However, the majority of them did not know their Body Mass Index (BMI). Almost one in 20 classed themselves as obese and a third believed that they were overweight. Those who classed ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/126/people-turning-to-drastic-weight-loss-methods https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/126/people-turning-to-drastic-weight-loss-methods Mon, 21 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT Cancer Research UK will join forces with international research groups from the UK, Europe and the US to launch an initiative to boost the development of new treatments for patients with rare cancers. The new alliance, called the International Rare Cancers Initiative (IRCI), was announced by Dr Harpal Kumar, chief executive of Cancer Research UK, at the 2011 World Cancer Leaders’ Summit in Dublin. Cancer Research UK and the National Institute for Health Research Cancer Research Network (NCRN) in the UK, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) in the US, and the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) will all be taking part in the initiative. It will design and fund clinical trials of treatments for rare cancers. Initially the IRCI will focus on designing clinical trials for five cancer types: salivary gland cancer, small bowel adenocarcinoma, gynaecological sarcoma, ocular melanoma (melanoma of the eye) and penile cancer. In addition, it is ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/702/cancer-charity-to-join-new-research-alliance https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/702/cancer-charity-to-join-new-research-alliance Fri, 18 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT The independent NHS Future Forum, a group of the country’s top health experts, has published its interim advice on integrated care, patient information and public health in a modern NHS, after listening to thousands of NHS staff, patients and the public as well as voluntary sector organisations. The advice follows a request from the Prime Minister earlier this year for the NHS Future Forum to continue its successful dialogue and consider certain key themes with staff, patients and the public. The interim advice and recommendations published today are aimed at informing the 2012/13 NHS Operating Framework and the plans around a new public health system. The advice stresses that information about health and social care services must be published in a transparent and usable form and patients must have better access to health care records. It also calls for a national partnership across the NHS and public health. The final reports, which will also ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/799/nhs-future-forum-report-published https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/799/nhs-future-forum-report-published Fri, 18 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT New research from the British Medical Association has provided strong evidence that smoking in vehicles exposes non-smokers to very high levels of second-hand smoke. The findings suggest drivers and passengers in a smoke-filled car are exposed to 23 times more toxins than used to be found in a smoky bar, mainly because of the enclosed nature of vehicles. The British Heart Foundation (BMF) has commented on the research. Smoking is one of the major causes of heart and circulatory disease, and research shows non-smokers who live with smokers have a greater risk of heart disease than those who don’t. Maura Gillespie, the BMF’s Head of Policy and Advocacy, said, “Passengers in smoke filled cars, including children, breathe in more pollutants than anywhere else. “There is already clear evidence that passive smoking increases the risk of a number of serious health problems. Children especially need to be protected from the damaging effects of other people ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/301/smoking-in-cars-exposes-people-to-many-toxins https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/301/smoking-in-cars-exposes-people-to-many-toxins Thu, 17 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT A nationwide information service to help keep everyone safe and well this winter has been launched by the Chief Medical Officer, Professor Dame Sally Davies. The online hub will provide regular updates about the increased demand on the NHS during the cold winter months and offer practical advice on keeping well when the weather is very cold. It is the second year that Winterwatch has been available and, for first time, it will also publish information about flu, pressure on A&E and hospital statistics in one place. This will provide an invaluable source of information for health and social care professionals around the country. Figures released today show that 29% of healthcare workers are currently vaccinated compared to only 11% this time last year. Although this shows a positive increase in the early uptake of the vaccination, the numbers are still too low and more work needs to be done. Dame Sally Davies, the ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/527/new-site-to-help-keep-people-well-this-winter https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/527/new-site-to-help-keep-people-well-this-winter Thu, 17 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT A high childhood IQ may be linked to subsequent illegal drug use, particularly among women, suggests research published online in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health. The researchers based their findings on data from just under 8,000 people in the 1970 British Cohort Study, a large ongoing population based study, which looks at lifetime drug use, socioeconomic factors, and educational attainment. The IQ scores of the participants were measured at the ages of 5 and 10 years, using a validated scale, and information was gathered on self-reported levels of psychological distress and drug use at the age of 16, and again at the age of 30 (drug use only) . By the age of 30, around one in three men (35.4%) and one in six women (15.9%) had used cannabis, while 8.6% of men and 3.6% of women had used cocaine, in the previous 12 months. A similar pattern of use was found ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/204/high-iq-linked-to-drug-use https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/204/high-iq-linked-to-drug-use Wed, 16 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT Pharmacy Voice has warned that consent issues may be deterring some patients from enrolling on the New Medicine Service (NMS), although, overall, feedback from the pharmacy frontline has been positive about the service. Rob Darracott, Chief Executive of Pharmacy Voice said, “Pharmacists and their teams understand the benefits of the NMS and have demonstrated a zeal to deliver positive results in the weeks since the launch. Independents and multiples are telling us that they have made a good start and that patients are reporting satisfaction with the additional opportunity to discuss their new medicines. The great work pharmacists have always done helping patients get the most from their medicines is now being recognised and rewarded and this is very satisfying for the professionals involved. “More patients would have benefited by now were it not for the patient consent process, which is unnecessarily bureaucratic. The consent forms can be a barrier to ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/671/admin-should-not-get-in-the-way-of-nms https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/671/admin-should-not-get-in-the-way-of-nms Wed, 16 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT Sanofi has said that the interruption to the supply of Apidra (insulin glulisine) OPTISET and SOLOSTAR prefilled pens and CLIKSTAR reusable cartridges following a production problem at their factory will continue for longer than they initially expected. They have informed Diabetes UK that they now anticipate a return to stock in March 2012, which is longer than the anticipated date of December 2011 given when the charity first reported the problem. None of the other Sanofi insulin products (Lantus, Insuman) have been affected. Supplies of Apidra insulin vials continue to be available. Diabetes UK has published advice on its website directed towards patients affected by the issues, saying, “To help make sure that as many patients as possible can obtain the medicines they need, please don’t ask your doctor or nurse for a new prescription of Apidra until you are reaching the end of your supply. “When you have a prescription, take this to ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/139/continued-disruption-to-supply-of-apidra https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/139/continued-disruption-to-supply-of-apidra Wed, 16 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT Strong early data on the New Medicine Service (NMS) has led the PSNC to declare its launch a success. Six weeks since the service went live, thousands of interventions have been recorded on PharmaBase and PMR systems. Based on feedback from LPCs and pharmacy contractors, PSNC estimates that approximately 70% of pharmacies are ready to provide the service. PSNC Head of NHS Services Alastair Buxton said, "The early signs PSNC have received following the NMS launch have been highly positive. We're way ahead of where we were six weeks after the launch of MURs, and we know that with the NMS, we'll have data from PharmaBase to prove that the service is being delivered and is working. "The multiples have been able to roll out the NMS very quickly, as have a large number of independents. Pharmacists I've spoken to have told me that the administration workload is manageable, feedback from patients and ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/618/new-medicine-service-launch-a-success https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/618/new-medicine-service-launch-a-success Tue, 15 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT The National Pharmacy Association’s information department has been fielding a high number of calls for pharmacists trying to get to grips with the new specials arrangements. Leyla Hannbeck, Head of Information at the National Pharmacy Association said, “Pharmacies were only given a short amount of time to get their heads around the new specials tariff and this has created a lot of confusion. Last week, we spent nearly 230 hours answering member’s telephone enquiries – one of our highest records ever. The spike in calls is clearly accounted for by the queries about the new specials tariff, with popular questions being about the difference between specials products, where to get a certificate of conformity, how to keep records of specials and queries regarding broken bulk.” To support members, the NPA has produced a question and answer document on specials tariff which can be downloaded from www.npa.co.uk.   https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/941/npa-deals-with-increase-in-specials-queries https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/941/npa-deals-with-increase-in-specials-queries Tue, 15 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT Good progress is being made in taking forward Healthy Living Pharmacy (HLP) pathfinder areas across England. 20 pathfinder areas representing 30 PCTs with support from Local Pharmaceutical Committees are now being supported to implement HLPs. This is an important step in determining whether the results obtained in Portsmouth can be replicated in other parts of the country with different demographics. Over 200 Healthy Living Champions are now known to have achieved their Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH) qualification and the first HLPs from within pathfinder areas are expected to be up and running in the next couple of months. At recent masterclasses held for the successful pathfinders in October and hosted by the HLP Pathfinder Support Group, there was considerable enthusiasm and motivation from the pathfinder sites to make this initiative a success. Pathfinders were able to share ideas, suggest additional resources and understand what is required of them, including data collection ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/380/healthy-living-pharmacies-making-progress https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/380/healthy-living-pharmacies-making-progress Mon, 14 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT Alcohol Concern has launched the Charter for a World Free of Alcohol Harm to mark Alcohol Awareness Week 2011 (14-20th November). Based on the World Health Organisation’s alcohol statement, the charter sets out four core beliefs that underpin all the charity’s work. These are: • Society: Everyone has the right to enjoy life free from the effects of alcohol harm - at home, work or in the community, and everyone has the right to be free of the pressure to drink and to be supported when they choose not to. • Young people: All children and adolescents have the right to grow up in an environment protected from the promotion of alcohol and the negative consequences of alcohol consumption. • Drinkers: Anyone who develops a problem with alcohol – as well as members of their family - has the right to accessible advice, treatment and care. • Information: Everyone has the right to objective and independent information and ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/204/alcohol-concern-publishes-new-charter https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/204/alcohol-concern-publishes-new-charter Mon, 14 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT Diabetes UK’s forum, Diabetes Support, is celebrating its third birthday this World Diabetes Day on the 14th November. Since being launched in 2008 the site has grown rapidly with more than 300,000 posts. It’s designed to bea place where users can share their personal experiences of living with diabetes and support others with the condition. The forum now has over 5,300 users of all ages who share information on everything diabetes related; from information on complications, to what care to expect from your healthcare team. The forum has proved an invaluable resource to those who use it, many of whom say they never previously had the chance to talk to other people with the condition. One member, Alan Eastwood said, “I’ve been a member of the forum since it started, and in that time I’ve seen it grow from a few people to several thousand. Some members stay for a few posts, perhaps just ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/490/diabetes-forum-celebrates-third-anniversary https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/490/diabetes-forum-celebrates-third-anniversary Fri, 11 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT EU-qualified pharmacists can become the responsible pharmacist for a newly established pharmacy following a change in the law. Previously they had been restricted from doing this under what was known as the “three year rule”. This meant EU-qualified pharmacists could not be the responsible pharmacist in premises that had been registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council for less than three years. This change to the law also allows ‘Visiting pharmacists’ entered in Part 4 of the register to be the responsible pharmacist in any registered pharmacy premises.   https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/314/three-year-rule-removed https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/314/three-year-rule-removed Fri, 11 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT The Royal Pharmaceutical Society has endorsed a new report ‘Safer Prescribing in Prisons: a guide for clinicians’ published by the RCGP. Chair of the Secure Environment Pharmacists Group Cathy Cooke is co-author of the report. She said, “Prisons are complex environments with challenging populations. “The involvement of a pharmacist experienced in secure environment practice can mitigate risks and endure cost-effective use of the most appropriate medication.” “Medicines are frequently diverted and misused in prisons. The guidance identifies the most problematic drug groups and considers some of the key issues, linking these to national guidelines and evidence to support prescribing decisions.” The guidance is for all prescribers working in prisons, but will also be useful to primary care prescribers working with addiction and forensic problems and those treating patients in secondary care who will return to a custodial setting. It is available at www.rpharms.com/news-story-downloads/prescribinginprison.pdf.   https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/527/rps-endorses-new-prison-prescribing-guide https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/527/rps-endorses-new-prison-prescribing-guide Fri, 11 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT To mark World Diabetes Day on Monday 14th November, Diabetes UK will be holding two live chats with trained Diabetes UK Careline staff so patients can discuss their diabetes questions. There will be a live chat on the charity’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/diabetesuk) between 12.30 and 13.30. A one-hour live Twitter chat will also be held from 17.00, using the hashtag #dukchat. The Diabetes UK Careline is the only dedicated diabetes helpline in the UK. The confidential helpline is staffed by trained counsellors who can provide information on living with diabetes, as well as the time to talk things through.   https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/925/diabetes-uk-to-hold-live-chats-with-patients https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/925/diabetes-uk-to-hold-live-chats-with-patients Thu, 10 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT The Patients Association has launched a new report, detailing sixteen accounts of poor hospital care heard by its Helpline in the last year. Called “We’ve been listening, have you been learning?”, the report contains accounts of care received by patients in hospitals across the country, focusing on four key fundamentals of care-communication, access to pain relief, assistance with toileting and help with eating and drinking. The accounts show that patients continue to be failed in these key areas. Cases in the report include- • Jessie Thayer, whose daughters despaired at the failure of nurses to attend to her basic hygiene needs whilst she was a patient at Frimley Park Hospital. • Helena Grimwood, who whilst being treated at Southend Hospital was often left ‘desperately thirsty’ according to her daughter, who also said nurses neglected her toileting needs. • Brian Smith, whose wife alleges that she had to run out into the corridor screaming for help as her ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/493/new-report-criticises-hospital-care https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/493/new-report-criticises-hospital-care Wed, 09 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT Bowel screening reduces the number of deaths from bowel cancer in Scotland by more than 25%, says new research presented at the National Cancer Research Institute (NCRI) Cancer Conference in Liverpool on 9th November. Researchers in Scotland found that bowel cancer deaths were cut by 27% among those who had attended screening compared with those who did not. Bowel cancer screening uses the faecal occult blood test (FOBt) which is mailed to people to carry out at home. People post a series of small stool samples to a lab to be tested for traces of hidden blood which could be an early sign of bowel cancer. The study, funded by the Scottish Government Health Department, is the first to show the real impact of using the FOBt in a population-based screening programme. The results confirmed the findings of randomised controlled trials which were conducted when FOBt was proposed as a method of screening for ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/781/bowel-screening-reduces-cancer-death https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/781/bowel-screening-reduces-cancer-death Wed, 09 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT People who work in health care are failing to give patients crucial information about the link between obesity and cancer according to new research presented at the National Cancer Research Institute Cancer Conference (NCRI) in Liverpool. Speaking at the conference on 8th November, researchers from Dundee University warned that not enough is being done to prevent obesity related cancers developing or to reduce the risk of cancers returning after treatment, despite obesity being the largest preventable cause of cancer after smoking. Their research explored the acceptability of offering advice about weight loss through changing diet and physical activity for people who had previously had pre-cancerous polyps which had been detected through bowel screening. And another part of the research worryingly found that patients who had been through diagnosis and treatment for bowel cancer had been given very little guidance on post treatment diet, physical activity or weight management. This led to confusion about ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/928/patients-not-getting-crucial-info-on-cancer https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/928/patients-not-getting-crucial-info-on-cancer Tue, 08 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT Asthma UK has responded to reports in the media that both paracetamol and statins could negatively impact on the health of people with asthma. Recent research published in the journal Pediatrics has suggested that paracetamol could worsen asthma symptoms, while a Boots WebMD story has linked statins to the worsening of people's breathing. Responding to the Pediatrics article, Leanne Metcalf, Assistant Director of Research at Asthma UK, said, “At this stage we believe the benefits of using paracetamol far outweigh the potential risks as paracetamol is a safe and effective treatment for pain and fever if given according to the manufacturer’s directions. “Despite the wealth of world-wide research indicating a possible link between the use of paracetamol at various stages of life and an increased risk of developing asthma and other allergic conditions, there is still a long way to go before we can determine whether paracetamol actually causes asthma. Not to ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/571/asthma-uk-responds-to-media-reports https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/571/asthma-uk-responds-to-media-reports Tue, 08 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT Responding to a report from academics at Birmingham University on the effectiveness of commercial interventions to assist with weight loss, PSNC has called for a range of provision to tackle the obesity epidemic. PSNC's Head of Pharmacy Practice Barbara Parsons said, “Obesity is a national epidemic that demands a range of responses. The Birmingham University study demonstrates that there is a role for commercial provision in fighting obesity, but this should only be a part of a much wider response to obesity. “The scale and impact of growing levels of obesity means that we need all parts of the healthcare system to reinforce messages about healthy lifestyles and weight management to the population. “Pharmacies' accessibility gives them a great advantage in reaching people who may not be attracted to commercial schemes and may not visit their GP for a referral. For those people who do not routinely access NHS services, pharmacists may be ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/170/obesity-epidemic-requires-a-mixed-response https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/170/obesity-epidemic-requires-a-mixed-response Mon, 07 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT Representatives from Diabetes UK and the Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Diabetes, Adrian Sanders, have met with the Transport Minister, Mike Penning, to raise concerns about changes to rules on driving with diabetes. A new European directive being implemented by the DVLA means people with diabetes who report two 'severe' hypo episodes in a 12-month period may have their Group 1 licence revoked. Diabetes UK has expressed concern that this is open to misunderstanding. People can often experience hypos when asleep, and the word 'severe' could also be misunderstood as many hypos can be quickly and easily treated with an appropriate snack. Mike Penning MP told Diabetes UK he would be concerned if the numbers of people with diabetes losing their licence was to rise very steeply following the recent changes and that on balance he wanted to enable people to drive. He agreed that there was a need for more ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/220/diabetes-uk-meets-minister-over-driving-rules https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/220/diabetes-uk-meets-minister-over-driving-rules Mon, 07 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT The incidence of cervical cancer in women in their 20s has risen by over 40% between 1992 and 2006 in England, despite the overall incidence of cervical cancer dropping by 30 per cent, according to a new study. The research, funded by Cancer Research UK, was presented at the annual National Cancer Research Institute (NCRI) Cancer Conference in Liverpool on 6th November. It looked at overall trends in cervical cancer incidence in women aged between 20 and 79 years from 1982 to 2006. Its findings showed that, after initially dropping following the introduction of cervical screening in England, the number of women aged between 20 and 29 diagnosed with cervical cancer is now rising in most areas of the country. Yet, for all other age groups, the number of women developing the disease has fallen over the same period. Between 1992 and 1996 around five women aged 20-29 years in every 100,000 (963 ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/605/cervical-cancer-in-young-women-rising https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/605/cervical-cancer-in-young-women-rising Mon, 07 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT Cancer is responsible for killing 40% of all the men and women who die prematurely between the ages of 25 and 74 in the UK, according to a new analysis released by Cancer Research UK. This means cancer causes more untimely deaths than any other disease including coronary heart disease, stroke and AIDS as well as traffic accidents, suicide and murder. Across all age groups (1-85+) cancer kills around 73,000 more people each year than coronary heart disease and around 78,000 more than the respiratory diseases. These three diseases are the main causes of death in the UK. Lung cancer is the biggest cancer killer, causing around 35,000 deaths a year followed by bowel cancer (around 16,000) and then breast cancer (around 11,700). Pancreatic and lung cancer have the lowest five year survival rates – with only around 4 per cent of people surviving pancreatic cancer for more than 5 years and around 7 ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/605/cancer-uks-biggest-premature-killer https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/605/cancer-uks-biggest-premature-killer Fri, 04 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT The General Pharmaceutical Society (GPhC) has published a strategic plan, laying out its ambitions for 2012-2015 to both Westminster and Scottish parliaments. The strategy sets out the following key priorities for the period: • Deliver our core regulatory services in a way that is fit for current and future purpose • Strengthen our capability to measure and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of our operational performance • Communicate and engage effectively with key stakeholders • Anticipate and respond to developments in pharmacy and healthcare • Make sure that we have the right people in place, with the right culture and organisational policies and procedures. Further information on how the GPhC will work to achieve these these ambitions will be detailed in annual business plans. The overall strategy can be found at http://www.scribd.com/doc/71150499/Our-Strategic-Plan-2012-2015.   https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/699/gphc-publishes-three-year-strategy https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/699/gphc-publishes-three-year-strategy Fri, 04 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT The specification for the New Medicine Service in England, published in interim format in May 2011, has now been updated to include all the details agreed between PSNC and NHS Employers. As the service specification has been agreed, it is also possible to publish the Guidance, again, as agreed by PSNC and NHS Employers. These documents have been added to the New Medicine Service section of the PSNC website, www.psnc.org.uk/nms.   https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/398/final-nms-specification-published https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/398/final-nms-specification-published Fri, 04 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT Colgate Periogard 0.2% chlorhexidine mouthwash is being recalled by Colgate-Palmolive as a precaution due to potential bacterial contamination. The bacteria concerned, Burkholderia, are unlikely to cause harm to healthy people but may cause infection in those with a compromised immune system or with chronic lung conditions such as cystic fibrosis. Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) Director of Inspection, Enforcement and Standards, Gerald Heddell said, “For healthy people there should be no problems, however, for some there could be a small potential risk of infection. “If people do have any suspected side effects then they should contact their GP.” Colgate-Palmolive initiated the recall in 11 different countries within Europe and Australasia following a quality defect. Microbiological testing of retained samples from the affected batches confirmed bacterial contamination. The manufacturer’s decision to recall the affected batches was taken to reduce as much as possible any risk to consumers while a full investigation is undertaken. There have been ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/348/colgate-mouthwash-recalled https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/348/colgate-mouthwash-recalled Thu, 03 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) Assembly has started the process for the 2012 National Board Elections by confirming the date that Board members will take office in 2012. On the advice of the returning officers, the effective date for each National Pharmacy Board will be one minute past midnight on the dates below: • Wales Pharmacy Board – Monday 25th June • England Pharmacy Board – Wednesday 27th June • Scotland Pharmacy Board – Tuesday 3rd July These dates are the first Board meetings following the AGM on 12th June 2012. Exiting Board members and Assembly members will leave office therefore on the respective effective date. The election cycle will start on 3rd February 2012. More news from the RPS on the elections will follow soon.   https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/799/build-up-to-2012-rps-elections-begins https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/799/build-up-to-2012-rps-elections-begins Thu, 03 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT Around 4,000 deaths could be prevented every year if the UK population adopted the average diet eaten in England, concludes research published in BMJ Open. The researchers looked at mortality data for coronary heart disease, stroke, and 10 cancers associated with diet, including those of the gullet, bowel, and stomach, in all four UK countries for the years 2007 to 2009 inclusive. They estimated the average intake of 10 dietary components, including energy intake, in each of the four countries, drawn from national representative data from the Family Food Survey for the same period. This data showed that people in Scotland and Northern Ireland consistently ate more saturated fat and salt and fewer fruits and vegetables every day than their English cousins, while the differences between Wales and England were less consistent over the three years. The authors then calculated what differences in death rates could be expected from population changes in average dietary ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/752/average-diet-much-better-in-england https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/752/average-diet-much-better-in-england Thu, 03 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT With GP funding under intense pressure, patient care will be adversely affected unless efficiencies are realised through more effective collaboration across primary care, the PSNC has said. Health Minister Andrew Lansley, speaking to the National Association of Primary Care Annual Conference on the day The Review Body on Doctors’ and Dentists’ Remuneration publishes its Review for 2012, is expected to announce a range of change to GP remuneration. The headline figure is no pay increase for GPs; a 0.5% increase in funding, to cover small wage increases for low paid staff, and target 3.5% efficiencies. PSNC Chief Executive Sue Sharpe said, “We all know that the financial climate is terrible, and all health professionals are suffering. We want to see GPs turning to pharmacies to help them provide care and support services and to realise efficiencies. PSNC is keen to work with NHS and GP colleagues to make this happen. The best ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/812/psnc-responds-to-gp-funding-changes https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/812/psnc-responds-to-gp-funding-changes Wed, 02 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT Pharmacists are being encouraged to get involved in National Self-Care Week, which will run from 14-20th November. This campaign aims to highlight how patients can take more control of their own health. Pharmacists can get involved in it by downloading a poster for their pharmacy from www.rpharms.com/news-story-downloads/a4-self-care-week-poster.pdf. They can also make use of information on self-care on the NHS website at www.nhs.uk/Planners/Yourhealth/Pages/self-care-week-2011.aspx In addition to this, information on keeping medicines safe will also appear on the Royal Pharmaceutical Society’s patient-facing site www.ipharmacist.me on 14 November 2011.   https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/301/national-self-care-week-coming-up https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/301/national-self-care-week-coming-up Wed, 02 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT Diabetes UK has reminded people with diabetes that it is time to get their annual flu immunisation. Cathy Moulton, Clinical Advisor at Diabetes UK, said, "People with diabetes are a high-risk group when it comes to getting flu, so it is crucial that they are vaccinated as soon as possible this autumn. "Having flu can really upset diabetes control and can cause blood glucose levels to fluctuate. This can leave people with diabetes open to many health problems, including complications of flu such as pneumonia and bronchitis. "If you haven’t already been invited for a free flu jab, contact your GP surgery to find out when they are holding clinics." The charity also drew attention to fact that there is a vaccination called Pneumovax available for individuals at high risk of developing pneumonia, including people with diabetes, which can be given at any time of the year. One injection usually lasts for 10 years.   https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/301/people-with-diabetes-urged-to-get-flu-jab https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/301/people-with-diabetes-urged-to-get-flu-jab Wed, 02 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT Children are so concerned about the impact of smoking on their parent’s health that many would go without Christmas presents to get them to quit, according to new research conducted for the Department of Health. The research was published on 1st November. Key findings include: • Over half (54%) of children with a parent who smokes say that their one wish for Christmas is that their Mum or Dad give up smoking. • Almost all (98%) children with a smoking parent wish that they would quit • Almost three quarters (73%) of children with a smoking parent worry about the risk of their parent dying. A further 58% worry about the risk of heart disease. • 94% of children surveyed thought smoking was either stupid (52%) or dangerous (42%). • 88% of children surveyed wished nobody in the world smoked. 90% say they have never tried a cigarette, and 91% say they never will. ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/637/children-very-concerned-about-parents-smoking https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/637/children-very-concerned-about-parents-smoking Tue, 01 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) is supporting Lung Cancer Awareness Month (1-30th November) by working with the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation and the British Oncology Pharmacy Association to increase understanding of the signs and symptoms of lung cancer. Lung cancer is the UK’s biggest cancer killer and awareness of key symptoms is low. More than two-thirds of patients are diagnosed at a late stage and less than 10% of patients survive for 5 years after diagnosis. Graham Phillips, community pharmacist and Board member of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society said, “Early detection leads to faster diagnosis and both are essential to improving survival and saving lives. “The results of an RPS clinical audit on lung cancer published earlier this year provide clear evidence that community pharmacists are recognising relevant symptoms in at-risk patients and making appropriate referrals to their GPs. A relatively high proportion of men (53%) presented with symptoms, reinforcing ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/490/rps-supporting-lung-cancer-awareness-month https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/490/rps-supporting-lung-cancer-awareness-month Tue, 01 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT PSNC has welcomed the publication of a consultation on the NHS (Pharmaceutical Services) Regulations 2012, which will introduce the Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment (PNA) as the basis for decisions on market entry. The regulations, published for consultation today by the Department of Health, will see the PNA based test replace the current ‘necessary or expedient test’ and remove the need for three of the exemptions from the control of entry test, including the 100 hours exemption. PSNC Chief Executive Sue Sharpe said, “PSNC has pressed for urgent action on this issue, and is pleased that the Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment (PNA) is proposed as the yardstick for applications to open new pharmacies. We have strongly supported a planned pharmacy service based on the PNA. We believe a planned service works better for patients, saves money for the NHS, and offers clarity to pharmacy owners. “The decision following this consultation must end the uncertainty on market ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/251/psnc-welcomes-consultation-on-market-entry https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/251/psnc-welcomes-consultation-on-market-entry Mon, 31 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) has launched Ask Your Pharmacist Week 2011 – More than Medicines at a parliamentary reception addressed by Pharmacy Minister Lord Howe. Ask Your Pharmacist Week will run from 7-13th November and is part of the NPA’s ongoing work to showcase community pharmacy as an expert health and wellbeing resource, as well as an effective medicines supply service. Its official launch was attended by MPs, peers, policy makers, patient representatives and pharmacists, and was hosted by Kevin Barron MP, chairman of the All Party Pharmacy Group (APPG) in Westminster. Health Minister Lord Howe said, “I am delighted to support the 2011 Ask Your Pharmacist Week. The two-way dialogue – where patients talk about their concerns and experiences, and pharmacists respond with advice and support - is vital for getting the best out of medicines. So perhaps next year, I'll be here talking about the first "tell your pharmacist" week!” A ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/427/ask-your-pharmacist-week-launched https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/427/ask-your-pharmacist-week-launched Mon, 31 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT The number of people diagnosed with diabetes in the UK has increased by nearly 130,000 to 2.9 million in the past year, according to figures reported by Diabetes UK. The rise is mainly in cases of Type 2 diabetes, which accounts for around 90% of all diagnoses. The charity has therefore urged people to be more aware of the risk factors associated with the condition, which include having a large waist, being aged over 40, having a family history of the condition, or being from Black, Asian or minority ethnic communities Barbara Young, Diabetes UK Chief Executive, said, "The rate of increase of diabetes is growing, with huge human cost and cost to the NHS. The time for action is now. Whilst rates of other serious conditions, including many cancers, heart disease and stroke, are steady or declining, the epidemic of diabetes continues to grow at even faster rates. "Simple things can make a ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/443/diabetes-on-the-rise-in-the-uk https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/443/diabetes-on-the-rise-in-the-uk Fri, 28 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT PSNC is running a short online survey for pharmacy contractors to investigate their experience of ordering branded products. The results will inform ongoing discussions between PSNC and medicine manufacturers. They will be used as an evidence base to talk about problems that have arisen and to promote improvements that could reduce the burden on pharmacies. On top of this, information will also be shared with the Department of Health to support their monitoring of the situation. The survey is available from www.surveymonkey.com/s/FCNHMRG. It will run until November 18th. Anyone who has queries regarding the survey can email Daniel.Ah-Thion@psnc.org.uk or telephone 01296 438469.   https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/637/psnc-runs-survey-for-pharmacy-contractors https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/637/psnc-runs-survey-for-pharmacy-contractors Fri, 28 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT Non-compliant home test kits being bought over the internet to diagnose HIV and other sexually transmitted infections could be giving users inaccurate results, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has warned. The MHRA has recently been made aware of a UK-hosted website selling non-CE marked self-test kits to diagnose HIV and sexually transmitted infections. These devices are not compliant with the Medical Devices Regulations and should not be placed on the UK market. Additionally, in the case of HIV kits, advertising, selling or supplying a home test kit for HIV is illegal under the HIV Testing Kits and Services Regulations 1992. MHRA Clinical Director of Devices, Susanne Ludgate, said: “People may consider using the internet to purchase HIV self-test kits but they need to be aware that it is illegal to supply such devices in this way. “As far as self-test kits for sexually transmitted infections are concerned purchasers should check that ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/891/mhra-warning-about-hiv-internet-test-kits https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/891/mhra-warning-about-hiv-internet-test-kits Thu, 27 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT Taking the pill and having a child both significantly reduce the risk of a woman developing ovarian cancer, according to a new study part-funded by Cancer Research UK. The study, published in the British Journal of Cancer, looked at how various reproductive factors affected the risk of ovarian cancer. Taking the Pill for more than 10 years had the biggest impact on reducing the risk of the disease, followed by getting pregnant and having more than one child. Among women who used the pill for a year or less, the risk of developing ovarian cancer was around 28 per 100,000 per year. For women who took the pill for at least 10 years, this risk fell by about half to around 15 per 100,000 per year. Women who had ever been through a full-term pregnancy had a 29 per cent lower ovarian cancer risk compared with women who had never been pregnant. Among women who ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/314/pill-and-pregnancy-lower-ovarian-cancer-risk https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/314/pill-and-pregnancy-lower-ovarian-cancer-risk Thu, 27 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT The new Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) membership category for pharmaceutical scientists has now opened. Anyone interested in applying, or who would like to recommend a colleagues to join, can find the appropriate application form at www.rpharms.com/online-application-form/membership-category.asp. Victoria Bytel, Head of Membership, said, “I’m delighted we can now open this new membership category. We look forward to welcoming pharmaceutical scientists as members of the RPS and working with them for the benefit of the whole profession.”   https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/396/new-rps-membership-category-opens https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/396/new-rps-membership-category-opens Thu, 27 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT Sanofi-aventis has announced that it will shortly be withdrawing three insulin devices. After 31st December 2011, the OptiSet, OptiClik and OptiPen Pro pens will all no longer be available, as the manufacturer is phasing out its older devices. Commenting on the news, Cathy Moulton, Clinical Advisor at Diabetes UK, said, "We are keen to ensure that people with diabetes are aware that only two Sanofi-aventis pen devices, SoloSTAR and ClikSTAR, will be available for injecting insulin from December 2011 and all older pen devices will be withdrawn. "All healthcare teams have been notified of the withdrawals and so will be able to help with any changes needed. We would advise anyone who has concerns to contact the Sanofi-aventis 24 hour helpline on 0845 606 6887 on how best to make any adjustments."   https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/972/three-insulin-devices-discontinued https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/972/three-insulin-devices-discontinued Wed, 26 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has launched a formal public consultation on the consolidation of UK medicines legislation. The draft consolidated regulations will be presented to interested parties to test that they are complete, accurate, user-friendly and do not introduce unintended changes. However, the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) has criticised the consultation for not including Section 64 of the Medicines Act. RPS President Martin Astbury said, “Section 64 of the Medicines Act, which criminalises single dispensing errors, causes pharmacists a great deal of anxiety and concern. “It’s therefore very disappointing to learn there is a newly identified legal barrier to progress on this matter. “The RPS understands from the MHRA they intend to provide an alternative solution to the decriminalisation issue and we have been promised a further briefing on this in a few weeks time. We look forward to hearing what action is being proposed. “The RPS will continue to press the ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/718/new-consultation-on-uk-medicines-legislation https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/718/new-consultation-on-uk-medicines-legislation Wed, 26 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT A study published on bmj.com has confirmed previous findings that certain oral contraceptive pills are more likely to cause serious blood clots. The authors, led by Dr Øjvind Lidegaard from the University of Copenhagen, have found that women on pills containing one of the newer types of progestogen hormone (drospirenone, desogestrel or gestodene) have double the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) than women on pills containing an older progestogen (levonorgestrel). They reviewed data of the hormonal contraception patterns and first time VTE episodes for all Danish non-pregnant women between the ages of 15 and 49 from January 2001 until December 2009. The participants had no previous record of either blood clots or cancer before the study began. In total, the research team assessed over eight million women years of observation and found that, during this period, there were 4,246 first episodes of VTE. The relative risk of VTE whilst taking the oral contraceptive pill ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/348/contraceptive-pills-linked-to-blood-clots https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/348/contraceptive-pills-linked-to-blood-clots Wed, 26 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT Teens who drink more than five cans of non-diet, fizzy soft drinks every week are significantly more likely to behave aggressively, suggests research published online in Injury Prevention. The researchers based their findings on 1,878 teens from 22 public schools in Boston, Massachusetts. The teens were part of the Boston Youth Survey, a biennial survey of 9th to 12th graders (14 to 18 year olds). The teens were asked how many carbonated non-diet soft drinks they had drunk over the past seven days. Intake was measured in cans (355 ml or 12 ounces), and responses categorised according to quantity. The responses were divided into two groups: those drinking up to four cans over the preceding week (low consumption); and those drinking five or more (high consumption). Just under one in three (30%) respondents fell into the high consumption category. The researchers then looked at potential links to violent behaviour in this group, by asking ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/170/fizzy-drinks-linked-to-violence-by-study https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/170/fizzy-drinks-linked-to-violence-by-study Tue, 25 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT The Nurse Prescribers' Formulary for Community Practitioners (NPF) 2011–2013 has just been published to enable nurses to make the best treatment decisions for their patients. This essential reference guide for nurse prescribers lists what they can prescribe and also provides an overview of some common conditions together with relevant medicines. The new edition contains the latest nurse prescribers’ list and up-to-date information about those medicines. The section on Nicotine Replacement Therapy has been extensively revised, and includes advice on choice of nicotine preparation, cautions, side-effects and dosing guidelines for each formulation available. Key information about paracetamol for children has also been updated to take into account the recent recommendations on more exact dosage from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). The publication also contains details about wound management products and elasticated garments from BNF 62 (September 2011) and Yellow Cards to assist nurses in reporting suspected adverse drug reactions directly to the ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/878/new-nurse-prescribers-formulary-published https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/878/new-nurse-prescribers-formulary-published Tue, 25 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT Over two thirds (70%) of cancer patients are hit financially through increasing costs and lost income as a direct result of their disease, reveals new research by Macmillan Cancer Support. A YouGov survey of 1,495 cancer patients found that two thirds (66%) reported an increase in costs as a result of travelling to hospital and/or an increase in household expenses. Some of their financial situations are so dire that one in six (17%) of those financially affected have been forced to cut back on everyday essentials such as buying food, while one in 20 (5%) skip meals to save money, and nearly one in 12 (7%) are scared of losing their home. Despite many making cutbacks, nearly a third (29%) of those financially affected have spent all or some of their savings, and nearly one in ten (9%) have borrowed money to cover the additional costs of cancer. Unsurprisingly, over two fifths (43%) of ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/590/cancer-patients-often-struggling-financially https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/590/cancer-patients-often-struggling-financially Mon, 24 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT A new Alcohol Concern survey has found that many young people are concerned about the level of alcohol marketing exposure their age group is subjected to and would support for stronger regulation that robustly protects under-18s. The survey questioned over 2300 children and young people. It showed that they: • Support strong regulation of alcohol advertising via traditional media channels. Most young people do not want to interfere with advertisers reaching adult audiences but do want strong protection for under-18s, often calling for more robust regulation than that which currently exists: o 60% want alcohol advertising in the cinema restricted to 18-certificate films only o 58% want alcohol advertising on television limited to after the watershed (9pm) o 59% want alcohol promotion limited only to the areas of supermarkets and off-licences selling alcohol. • Often do not recognise ‘below the line’ alcohol marketing strategies. This is concerning given the recent growth in ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/139/under-18s-concerned-about-alcohol-marketing https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/139/under-18s-concerned-about-alcohol-marketing Mon, 24 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT There is no link between long-term use of mobile phones and tumours of the brain or central nervous system, according to new research published. In the largest study on the subject to date, Danish researchers based at Institute of Cancer Epidemiology in Copenhagen by found no evidence that the risk of brain tumours was raised among 358,403 mobile phone subscribers over an 18-year period. They continued work started in a previous Danish study, which also found no link between the phones and brain tumours. The researchers looked at data on the whole Danish population aged 30 and over and born in Denmark after 1925, subdivided into subscribers and non-subscribers of mobile phones before 1995. Information was gathered from the Danish phone network operators and from the Danish Cancer Register. Overall, 10,729 central nervous system tumours occurred in the study period 1990-2007. When the figures were restricted to people with the longest mobile phone use ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/862/no-link-between-phones-and-brain-tumours https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/862/no-link-between-phones-and-brain-tumours Fri, 21 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT Harrods is launching a special blend of green tea and a signature coffee to help celebrate Macmillan Cancer Support’s 100th anniversary. Every penny from the sale of these exclusive products will go towards Macmillan’s vital work to help improve the lives of people affected by cancer. Bruce Langlands, Director of the Food Halls at Harrods, said, “We’re delighted to be able to help Macmillan Cancer Support celebrate its 100th birthday with the launch of these limited edition caddies. We know our customers will appreciate the opportunity to enjoy this exceptional tea and coffee all in support of Macmillan.” Two million people in the UK are living with cancer, and one in three will be diagnosed during their lifetime. Every tin from this special range of tea or coffee sold will help Macmillan continue providing much needed support. This could be practical help with everyday tasks, financial advice and assistance to help with the unexpected ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/749/harrods-celebrates-macmillans-anniversary https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/749/harrods-celebrates-macmillans-anniversary Fri, 21 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT Diabetes UK is calling on children and teenagers with Type 1 diabetes to help researchers prevent diabetes-related heart and kidney disease. The charity is looking for young people who live near Birmingham, Cambridge, Oxford, Bristol, Manchester, Newcastle, Aylesbury, High Wycombe, Bolton, Northampton, Norwich, Stockport and Wigan. It is asking parents of 10 to 16-year-olds with diabetes from these areas to register their children with a local research centre and supply urine samples to be used in research. Using the collection of samples, new studies will look at ways of improving prevention of heart and kidney problems among people with diabetes. The research, being led by investigators from Cambridge University and supported by Diabetes UK, will also ask many participants to join another study looking at the effects of two medicines, currently used in adults to lower blood pressure and blood fats, which could prevent future risk of other complications in diabetes including stroke ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/844/diabetes-uk-calls-on-young-people-for-study https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/844/diabetes-uk-calls-on-young-people-for-study Fri, 21 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has this week announced a preliminary recommendation to make a once-weekly injectable exenatide (Bydureon) available on the NHS for some people with Type 2 diabetes. Although exenatide is injected, it is not insulin and works in three ways. It helps the body to produce more insulin when it is needed, reduces the amount of glucose being produced by the liver when it is not needed and reduces the rate at which glucose from food is released into the blood. The NICE guidance recommends the treatment be used in conjunction with other diabetes treatments – metformin and a sulphonylurea, or metformin and a thiazolidinedione. Exenatide is recommended for people with Type 2 diabetes whose blood glucose levels are not well controlled and have other risk factors, including a body mass index (BMI) of 35 or above. It can be used in patients with a BMI ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/298/new-treatment-recommended-for-diabetes https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/298/new-treatment-recommended-for-diabetes Thu, 20 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) has started to develop professional standards for hospital pharmacy services. They will be consistent with current regulatory standards and medicines legislation, and provide a single framework that covers patients from admission right through to discharge across multiple care pathways. In order to develop standards that are supportive, realistic and at the same time professionally challenging, the RPS is seeking the active engagement of chief pharmacists and their teams. It is already working with a GB wide advisory group of expert pharmacy practitioners, including the Association of Teaching Hospital Pharmacists (ATHP) and the Guild of Healthcare Pharmacists (GHP). Pharmacists interested in being involved in the development of these standards, or who would like more details about the project please can contact Meghna Joshi at Meghna.joshi@rpharms.com. The RPS hopes to publish the standards by March 2012. It is trying to create a library of high level professional standards which share best practice ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/894/new-standards-developed-for-hospital-pharmacy https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/894/new-standards-developed-for-hospital-pharmacy Thu, 20 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT Cancer Research UK scientists have discovered that switching off a gene called CERT makes breast cancer cells more sensitive to a range of drugs. Their research, published in the Journal of Pathology, could lead to new tests to help doctors determine which breast cancer patients will benefit from chemotherapy by measuring levels of the CERT protein. The study showed that low levels of this protein are associated with a better outcome in women treated with chemotherapy. If confirmed in larger studies it could save women from unnecessary treatment. By switching off the CERT gene, the researchers improved the effects of a range of drugs called taxols (such as paclitaxel) on breast cancer cells. They found that particular cancer cells became more susceptible to a form of cell death called autophagy – where the cell eats itself. This approach specifically targeted polyploid cancer cells, those that contain too many chromosomes. Polyploid cells can lead to ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/317/gene-silencing-may-help-treat-cancer https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/317/gene-silencing-may-help-treat-cancer Thu, 20 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) has updated its seasonal influenza web resource for pharmacists. This platform is intended to keep pharmacists up-to-date with the latest developments for winter 2011/2012, and also to act as a hub of information for the range of influenza related resources produced by government and other bodies. It can be found at www.rpharms.com/public-health-issues/seasonal-influenza.asp.   https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/396/seasonal-influenza-hub-updated https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/396/seasonal-influenza-hub-updated Wed, 19 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT Pharmacy Voice has backed a call made by an MP in the House of Commons for more action on medicine delays. Speaking during Health Questions on 18th October, Labour MP Huw Irranca-Davies pressed the Secretary of State for Health on delays to “life savings drugs for, amongst other things, asthma, diabetes and cancer”. Mr Irranca-Davies, who represents Ogmore in Wales, told Andrew Lansley that pharmacies continue to experience problems obtaining prompt supplies. He asked what more can be done to make sure that manufacturers and wholesalers help pharmacies get the medicines they require to meet the needs of their patients. Responding to his comments, Pharmacy Voice Chairman Ian Facer said, “Medicines supply delays are a real and present danger to some patients. I am dismayed that the Secretary of State failed to take seriously the question posed in Parliament this afternoon. He gave every impression that the matter of supply delays is already solved. ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/944/call-for-action-on-medicine-delays-made https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/944/call-for-action-on-medicine-delays-made Wed, 19 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT NPA Chief Executive Mike Holden has been selected as a member of the new Pharmacy and Public Health Forum. The establishment of the forum was first announced by Ministers in July 2011, and Professor Parish, Chief Executive of the Royal Society for Public Health, was asked to chair. The Forum will provide leadership for the development, implementation and evaluation of public health practice for pharmacy in the Government’s drive to improve the public’s health and will report to the Department of Health and in future to Public Health England. It will lead on developing the pharmacy contribution to public health, taking into account both the Government’s and local public health priorities. The members are as follows: • Sir Stephen Bubb, Chief Executive, ACEVO • Anjella Coote, Boots, Fareham • Rob Darracott, Chief Executive, The Company Chemists Association Ltd • Professor Lindsey Davies, President, Faculty of Public Health • Dr Heather Davison, Development Director, RSPH • ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/126/npa-chief-executive-to-sit-on-new-forum https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/126/npa-chief-executive-to-sit-on-new-forum Wed, 19 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) has endorsed a new online learning centre just launched by the British Oncology Pharmacy Association, (BOPA), which provides pharmacists with modules on topics related to cancer to support their continuing professional development. Topics covered include a prescription verification module, which reflects the guidance already published by BOPA for clinical screening of chemotherapy and a range of early prevention and detection modules produced by the Essex Cancer Network. The prevention and detection modules are targeted at community healthcare assistants and dispensers as well as pharmacists, with the aim of raising awareness of skin, lung and bowel cancer. These modules are part of a larger project by the Essex Cancer Network, which was initially run in 2010 with funds from the National Awareness and Early Diagnosis Initiative The Essex project has now been extended with service improvement monies to include updated training, in the form of e-learning, with the project ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/702/rps-endorses-new-cancer-learning-centre https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/702/rps-endorses-new-cancer-learning-centre Tue, 18 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) must continue its work to improve services ensuring that blood supplies are used appropriately, efficiently and safely, according to a new Department of Health report. Recommendations made in the report, which was published on 18th October, include: • NHSBT continuing to work with trusts to minimise waste and improve management of blood supplies; • Exploring opportunities to improve efficiencies by closer working across the four UK Blood Services; and, • Maximising efficiencies wherever possible – for example purchasing specialist equipment. The report also cites recent findings that, despite improvements in the way that hospitals use blood supplies, around one in five blood transfusions are given when it is not clinically necessary. Public Health Minister Anne Milton said, “NHS Blood and Transplant is one of the most trusted parts of the health service, and is commended for the efficiencies it has already achieved. However, the review shows that further improvements can be ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/490/improvements-needed-in-blood-services https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/490/improvements-needed-in-blood-services Tue, 18 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) held its Chairman’s Triennial dinner last night at the Apothecaries’ Hall in London, an occasion coinciding with the 90th anniversary of the Association. The evening was attended by parliamentarians and senior figures in pharmacy and healthcare across the UK. Professor Richard Parish, chief executive of the Royal Society for Public Health and chair of the new Pharmacy and Public Health Forum was the official Guest Speaker. NPA Chairman, Bharat Patel, said, “Over the decades the NPA has trained hundreds of thousands of staff, answered millions of questions from the pharmacy frontline, given members peace of mind with second-to-none insurance cover, and been there, at all times, ready to support our members whatever their needs. I want to thank every one of our members – old and new, big and small - for coming with us on the journey. The NPA looks forward to supporting you through the ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/139/the-npa-celebrates-its-90th-birthday https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/139/the-npa-celebrates-its-90th-birthday Tue, 18 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT Diabetes UK will be providing expert advice to men when specialist diabetes advisors take part in the Man MOT online clinic, funded by Pfizer. A Diabetes UK Careline counsellor and a clinical advisor will be available to answer queries and concerns in confidence on the evening of Monday 17 October, between 6pm and 10pm. Man MOT was first launched in 2010, in partnership with leading UK health organisations including Diabetes UK, to help men who are currently bypassing the healthcare system through embarrassment or fear of visiting their GP. The online surgery is open every Monday evening between 6pm and 10pm and offers professional health advice in total confidence from qualified GPs on a broad range of health issues. Diabetes UK specialists will be offering advice to men who are diagnosed with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, or those who may have diabetes but don’t know it. It’s estimated there are around 850,000 ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/540/diabetes-uk-to-take-part-in-man-mot https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/540/diabetes-uk-to-take-part-in-man-mot Mon, 17 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT The PSNC has published a new document explaining when individual episodes of the New Medicine Service (NMS) are complete and hence can be claimed for. It had received a number of queries from pharmacists from pharmacists who were confused about the issue. The new document can be found at www.psnc.org.uk/data/files/PharmacyContract/Contract_changes_2011/NMS_-_when_is_it_complete.pdf. The information is also set out in the full NMS service specification.   https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/991/new-nms-guidance-published-by-psnc https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/991/new-nms-guidance-published-by-psnc Mon, 17 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT The RPS has produced guidance and set up a new helpline to assist pharmacists who feel they need to raise concerns about something that is going on in their workplace. It hopes to create an environment where whistleblowing about public interest issues becomes safe for pharmacists, and is encouraged by employers. To this end, it has recently been working closely with the independent charity Public Concern at Work (PCaW). Together, they have published two new pieces of guidance to offer advice on this topic. A document entitled ‘8 core principles for community pharmacy whistleblowing policies and procedures’ has been produced for employers and can be found at /www.rpharms.com/best-practice/8-core-principles-for-community-pharmacy-whistleblowing.asp. For pharmacists, there is a new resource called Raising concerns, whistleblowing and speaking-out safely in pharmacy has been made available. It can be read at www.rpharms.com/best-practice/raising-concerns-whistleblowing-and-speaking-up-safely-in-pharmacy.asp. Additionally the Society has commissioned a dedicated advice line (0800 668 1883) from PCaW to support pharmacists to raise a ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/301/new-whistleblowing-guidance https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/301/new-whistleblowing-guidance Fri, 14 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT PSNC has responded to the new ‘Call to Action’ on obesity from the Department of Health. The ‘Call to Action’ is a new national ambition, aiming to reduce the level of obesity in the UK by 2020. It includes a bid to slash five billion calories off the nation’s daily diet. Commenting on the Call to Action, PSNC Head of NHS Services Alastair Buxton said, “Yesterday’s ‘Call to Action’ by the Department of Health highlights the severity of the obesity problem facing the UK. Pharmacies are well equipped to meet the Secretary of State’s call for a holistic approach to combating obesity, and are ideal candidates to provide public health interventions among some of the most difficult to reach communities. “The New Medicine Service places pharmacies at the front line of supporting patients to manage type 2 diabetes and hypertension, both serious diseases frequently linked to obesity. Opportunistic advice on healthy living can ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/590/psnc-responds-to-obesity-call-to-action https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/590/psnc-responds-to-obesity-call-to-action Fri, 14 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT Community pharmacy has offered to revive the ‘flagging’ NHS Health Checks service, following Department of Health research showing GP practices are unwilling or unable to provide the service. Department of Health research published today shows that only 2.7% of eligible patients have received a check, against a target of 18%. The Health Service Journal reports concern from GPs about the level of funding available for the service, with one CCG representative describing NHS Health Checks as ‘charity work’. NHS Health Checks is a local enhanced service that offers patients a straightforward risk assessment for diseases affecting the vascular system. It can be provided by either pharmacists or GPs. PSNC Chief Executive Sue Sharpe said: “Disappointing take up of the NHS Health Checks service can be linked to commissioners failing to take advantage of the opportunity to commission the service through community pharmacy. With the average person visiting their pharmacy 16 times a year ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/605/pharmacy-offers-to-revive-health-checks https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/605/pharmacy-offers-to-revive-health-checks Thu, 13 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT A group of stakeholders committed to the wellbeing of independent community pharmacies convened recently at the National Pharmacy Association for a wide-ranging discussion on supporting smaller pharmacy businesses across the UK. Groups represented at this meeting, and an earlier one held in June, included Albapharm, Avicenna, Cambrian Alliance, CamRx, Independent Pharmacy Federation, NPA, Numark, Pharmaco2000 and Pharma Plus. One of the main agenda items was Ask Your Pharmacist Week (7-13th November), and the producer of a forthcoming short film about pharmacies was there to pick up the independent perspective on what the key messages to the general public should be. There was also discussion about the idea of an intensive audit of pharmacy interventions that could help record and demonstrate the true value of the independent sector. NPA chairman, Bharat Patel, said, “This roundtable brought together people with insights into the needs of independents and the ability to reach out to them with practical ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/928/npa-stages-stakeholder-meeting https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/928/npa-stages-stakeholder-meeting Thu, 13 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT Alcohol industry campaigns to promote ‘responsible drinking’ have little effect, and may even be counterproductive, according to a new report from Alcohol Concern. The study was written by researchers from Glyndwr and Bangor Universities. They reviewed evidence from across the world and found that alcohol industry health messages are often ambiguous and lack clarity over safe behaviour with regards to alcohol. This is partly because health messages are typically found in the context of adverts that promote drinking as a positive lifestyle choice. The report's authors point out that drinks industry-supported statements and campaigns typically portray alcohol as a neutral product that only causes problems in the hands of irresponsible consumers, whereas the evidence suggests that alcohol is an intrinsically dangerous substance, and that alcohol marketing and distribution require careful regulation and management. The research team, led by Professor Rob Poole at Glyndwr University and Dr Catherine Robinson at Bangor University, concluded that rather ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/217/efforts-to-promote-safe-drinking-flawed https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/217/efforts-to-promote-safe-drinking-flawed Thu, 13 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT The English Pharmacy Board (EPB) has announced greater support for Local Pharmacy Forum's (LPFs) in 2012 at its latest meeting. Speaking after the meeting, EPB Chair Lindsey Gilpin said, “Members have told us that they want a local as well as national structure to help support and develop their practice. After listening to the feedback from those that attended the LPF development day in the summer the English Board has agreed that to provide greater central support and to align the work of RPS both locally and nationally. In order to do this in 2012 we will begin a programme of themed support packages for LPF’s. This will cover the areas of Professional Empowerment, Public Health and Medicines Safety and will provide LPF’s with tools, presentations and briefings for them to take forward local initiatives.” Information on the other items discussed at the October meeting can be found at www.rpharms.com/what-s-happening-/news_show.asp?id=314.   https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/765/epb-pledges-more-support-for-lpfs https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/765/epb-pledges-more-support-for-lpfs Wed, 12 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT The Health and Social Care Bill has passed through the House of Lords on its second reading without being amended. It will now proceed to a normal committee stage in the Lords. A Department of Health spokesperson said, “The vote today moves us one step closer to delivering a world-class health service that puts patients at its heart and hands more power to health professionals. “We now look forward to working with the Lords to scrutinise the Bill during Committee Stage to improve our plans further.”   https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/668/health-bill-progresses-further https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/668/health-bill-progresses-further Wed, 12 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT The NPA has released a comment on the current situation surrounding the cholesterol lowering drug Lipitor. Pfizer announced on 7th October that Teva and other parties have agreed not to sell Teva UK’s generic version of Lipitor (atorvastatin) in the UK before its patent expiry in May 2012. The NPA has advised members wishing to return stock bought from AAH or Phoenix, that these wholesalers have agreed to accept returns on Teva’s behalf and to credit the purchase cost of the returned stock. NPA chief executive, Mike Holden, said, “We are relieved that the uncertainty over the sale of generic atorvastatin has finally been resolved. Our members acted in good faith and have had to deal with a problem that was not of their making. We are pleased to have played a part in engaging all parties to focus on the needs of pharmacy.” NPA members requiring more information can contact the NPA Information ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/621/npa-comments-on-lipitor-situation https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/621/npa-comments-on-lipitor-situation Wed, 12 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT The charity is calling for changes to be made to the Health and Social Care Bill as it moves to the House of Lords today to ensure people with diabetes do not fall through gaps in care that could open up in the market-based reforms. It wants a statutory requirement for the new NHS Commissioning Board and Clinical Commissioning Groups to report annually on how they are fulfilling their duty to promote integration of services to ensure healthcare providers work together in the best interests of patients. In particular, it believes that the new economic regulator, Monitor, needs to be given a stronger requirement to give integration of services priority over competition issues. The charity has also said it will be pushing for stronger amendments to be added to the Bill to make sure competition does not impact on integration of care. It plans to call for guarantees to ensure people will be ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/637/charity-calls-for-health-bill-changes https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/637/charity-calls-for-health-bill-changes Tue, 11 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT People with HIV have a 15 years longer life expectancy thanks to improved treatments over the past 13 years, according to a new study published on bmj.com. UK researchers found that the life expectancy of these patients improved significantly between 1996 and 2008, and that earlier diagnosis and timely treatment can increase life expectancy. The study was carried out by researchers led by Dr Margaret May of the University from Bristol’s School of Social and Community Medicine. They used data on 17,661 patients from the UK Collaborative HIV Cohort (UK CHIC) study to estimate life expectancy of people treated for HIV infection and compare it with that of the UK general population. Their analysis revealed that life expectancy for an average 20-year-old infected with HIV increased from 30 years to almost 46 between the periods 1996-9 and 2006-8. The findings also showed that life expectancy for women treated for HIV is ten years’ higher ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/364/life-expectancy-for-hiv-patients-improving https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/364/life-expectancy-for-hiv-patients-improving Tue, 11 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT The British Heart Foundation (BHF) has launched a new booklet specifically for the Polish community. ‘Dbaj o zdrowe serce – Informacje dla Polaków’ is a practical resource to help Polish people look after their heart health and reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD). As well as examining the risk factors that can increase the likelihood of developing CVD, the booklet shows small lifestyle changes which can make a big difference to heart health. The BHF’s BME Project Manager, Ali Orhan, said “Whilst information about heart disease and its risk factors is widely available throughout the UK, it’s not always easily accessible to the Polish speaking community. "This booklet is a much needed source of information to help Polish people make the right lifestyle choices, reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease and protect their heart health”. For more details about this booklet and to download or order a copy, please visit the BHF ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/217/new-heart-health-booklet-for-polish-people https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/217/new-heart-health-booklet-for-polish-people Mon, 10 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT Some of the nation’s best loved agony aunts have joined forces with the sexual health charities Brook, FPA (Family Planning Association), Terrence Higgins Trust, and MedFASH to call on the government to protect vital sexual health services. All four of the charities involved in the campaign have recently lost services integral to local communities’ needs. For example, the FPA Speakeasy parenting, sex and relationships education programme in England has been discontinued, and other charitable and NHS services are facing an uncertain future. In light of these cuts, the coalition of agony aunts and charities are therefore calling for sexual health services to be improved and expanded rather than cut or reduced. A statement from the group said, “During economic uncertainty, sexual health services are often seen as easy targets – they’re more likely to go first or lose more of their funding compared to others. Good sexual health is essential to physical and ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/862/campaign-to-save-sexual-health-services https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/862/campaign-to-save-sexual-health-services Mon, 10 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT People in lower paid jobs are more pessimistic about the benefits of diagnosing cancer early and more scared than affluent people to see a doctor about an unusual symptom, new research shows. The Cancer Research UK-funded study, published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention on 7th October, concluded that people from lower socio-economic backgrounds tended to be the most fatalistic about cancer. Researchers interviewed over 2,000 British adults and analysed their attitudes towards early detection and seeing a doctor about worrying symptoms. Overall, most people were realistic about cancer survival, believing that half of those diagnosed with cancer survive their disease for at least five years. But people from the lowest socio-economic section of society were less likely to believe that cancer could be cured. On average they believed that only 26% of people diagnosed with cancer survive their disease for at least five years. Study author Dr Rebecca Beeken from the Cancer Research UK ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/941/new-study-on-attitudes-to-cancer https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/941/new-study-on-attitudes-to-cancer Fri, 07 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT Most UK men misjudge the size of their waistline, according to a new survey carried out by three major health charities. The average estimated waist size of nearly 1,000 men in the survey was 35.8 inches, but this is 2.1 inches slimmer than the actual English average (37.9 inches) and 2.2 inches smaller than the Scottish average (38 inches). Worryingly, nearly nine out of ten (87%) men in the survey did not know how to measure their waists, with a staggering 47% of men incorrectly believing they can get away with measuring just above their hips. A meagre one in eight (13%) knew the correct method, which involves measuring at the midpoint between their ribs and the top of the hips. The survey was carried out by British Heart Foundation, Diabetes UK and Cancer Research UK to tie in with the launch their joint Active Fat campaign. The campaign aims to raise awareness of ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/671/most-men-misjudge-the-size-of-their-waistline https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/671/most-men-misjudge-the-size-of-their-waistline Fri, 07 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT The English Pharmacy Board of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society has welcomed the launch of the New Medicines Service (NMS) in pharmacies across England. English Pharmacy Board Chair Lindsey Gilpin said, "The New Medicine Service (NMS) demonstrates how community pharmacists can actively support patients with structured pharmaceutical care, something that is completely in line with the Society’s own vision for the profession.   "It is the practical embodiment of a role that pharmacists have always undertaken, but this intervention will be rewarded directly and is a step closer towards a quality and outcome based framework in the future. We are fully committed to helping our members deliver a high quality service. “Resourcing frontline pharmacists who provide the NMS is essential. The service is funded with new income, therefore resource must be available to enable pharmacists to implement it. "I have every confidence that the profession, like the Society, will do everything in its power to ensure ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/364/rps-welcomes-launch-of-nms https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/364/rps-welcomes-launch-of-nms Thu, 06 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT Fair-skinned people who burn quickly in the sun may need to take supplements to ensure they get the right amount of vitamin D, a new study has found. Cancer Research UK-funded researchers at the University of Leeds found that people with very pale skin may be unable to spend enough time in the sun to make the amount of vitamin D the body needs. They also suggested that melanoma patients may need vitamin D supplements for the same reason. The study defined the optimal amount of vitamin D required by the body as at least 60nmol/L. However at present there is no universally agreed standard definition of an optimal level of vitamin D. The researchers took the vitamin D levels of around 1,200 people and found that around 730 people had a sub-optimal level. Those with fair-skin had significantly lower levels. Professor Julia Newton-Bishop, lead author of the study based in the Cancer Research UK ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/217/fair-skinned-people-may-need-vitamin-d https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/217/fair-skinned-people-may-need-vitamin-d Thu, 06 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT Asthma UK has released a statement encouraging people with asthma to get vaccinated against seasonal flu. Cher Piddock, Asthma Nurse Specialist at Asthma UK, says, ‘Following the latest advice from the Department of Health, Asthma UK is urging people with asthma to speak to their GP about having the seasonal flu vaccination. “People with asthma should be invited to their GP practice from October onwards to receive the vaccine but if this has not happened, they are advised to contact their GP practice to book an appointment. At Asthma UK, 90% of people with asthma tell us that their asthma is triggered by colds and flu. The flu vaccination is free to people who are most susceptible, including those with asthma.”   https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/446/people-with-asthma-urged-to-get-flu-jab https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/446/people-with-asthma-urged-to-get-flu-jab Thu, 06 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT Diabetes UK has responded to new research which claims to have found a way to reverse diabetes in mice. The study was carried out by researchers from the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and published recently in the journal, Cell Metaboliam. It identified a naturally occurring compound, called nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) that can restore normal blood glucose control in mice with diabetes. NMN is made by all cells in the body, and plays a key role in regulating how cells use energy. The researchers have suggested that the discovery could one day lead to a potential treatment for Type 2 diabetes, but did acknowledged that they do not know if the same mechanism plays an equally important role in humans. Responding to the study, Dr Iain Frame, Director of Research at Diabetes UK, said, "The idea that Type 2 diabetes will be cured or prevented by taking a simple pill is ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/618/new-research-reverses-diabetes-in-mice https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/618/new-research-reverses-diabetes-in-mice Wed, 05 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT Health Secretary Andrew Lansley today announced help for patients with rare diseases, whose doctors may not be able to provide them with unlicensed or ‘off label’ medication. Most drugs are licensed for use in conditions where the drug manufacturers are able to recruit enough patients into clinical trials and where they will yield enough sales to justify running the trial. This presents a consistent problem for patients with rare diseases, whose access to medication is limited because not enough patients are available to run a clinical trial. Similarly, NICE cannot normally appraise drugs outside their licensed indication, which means they cannot be recommended for use on the NHS. At local level, the NHS often does not have the evidence it needs to make an informed decision. Evidence on the scale of the problem is limited, but it is estimated that around 1,000 specific requests for off-label drug use are made to NHS commissioners in ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/941/help-for-patients-who-need-unlicensed-meds https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/941/help-for-patients-who-need-unlicensed-meds Wed, 05 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT There are significant variations in the number and type of organ donations made across all four UK countries, reveals new research published online in BMJ Open. The research team analysed data from NHS Blood & Transplant for all four UK countries for the period 1990 to 2009, and compared data on registration and donation from other European countries. They looked at rates of donation for kidney, liver, heart, lung and cornea per million of the population. Wales consistently outperformed its UK neighbours, both in terms of the percentage of people registered and its organ donation rate, which has been higher than the UK average for most of the past 20 years. England, which has the third highest number of the population registered, only managed a higher than average organ donation rate for three of the past 20 years. Yet Northern Ireland, where donor registration is the lowest of the four countries, outperformed England ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/618/organ-donation-varies-greatly-across-uk https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/618/organ-donation-varies-greatly-across-uk Tue, 04 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT More than 260 experts and senior doctors, including 40 directors of public health, have written to the House of Lords expressing concerns over the Health and Social Care Bill. In their letter, published in the Daily Telegraph on 3rd October, they said that the bill will do "irreparable harm to the NHS, to individual patients and to society as a whole".   In response, a Department of Health spokesperson said, “Our plans to modernise the NHS will give patients more choice, root out waste and give trusted NHS staff more power to improve care. “A group of the country’s top doctors and NHS experts have already analysed the Health Bill and we have accepted all their recommendations to improve it. Many GPs and other doctors have also already spoken out in support.” The letter is available on the Daily Telegraph’s website as well as in the print edition of the paper.   https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/443/senior-doctors-express-health-bill-concerns https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/443/senior-doctors-express-health-bill-concerns Tue, 04 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT A new toolkit has been launched by Macmillan cancer support to help employers support people with cancer, and their carers, in the workplace. Called The Essential Work and Cancer Toolkit, it features an employer’s guide produced in collaboration with the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). It also includes posters and booklets for people with cancer and their carers and top tips for line managers. The toolkit aims to give employers a better understanding of the physical, emotional and financial impact of a cancer diagnosis, as well as practical guidance on how to manage employees with cancer and information on how people with cancer are protected by the Equality Act. Each year, over 100,000 people of working age are diagnosed with cancer in the UK and many of the UK’s six million carers are looking after a friend or relative with cancer. Ciarán Devane, Chief Executive at Macmillan Cancer Support, said, “With the ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/765/toolkit-to-help-support-people-with-cancer https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/765/toolkit-to-help-support-people-with-cancer Tue, 04 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT Pharmacy Voice is encouraging the government to carefully consider the public’s perception of public and private services when opening up NHS services to any qualified provider. In their consultation response to the Open Public Services White Paper, Pharmacy Voice makes reference to a Pharmacy Voice survey conducted earlier this year which showed: • Nine in 10 (88%) of people regard GP practices as public bodies. Only one-third (32%) regard their local pharmacy in the same way, despite the fact that the vast majority of a pharmacy’s income is derived from the provision of NHS services. Like GP practices, pharmacies are independent contractors to the NHS. • Asked to attribute certain characteristics to the public or private sector, the majority said that the public sector is “caring”, “reliable” and “accountable”. The majority also said the private sector is “entrepreneurial”, “risk-taking”, “responsive”, “corporate”, “professional” and “money-focused”. Rob Darracott, Chief Executive of Pharmacy Voice said ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/590/pharmacy-voice-responds-to-consultation https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/590/pharmacy-voice-responds-to-consultation Tue, 04 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT People are playing Russian roulette with their lives every year by not protecting themselves against seasonal flu, the Chief Medical Officer has warned. Statistics, released to coincide with the flu vaccine becoming available on 3rd October, revealed that 87% of people get vaccinations against tropical diseases before travelling abroad, but only half of under 65s who were advised to get the seasonal flu jab took it up last year. This is despite the fact that seasonal flu can also be life-threatening. Chief Medical Officer Professor Dame Sally Davies said, “A five minute appointment to have the flu jab could save your life. Flu can be a serious illness – particularly for those in at risk groups. It can result in a spell in hospital, and sadly, flu can kill. The best way to protect yourself is to be vaccinated. “There is no reason not to get vaccinated. It takes five to ten days for ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/618/millions-urged-to-get-flu-vaccine https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/618/millions-urged-to-get-flu-vaccine Mon, 03 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT The National Pharmacy Association’s Information Department has been handling a last minute surge in enquiries about the New Medicine Service (NMS) as pharmacists and their teams get to grips with its implementation. Leyla Hannbeck, Head of Information at the National Pharmacy Association said, “In the week leading up to the 1st October launch date, we have handled over 500 calls on the NMS and targeted MURs with the most popular queries being around consent forms, record keeping, clarification of the NMS funding process and clinical information on the four target conditions. “We have also received numerous requests for the NPA NMS support pack. It’s important that pharmacists and their staff feel confident in delivering the service and this is why we have made our NMS resources freely available on our website and have distributed an implementation pack to thousands of pharmacies across England.” NPA’s NMS resources are available to download online at http://npa.co.uk/Information-Services/New-Medicine-Service-NMS/ The ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/364/npa-handles-surge-in-enquiries-about-nms https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/364/npa-handles-surge-in-enquiries-about-nms Mon, 03 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT Diabetes UK is working with Tesco Diets in a new partnership that will help raise awareness of the importance of healthy eating and weight management. Tesco Diets will also aim to raise £100,000 through the ‘lbs for £s’ scheme, where £1 will be donated for every 1lb lost by a Tesco Diets member. The campaign is also supported by TV presenter Ruth Langsford, and ex-England cricketer and Strictly Come Dancing winner Darren Gough. The proceeds of ‘lbs for £s’ will be donated to Diabetes UK and the Diabetes Federation of Ireland. More information on Tesco Diets and the campaign is available www.tescodiets.com.   https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/427/diabetes-uk-and-tesco-diets-partnership https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/427/diabetes-uk-and-tesco-diets-partnership Mon, 03 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT Diabetes UK is working with Tesco Diets in a new partnership that will help raise awareness of the importance of healthy eating and weight management. Tesco Diets will also aim to raise £100,000 through the ‘lbs for £s’ scheme, where £1 will be donated for every 1lb lost by a Tesco Diets member. The campaign is also supported by TV presenter Ruth Langsford, and ex-England cricketer and Strictly Come Dancing winner Darren Gough. The proceeds of ‘lbs for £s’ will be donated to Diabetes UK and the Diabetes Federation of Ireland. More information on Tesco Diets and the campaign is available www.tescodiets.com.   https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/621/diabetes-uk-and-tesco-diets-partnership https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/621/diabetes-uk-and-tesco-diets-partnership Mon, 03 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT The the Centre for Pharmacy Postgraduate Education (CPPE) has launched a new workshop called Confidence in consultations skills to coincide with the launch of the New Medicines Service (NMS). Pharmacists attending the workshop will be taught: • the key skills and different consultation skills models you can apply to your consultations; • how to make sure you really listen to the patient and put them at the centre of the consultation; • how to address barriers within the consultation. Anyone who would like to find out more about the event can do so by logging on to the CPPE website and visiting the ‘events in my area’ section.   https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/699/cppe-consultation-skills-workshop https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/699/cppe-consultation-skills-workshop Fri, 30 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT A module to support the New Medicine Service (NMS) has been launched on the PSNC’s online platform for community pharmacists, PharmaBase. The module includes the following features: – patient registration – printing consent forms – scheduling interventions and follow ups using a pharmacy calendar – printing a patient information leaflet and appointment reminder – creating a task list of patient reminders to be provided prior to appointments – recording the mandatory dataset for the intervention and follow up – creating NMS Feedback forms to refer patients back to their GP practice – an ‘NMS dashboard’ to allow the pharmacy team to keep track of their NMS activity during the month – creating the quarterly reports for PCTs It should be freely available to all pharmacy contractors.   https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/348/pharmabase-nms-module-launched https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/348/pharmabase-nms-module-launched Fri, 30 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT Cancer Research UK scientists are investigating whether beta-blockers hold the key to preventing breast cancer spread and improving survival. Dr Des Powe, from Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, is currently working in collaboration with scientists from Belfast and Germany to investigate the issue. In a previous study, published last year in the journal Oncotarget, the researchers already found that out of 466 breast cancer patients those taking beta blockers before their operation for breast cancer were less likely to die several years after their treatment. This research built on early findings in the laboratory that showed a biological mechanism by which beta-blockers can stop cells moving and cancer from spreading. Dr Des Powe said, “Cancer can be thought of as having two distinct phases - before and after the disease has spread. Many women will be successfully treated for their initial breast tumour but in some, the original tumour leaves a legacy – a ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/590/beta-blockers-may-help-prevent-cancer-spread https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/590/beta-blockers-may-help-prevent-cancer-spread Fri, 30 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT More than £5 million worth of counterfeit and illegal medicines has been seized across the globe as part of a week-long international crackdown on the illicit internet trade in pharmaceuticals. Called Operation Pangea IV, it ran between 20–27 September with 80 countries participating. It resulted in 55 people being arrested, or placed under investigation, worldwide. It also saw an estimated 13,500 illegal online pharmacy websites being shut down. The operation was co-ordinated by INTERPOL, but carried out with the assistance of police, customs and national medicines regulators across the globe. In the United Kingdom, enforcement officers from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), with assistance from local police, arrested 13 people and raided 16 addresses in connection with the illegal internet supply of medicines. In conjunction with the UK Border Agency, the MHRA seized more than one million doses of illegal medicine worth approximately £2 million, including 52,000 doses of counterfeit pills. MHRA ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/749/international-crackdown-on-illegel-med-sales https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/749/international-crackdown-on-illegel-med-sales Thu, 29 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT Pharmacy Voice has begun a series of ‘Lightening the Load’ scrutiny panels, at which regulators, NHS bodies and executive agencies are quizzed about their impact on community pharmacies. First to take the hot seat were representatives from the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC), who came in front of the panel on Tuesday, exactly one year after GPhC’s establishment. Hugh Simpson (Director of Policy and Communication) and Hilary Lloyd (Director of Regulatory Services) took questions from Pharmacy Voice members at the National Pharmacy Association HQ in St Albans. Pharmacy Voice chief executive, Rob Darracott, said, “We had a frank exchange with GPhC about irritations such as the rolling register. We also asked for their assurances that there would be minimum duplication with other agencies, such as the Care Quality Commission and PCTs (or whatever replaces them). We don’t want a GPhC inspector coming though the front door of a pharmacy to inspect premises 10 minutes ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/251/pharmacy-voice-holds-scrutiny-panels https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/251/pharmacy-voice-holds-scrutiny-panels Thu, 29 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT The Department of Health is inviting pharmacies across England to distribute Quit Kits to smokers in a nationwide campaign running from January to March next year.   The kits will contain some practical tools and advice which are designed to help people quit smoking.   PSNC is supporting this campaign and has briefed LPCs so that they can discuss with their PCTs the possibility of including the Quit Kits in their local health promotion campaigns available through the community pharmacy contractual framework.   The 2012 campaign is designed to build on the success of this year’s Quit Kit campaign in which more than 3,700 pharmacies across England took part. It was found that patients who received the kits had a 70% quit success rate.   Order lines are open from 3rd October and all contractors who decide to participate in the campaign can order their Quit Kits by calling 0800 678 3173.   Any pharmacy interested in supplying these kits ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/702/quit-kit-campaign-to-help-smokers https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/702/quit-kit-campaign-to-help-smokers Thu, 29 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT Pharmacy organisations have been extolling the virtues of the New Medicine Service (NMS) ahead of its launch on October 1st.   In a joint press release, Pharmacy Voice, the RPS and the PSNC highlighted how it will help to reduce the cost of wasted medicines and improve patient health.   The release drew attention to recent bmj research which showed that just 10 days after starting their medicine a third of patients were not taking it as intended, and two-thirds were experiencing at least one problem with it and also needed more information about it.   Under NMS, patients will be offered three consultations with a pharmacist over a period of four weeks if they start a new medicine for asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or are given blood-thinning medicines.    Professor Nick Barber, who led the bmj research, said, "Patients who are starting a new medicine, which they may be on ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/781/benefits-of-nms-highlighted https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/781/benefits-of-nms-highlighted Wed, 28 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT Testing for the human papillomavirus (HPV) as part of cervical screening reduces the number of women unnecessarily going on for further tests by over a third, new research has shown.   The results are from the first evaluation, led by The Institute of Cancer Research, of a project to make HPV tests available to women as a routine part of cervical screening.   The study, published in the British Journal of Cancer, looked at over 10,000 women aged 25-64 who were part of the NHS Cervical Screening Programme and whose first smear test had shown mild or borderline abnormalities in the cervix.   These cervical screening samples were then tested for HPV. The results showed that around 35% (3581 women) were HPV negative and were able to return to routine screening.   Women with a positive HPV test result were then referred for a colposcopy (internal examination) without having to go through further smear tests.   While most women infected ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/380/new-way-of-testing-for-hpv-trialled https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/380/new-way-of-testing-for-hpv-trialled Wed, 28 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT Two new respiratory quick reference guides have been published to help pharmacists support patients with asthma and COPD. They may be of particular use to community pharmacists delivering NMS and MURs in England.   Both provide a brief summary of the condition, and its causes, and explain how pharmacists can support patients in improving their medicines adherence and their management of their symptoms.   The two guides have been produced in association with UKCPA. The asthma guide can be found at www.rpharms.com/diseases-and-medical-conditions/asthma.asp and the COPD guide at www.rpharms.com/diseases-and-medical-conditions/copd.asp.   https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/668/new-respiratory-guides-published https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/668/new-respiratory-guides-published Tue, 27 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT Pharmacy Voice has distributed a new document to LPCs across England in an attempt to get them thinking more about the changes that will soon be made to the NHS.   Rob Darracott, Chief Executive of Pharmacy Voice said, “Many LPCs are already thinking actively about how the NHS reform programme will affect how they currently operate. They have the difficult task of anticipating how they will fit with, and network within, emerging health and social care structures. This Pharmacy Voice think-piece will make it easier for local pharmacy representatives to think ahead - and get ahead.   “Community pharmacy has never had it tougher than in the current climate. There are demands on efficiencies and delivering new services – all within the current funding framework, which is itself under pressure from the state of the public finances. Further challenges lie ahead as the NHS changes, challenges which cannot be ducked.   “New NHS architecture is ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/991/docment-distributed-to-lpcs-on-nhs-changes https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/991/docment-distributed-to-lpcs-on-nhs-changes Tue, 27 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT The full details of the CIP payment package, together with a ‘question & answer ‘ document and a form to be used for requesting rechecks are now available to contractors.   They can be found on the NHSBSA website via the following link: http://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/PrescriptionServices/3456.aspx.   This additional information should help contractors decide whether or not they are going to request rechecks of bundles of prescriptions in the period 1 April 2009 to 31 March 2011.   The deadline for making these requests is 31 December 2011. However, PSNC has said it would encourage contractors who do decide to request checks to submit their request forms as soon as possible and not to wait until the deadline approaches.   https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/894/full-cip-payment-package-details-released https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/894/full-cip-payment-package-details-released Tue, 27 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT A groundbreaking new campaign to encourage people with diabetes to give permission to be approached about taking part in clinical research studies is now up and running.   Launched on the 26th September, the Help Diabeates campaign is being managed by the Diabetes Research Network (DRN) and supported by Diabetes UK.   Professor David Matthews, Co-Director of the DRN and Professor of Diabetes Medicine at The Oxford Centre for Diabetes explained, "This is a refreshing approach to recruit patients to a ‘consent for approach’ database. It means that diabetes patients are agreeing to be contacted in the future if a study becomes available which might suit them. It also means that clinical trials can be set up much faster, which is ideal for diabetes research."   The campaign is taking place over the next 18 months in three areas of England: the North West, the South West, and the North East area of London.   The research that ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/590/new-diabetes-research-campaign-launched https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/590/new-diabetes-research-campaign-launched Mon, 26 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT The Government has now provided the legal framework for the New Medicine Service (NMS) and targeted Medicines Use Reviews (MURs), both of which will be available through community pharmacies from 1st October 2011.   The announcement came as The Department of Health published The Pharmaceutical Services (Advanced and Enhanced Services) (England) Directions.   Alongside the Directions a number of other key documents have been published which include: • A declaration form for pharmacy contractors to inform their Primary Care Trust (PCT) that they intend to deliver the NMS • Nationally agreed reporting templates for pharmacy contractors to feed back to PCTs key information on their NMS and MUR activity. NHS Employers and PSNC will also publish a document which describes the new and future requirements for collating data on MURs.   Felicity Cox, lead negotiator for the NHS Employers organisation, said, “I’m delighted that the Directions have been published as there is now nothing to prevent community pharmacies ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/781/legal-framework-for-new-services-published https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/781/legal-framework-for-new-services-published Mon, 26 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT Coeliac UK, PSNC and the NPA have today launched a toolkit for NHS commissioners outlining the business case for reviewing how they supply gluten-free foods for patients with coeliac disease.   The toolkit gives guidance to PCTs and clinical commissioning groups on how they can improve the supply of gluten-free foods by use of the NHS repeat dispensing arrangements or by setting up a pharmacy-led supply scheme in their area.   Such schemes allow gluten-free foods to be supplied directly from community pharmacies, thus minimising the workload for the GP practice.   A review of existing schemes in Northamptonshire and Cumbria, showed savings of between 20% to 40%. If this approach was applied nationally, there is the potential to save between £5 and £11 million per year in England as well as freeing up GP time.   According to the three organisations, the potential benefits of changing to pharmacy-led supply of gluten-free foods include: • release of GP time • better ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/702/call-to-review-gluten-free-food-supply https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/702/call-to-review-gluten-free-food-supply Mon, 26 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT The Department of Health has reminded people in at risk groups about the importance of getting their annual flu vaccine.   The vaccine will be available from Monday 3rd October. Clinical at risk groups include those with: • a heart problem; • a chest complaint or breathing difficulties including, bronchitis, emphysema; • a kidney disease; • lowered immunity due to disease or treatment (such as steroid medication or cancer treatment); • a liver disease; • a history of stroke or a transient ischaemic attack (TIA); • diabetes; • a neurological condition e.g. multiple sclerosis (MS) or cerebral palsy; and • a problem with, or removal of, their spleen e.g. sickle cell disease.   People who are in the clinical at risk groups are 11 times more likely to die if they get flu than a “healthy” person – for some groups, like those with chronic degenerative neurological diseases, that risk rises to 40 times.   The flu vaccine is free to everyone in these groups. It is ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/267/public-reminded-about-flu-jabs https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/267/public-reminded-about-flu-jabs Fri, 23 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT Scientists co-funded by the British Heart Foundation (BHF) have shed new light on the genes behind coronary heart disease (CHD).   A large team of researchers, including BHF Professors Nilesh Samani and Hugh Watkins, looked in detail at the genetic makeup of more than 100,000 European and South Asian people.   Some had heart disease while others had healthy hearts. The researchers found five new genetic ‘hotspots’ in the DNA of some of the heart patients.   Each hotspot showed a tiny variation in DNA which might put people at a slightly higher risk of developing CHD. Some of the hotspots pointed to genes that play a role in cholesterol levels.   The charity’s Senior Cardiac Nurse, Ellen Mason, said, “Coronary heart disease kills around 88,000 people in the UK each year. It’s vital we understand the genes that can increase your risk, which are passed down through families. Your genes are only one part of a much bigger ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/765/new-genes-behind-heart-disease-found https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/765/new-genes-behind-heart-disease-found Fri, 23 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT In a speech at the United Nations, Health Secretary Andrew Lansley has called for governments across the world to work collectively to tackle the rising tide of lifestyle-related diseases.   Addressing members of the United Nations General Assembly, who had convened to discuss the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases, he argued that international action is needed to make real progress against cancer, respiratory disease, cardiovascular disease and diabetes.   Just as previous worldwide efforts have saved millions of lives through programmes to eradicate communicable diseases such as smallpox and polio, Andrew Lansley told the meeting that the current generation’s greatest health challenges stem from the causes of ill-health, such as poor diet and environments, lack of exercise and changing lifestyles.    Key to change must be tackling the causes of health inequalities. He called for a “whole government” approach and for a determination to tackle the social determinants of health, and a focus on prevention ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/991/lansley-calls-for-cooperation-on-health https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/991/lansley-calls-for-cooperation-on-health Thu, 22 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT The NHS has stumped up an extra £625 million over the past decade on synthetic forms of insulin, when the recommended, cheaper human alternatives would have probably been just as effective, new research has claimed.   The authors of study, which was published in BMJ Open, based their findings on an analysis of publicly available data from the four UK prescription pricing agencies for the years 2000 to 2009. Costs were adjusted for inflation and reported at 2010 prices.   Over the 10 years, the NHS spent a total of £2,732 million on insulin, the annual cost rising from £156 million to £359 million.   The annual cost of synthetic (analogue) insulin rose from £18.2 million, or 12% of the total, to £305 million, or 85% of the total. The cost of human insulin fell from £131 million, or 84% of total, to £51 million, or 14% of the total.   According to the authors, operating on the ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/752/money-wasted-on-synthetic-insulin https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/752/money-wasted-on-synthetic-insulin Thu, 22 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT Diabetes UK has created a new app for iPhone and iPod Touch that will help people to manage their diabetes.   The app, called Diabetes UK Tracker, can be downloaded from the iTunes App Store. It provides users with a place to store and monitor their data and get a better idea about what might be affecting their blood glucose levels.   Developed by a range of experts including people with diabetes, clinical specialists and user experience professionals, the app allows users not only to record vital data, but also share it with their healthcare professionals and visualise their results across days and weeks.   As well as being able to log blood glucose levels and store blood pressure and blood fat recordings, the Diabetes UK Tracker also allows users to track how they are feeling to help recognise patterns. Users can then save specific records as 'talking points' to use as reminders in healthcare appointments.   Diabetes ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/749/new-ipad-app-to-help-diabetics https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/749/new-ipad-app-to-help-diabetics Thu, 22 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT The details of CIP error package to cover the period April 2009 to March 2011 inclusive have now been finalised and will be published in the October 2011 edition of the Drug Tariff in Part XIVB.   They will also be published on NHSBSA website in due course. Outline details are now available from the PSNC website www.psnc.org.uk/pages/cip_error_package_1_april_2009-31_march_2011.html.   The package includes an initial payment to contractors (subject to eligibility criteria) in recognition of the level of pricing errors and the inconvenience caused. It also provides the opportunity for contractors to request rechecks if they feel their payments in the period 1st April 2009 to 31st March 2011 have been significantly affected.   Contractors have until 31st December 2011 to submit these requests for rechecks and details of how to do this, together with the request form, will be available of NHSBSA website in due course. PSNC will provide a link as soon as this is ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/490/details-of-cip-error-package-announced https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/490/details-of-cip-error-package-announced Wed, 21 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT A small study has shown that a compound found in dark chocolate could help improve people’s health, by mimicking the effects of exercise on the heart and skeletal muscles.   The research investigated the effects of epicatechin, a nutrient which is found in dark chocolate, on mice. It found the compound can help muscles in the same way as physical activity, in terms of being able to exercise for longer.   The British Heart Foundation commented on the study. Natasha Stewart, the charity’s Senior Cardiac Nurse, said, “The health benefits of physical activity in helping to prevent heart and circulatory disease are very well established. The health benefits of chocolate are much less clear-cut.   “There is an awful long way to go before we can prove that dark chocolate may help our heart in the same way as exercise, like this small study suggests. We’d be extremely foolhardy if we all sat back and expected ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/314/dark-chocolate-good-for-the-heart https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/314/dark-chocolate-good-for-the-heart Wed, 21 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT The Museum of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) welcomed 82 visitors to the Society’s HQ on Saturday 17th September during London Open House weekend, including a number of Seventies architecture enthusiasts.   This important architectural event gives visitors the chance to enter over 500 buildings across the capital, many of them normally closed to the public. The Society has taken part in Open House eight times since 1998.   Tours showcased the highlights of the building, designed by David Hodges of the Louis de Soissons Partnership in 1971, and officially opened by the Queen Mother in February.   https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/715/rps-opens-its-doors-to-the-public https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/715/rps-opens-its-doors-to-the-public Wed, 21 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT Baroness Shirley Williams met with representatives of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) recently to be briefed on issues affecting pharmacy in the Health and Social Care Bill.    The Baroness is one of the key peers leading the drive in the House of Lords to amend the Bill to ensure that the outcome is a Bill that creates a new healthcare system that best suits the needs of patients and the public.   The meeting with her marks the launch of the RPS programme of activity on the Health and Social Care Bill in the House of Lords.   https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/928/baroness-shirley-williams-meets-rps https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/928/baroness-shirley-williams-meets-rps Tue, 20 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT Asthma UK has put together a series of tips to help students with asthma who are beginning their first year of university.   The charity will also be attending Bangor University Fresher's Fair on Wednesday, 21st September 2011 to provide expert advice on its work.     The activity is part of a wider collaboration between Asthma UK and Kodak, called Big Up Your Chest, which was started after feedback from young people suggested that they would like more information, specifically tailored for them, about managing their asthma.   The new tips issued for students issued by the charity are as follows: • Don't stop taking your preventer medicine: Any young people who forget to use their preventer inhaler at university could be putting their health seriously at risk. • Be aware of asthma triggers: Any changes to a person's living environment can expose them to new indoor and outdoor asthma triggers. New triggers, for example dusty or mouldy student ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/170/asthma-uk-produces-tips-for-new-uni-students https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/170/asthma-uk-produces-tips-for-new-uni-students Tue, 20 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT PSNC has published two new resources to assist LPCs in their work with local authorities.   Changes to the NHS will soon give local authorities more control over how healthcare services are run in their areas.   The first resource ‘Engaging with primary healthcare professionals to improve the health of the local population’ outlines the key steps that local authorities can take in order to build, develop and maintain relationships with local healthcare representative committees.   The guide includes advice on how Health and Wellbeing Boards can work in partnership with primary healthcare professionals and a checklist for Health and Wellbeing Boards.   It was jointly developed by organisations representing dentistry, eye care, pharmacy and general medicine, to support local authorities in identifying good local sources of clinical information.   The second resource is a two sided PSNC briefing document for local authority staff and councillors which provides an introduction to the services community pharmacy can offer; this document will ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/493/new-resources-published-to-assist-lpcs https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/493/new-resources-published-to-assist-lpcs Tue, 20 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT A campaign which saw every community pharmacy in Wales offer type diabetes risk assessment may have helped to improve the health of thousands of patients.   During the two weeks the campaign was running, 17,507 people visited their pharmacy for the simple paper-based assessment, which looked at risk factors such as Body Mass Index (BMI), waist size, ethnicity and family history to assess a person’s risk of developing the disease.   Of those assessed, 1,478 people (8.4%) were identified as high risk and referred to their GP for a formal diabetes test.  Pharmacists also advised participants about how they could reduce their risk by eating a healthy, balanced diet and leading an active lifestyle.   The campaign was organised by Diabetes UK Cymru  and Community Pharmacy Wales with the support of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society in Wales, Public Health Wales and BMA Cymru and was officially launched by Health Minister Lesley Griffiths, who had a risk ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/251/pharmacy-based-diabetes-campaign-a-success https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/251/pharmacy-based-diabetes-campaign-a-success Mon, 19 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT New guide produced to support local authorities in identifying good local sources of clinical information.   A new guide has been published by organisations representing dentistry, eye care, pharmacy and general medicine, to support local authorities in identifying good local sources of clinical information.   ‘Engaging with primary healthcare professionals to improve the health of the local population’ outlines the key steps that local authorities can take in order to build, develop and maintain relationships with local healthcare representative committees.   The guide includes advice on how health and wellbeing boards can work in partnership with primary healthcare professionals and a checklist for health and wellbeing boards.   It will be distributed to delegates at the Liberal Democrat, Labour and Conservative Party conferences.   The guide had been produced with input from: • British Dental Association • British Medical Association • Optical Confederation • Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee • Pharmacy Voice • Royal Pharmaceutical Society   https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/652/new-guide-produced-for-local-authorities https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/652/new-guide-produced-for-local-authorities Mon, 19 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT PSNC will be hosting fringe meetings at Liberal Democrat, Labour and Conservative party conference this year, in association with the British Dental Association and the Eye Health Alliance,   The meetings will focus on councillors’ new responsibilities for public health and encouraging engagement with local practitioners.   Entitled “Local Government Public Health Speed Dating”, they will take place in the format of break-out sessions with a representative from each profession.   The events will aim to provide advice and information to local councillors who will be involved in the early implementer Health and Wellbeing Boards.   Alastair Buxton, Head of NHS Services at PSNC said: “The title may be whimsical, but the message is serious. Local councillors and community pharmacists need to get to know one another, faster than you might imagine.   “Under the Government’s health reforms, councillors will be responsible via Health and Wellbeing Boards for promoting coordinated activity on local health and social care needs. The fringe events ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/891/psnc-to-speed-date-councillors https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/891/psnc-to-speed-date-councillors Mon, 19 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT A new visitor feedback function has been added to existing pharmacy profiles on NHS Choices, the online site for public access to NHS information.    This means pharmacies will now be able to reply to the feedback left on their profiles by patients, as well as edit the information displayed about their pharmacy.   Every month over 200,000 visitors search for information about community pharmacies on NHS Choices. The profile and feedback functions therefore provide a way for pharmacists to engage with their local communities.    The PSNC has produced guidance intended to help pharmacists find out more about how to edit and make the most out of their pharmacy’s page. It is available from www.rpharms.com/news-story-downloads/final-nhs-choices-guidance-cpn-aug11.pdf.   The pharmacy profiles themselves can all be found at www.nhs.uk.   https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/715/feedback-function-added-to-pharmacy-profiles https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/715/feedback-function-added-to-pharmacy-profiles Fri, 16 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT The first ever cancer campaign to increase awareness of bowel cancer will start in January following a successful trial.   The ‘Be Clear on Cancer’ awareness ads will aim to make people aware of the early signs of bowel cancer and make it easier for them to discuss this with their GP.   In England, bowel cancer is the third most common type of cancer and an estimated 38,000 new cases are diagnosed each year.     Bowel cancer can be present for a long time before any symptoms appear. If bowel cancer is detected before symptoms appear, it is easier to treat and there is a better chance of surviving the disease.   Health Minister Paul Burstow said, “Early diagnosis makes a huge difference to your chance of survival. Results from our regional bowel cancer campaign shows campaigns really work to raise awareness and get people to their GPs.” https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/571/bowel-cancer-campaign-to-go-national https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/571/bowel-cancer-campaign-to-go-national Fri, 16 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT New research commissioned by Alcohol Concern shows a positive link between the density of off-licensed premises and harm from alcohol in underage drinkers.   The study One on every corner finds that, excluding London, on average a 2:1 relationship exists between the number off-licences per 100,000 of population and hospital admissions by underage drinkers for alcohol specific admissions such as alcohol poisoning or intoxication.   For every two off-licences per 100,000 of population there was one under-18 year old per 100,000 of population being admitted to hospital due to drinking according to the analysis, meaning that on average in areas with a higher concentration of off-licences, there are higher numbers of young people going to hospital as a result of drinking.   The report argues that Government needs to introduce measures that reduce the general availability of alcohol by controlling off licence density and warns that simply relying on better enforcement of existing regulation banning the ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/972/off-licenses-linked-to-harm-from-alcohol https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/972/off-licenses-linked-to-harm-from-alcohol Thu, 15 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT The Royal Pharmaceutical Society, Academy of Medical Royal Colleges and the Royal College of Nursing have produced a report outlining a set of standards for the design of hospital in-patient prescription charts to help reduce prescribing errors.   The report was commissioned by NHS Medical Director Sir Bruce Keogh following the 2009 EQUIP study which found a high level of prescribing errors in hospital. The study identified the design of drug prescription charts as a primary cause and recommended the introduction of a standard prescription chart across the NHS.    The new chart standards can be found at  www.rpharms.com/news-story-downloads/StandardsApril2011.pdf.   https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/972/new-charts-aim-to-reduce-prescribing-errors https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/972/new-charts-aim-to-reduce-prescribing-errors Thu, 15 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT Breast screening is associated with a noticeable increase in mastectomy rates, despite women being told that screening reduces their risk of mastectomy, new research has found.   The Norwegian study, which was published on bmj, set out to investigate how the introduction of mammography screening has affected surgical treatment for breast cancer.   The researchers used national cancer data from Norway for 35,408 women aged 40 to 79 years who were diagnosed with invasive breast cancer or ductal carcinoma in situ (a precursor to cancer) from 1993 to 2008.   After analysing the data, they found there was a 31% increased risk of undergoing mastectomy in women invited to screening compared with the younger women who weren’t invited. They concluded, “Mammography screening is associated with a noticeable increase in breast surgery rates. In contrast with what has been claimed in invitations to screening and on websites supported by numerous governmental screening institutions and cancer charities, screening does ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/718/screening-linked-to-higher-mastectomy-rates https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/718/screening-linked-to-higher-mastectomy-rates Thu, 15 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT Change4Life has launched a new campaign encouraging adults to get active, starting with ITV’s Walk4Life Day on Sunday 25th September.   Walks are being held across England and Wales. The planned locations are:   London: Bushy Park, Richmond upon Thames   Birmingham: Sarehole Mill   Brighton: Brighton & Hove Seafront   Bristol: Millenium Square   County Durham: Hardwick Park in Sedgefield   Manchester: Wythenshawe Park, South Manchester   Norfolk: Felbrigg Hall   Seaton: Opera Bingo, Brow Top car park, Workington   Sheffield: First Start Building, Firth Park   Swindon: Lidiard Park Visitors Centre.   Wales – Cardiff Bay   The walks are being supported by local walking organisations and local authorities. More information is available from www.walk4life.info   Change4Life is an initiative which aims to prevent people from becoming overweight by encouraging them to eat better and exercise more frequently, and is supported by the Department of Health.   https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/348/walk4life-day-to-be-held-in-september https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/348/walk4life-day-to-be-held-in-september Wed, 14 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT Following approval from the Department of Health, PSNC and NHS Employers have published the consent wording which must be used for the New Medicine Service and the Medicines Use Review service from 1st October 2011.   Alongside this information, wording for use in patient leaflets on NMS has also been published.   Both documents can be downloaded from www.psnc.org.uk/nms.   https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/574/nms-consent-form-published https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/574/nms-consent-form-published Wed, 14 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT The way HbA1c levels are measured in people with diabetes will soon be changing. As a result, Diabetes UK has produced a simple-to-use online HbA1c converter.   The tool is designed to help people with diabetes and healthcare professionals become familiar with the new measurements, and to ensure patients receive a smooth transition in their diabetes care during this period of change.   From 1st October, HbA1c levels will be measured in millimoles per mole (mmol/mol), instead of measured in percentage units (%).   The change was first announced by the Department of Health in June 2009 after the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry (IFCC) recommended that the same measurements should be used worldwide.   Diabetes UK welcomes the change in reporting, but it is still concerned people may still be unfamiliar with the new measurements.   Natasha Marsland, Diabetes UK’s Clinical Advisor, said, "Adopting a global approach in the way HbA1c levels are measured will be of great benefit ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/699/hba1c-reporting-methods-set-to-change https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/699/hba1c-reporting-methods-set-to-change Wed, 14 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT Young people who find tobacco displays in shops attractive and who easily recall seeing the displays have a greater chance of becoming a smoker according to a new Cancer Research UK funded study which was published in Nicotine and Tobacco Research.   Around 950 non-smoking 11-16 year olds from across the UK were interviewed by the researchers based at the University of Stirling. Their susceptibility to smoking, as well as their level of attraction to tobacco displays in shops was examined.   Susceptibility to smoking was determined by asking the young people whether they had taken a firm decision not to smoke or whether they might smoke in the future. Among these young people who had never smoked, 27% were categorised as susceptible.   It was found that eight in ten (81%) children reported noticing behind the counter tobacco displays, nearly one in five paid close attention to them, one in four thought them to be ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/846/link-between-smoking-and-tobacco-displays https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/846/link-between-smoking-and-tobacco-displays Tue, 13 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT The first ever paediatric use marketing authorisation (PUMA) has been granted by the European Commission. The medicine, Buccolam, is now specifically licensed for children aged three months to 18 years to treat severe convulsions and epileptic seizures.   The MHRA has for several years been advocating the increased availability of specific children’s-only medicines, so it views this news as a landmark in its ongoing campaign to improve the quality, safety and efficacy of medicines available for children in the UK.   MHRA Director of Vigilance and Risk Management of Medicines, Dr June Raine, said, “Children’s-only medicines are of great benefit as they provide the right dose in the right form for kids.   “They are not simply ‘small adults’ and they respond differently to medication. Children should have access to medicines that have been especially designed for them.”   https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/427/step-forward-for-childrens-medicines https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/427/step-forward-for-childrens-medicines Tue, 13 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT The NPA has sent out a New Medicine Service (NMS) support pack to thousands of pharmacies across England.   The pack, which was produced in collaboration with PSNC, includes: • A brief guide to the NMS • Guidance on communicating with patients and GPs on the NMS • Appointment cards • Mini guides on each of the target conditions • Healthy living advice • The interview schedule to be used at the different stages of the service.   NPA chief executive, Mike Holden, said, “Recent calls for a delay to the start date for implementation risk de-motivating and disengaging pharmacists.  It would be a massive lost opportunity on many levels if that happened.  We urge pharmacies to get started on this as soon as they are able to do so.   “The task may initially seem daunting – but start up and delivery uses existing skills and infrastructure and is not as challenging as it may at first appear.  It is imperative that ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/574/nms-pack-sent-to-thousands-of-pharmacies https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/574/nms-pack-sent-to-thousands-of-pharmacies Tue, 13 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) has launched a new Leadership Competency Framework for Pharmacy Professionals at its Annual Conference.   The framework is designed to support the leadership potential of pharmacists and help the pharmacy workforce take on greater responsibility.   Launching the framework at the conference, RPS Chief Executive Helen Gordon said, "I'm delighted to announce the RPS is launching the first Leadership Framework for pharmacy today. The need to maximise leadership potential across pharmacy is of critical importance to the delivery of excellence and improved patient outcomes.   "The pharmacy workforce has real potential to take on greater responsibility for optimising the use of medicines, promoting public health and wellbeing and contributing to new clinical services within the re-structured NHS.   "The Framework’s foundation is the NHS Leadership Framework launched by the Secretary of State earlier this year.  It works in harmony with the clinical competency framework being used by other clinicians and offers every pharmacy ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/975/leadership-framework-for-pharmacy-launched https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/975/leadership-framework-for-pharmacy-launched Mon, 12 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT The revised Impact Assessment for the Health and Social Care Bill has been published. Released on 8th September, it updates the versions that were published in January 2011, when the Bill was first introduced into Parliament.   Health Secretary Andrew Lansley said, “The revised Impact Assessment shows that the cost of modernising the NHS is only a fraction of the savings which will result.   “We are cutting waste and are still on track to reduce administrative spend by a third. Every penny saved will be reinvested into patient care, delivering significant long-term benefits to patients.   “Our plans, which have been strengthened by the listening exercise, will both safeguard the future of our NHS and move us closer to a health service that puts patients at the heart of everything it does.   “They ensure that future generations can rely on an NHS that is always there, always improving and always free at the point of use ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/398/health-bill-revised-assesment-published https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/398/health-bill-revised-assesment-published Mon, 12 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT A production problem at Sanofi’s factory has caused a temporary interruption of its production of Apidra (insulin glulisine).   Three Sanofi products that have been affected:   Apidra Optiset and SoloStar Prefilled Pens Limited supplies are available but stocks likely to run out by mid-to-late September 2011. A variable amount will remain available within pharmacies for a longer period. Anticipated date of re-supply of Apidra SoloStar December 2011. Optiset is unlikely to be re-supplied before the device’s planned withdrawal at the end of 2011. Apidra ClikStar Cartridges Limited supplies are available but stocks likely to run out by late September/early October 2011. A variable amount will remain available within pharmacies for a longer period. Anticipated date of re-supply for Apidra ClikStar be December 2011. Diabetes UK has issued the following advice to patients on its website: “To help make sure that as many patients as possible can obtain the medicines they need, please don’t ask your doctor or nurse ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/846/sanofi-production-of-insulin-interrupted https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/846/sanofi-production-of-insulin-interrupted Mon, 12 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT A former pharmacist has received a four-year prison sentence and been ordered to pay £15,000 costs at Southwark Crown Court for receiving £1.1 million worth of medicines which had been stolen in a trailer heist. Hafiz Noorullah, 45, from Huddersfield, was convicted of receiving stolen goods and for his role in the storage of the stolen medicines. The truckload of medicines, intended to treat breast cancer, Parkinson’s disease and high blood pressure, was stolen in March 2005 in Thatcham, Berkshire. The trailer had been parked overnight on its journey from Switzerland where the medicines had been manufactured by the pharmaceutical company, Novartis, and was en route to Sussex where the drugs would be packaged for sale. The identity of the thief was never discovered and the trailer never found, however, the medicines were later advertised for sale on the internet. A joint investigation by Novartis and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) led ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/348/former-pharmacist-jailed-for-med-offences https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/348/former-pharmacist-jailed-for-med-offences Fri, 09 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT Diabetes UK has produced a new 15 point checklist to help people with diabetes understand what services they should be getting to help them manage their condition. According to the charity, recent figures show that many people with diabetes are not receiving essential annual health checks. The new checklist is part of Diabetes UK’s Diabetes Watch campaign, a programme to monitor and highlight standards of diabetes care across the UK, and to support people with diabetes to get access to the right standards of care. Barbara Young, Chief Executive at Diabetes UK, said, "Diabetes is a serious condition which can lead to devastating long-term complications including blindness, kidney failure and amputations. The tragedy is that, for example, 90 per cent of cases of sight loss could have been avoided if they had been identified early enough and treated appropriately. "The 15 measures will help ensure people with diabetes are getting the care ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/799/diabetes-uk-produces-new-checklist https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/799/diabetes-uk-produces-new-checklist Fri, 09 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT The lifetime ban on blood donation by men who have had sex with men is to be lifted following an evidence-based review by the Advisory Committee on the Safety of Blood, Tissues and Organs (SaBTO). The recommendation, which has been accepted by the health ministers in England, Scotland and Wales, means men whose last sexual contact with another man was more than 12 months ago will be able to donate, if they meet the other donor selection criteria.   Men who have had anal or oral sex with another man in the past 12 months, with or without a condom, will still not be eligible to donate blood. The change will be implented by NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) in England and North Wales on Monday 7th November and by the Blood Services of Scotland and Wales on the same date. The Advisory Committee, comprised of leading experts in the field,  joined by patient ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/878/blood-donation-rules-changed https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/878/blood-donation-rules-changed Thu, 08 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT PSNC and the Department of Health have reached agreement on the pharmacy funding package for England for 2011-12. The settlement package comprises: • Funding for 2011/12 of £2.526 billion; • Category M prices will be reduced by £39 million per quarter from October 2011 to March 2012. • All things being equal, from April 2012 generic medicine prices (Category M) will be reduced by an additional £40 million per annum; • Prescription volume thresholds for the establishment payment and practice payment will increase by 3% from October 2011, as in previous years; • A number of changes will be made to drug reimbursement arrangements, including introduction of a ‘Specials’ Tariff from November 2011, and other changes later in the year; • A CIP package of £20 million for pharmacy contractors, to recognise the impact of prescription payment inaccuracies; • An increase in the practice payment of 3.2p, providing a practice payment of 73.5p per item. Prescription volume forecasts indicate ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/524/pharmacy-funding-for-2011-12-agreed https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/524/pharmacy-funding-for-2011-12-agreed Thu, 08 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT The Royal Pharmaceutical Society has (RPS) released a statement in response to the National Health Service (Pharmaceutical Services) Amendment Regulations 2011 being before Parliament. On behalf of the RPS, Lindsey Gilpin, Chair of the English Pharmacy Board, said, “It is clear that the spirit of these regulations is to introduce measures which further protect the public and foster an environment which will enhance the service that patients receive.  This is to be welcomed. “It is important that clinical governance and quality improvement keep step with the increasingly clinical role of the pharmacist. “Both the public and commissioners can be assured that community pharmacy is taking the issue of public safety and quality very seriously indeed. However, sensitive implementation will be critical and I would ask employers and NHS managers to think about how they can remove the bureaucratic burden from frontline professionals, rather than how much more paperwork will be needed to implement ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/671/rps-comments-on-regulations https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/671/rps-comments-on-regulations Wed, 07 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT Pharmacy Voice and the Local Government Association recently gathered together local authority, public health and pharmacy leaders to discuss how they can work together to realise pharmacy’s potential in promoting public health and supporting independent living. The event was held in the light of the fact that councils in England will soon take on more responsibility for public health, as laid out in the Health and Social Care Bill. It was staged in Westminster on 7th September. The agenda of the event covered: •    Addressing diversity and inequalities •    Healthy living pharmacies •    Emergency planning •    Pharmacy support for independent living, including support with medicines use in the community and preventing falls •    Forthcoming local government responsibility for Pharmaceutical Needs Assessments •    Managing the transition of tasks from NHS to councils   •    Ensuring Health and Wellbeing Boards have access to clinical advice A written report of the discussions will be distributed to local authorities across England.     https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/524/event-held-to-discuss-pharmacys-future https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/524/event-held-to-discuss-pharmacys-future Wed, 07 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT Stephen Gilbert MP visited a Newquay pharmacy recently to give his support to community pharmacists and call attention to the NHS services they provide. Pharmacists, Dave and Liz Nickels, gave the Newquay MP a guided tour of Drury’s Pharmacy, where he saw pharmacy staff working to support GPs in the Thomas Road Health Centre. Whilst there he discussed the range of additional public health services available to patients including vascular checks, sexual health advice and emergency hormonal contraception. He also heard how pharmacy can play an effective role as part of an integrated team of healthcare professionals providing ongoing care for patients with long-term conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Mr Gilbert encouraged people to make greater use of pharmacies, saying, “I am hugely impressed with the range of services available from community pharmacies. They can help patients stay healthier longer and give ongoing healthcare in a way ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/154/newquay-mp-shows-support-for-pharmacy https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/154/newquay-mp-shows-support-for-pharmacy Tue, 06 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT Following the summer recess, the Health and Social Care Bill has been returned to Parliament so the government’s plans to modernise the NHS can be discussed once more. Earlier this year, the Government amended its planned reforms following the recommendations of the independent NHS Future Forum. The Bill has so far spent longer being scrutinised than any Public Bill between 1997 and 2010 — 40 Committee sittings, and over 100 hours of debate. It will now continue the legislative process. Health Secretary Andrew Lansley said, “The Health and Social Care Bill will both safeguard the future of our NHS, and move us closer to a health service that puts patients at the heart of everything it does.   “It ensures that future generations can rely, as previous ones have – on an NHS that is always there, always improving and always free at the point of use.   “The principles of our modernisation plans – patient power ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/894/health-bill-back-in-parliament https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/894/health-bill-back-in-parliament Tue, 06 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT The Department of Health has announced that McDonald’s will soon introduce calorie information to all of its menus throughout its 1,200 UK restaurants. From 7th September, people will now be able to see at a glance how many calories are in their burger, salad, Happy Meal or milkshake. McDonald’s is introducing the calorie information after pledging its support to the government’s Responsibility Deal. The Responsibility Deal was launched in March 2011. Companies who sign up to it show their support for a broad range of measures designed to help the public be healthier. Health Secretary Andrew Lansley said, “One in six meals are now eaten outside the home and for those meals we often have no idea how many calories we are eating. That is why this is such a great achievement by the Responsibility Deal.  It will help people spot those hidden calories in their favourite foods and keep an eye ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/301/mcdonalds-starts-to-count-the-calories https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/301/mcdonalds-starts-to-count-the-calories Mon, 05 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT Pharmacy Voice is keeping up pressure on MPs as the Government’s NHS reform legislation reaches its critical Third Reading stage in the House of Commons.   Pharmacy Voice has written to senior parliamentarians to propose amendments to the Health and Social Care Bill.   According to the organisation, these amendments would help create a fairer and more effective commissioning process, keep bureaucracy to a minimum, and ensure that the needs of the community are properly taken into account whilst tapping into the expertise of the full range of local healthcare providers, including pharmacy. Pharmacy Voice chief executive, Rob Darracott, said, “Since the NHS reforms were first proposed, Pharmacy Voice has worked tirelessly to keep pharmacy high on the political agenda, and at this critical parliamentary stage we are issuing specific legislative recommendations that will improve the Bill.  Following lobbying from Pharmacy Voice and others, the Government has already committed to involving a ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/348/pharmacy-voice-lobbies-mps https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/348/pharmacy-voice-lobbies-mps Mon, 05 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT PSNC has published a PowerPoint presentation which provides a comprehensive summary of the New Medicine Service (NMS). The presentation can be used by LPCs and pharmacy contractors/pharmacists as a training aid. The presentation can be downloaded from the NMS page of this PSNC’s website at www.psnc.org.uk/pages/nms.html.   https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/637/nms-powerpoint-presentation-published https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/637/nms-powerpoint-presentation-published Mon, 05 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT More than 260 experts and senior doctors, including 40 directors of public health, have written to the House of Lords expressing concerns over the Health and Social Care Bill. In their letter, published in the Daily Telegraph on 3rd October, they said that the bill will do "irreparable harm to the NHS, to individual patients and to society as a whole".   In response, a Department of Health spokesperson said, “Our plans to modernise the NHS will give patients more choice, root out waste and give trusted NHS staff more power to improve care. “A group of the country’s top doctors and NHS experts have already analysed the Health Bill and we have accepted all their recommendations to improve it. Many GPs and other doctors have also already spoken out in support.” The letter is available on the Daily Telegraph’s website as well as in the print edition of the paper.   https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/796/senior-doctors-express-health-bill-concerns https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/796/senior-doctors-express-health-bill-concerns Sun, 04 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT After being given more than a year to pay a £35,000 confiscation order, imposed following his conviction for the illegal sale of prohibited herbal medicines, Asaad Hussain, 40, was sentenced on 2nd September at Leicester Magistrates Court to 450 days imprisonment for his failure to comply. The case dates back to October 2006 when the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) seized almost £135,000 of illegal herbal medicines during a raid on Hussain’s property in Leicester where he ran an illicit online pharmacy. He was found to be selling Pauinystalia Yohimbe, a prohibited herbal sexual dysfunction drug labelled as Extensis. During the course of the investigation it came to the MHRA’s attention that the man continued to trade Extensis and a further raid was carried out in January 2008. In February 2010 Hussain pleaded guilty to two offences of the unlawful sale of a medicinal product at Leicester Crown Court. He received a £1,000 ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/527/jail-time-for-sale-of-prohibited-herbal-meds https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/527/jail-time-for-sale-of-prohibited-herbal-meds Fri, 02 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT The Faculty of Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare has published new clinical guidance on Emergency Contraception. This document updates previous Faculty of Sexual Reproductive Healthcare (FSRH) guidance and summarises the available evidence on emergency contraception (EC). The guidance is intended for use by all health professionals providing EC. Recommendations are based on available evidence and consensus opinion of experts. The guidance can be viewed on the FSRH website at www.fsrh.org/pdfs/CEUguidanceEmergencyContraception11.pdf.   https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/812/new-guidance-on-emergency-contraception https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/812/new-guidance-on-emergency-contraception Fri, 02 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) is supporting Blue September, an international campaign to raise awareness of cancer in men. The campaign launched in England and Wales on the 1st September with the support of a wide range of sportsmen, celebrities and politicians as well as health and sports organisations. It aims to raise awareness among UK men and women about all the cancers that can affect men. It also urges men to take preventative action by improving their lifestyle choices and to seek medical advice as soon as possible if they have a worrying symptom. The campaign is run by Men’s Health Forum (MHF), a charity which aims to help improve the health and well-being  of men and boys in England and Wales. Speaking in support of the Blue September campaign Graham Phillips, RPS English Pharmacy Board member said,“The earlier detection of cancer through pharmacy is one of our priorities.  Unusually in healthcare ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/668/rps-pledges-support-to-blue-september https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/668/rps-pledges-support-to-blue-september Thu, 01 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT The Centre for Pharmacy Postgraduate Education (CPPE) has launched its new e-learning programme on the New Medicine Service (NMS). This interactive programme complements the CPPE open learning programme on NMS and the CPPE local solutions workshop. The e-learning programme includes videos on the NMS, covering a range of perspectives from background information from the academics that undertook the original research on the service through to videos of pharmacists delivering the service. It can be found at www.cppe.ac.uk/nms.   https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/524/new-e-learning-programme-for-nms https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/524/new-e-learning-programme-for-nms Thu, 01 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT Nearly 90% of British adults admit their skin has been sunburnt, according to a new survey commissioned by Cancer Research UK. Carried out by YouGov, the survey also found that fewer than half (47%) use at least factor 15 sunscreen compared to two thirds (66%) of women, to protect their skin in the sun. This is all despite (96%) of the people questioned admitting that they are aware that getting sunburnt increases the risk of skin cancer. The survey was commissioned by Cancer Research UK to mark the launch of the new SunSmart is the UK’s national skin cancer prevention campaign, which the charity is running on behalf of the Department of Health. Caroline Cerny, Cancer Research UK’s SunSmart campaign manager, said, “There’s a big gap between what people know and how they behave in the sun. And this report highlights one of the challenges we face in halting the rise in melanoma rates. ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/925/almost-all-adults-have-been-sunburnt https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/925/almost-all-adults-have-been-sunburnt Thu, 01 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT Asthma UK has set out a series of simple steps for parents to follow which may help them prevent their children from suffering from asthma attacks at the start of the new school year. September traditionally sees a peak in child asthma attacks. It is thought the spreading of colds and viruses, the potential stresses of starting a new school term and children not taking their regular preventer medicine over the summer break can be to blame. An average of two children in every classroom have asthma (1.1 million children), making it the most common long-term condition among children in the UK. Elaine Gillard, Asthma Nurse Specialist at Asthma UK, said, “It is important that parents and school staff work together during the school year to make sure that asthma is well-managed and to avoid frightening and unnecessary hospital admissions. The vast majority of pupils with the condition should be able to ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/173/asthma-uk-issues-guidance-for-parents https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/173/asthma-uk-issues-guidance-for-parents Wed, 31 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) has welcomed the outcome of the MHRA review of the actions taken to manage the risk of misuse of Pseudoephedrine. As in previous years, the 2011 review concluded that pharmacy-led measures including a tighter control on sales, increased vigilance by pharmacists and reduced pack sizes are effectively managing the risk of misuse of medicines containing ephedrine and pseudoephedrine. Commenting on the MHRA review, RPS President Martin Astbury said, “Pharmacists have been on the front line of managing the risks of misuse of pseudoephedrine since 2008 and the MHRA view is that the risk of misuse is being mitigated whilst ensuring this medicine is available to those that need it. “The response of the profession has been exemplary and I have every confidence that pharmacists will continue to manage this important public health issue.” RPS guidance on the sale and supply of pseudoephedrine, called Pseudoephedrine and Ephedrine: Look ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/571/rpa-responds-to-pseudoephedrine-decision https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/571/rpa-responds-to-pseudoephedrine-decision Wed, 31 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT A consultation has been launched by the Department of Health in an attempt to cut some of the NHS red tape. Launched on 30th August, it will run for the next 12 weeks. The consultation proposes that up to 25% of all current data returns commissioned by the Department of Health and its arms-length bodies should be discontinued. This might lead to savings of approximately £10millions. Patient groups, research organisations, academic institutions and NHS trusts are now being asked for their views on proposals to streamline data collections across health and social care. The consultation builds on the government’s commitment in the NHS White Paper, Equity and Excellence: Liberating the NHS to undertake a fundamental review of data returns. Public Health Minister, Anne Milton said, “Meaningful information is the lifeblood of the NHS. The data we collect must be of real value to help us improve patient outcomes, patient choice and clinical decisions. We ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/527/consultation-to-cut-nhs-red-tape https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/527/consultation-to-cut-nhs-red-tape Tue, 30 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) has welcomed the conclusion of the Commission on Human Medicines (CHM) that measures implemented by pharmacies to manage the risk of misuse of pseudoephedrine and ephedrine containing medicines continue to be effective.   The announcement, contained in a report today by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) means that pseudoephedrine remains in the pharmacy sales category. The CHM decision took into account feedback from the NPA - including a survey of NPA member awareness, and uptake of NPA PSE training materials - and feedback from other bodies before arriving at its decision. The MHRA first considered re-classifying pseudoephedrine as a prescription only medicine in 2007 due to growing concerns that it was being used in the production of illicit drugs. But continued vigilance from community pharmacy has provided the assurance that this product can remain accessible to the public through pharmacy sales.   Leyla Hannbeck, NPA ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/749/npa-welcomes-pseudoephedrine-decision https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/749/npa-welcomes-pseudoephedrine-decision Tue, 30 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT The Blood Pressure Association (BPA) has welcomed the new NICE blood pressure guidelines, saying that they should provide a more accurate diagnosis for patients The NICE Guideline chaired by BPA Trustee, Professor Bryan Williams, has spent 18 months, from initial diagnosis to its long term management in patients of different ages and races and with the condition at different stages. The new guidelines were produced after the NICIE Guideline Development Group (GDG) reviewed every aspect of blood pressure care over an eighteen month period. They have recommended the use of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) to confirm a diagnosis of high blood pressure. This involves the patient being fitted with a non-invasive blood pressure monitoring device by their GP or practice nurse which takes repeated blood pressure readings over a 24 hour period. The patient is able to go about their daily life as normal, only returning to the surgery a day later ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/749/blood-pressure-charity-welcomes-nice-guidance https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/749/blood-pressure-charity-welcomes-nice-guidance Mon, 29 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT High levels of chocolate consumption might be associated with a one third reduction in the risk of developing heart disease, according to a new study published on bmj.com. The findings confirm results of existing studies that generally agree on a potential beneficial link between chocolate consumption and heart health. The authors, who are based at the University of Cambridge, carried out a large scale review of the existing evidence to evaluate the effects of eating chocolate on cardiovascular events like heart attack and stroke. They analysed the results of seven studies, involving over 100,000 participants with and without existing heart disease. For each study, they compared the group with the highest chocolate consumption against the group with the lowest consumption. They found that the “highest levels of chocolate consumption were associated with a 37% reduction in cardiovascular disease and a 29% reduction in stroke compared with lowest levels. No significant reduction ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/944/chocolate-linked-to-heart-health https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/944/chocolate-linked-to-heart-health Mon, 29 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT The National Pharmacy Association has issued revised advice to pharmacies, following the decision by Reckitt Benckiser (UK) Ltd to recall all remaining unexpired stock of Nurofen Plus tablets in any pack size.   Distribution of Nurofen Plus has been halted for the time-being and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is advising consumers to return any packs of Nurofen Plus to any pharmacy, where a refund will be provided. The NPA recommends that pharmacies should quarantine all existing stock of Nurofen Plus pending further information and guidance. Beverley De Friend from the NPA’s Information team said, “If anyone is concerned that they may have taken the wrong drug, they should speak to the pharmacist, who will be able to assess which product was taken and offer advice.  If Seroquel XL has been taken the pharmacist can assess if there’s any risk of adverse interactions with other medicines or other medical conditions.  ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/796/npa-advice-on-nurofen-plus-and-seroquel https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/796/npa-advice-on-nurofen-plus-and-seroquel Mon, 29 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT The government has responded to a series of articles which suggest that 40% of adults could be obese by 2030 if current trends continue. They were published together in the latest edition of the Lancet. In response, Health Minister Anne Milton said, “We will be saying more about our plans to tackle obesity in a new document later this year. “Tackling obesity is a priority for the Government and through Change4Life, we are encouraging people to make simple changes, such as eating more fruit and vegetables, cutting down on fatty foods and being more active. “If we are to find new ways of supporting people to change their behaviour and achieve real sustained improvements in public health we need to work with public health, voluntary and commercial organisations. We believe that collective voluntary effort through the Responsibility Deal can deliver real progress quickly. For example we are working with industry to put calories ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/621/government-response-to-obesity-articles https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/621/government-response-to-obesity-articles Fri, 26 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT The MHRA has advised people to return all packets of Nurofen Plus pain relief tablets to any pharmacy following a recall of this medicine by the licence holder Reckitt Benckiser (UK). The medicine was recalled after reports were received that the anti-psychotic drug Seroquel XL 50mg had been found in multiple packets of the medicine. A packet containing Neurontin 100mg, a medicine used to treat epilepsy was also found in Northern Ireland. People who have purchased a packet of Nurofen Plus recently have been told to exercise caution and anyone who believes they may have taken a Seroquel or Neurontin tablet has been told to speak to a healthcare professional. The MHRA also set out how people can tell the difference between the drugs: •    Seroquel tablets are large and capsule shaped and can be identified by their gold and black packaging. •    Nurofen Plus tablets are smaller and can be identified by their ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/699/seroquel-found-in-nurofen-packs https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/699/seroquel-found-in-nurofen-packs Fri, 26 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT The PSNC Annual Report for 2010/11 has now been published on the pharmacy organisation’s website. A copy can be downloaded from www.psnc.org.uk/news.php/1119/psnc_10_11_annual_report_published.   https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/671/psnc-annual-report-published https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/671/psnc-annual-report-published Fri, 26 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) has responded to media reports that the antipsychotic drug Seroquel had been found in a small number of packs of the over the counter pain killer Nurofen Plus. The RPS has advised patients to remain vigilant and if they are concerned at all ask their pharmacist for advice. Responding to questions about what action patients should take if they think they may have taken Seroquel Neal Patel, pharmacist Royal Pharmaceutical Society said, "For a healthy adult a single dose of Seroquel is unlikely to cause major problem, however for patients taking other medicines or those with other medical conditions or if you suspect you may have accidentally taken Seroquel and feel unwell seek advice from your pharmacist or Doctor as soon as possible."   https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/799/rps-responds-to-nurofen-plus-story https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/799/rps-responds-to-nurofen-plus-story Fri, 26 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT Doing the human papillomavirus (HPV) test twice with a short interval between tests would reduce the number of women having unnecessary treatment, new research shows. The Swedish study also suggested that the opportunity to do a HPV test at home could increase the number of women screened for cervical cancer who otherwise do not respond to screening invitations. The research, published on 24th August in the British Journal of Cancer, looked at around 2800 women who took a self-sample HPV test at home. Those with a positive result were invited for a repeat HPV test at a clinic, between one and three months after the first test. This was to see if there was a persistent HPV infection, which is more likely to lead to changes in the cells of the cervix. If the second test was also positive it was more likely that there were abnormal cell changes on the cervical lining ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/427/two-hpv-tests-better-than-one https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/427/two-hpv-tests-better-than-one Thu, 25 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT PSNC has responded to new statistics that show prescribing for diabetes is on the rise by highlighting the role new pharmacy services can play in reducing medicines waste. The statistics were published by the NHS Information Centre on 25th August. The organisation’s Head of NHS Services Alastair Buxton said, “Today’s figures provide further evidence of the increasing cost of long term conditions like type 2 diabetes to the NHS. Medicines waste continues to be a major factor in the spiralling cost of diabetes care. From October, patients with type 2 diabetes will be eligible for the New Medicine Service from community pharmacies, which will reduce waste by helping patients to make the most of newly prescribed medicines”. The NHS Information Centre statistics are available here, www.ic.nhs.uk/news-and-events/news/cost-of-diabetes-drugs-now-84-per-cent-of-annual-nhs-drugs-bill-says-report-from-nhs-information-centre.   https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/925/psnc-responds-to-diabetes-figures https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/925/psnc-responds-to-diabetes-figures Thu, 25 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT The Museum of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) is organising the Society’s participation in the London Open House weekend.   Run over 17th and 18th September, the scheme is London’s biggest architectural event, giving Londoners and visitors alike the chance to visit over 500 buildings across the capital, many of which are normally closed to the public.  The Society has taken part in Open House eight times since 1998. The Society’s headquarters at Lambeth High Street will be open on the afternoon of Saturday 17th September with guided tours every 30 minutes from 2.30pm. The last tour starts at 4.30pm. The tour will last for approximately one hour and will include the museum displays, not normally open at the weekend. The displays will include architectural models including the original scheme for an 11 storey headquarters. The building, designed by David Hodges of the Louis de Soissons Partnership in 1971, was opened by ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/846/rps-opens-its-doors-for-the-public https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/846/rps-opens-its-doors-for-the-public Thu, 25 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT Monitoring people’s blood pressure at home has been recommended for patients in England and Wales by NICE. On 24th August, NICE published an updated guidance on the diagnosis and treatment of high blood pressure (hypertension), which it developed with the British Hypertension Society (BHS). The guidelines make a number of new recommendations, including that a diagnosis of primary hypertension should be confirmed using 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring or home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM), rather than be based solely on measurements of blood pressure taken in a GP clinic. This would help identify people with ‘white coat hypertension’ where the stress of being tested in a GP surgery can cause their blood pressure to rise for a short period, but does not mean they have hypertension. The British Heart Foundation has responded to the new recommendations. The charity’s senior cardiac nurse, Cathy Ross, said, “The number of people with high blood pressure in the ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/173/home-blood-pressure-monitoring-recommended https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/173/home-blood-pressure-monitoring-recommended Wed, 24 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT Diabetes prescriptions now account for 8.4% of the entire NHS net bill for primary care drugs in England, according to a new report from the NHS Information Centre. 'Prescribing for Diabetes: England 2005/06–2010/11' shows an increase in the cost of prescribing from £513 million in 2005/06 to £725 million in 2010/11 – an increase of 41.1%. Over the same period, the number of items dispensed to treat the condition rose by 41.2%, from 27.1 million to 38.3 million. This means that one in every 25 prescription items written is now for diabetes. Around two thirds of these items are anti-diabetic drugs such as metformin, which help the body’s own production and use of insulin, with various forms of insulin making up a further 15 % of prescribed items. Bridget Turner, Head of Policy and Care Improvement at Diabetes UK, said, "This report reinforces that diabetes is one of the biggest health challenges ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/574/cost-of-diabetes-drugs-now-84-of-nhs-bill https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/574/cost-of-diabetes-drugs-now-84-of-nhs-bill Wed, 24 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT Diabetes UK has expressed concern over changes to the regulations regarding driving and diabetes. From October, people with diabetes treated by insulin will be able to apply for a licence to drive Group 2 category vehicles (lorries and buses) if they meet certain criteria and undergo an annual independent medical assessment. However, Diabetes UK has expressed concern over one aspect of the changes. Once they are introduced, people with diabetes who experience hypos may have their Group 1 licences revoked if they report two severe episodes in a 12-month period. The charity believes that this could be open to misinterpretation. Simon O'Neill, Director of Care, Information and Advocacy at Diabetes UK, said, "People can often experience hypos when asleep, and we believe night-time hypos have no medical basis of relevance to driving. "The word 'severe' in referring to hypos is also open to misinterpretation. We believe a 'severe' hypo is one that actually ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/251/diabetes-uk-concerned-over-driving-reg-change https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/251/diabetes-uk-concerned-over-driving-reg-change Tue, 23 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT PSNC and Health Information Exchange Ltd has said that they hope to be able to give pharmacy contractors access to a module on the New Medicines Service (NMS) from mid-September. The module will be available from the PSNC’s PharmaBase online platform. It will support contractors to provide the NMS service, including information on: •    patient registration •    printing consent forms •    scheduling interventions and follow ups using a pharmacy calendar (which can also be used to manage appointments for other pharmacy services) •    printing a patient information leaflet and appointment reminder •    creating a task list of patient reminders to be provided prior to appointments •    recording the mandatory dataset for the intervention and follow up •    creating NMS Feedback forms to refer patients back to their GP practice •    an ‘NMS dashboard’ to allow the pharmacy team to keep track of their NMS activity during the month •    creating the quarterly reports for PCTs The use of the module will ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/251/new-nms-module-to-launch-in-september https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/251/new-nms-module-to-launch-in-september Tue, 23 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT MacMillan Cancer Support has responded to the recent decision by NICE to recommend only one out of three potential chronic myeloid leukaemia treatments. Mike Hobday, Head of Policy at Macmillan Cancer Support, said, “It is good news that NICE has approved Nilotinib for cancer patients with chronic myeloid leukaemia, however, it is disappointing news for patients that Dasatnib and Imatinib have been rejected. These two drugs could have the potential to improve the quality and length of life for cancer patients.   “Of the two million people living with a cancer diagnosis in the UK over 900,000 (45%) have a rarer cancer and many of whom still aren’t able to access the drugs they so desperately need. We hope that they and others for rarer cancers turned down by NICE will be put on the priority list of the Government’s Cancer Drugs Fund.” More information on NICIE’s decision can be found at: ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/925/macmillan-responds-to-nice-decision https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/925/macmillan-responds-to-nice-decision Tue, 23 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT Researchers from the University of Southampton have launched a new survey to find out how people manage cancer and cancer related problems in the 12 months following initial cancer treatment. The survey, which is funded by MacMillan Cancer Support, is aimed at UK residents who are 18 and over and have completed initial cancer treatment in the past 12 months. It focuses on asking questions about the physical, psychological and social effects of being treated for cancer. The main purpose of the survey is to identify people who are most likely to have difficulty dealing with problems associated with cancer treatment so that these people can be supported appropriately. More information on the survey, as well as details on how to take part in it, can be found at www.soton.ac.uk/msrg/onlinesurvey/.   https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/605/new-cancer-treatment-survey-launched https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/605/new-cancer-treatment-survey-launched Mon, 22 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT Pharmacy groups have welcomed the appointment of pharmacist Ash Soni as joint-lead of one of the new workstreams of the NHS Future Forum, as announced by health secretary Andrew Lansley 18th August 2011. The independent NHS Future Forum, which led the recent listening exercise on the NHS reforms, is to continue its work listening to NHS staff, patients and the public over the next few months. Four workstreams will be created in total, each charged with investigating a different area. They are: •    Education and training: How to make sure there are the right incentives and accountabilities for developing the NHS workforce to deliver world-class health care; •    Information: How information can be made to improve health, care and wellbeing; •    Integrated care: How to take advantage of the health and care modernisation programme to ensure services are better integrated around people’s needs; and •    Public health: The NHS’s role in the public’s health. Ash will be ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/251/ash-soni-forum-appointment-welcomed https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/251/ash-soni-forum-appointment-welcomed Mon, 22 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT The National Pharmacy Association has launched a new section on their website with resources and tools to help members successfully implement the New Medicine Service. The resources, which have been produced in conjunction with other professional bodies, are available to download from www.npa.co.uk/NMS and include: •    A comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure to ensure all pharmacy staff understand the NMS service •    Mini guidance on each of the target conditions and healthy living •    Guidance and tips on how to conduct telephone interviews •    Hints and tips on how to communicate with GPs/practitioners •    A patient information leaflet •    A summary of the NMS Mike Holden, Chief Executive of the National Pharmacy Association said, “The NMS is a chance for our sector to demonstrate the important role we have to play in tackling medicine waste and improving adherence. But to demonstrate this, we need to make sure that the service is robust from ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/398/new-medicine-service-resources-now-available https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/398/new-medicine-service-resources-now-available Fri, 19 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT The RPS has produced new professional guidance on the Safe custody of controlled drugs. This guidance is aimed at pharmacists working in registered pharmacy premises, although it may still be of interest to pharmacists working in other settings. It explains which Controlled Drugs (CDs) require safe custody, including patient returns and out-of-date or obsolete CDs. It also contains information on which standards the CD cabinet, safe and rooms must comply with and guidance on key responsibilities and a key log. It can be viewed at www.rpharms.com/support-tools/safe-custody-of-controlled-drugs.asp.   https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/891/new-rps-guidance-on-controlled-drugs https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/891/new-rps-guidance-on-controlled-drugs Fri, 19 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT New research from Taiwan has found that 90 minutes of physical activity a week is enough to increase a person’s life expectancy by three entire years. The study was published in the Lancet and looked at the health of 400,000 people in the East Asian country. The British Heart Foundation has commented on the research. Maureen Talbot, the charity’s Senior Cardiac Nurse, said, “This research was encouraging because it showed that even exercising for 15 minutes a day at a low intensity is still better than doing nothing. It could prove helpful for anyone who finds exercise daunting and needs some motivation, especially as getting started can be the hardest part. “However, the findings also showed the more exercise you do, the better. Everyone should aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity on five or more days a week. Try doing something you enjoy because you’ll probably exercise for ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/490/small-amounts-of-exercise-very-beneficial https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/490/small-amounts-of-exercise-very-beneficial Fri, 19 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT The Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee (PSNC), Pharmacy Voice (PV) and the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) have issued a joint response to the ‘review of the procurement of seasonal flu vaccines’. The review was launched by the government in May 2011 to seek views from relevant bodies on the introduction of central procurement of seasonal flu vaccine. Rob Darracott, chief executive of Pharmacy Voice said, “We support the government’s desire to make the vaccine supply chain robust but we remain unconvinced that central procurement is the answer to the problem of low uptake amongst target groups for seasonal flu. Instead, the focus should be improving access by widening the network of providers, especially community pharmacies. This has been shown to have the effect of increasing uptake – it surely makes sense to go with what we know works in practice. “Furthermore, central procurement has the potential to disrupt the supply of vaccine ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/812/pharmacy-groups-respond-to-dh-consultation https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/812/pharmacy-groups-respond-to-dh-consultation Thu, 18 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT A Cancer Research-funded trial of a new drug for patients with advanced breast or ovarian cancer due to inherited gene faults has been launched at the Oxford Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre (ECMC) at the University of Oxford. The trial, led by a team based at the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, is looking at a drug called 6MP, which is already used to treat leukaemia and is often given alongside another chemotherapy drug called methotrexate. Earlier studies involving cells grown in the laboratory suggest that a class of drugs called thiopurines, which includes 6MP, are effective at killing cancer cells lacking BRCA - a gene which significantly increases risk of breast and ovarian cancer - even after they have developed resistance to treatments like PARP inhibitors and cisplatin. This trial is one of a growing number looking at matching patients to the most appropriate treatment based on their ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/671/new-cancer-drug-trial https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/671/new-cancer-drug-trial Thu, 18 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT The NHS Employers organisation, the Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee (PSNC) and the General Practitioners Committee (GPC) of the British Medical Association have joined together to call for pharmacists and GPs in England to set up lines of communications with each other ahead of the New Medicine Service (NMS) implementation on 1st October 2011. They have also launched a new NMS feedback form that is designed to support this process by providing a practical channel that pharmacists can use to exchange information with GPs when this service is up and running. The three organisations, which together form the Professional Relationship Working Group, produced the one-page form in consultation with Local Medical Committees (LMCs) and Local Pharmaceutical Committees (LPCs). If a pharmacist has identified a problem which requires the prescriber to review a prescription then they will be able to use this simple form to notify the GP practice. The Working Group has also ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/540/psnc-helps-pharmacists-prepare-for-nms https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/540/psnc-helps-pharmacists-prepare-for-nms Wed, 17 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT The British National Formulary (BNF), , has announced it is to support to international charity Mercy Ships by providing free access to its medical information resources. The BNF is a joint publication of the British Medical Association and the Royal Pharmaceutical Society which is published biannually provides UK healthcare professionals with authoritative and practical information on the selection and clinical use of medicines. Mercy Ships is a charity that offers free medical care and humanitarian aid to some of the world’s poorest people and has worked in over 70 countries. Over the last 30 years, it has treated more than 520,000 patients in village medical and dental clinics, performed more than 56,000 surgeries and completed over 1,000 community development projects. The charity operates the world’s largest charity hospital ship, the Africa Mercy, which is currently docked in Sierra Leone, and The ship, a former Danish rail ferry, is staffed by an international crew ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/975/british-national-formulary-supports-charity https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/975/british-national-formulary-supports-charity Wed, 17 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT More than a third of people in the UK fear cancer more than other life-threatening conditions, such as Alzheimer’s, stroke and heart disease, according to a Cancer Research UK survey. The survey was carried out by YouGov and questioned more than 2000 people about what disease or condition they were most afraid of developing. 35% said cancer was the disease they feared most, while a quarter (25 %) said Alzheimer’s. When asked which cancer they feared most 16% said brain cancer. The main reasons for this were that they believed it was the cancer they were most likely to die from (57%) or that it had the worst symptoms (47 %). For men, bowel cancer was the second most feared (12 %) followed by lung (10 %) and prostate (10 %) cancers. For women, breast cancer (13 %) was the second most feared followed by bowel (8 %) and lung (7 %) cancers. When ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/652/cancer-feared-more-than-other-conditions https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/652/cancer-feared-more-than-other-conditions Tue, 16 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT Watching TV for an average of six hours a day could shorten the viewer’s life expectancy by almost five years, says new research published online in the British Journal of Sports Medicine. The authors of the study used previously published data from the Australian Diabetes, Obesity and Lifestyle Study (AusDiab) and the Australian national population and mortality figures for 2008 to calculate the effect watching TV has on someone’s life expectancy. They ended up concluding that every single hour of TV watched after the age of 25 shortened the viewer’s life expectancy by just under 22 minutes. Based on these figures, and expected deaths from all causes, the authors found that an individual who spends a lifetime average of six hours a day watching TV can expect to live just under five fewer years than someone who does not watch TV. This would mean that the impact of watching that much TV even rivals ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/715/watching-tv-shortens-life-expectancy https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/715/watching-tv-shortens-life-expectancy Tue, 16 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT Community pharmacists across Scotland are being asked to promote the Scottish Government’s Bowel Screening Programme.   The programme is the first to be offered to both men and women in Scotland and targets those aged between 50 and 74. Under the scheme, eligible men and women are posted a guaiac-based faecal occult blood test kit (FOBT) and asked to complete it at home. This involves collecting 2 samples from each of 3 separate bowel movements. The kit is returned in a pre-paid envelope to the central screening centre in Dundee and tested for hidden traces of blood in the stool. Individuals who have a positive FOBT result are referred to their local hospital for assessment and, where appropriate, offered a colonoscopy as the first line of investigation. Cabinet Secretary for Health, Nicola Sturgeon, said, “Bowel cancer is one of Scotland’s most common cancers, accounting for 4000 cases and 1600 deaths a ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/668/pharmacists-asked-to-promote-screening-scheme https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/668/pharmacists-asked-to-promote-screening-scheme Mon, 15 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT The DVLA has announced that the regulations affecting driving and diabetes will be changing later this year. From October, people with diabetes treated by insulin will be able to apply for a licence to drive Group 2 category vehicles (lorries and buses) if they meet certain criteria and undergo an annual independent medical assessment.    They will also need to demonstrate adequate control of their diabetes by using a blood glucose meter with a memory function and record blood glucose levels for at least three months prior to submitting their application.   Simon O’Neill, Director of Care and Advocacy at Diabetes UK, said, "Individual medical assessment is the only fair and rational way to judge a person’s fitness to drive. Diabetes UK believes that all people with diabetes have the right to drive if they can prove their medical fitness." https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/844/driving-regulations-changing https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/844/driving-regulations-changing Mon, 15 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT PSNC has announced that it will once again be a member of the Health Hotel, the not-for-profit organisation which leads the discussion about health and social care policy at the three main annual political party conferences. In association with the Eye Health Alliance and the British Dental Association, PSNC will be hosting fringe meetings for local councillors at this year’s Liberal Democrat, Labour and Conservative Party Conferences, focussing on their new responsibilities for public health. Under the Government’s health reforms, councillors will be responsible via Health and Wellbeing Boards for promoting coordinated activity on local health and social care needs.   The fringe events – titled Local Public Health Speed Dating – will give attending councillors the opportunity to meet representatives of the three professions whose work will be nationally commissioned under the new arrangements in a roundtable format. The timings of the events at each conference are: •    Liberal Democrats - Monday 19 ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/590/psnc-to-have-role-at-party-conferences https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/590/psnc-to-have-role-at-party-conferences Mon, 15 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT Pharmacist Hemant Patel has been named as the first recipient of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society’s (RPS) new Charter Award. He was given the award in recognition of his outstanding service and contribution to pharmacy. Mr Patel is a former President of the RPSGB and has also held high offices in other pharmacy bodies, including the Commonwealth Pharmacists Association. As President of the RPSGB he was instrumental in initiating the report ‘Making Britain a Safer Place to Take Medicines.’ His ambition in this field is currently demonstrated through his work with the North-East London Local Pharmaceutical Committee, where he is leading an initiative to help community pharmacy build partnerships with the voluntary sector and contributing to a project to help make London the safest city to receive prescribed medicines.   President of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society Martin Astbury said, “I’m very pleased to give the Charter Award to Hemant Patel in recognition of all he ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/799/hemant-patel-granted-new-charter-award https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/799/hemant-patel-granted-new-charter-award Fri, 12 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT A new drug has been found to reduce the risk of strokes and blood clots in people with irregular heartbeats, according to a recent study. Rivaroxaban was found to be at least as effective as warfarin, which is currently used by patients. The new drug is also considered easier to take than warfarin because patients on it don’t need to be monitored so closely. Commenting on the study, British Heart Foundation Medical Director Professor Peter Weissberg said, “Around 800,000 people in the UK have atrial fibrillation, a type of heart rhythm disturbance, and it causes around one in seven first-time strokes. “This important study adds rivaroxaban to the increasing list of new drugs that seem to be at least as good as warfarin - the current standard therapy to prevent strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.  “An additional advantage is that they do not require the close monitoring that warfarin does. However, the rate ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/752/new-drug-found-to-reduce-stroke-risk https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/752/new-drug-found-to-reduce-stroke-risk Fri, 12 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT The MHRA is warning people not to buy particular herbal slimming products available online due to concerns about serious side effects. Several products available to buy from overseas websites have received international safety warnings and alerts from health agencies in Sweden, Canada, Australia, Hong Kong and the US. Products including ‘Instant Slim’, ‘Acai Berry ABC’ and ‘Sport Burner’ have been found to contain the prescription-only substance sibutramine which has been withdrawn across Europe due to increased risk of heart attacks and strokes following use. MHRA Group Manager for Herbal Medicines Policy, Richard Woodfield, said, “The MHRA is committed to ensuring that people are protected from medicines and products that may harm their health. People often assume that because herbal medicines and products contain natural extracts they are automatically safe but this is not the case - no medicine or product is risk free.  "We urge people not to take any slimming medicines or ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/170/herbal-slimming-aid-warning https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/170/herbal-slimming-aid-warning Thu, 11 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT The government has issued a statement detailing the support that will be offered to businesses affected by the recent riots across England. The written statement, from Business Secretary, Vince Cable, was published on Thursday 11th August. Mr Cable begins the statement by saying, “The appalling criminality we have seen across England in recent days has devastated not only local communities but also a very significant number of businesses. “BIS and other Government Departments are working with local enterprise partnerships, local authorities and business organisations to ensure affected businesses have access to practical advice, information and support to get back on their feet as quickly as possible.” The rest of the statement, which summarises the help and advice the government is offering to businesses, can be found at: www.bis.gov.uk/news/topstories/2011/Aug/public-disorder-business-support. The RPS, NPA and PSNC have also all offered advice to any pharmacists affected by the recent troubles. This advice can be found on the respective ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/493/statement-about-support-for-damaged-business https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/493/statement-about-support-for-damaged-business Thu, 11 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT Women smokers could be more at risk of heart disease than their male counterparts, according to a large-scale piece of research recently published in the Lancet. The new research was based around a meta-analysis of 86 different studies involving a total of more than four million people. It found the increased risk of developing heart disease because of smoking is 25% higher for women compared to men. The authors speculated the reason could be down to physiological differences or cigarette smoke toxins having a more potent effect on women. In Great Britain, 21 per cent of women and 22 per cent of men smoke cigarettes. Ellen Mason, Senior Cardiac Nurse for the British Heart Foundation, commented on the study, saying, “It’s alarming to see such a large study confirm that women are so much more at risk of heart disease from smoking than men. Tobacco companies are increasingly targeting women with slim brands ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/605/women-smokers-more-at-risk-of-heart-disease https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/605/women-smokers-more-at-risk-of-heart-disease Thu, 11 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT NICE has launched a new online survey aimed at improving its guidance and is now seeking the views of patients and the general public. The short questionnaire consists of a mixture of multiple choice questions and opportunities to provide more detailed replies. It is intended to gauge how aware people are of NICE’s clinical guidelines and whether or not they have any experience of using them. Dr Judith Thornton, NICE project lead and Technical Adviser for guidelines, said: "At NICE, we are interested in how the presentation of guidelines affects their uptake and application. We want as many people as possible to be aware of the guidance to ensure they receive the best possible care and have a number of ongoing projects in this area.” The survey will run until 9th October. It is part of  a larger five-year study called DECIDE, which is funded by the European Commission's Seventh Framework Programme ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/298/survey-launched-to-improve-nice-guidance https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/298/survey-launched-to-improve-nice-guidance Wed, 10 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT A new group has been set up to tackle the £300 million lost every year in the NHS because of medicine wastage. Called the Steering Group to Improve the Use of Medicines, it will also identify how people can be better supported in taking their medicines as prescribed. On top of the £300 million lost due to medicine wastage, at least half of which is avoidable, the cost to the NHS of people not taking their medicines properly and not getting the full benefits to their health is estimated at more than £500 million a year. Health Minister Lord Howe, who announced the establishment of the new group on 8th August, said, “We want to look at how patients can make the most of the medicines they take. This isn’t just about saving money – most importantly, it is about making sure that patients stay well and get the best outcomes from ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/301/group-set-up-to-tackle-medicines-wastage https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/301/group-set-up-to-tackle-medicines-wastage Wed, 10 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) has endorsed a position statement from the United Kingdom Clinical Pharmacy Association (UKCPA) on the use of two new oral anticoagulants (NOACs) for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Helen Williams, Consultant Pharmacist for Cardiovascular Disease, said, “With guidance from NICE expected in December 2011 for dabigatran, a direct thrombin inhibitor, and May 2012 for rivaroxaban, a factor Xa inhibitor, the position statement provides helpful interim advice for all decision makers on appropriate use of these new NOACs.” Key recommendations in the guidance include: • Identifying patients with AF should remain a priority • In the short-term, NOACs should only be considered as an alternative to warfarin for stroke prevention in AF in patients who are: • Unable to take warfarin due to allergy or contraindications; • Unable to adhere to the monitoring requirements associated with warfarin therapy; • Unable to achieve an INR within the target therapeutic range (TTR) ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/477/rps-endorses-guidance-on-anticoagulants https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/477/rps-endorses-guidance-on-anticoagulants Wed, 10 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT A tanning product being sold across the UK is potentially dangerous according to experts at the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). The sunless tanning treatment, marketed as Ubertan, is being advertised and sold illegally in gyms, beauty salons as well as online, and is used in the form of a nasal spray. Tests carried out by the MHRA on a sample of Ubertan have revealed it contained melanotan II, an unlicensed medicine with no evidence of safety, quality or that it works, and with unknown side effects. Another version of Ubertan currently being investigated claims to contain an extract from the Indian plant 'coleus forskohlii'. There are no licensed or registered medicines in the UK that contain melanotan or this herbal extract. The MHRA has written to a number of retailers and websites instructing them to stop marketing the product and to cancel all advertising and promotions including on the internet as ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/345/mhra-warning-over-tanning-product https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/345/mhra-warning-over-tanning-product Tue, 09 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) has issued guidance for pharmacies caught up in the riots sweeping London and other cities. Leyla Hannbeck Head of Information at the National Pharmacy Association said, “Some NPA members have had their properties damaged by the rioting and for those in nearby areas, there is concern that the rioting will spread. “As the rioting has been moving quickly around London and other cities, at the first sign of trouble, pharmacists should lock their doors, secure shutters and call the police. The safety of the pharmacy team and customers is paramount. “Pharmacists within a riot zone may be advised by the police to close their pharmacy. If this happens, pharmacists should inform their PCT and liaise with their local GP practice so that patients can be directed to non-affected pharmacies for urgent medication. For all non-urgent requests, patients may be advised to wait until the pharmacy ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/123/npa-issues-riot-guidance https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/123/npa-issues-riot-guidance Tue, 09 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT The NPA is encouraging its members who will have a preregistration pharmacist this year to enroll them onto the NPA Preregistration Trainee Pharmacist Programme. The programme is designed to support prereg tutors by focusing on specific elements of the General Pharmaceutical Council’s (GPhC) prereg performance standards and exam syllabus. The programme is written and facilitated by a team of experienced pharmacists with expertise in prereg training. The course consists of two residential study courses, held in St Albans, Birmingham and Wakefield and an annual conference held in Birmingham. In addition to the residential study courses and conference, those enrolled on the programme will receive a variety of workplace support materials throughout the duration of the programme, including training packs, regular newsletters and directed learning activities. Sabina Khanom NPA Assistant Head of Education & Training said, “This programme…provides a great opportunity for prereg students to network and share experiences with others. ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/396/npa-prereg-programme-opens-for-enrolment https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/396/npa-prereg-programme-opens-for-enrolment Mon, 08 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) is encouraging pharmacists, pharmacy staff and others to get involved in developing a short film by submitting the one message they want people to know about community pharmacy. The film will be launched as part of a package of activities during Ask Your Pharmacist Week (7-13th November) and aims to capture the essence of today’s community pharmacies. Stephen Fishwick, Head of External Communications said, “Community pharmacy has changed and is continuing to change. We need to grow public awareness of pharmacy’s services and skills if the sector is to make a success of new clinical and wellbeing roles. We hope this film will get to the very heart of what community pharmacy is today. Everyone involved in community pharmacy is invited to give us their perspective.” Some thoughts already submitted to the NPA include: •    Community pharmacy is around the clock and around the corner •    Community ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/718/npa-calls-for-help-with-developing-short-film https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/718/npa-calls-for-help-with-developing-short-film Mon, 08 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT Over a million cancer sufferers could be at greater risk of serious long term health problems because they are not physically active enough, according to a new report by Macmillan Cancer Support. Called Move More, the report has revealed new evidence which shows just how important physical activity is to the recovery and long term health of cancer patients. Four key findings in the report are: -Breast cancer patients’ risk of recurrence and of dying from the disease can be reduced by up 40% by doing recommended levels [4] of physical activity [5]   -Bowel cancer patients’ risk of recurrence and of dying from the disease can be reduced by around 50% by doing significant amounts of physical activity [6],   -Prostate cancer patients’ risk of dying from the disease can be reduced by up to 30% by doing recommended levels of physical activity [7], and -After treatment all cancer patients can reduce ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/126/inactivity-risks-cancer-sufferers-health https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/126/inactivity-risks-cancer-sufferers-health Mon, 08 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT The Royal College of Physicians, in partnership with Asthma UK and a number of other bodies concerned with asthma, has announced a significant new initiative that aims to reduce the number of asthma deaths. The National Review of Asthma Deaths (NRAD) will review all deaths from asthma across the UK for one year beginning February 2012, with the aim of understanding why people die from asthma so that these deaths can be prevented in the future. All confirmed asthma deaths will be included in the confidential enquiry. Hospitals and GPs will be asked to participate and family members will be consulted to explore each individual's circumstances and the care provided before death. Currently, an average of three people die every day from their asthma and around 90% of these deaths are preventable. NRAD, which was commissioned by the Healthcare Quality Improvement Partnership, will go on to provide evidence to influence ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/380/national-review-of-asthma-deaths-announced https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/380/national-review-of-asthma-deaths-announced Fri, 05 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT Twenty areas, representing 30 PCTs in England, have now been selected to become Healthy Living Pharmacy (HLP) pathfinder sites following a competitive selection process. These sites will help guide the future direction of community pharmacy and will showcase how Healthy Living Pharmacies can support local people to change their lifestyles and improve their health.   They will focus on delivering high-quality public health services such as stopping smoking and weight loss advice. Health Secretary Andrew Lansley said, "Pharmacists and their teams play a vital role in promoting the public's health in their local communities. Our plans to modernise the NHS will mean better integration of pharmacy teams working alongside other health professionals, helping to improve public health and reduce health inequalities. Implementation of Healthy Living Pharmacies will also be one of the early priorities for the newly established pharmacy and public health forum to take forward. "We look forward to seeing the results ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/702/hlp-pathfinder-sites-announced https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/702/hlp-pathfinder-sites-announced Fri, 05 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT Four UK health charities have launched an appeal against a NICE (National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence) decision that they believe could lead to thousands of people with diabetes needlessly losing their sight. NICE has proposed not to recommend the drug Lucentis to treat the eye condition diabetic macular oedema (DMO) on the NHS. However, the charities, Diabetes UK, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Macular Disease Society and the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB), believe that this decision should be reconsidered because they have not been able to comment on significant new evidence about the drug submitted by its manufacturer, Novartis. They want a proper consultation to be held about the issue. Steve Winyard, RNIB Head of Policy and Campaigns said, "Patients at risk of losing their sight have a right to expect that a full review of all the available information takes place. However, NICE has failed to consult with ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/126/charities-call-on-nice-to-reconsider-decision https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/126/charities-call-on-nice-to-reconsider-decision Fri, 05 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT The Welsh Pharmacy Board wants to hear from RPS members about a range of issues currently effecting pharmacy in Wales. It has been given an opportunity to present both written and oral evidence to an inquiry into community pharmacy services, which is being held by the Health and Social Care Committee of the National Assembly for Wales throughout the autumn. The inquiry will look at: -The effectiveness of the Community Pharmacy Contract in enhancing the contribution of community pharmacy to health and wellbeing services; -The extent to which Local Health Boards have taken up the opportunities presented by the contract to extend pharmacy services through the provision of ‘enhanced’ services, and examples of successful schemes; -The scale and adequacy of ‘advanced’ services provided by community pharmacies -The scope for further provision of services by community pharmacies in addition to the dispensing of NHS medicines and appliances, including the potential for minor ailments schemes; -The current and ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/220/welsh-board-calls-for-members-views https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/220/welsh-board-calls-for-members-views Thu, 04 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT Genital warts cost the NHS in England millions every year, according to new Health Protection Agency research which was published online in the journal Sexually Transmitted Infections. The authors of the study based their calculations on the number of cases of genital warts seen in GP surgeries, sexual health (genitourinary medicine or GUM) clinics and hospitals in England during 2008. Throughout the twelve month period, there were a total of around 149,000 cases of genital warts, made up of 80,500 new and just over 68,000 recurrent cases. The researchers found that the average cost of each case came to £113. This added up to a total cost of £17 million for the NHS to diagnose and treat genital warts in England during that year. The authors have suggested that a large proportion of the cases of genital warts could be prevented by use of the quadrivalent human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, which has ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/220/genital-warts-costing-the-nhs-millions https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/220/genital-warts-costing-the-nhs-millions Thu, 04 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT PSNC has responded to recent comments made by Health Minister Andrew Lansley, which discussed how care for people with long term conditions could potentially be improved. PSNC Chief Executive Sue Sharpe said, “The 15 million people living with long-term conditions account for 50% of all GP visits in the UK. Patients with long-term conditions could often be better served by a visit to their local community pharmacist, who can offer a range of innovative NHS services building on their expertise in the use of medicines. Services like the New Medicine Service and Targeted Medicines Use Reviews, launching in October, will help those with long-term conditions to manage their medicines and reduce the burden on GPs.” Lansley’s original comments can be found at http://nds.coi.gov.uk/content/detail.aspx?NewsAreaId=2&ReleaseID=420666.   https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/527/psnc-responds-to-lansley-comments https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/527/psnc-responds-to-lansley-comments Thu, 04 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT The NHS Employers organisation and the Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee (PSNC) have published further details on the New Medicine Service (NMS) and targeted Medicines Use Reviews (MURs) to ensure that community pharmacy and the NHS have the knowledge they need to implement the services on 1st October 2011. Among other information the new publication includes: -Details on the funding structure for the NMS. In year one pharmacies will have access to a fixed, one-off implementation payment of £750 and target payments based on the number of NMS episodes that are completed; -The pharmacist self-assessment form which will need to be satisfactorily completed to demonstrate that a pharmacist has the necessary skills and knowledge to deliver the NMS; and -The lists of medicines included in the roll out of the NMS and the list of high risk medicines for targeted MURs. Felicity Cox, lead negotiator for the NHS Employers organisation, said:"The NHS Employers organisation and PSNC ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/702/information-on-service-developments-released https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/702/information-on-service-developments-released Wed, 03 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT The National Pharmacy Association has welcomed the publishing of the revised NHS Community Pharmacy Contractual Framework for England, which outlines details of the New Medicine Service (NMS). Mike Holden, Chief Executive of the National Pharmacy Association said, “The NMS is a chance for our sector to demonstrate to current and future commissioners that we effectively support patients and improve efficiency in the NHS through improved medicines adherence and safety. We need to ensure that this service quickly becomes embedded in everyday pharmacy practice – this is no small task. “The NPA is well placed to support the effective implementation of the service and we have been working collaboratively with others to ensure this happens. To help pharmacists adjust to the new service, the NPA has published an implementation support pack. It includes: -A comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure available online to ensure all pharmacy staff understand the NMS service -Information on each ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/652/npa-welcomes-new-contractual-framework https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/652/npa-welcomes-new-contractual-framework Wed, 03 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT Teva UK Limited has launched new letrozole film-coated tablets, a generic version of Femara from Novartis Pharmaceuticals UK Ltd.   Letrozolo is indicated in the following therapeutic indications: -Adjuvant treatment of post-menopausal women with hormone receptor-positive early breast cancer -Extended adjuvant treatment of hormone-dependent early breast cancer in post-menopausal women who have received prior standard adjuvant tamoxifen therapy for 5 years -First-line treatment in post-menopausal women with hormone-dependent advanced breast cancer -Advanced breast cancer in women with natural or artificially-induced post-menopausal status after relapse or disease progression, who have previously been treated with anti-oestrogens. Letrozole from Teva UK Limited is available immediately as 2.5 mg film-coated tablets in packs of 14 and 28, in the award-winning Teva 360 packaging, which has been designed to aid patient safety. The Teva retail price for the product is £7.49 for the packs of 14 film-coated tablets and £12.73 for the packs of 28. Kim Innes, Commercial Director at Teva UK Limited said, “We are ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/975/teva-uk-launches-new-generics-line https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/975/teva-uk-launches-new-generics-line Tue, 02 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT Members of the public will now have to answer questions about organ donation before they can complete their driving licence application through the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) website. This new initiative, launched by Public Health Minister Anne Milton on Monday 1st August, is intended to help drive up numbers on the organ donor register. Anne Milton said, "Being an organ donor is a truly selfless act and a lifesaving gift to someone in need. Only 29 per cent of people in the UK have registered to donate organs, when we know 90 per cent of people in the UK have expressed interest in donating. "We want to make it easier for people to sign up to the Organ Donor Register when they apply for their driving licence and encourage everyone to discuss their organ donation wishes with their loved ones. The changes to the DVLA website will do just that but ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/796/driving-licences-to-drive-up-organ-donation https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/796/driving-licences-to-drive-up-organ-donation Tue, 02 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT Members of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) elected Martin Astbury as Chair and John Gentle as Treasurer of the Assembly on Wednesday 27 July 2011. Commenting on his election, Martin Astbury said, “I am delighted to have been re-elected as President, having held the role since October 2010.   “Delivery of outcomes and services will determine the future success of the Society and I know that with consensus and teamwork we can deliver what members need.   “Through the Boards and Assembly we can develop a unified, positive and energised profession which we can all be proud of.  We want to see our members able to achieve their professional ambitions and become the very best that they can.”   John Gentle said, “In March this year over 30,000 pharmacists chose to join the Society. That was a tremendous vote of confidence - something that we are all determined to work hard to justify and to keep those ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/878/rps-assembly-elects-chair-and-treasurer https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/878/rps-assembly-elects-chair-and-treasurer Mon, 01 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT PSNC has responded positively to the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) and Royal College of General Practice (RCGP) paper, ‘Breaking Down the Barriers’. Published on 28th July, the paper details how GPs and community pharmacists can work together to improve the care provided to patients in the community. PSNC Chief Executive Sue Sharpe said, “Building bridges with GPs is one of the biggest challenges facing pharmacies as they look to develop their role in a rapidly changing NHS. Closer working between professionals not only improves the quality of patient care, but is also essential to the success of Clinical Commissioning Groups, which GPs are expected to lead. Pharmacists should make it a priority to talk to local GPs before the New Medicine Service launches on the 1st October, talking them through the service and making sure they understand how it will help them and their patients.” The paper be viewed at www.rpharms.com/promoting-pharmacy/leadership-and-advocacy.asp.   https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/878/breaking-down-the-barriers-welcomed https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/878/breaking-down-the-barriers-welcomed Fri, 29 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT PSNC has welcomed the publication of the Department of Health’s guidance document on Any Qualified Provider.   The pharmacy organisation said that the direction of travel shown by the document is encouraging, but also warned that there will be few opportunities for community pharmacy in the immediate future   From April 2012, patients will be able to choose from ‘any qualified provider’ in the fields of community and mental health services. Based on the guidance, there could be scope for community pharmacy to provide services in diagnostics, and in due course, home chemotherapy, but further opportunities are expected during the wider roll out.   The guidance also confirms that pharmacies and other providers that are not covered by Care Quality Commission regulation will not need to register in order to provide these services, as long as they are covered by another appropriate registering body that is acceptable to the commissioner.   PSNC Head of NHS Services Alastair Buxton ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/380/any-qualified-provider-guidance-encouraging https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/380/any-qualified-provider-guidance-encouraging Thu, 28 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) and the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) have produced a new paper detailing how GPs and community pharmacists can work together to improve the care provided to patients in the community. Called ‘Breaking down the barriers – how community pharmacists and GPs can work together to improve patient care’, the paper makes a total of 62 recommendations. It identifies the changing role of the community pharmacist, from dispenser to generic health provider, and the broadening role of the GP, and details how these changes can be harnessed and used for patient benefit. As well as making many recommendations, the paper also identifies several key ‘building blocks’ designed to underpin closer working. They include: • Medical professionals acknowledging the opportunity for joint working to improve medicines utilisation, cost-effectiveness and minimise waste. • The introduction of shared standards and ways of working to ensure consistency of services and information to the ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/702/new-recommendations-for-working-with-gps https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/702/new-recommendations-for-working-with-gps Thu, 28 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT Members of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) have voted in favour of creating a new membership category. From October 2011, a new pharmaceutical scientist category will join the existing membership categories. Of those voting, 76% of members agreed to the proposed Pharmaceutical Scientist member category. The special resolution ballot achieved a voter turnout of 24.8%, with 8,806 members voting in total. President Martin Astbury said, “I’m delighted to be able welcome pharmaceutical scientist members into the new Society. I’d like to thank members for voting and showing such a positive response to extending membership to this important group. “The introduction of this new membership category builds upon and cements the already strong relationships between the Society and pharmaceutical scientists and offers formal recognition through membership for those who support the science and research at the core of our profession. The inclusion of pharmaceutical scientists will enhance the reputation of RPS which will in turn ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/380/new-rps-membership-category-passed https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/380/new-rps-membership-category-passed Wed, 27 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT The NHS is poorly prepared to care for obese patients, lacking dedicated equipment and adequately trained staff, among other things, reveals an analysis of patient safety incidents, published online in the Postgraduate Medical Journal. The authors analysed patient safety incident data reported to the National Reporting and Learning System, which is run by the National Patient Safety Agency. They looked for all incident reports relating to, or caused by, obesity over a period of three years from 2005 to 2008, to identify any common themes. During the study period, some 555 patient safety incidents were reported, of which 389 related to obesity. Of these, 148 incidents related to the assessment, diagnosis, or treatment of obesity. They included 63 incidents associated with anaesthesia, such as difficulty ventilating a patient or securing their airway, and 27 incidents involving critical care, most of which were pressure sores. Surgical errors included haemorrhage, unintended damage ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/928/nhs-ill-prepared-to-care-for-obese-patients https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/928/nhs-ill-prepared-to-care-for-obese-patients Tue, 26 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT The brand new 35th edition of the iconic handbook ‘Medicines, Ethics and Practice’ (MEP) has been published today by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) and will be distributed free of charge to members of the Society. This guide for pharmacists has been re-designed as a professional support text rather than a legal handbook with the realities of everyday practise in mind. It has a new emphasis on professionalism and the process of professional judgment, in line with the Society’s mission to empower the profession, as well as a focus on the core skills of clinical checks and taking a medication history.  It also continues to provide important information on topics such as prescription requirements and controlled drugs. In addition, the GPhC Standards of conduct, ethics and performance are reproduced in the appendices of the new MEP. Senior Professional Support Pharmacist at the RPS Wing Tang said, “We hope that both pharmacists and students will ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/204/new-handbook-published-by-the-rps https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/204/new-handbook-published-by-the-rps Mon, 25 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT Now that the government has published its response to the consultation on value-based pricing, Pharmacy voice has warned that any revised system must not generate unintended consequences which place further stress on the medicines supply chain. The pharmacy body said that any revised system must not generate unintended consequences which place further stress on the medicines supply chain. Rob Darracott, chief executive of Pharmacy Voice commented, “The emerging system needs to take note of international pricing, and also be sensitive to the re-imbursement mechanisms for pharmacies. When a product is priced much lower in one EU country than another, legitimate cross-border trade occurs and this can result in shortages in the lower-priced country. Shortages create administrative problems for those further down the supply chain, and cause inconvenience and potentially interrupt the treatment of patients.   “The Government has recognised that coming up with a new system to define what represents value is not an ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/477/pharmacy-voice-warns-over-revised-system https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/477/pharmacy-voice-warns-over-revised-system Fri, 22 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT Patients with a history of heart disease who stop taking aspirin are at a significantly increased risk of heart attack compared with those who continue treatment, finds a new study published on bmj.com. Low dose aspirin is a recommended treatment for patients with a history of heart disease to help prevent blood clots forming. However, discontinuation rates of up to 50% have been reported in long-term users. Studies in hospitals have shown that stopping low dose aspirin is linked with an increased risk of heart problems, but, until now, there have been no studies looking at the impact of stopping low dose aspirin on the risk of heart attack or death from coronary heart disease in the general population. Researchers led by Dr Luis Garcia Rodriguez therefore decided to investigate the issue, analysing data on 39,513 patients from The Health Improvement Network, a large database of UK primary care records. The patients they looked ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/781/heart-disease-patients-should-take-aspirin https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/781/heart-disease-patients-should-take-aspirin Thu, 21 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT A new resource aimed at reducing workplace pressure through professional empowerment has been published by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS). The resource includes clear guidance for members and employers on workplace pressures and addresses the common view that while the levels of responsibility for pharmacists are growing, the amount of control that individual pharmacists have over their practice is declining. It gives advice on what pharmacists can do to reduce their workload and tells them where they can go for support if they feel overwhelmed by what is expected of them. The resource also aims to help pharmacists develop the confidence to challenge those that have an impact on their ability to exercise their professional role. It provides guidance on creating an environment where whistleblowing about public interest issues becomes encouraged by employers and safe for individuals. Lindsey Gilpin, Chair of the English Pharmacy Board commented, “It is important for us that members ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/844/new-resource-on-workplace-pressure-published https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/844/new-resource-on-workplace-pressure-published Wed, 20 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT Cancer rates in middle-aged men and women in Great Britain have gone up by nearly 20% in a generation, according to new figures released on 18th July by Cancer Research UK. This represents an increase of 17,000 cases per year. Among women in their forties and fifties cancer rates have risen by more than 25%. In 1979 44,000 people, aged 40-59, were diagnosed with cancer in Britain but the latest figures for 2008 show almost 61,000 people in the same age group were struck by the disease in that year. This means that the cancer incidence rates in this age group have increased from 329 per 100,000 to 388 per 100,000. The figures also show that the cases of cancer in men have risen from almost 20,000 in 1979 to almost 24,000 in 2008, while in women cases have increased from more than 24,000 to more than 36,500. But despite such an alarming increase ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/781/cancer-rates-rising-in-middle-aged-people https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/781/cancer-rates-rising-in-middle-aged-people Tue, 19 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT Plans to transform the care, quality of life and health outcomes for millions of people with respiratory disease have been announced by Health Secretary Andrew Lansley. A new Outcomes Strategy for COPD and Asthma was been published on 18th July. It is hoped that it will drive improvements in outcomes for patients with respiratory diseases. The strategy is based around a new REACT approach, which have five central tenants: •    Respiratory health and good lung health; •    Early accurate diagnosis; •    Active partnership between healthcare professionals and people with COPD/asthma; •    Chronic disease management (and good control of symptoms); and •    Targeted evidence-based treatment for the individual. Everyone affected by COPD and asthma can also expect to have a care planning discussion with their healthcare professional under the strategy. This will allow individuals to personalise their care and plan their lung health on an ongoing basis so that they can identify any problems and seek help before their ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/493/new-strategy-to-treat-respiratory-disease https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/493/new-strategy-to-treat-respiratory-disease Tue, 19 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT Close to 50 PCT areas across England have put themselves forward as Healthy Living Pharmacy (HLP) pathfinder sites.   There will now be a process to select which areas will become pathfinders, with successful applicants informed by August 5th. HLP National Project Lead Deborah Evans said, “We are delighted with the response we have had from LPCs and PCTs, which have jointly committed to the Healthy Living Pharmacy concept. A necessary criterion for moving forward is a firm commitment from both commissioners and providers.  The quality of applications is outstanding and is a reflection of how pharmacy is ready and willing to tackle local health inequalities and demonstrate effectiveness.” It is hoped that at least 100 pharmacies will take part across the selected sites.  Many areas have indicated that they will continue to implement HLPs even if they are not selected for pathfinder status. The HLP programme received a further boost this week with ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/396/overwhelming-response-to-hlp-programme https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/396/overwhelming-response-to-hlp-programme Mon, 18 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT The Secretary of State for Health Andrew Lansley has confirmed that plans to introduce a new value-based pricing system for branded medicines in England will likely be going ahead. He made the announcement as the government’s response to a consultation on the issue was published on the 18th July. It can be viewed on the Department of Health’s website at http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Consultations/Responsestoconsultations/DH_128226. The government has said that it wants to introduce value-based pricing to improve NHS patients’ access to effective and innovative drugs by ensuring they are available at a price that reflects the value they bring. Although the government is planning to honour the terms of the Pharmaceutical Price Regulation Scheme 2009 until its expiry, it wants to reform the way in which medicines are paid for from 2014 onwards. However, the PSNC has urged that caution be taken over the issue, arguing that new arrangements must be carefully considered if mistakes of the ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/317/new-value-based-system-for-pricing-meds https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/317/new-value-based-system-for-pricing-meds Mon, 18 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT New research has shown that 42% of people who die in the UK will have been diagnosed with cancer at some point in their life and that, out of these people, 64% will lose their lives directly as a result of developing cancer.   The study, which was carried out by Macmillan Cancer Support, also found that, the number of people living with cancer has increased in this country by 35% in the last ten years from 1.5 to two million in 2008.   This is because more people are getting cancer, and as treatment improves, people are surviving longer with cancer. However, Macmillan Cancer Support believes that whilst people are certainly living longer than ever with cancer; they are not necessarily living well.   Its latest study revealed that many cancer survivors will have ongoing, long term health problems. For example, the research showed that out of those colorectal cancer patients still alive between five ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/972/one-in-four-people-to-develop-cancer https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/972/one-in-four-people-to-develop-cancer Thu, 14 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT A Chelmsford man has received an 18-month custodial sentence at Basildon Crown Court on 11th July for five offences including supply and possession with intent to supply Class C controlled drugs and Prescription Only Medicines.   Lloyd Paterson, also known as Lloyd Henderson, 47, was found to be dealing in Class C controlled drugs, namely anabolic steroids, as well as Prescription Only Medicines, such as the breast cancer drug tamoxifen.   The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) launched an investigation following the test purchase of two medicines including the fertility drug Clomiphene Citrate, and Tamoxifen from Paterson’s website, www.buysteroidsintheuk.com.   Paterson was charged following raids of his private and business addresses, where officers found approximately 70,000 doses of 59 different medicinal products with a street value of almost £60,000, as well as more than £10,000 cash.   An independent expert with experience of research into the effects of anabolic steroids indicated that the quantities of oral ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/928/man-jailed-for-medicine-offences https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/928/man-jailed-for-medicine-offences Thu, 14 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT In advance of the publication of the Cost of Service Inquiry (COSI) report and the implementation of changes to the Community Pharmacy Contractual Framework in England, the PSNC has announced a programme of regional events to address any pressing questions contractors have on either issue.   PSNC Chief Executive Sue Sharpe said, “When they read the COSI report, contractors will inevitably have a lot of questions about what the figures mean. Just as important, pharmacies must be ready to offer the NMS and targeted MURs by October. While COSI will inform PSNC’s contract funding negotiations with the Department of Health these will take several months. In the immediate future, we need to ensure widespread provision of the New Medicine Service. In the longer term this will be critical in determining the future of the community pharmacy contract.   “That’s why we are holding events in locations across the country, to answer the questions contractors may have ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/605/psnc-events-on-cost-and-contract-changes https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/605/psnc-events-on-cost-and-contract-changes Wed, 13 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) has welcomed Health Minister Lord Howe’s announcement of the new Pharmacy and Public Health Forum. He was speaking at this week’s parliamentary All Party Pharmacy Group’s AGM and summer reception, held in the House of Commons.   Professor Richard Parish, the Chief Executive of the Royal Society for Public Health, has been appointed chairman of the forum, which will aim to expand the role of pharmacy as part of the Government’s drive to improve public health.   Mike Holden, chief executive of the National Pharmacy Association said, “We welcome Lord Howe’s recognition of the value that our sector can bring to tackling health inequalities and ensuring medicine optimisation. The Forum will give extra impetus to the expansion of our sector’s role in public health and is a good fit with the Healthy Living Pharmacy concept.   “We fully support the initiative and will actively engage with this opportunity to operate in the ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/944/npa-welcomes-new-pharmacy-forum https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/944/npa-welcomes-new-pharmacy-forum Tue, 12 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT The Welsh Pharmacy Board and the Scottish Pharmacy Board of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) have both elected their Chairs. The Welsh Pharmacy Board selected Mair Davies as its new Chair following the decision by the previous Chair, Nuala Brennan, to step down, while the Scottish Pharmacy Board reappointed Sandra Melville as its Chair. After being elected, Mair Davis paid tribute to her predecessor and indicated her desire to further engage with the membership in Wales and to support the staff in delivering the Board’s work programme for 2011/12. She said, “I’m looking forward to beginning my role as chair and I thank my fellow Board members for their confidence in me to represent the interests of members and the profession in Wales. I have absolute confidence in the Welsh Pharmacy Board and I feel that we, as a Board, have really developed and matured and have become much more strategic in our ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/540/rps-board-chairs-elected https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/540/rps-board-chairs-elected Fri, 08 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT Women are more likely to be influenced by cigarette packet design than men according to new Cancer Research UK funded research which was recently published in the Australasian Marketing Journal. Researchers from Stirling University examined smokers’ attitudes to cigarette packaging through eight focus groups in Glasgow, consisting of 54 smokers aged 18 to 35. Smokers were asked about their attitudes to different packets. They were each designed to open either like a book, slide open sideways or made to resemble a lighter with a flip top. Men were generally found to not be influenced by the different designs, with none indicating they would change their brand for the sake of the design. However, some women expressed a favourable reaction to the more unusual designs. Nearly all of the smokers associated coloured, plain packets (white, green, light blue, red), which only had health warnings and no name, description or tar or nicotine levels ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/752/women-more-influenced-by-tobacco-packaging https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/752/women-more-influenced-by-tobacco-packaging Thu, 07 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT Two men have been sentenced at Bristol Crown Court for their role in an international counterfeit medicines operation uncovered by the MHRA. On 5th July, Graham Dawson, the mastermind behind the scam, received a 44-week sentence, suspended for two years, a two-year supervision order, 180 hours of unpaid work, a curfew from 8pm to 7am and will also be required to wear an electronic tag for six months. His associate, Colin Proctor was sentenced to a two-year supervision order and 120 hours of unpaid work. Dawson pleaded guilty on 6th June 2011 to a single count of conspiracy to supply counterfeit medicines. Proctor pleaded guilty on 3rd December 2010 to 10 offences including possession of medicinal products intended to be placed on the market without marketing authorisation, supplying counterfeit medicines in breach of the Trade Marks Act 1994 (external link) and possessing counterfeit medicines with intent to sell. The men were charged after the ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/298/men-sentenced-for-counterfeit-med-offences https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/298/men-sentenced-for-counterfeit-med-offences Thu, 07 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT A drug used to treat neurological disorders such as epilepsy and anxiety is increasingly being misused by young people in the UK, an expert has warned in a letter to this week’s BMJ. A forensic team at the University of Dundee in Scotland have identified several cases of phenazepam misuse and warn that it could become more widely used as substitute for other drugs such as mephedrone. Phenazepam is a type of benzodiazepine (psychoactive) drug and is not currently controlled in the United Kingdom, mainland Europe, or the United States. It was developed in the 1970s for the treatment of epilepsy, alcohol withdrawal syndrome, insomnia, and anxiety and is currently prescribed only in the former Soviet Bloc. However, recent reports from Sweden, Finland, and the US describe its illicit use. In the UK concern over the safety of phenazepam was raised in 2010, when three people in the East Midlands and six people ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/699/epilepsy-drug-being-misused-in-the-uk https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/699/epilepsy-drug-being-misused-in-the-uk Wed, 06 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT Commonly used painkillers to treat inflammation have been linked to an increased risk of irregular heart rhythm by a new study published on bmj.com. The drugs include non-selective non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) as well as new generation anti-inflammatory drugs, known as selective COX-2 inhibitors. These drugs have already been linked to an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes, but no study has examined whether they increase the risk of atrial fibrillation – a condition which is associated with an increased long term risk of stroke, heart failure, and death. A team of researchers, led by Professor Henrik Toft Sørensen from the Aarhus University Hospital in Denmark, therefore decided to investigate the issue. They used the Danish National Registry of Patients to identify 32,602 patients with a first diagnosis of atrial fibrillation or flutter between 1999 and 2008. Each case was compared with 10 age and sex-matched control patients randomly selected from the ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/752/common-painkillers-linked-to-heart-problems https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/752/common-painkillers-linked-to-heart-problems Tue, 05 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT The English Pharmacy Board re-elected Lindsey Gilpin as Chair and Sultan Dajani as Vice-Chair. The board also nominated Martin Astbury, John Gentle, Catherine Armstrong, Shilpa Gohil and Tristan Learoyd to the RPS Assembly, on behalf of the English Board. Addressing the Board, prior to her election, Lindsey said, “Firstly, I must thank everyone, board members and staff alike for your help over the last year. I spoke last year of a steep learning curve –well it got steeper and it was the support of colleagues that helped me along the way. “I also said how important I thought communication was, I feel now that we are in a much better position with our communication with our members, with other pharmacy bodies and with specialist groups – having some very meaningful dialogues although acknowledging that we still have a way to go. “I hope you feel that as a Board Chair I have kept ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/781/lindsey-gilpin-re-elected-to-pharmacy-board https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/781/lindsey-gilpin-re-elected-to-pharmacy-board Mon, 04 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT The new register for pharmacy technicians working in Great Britain is now up and running. It is hoped that the register, which was introduced on 1st July, will improve protection for patients by ensuring only those qualified, competent and under a duty to maintain high standards are able to work as pharmacy technicians. The register is held by the new pharmacy regulator, the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). GPhC chief executive and registrar Duncan Rudkin, said, “This register is good news for patients. We all take prescription medicine at one time or another, whether we’re at home or in hospital. And when we do, we take it for granted we’ve been given the right medicine, the right dosage and been advised correctly about when and how to take it. Now patients can be assured the pharmacy technicians, who play such an important part in pharmacy care and services, are qualified, registered and accountable. Compulsory ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/173/new-pharmacy-technician-register-launched https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/173/new-pharmacy-technician-register-launched Mon, 04 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT Unlicensed herbal remedies for erectile dysfunction, available over the internet, could present serious health risks according to recent test results received by the MHRA. The MHRA received advice from the Federal Agency for Medicines and Health Products in Belgium as well as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the USA on the products ‘Africa Black Ant’, ‘Rock Hard Weekend’, ‘Pandora’ and ‘The Best’. These unlicensed products were found to contain the Prescription Only Medicine (POM) sildenafil, which should only be used when prescribed by a doctor and could cause potentially life-threatening high blood pressure. The products have been marketed over the internet as an ‘herbal supplement’. However, consumption of sildenafil in unknown or uncontrolled quantities could be extremely dangerous and cause serious adverse reactions such as heart attacks and strokes. MHRA Head of Herbal Policy Richard Woodfield said, “Historically, with unlicensed herbal medicines, people have needed to be aware that the standards could ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/812/warning-over-dangerous-herbal-treatments https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/812/warning-over-dangerous-herbal-treatments Fri, 01 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT Two thirds of people with Type 1 diabetes and almost half of Type 2 patients do not receive all nine annual health checks to manage their diabetes effectively, according to the biggest ever audit of diabetes in England and Wales. The National Diabetes Audit 2010 has shown that children and young people are less likely to receive all the recommended checks, such as blood pressure, blood glucose and foot checks. According to Diabetes UK, the figures cause concern that a whole generation with diabetes may require substantial hospital care in the future for the treatment of long term complications such as heart disease, blindness and kidney failure. The report revealed that more than 800,000 people with diabetes already have high risk blood glucose levels putting them at increased risk of complications. It also identified substantial regional variations in both the prevalence and treatment of complications such as kidney failure and dialysis. Commenting on the audit ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/571/many-diabetics-missing-vital-health-checks https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/571/many-diabetics-missing-vital-health-checks Fri, 01 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) and Professional Forum of the Pharmaceutical Society Northern Ireland (PSNI) are to lead research into how the Responsible Pharmacist regulations have affected pharmacy practice. The organisations believe that now is a good time to investigate the impact the regulations have had since they have now been in place for a full eighteen months. The findings from their research will help support the Society’s response to future consultations on supervision. It will also identify whether further change to pharmacy practice is warranted to optimise the safe and effective pharmaceutical care. Martin Astbury, RPS President commented, “Public confidence in pharmacy is an invaluable asset which is linked to the strength of both the profession and the services we currently offer.  As pharmacists take on ever more clinical roles, including advising people to improve their health, and technological advances offer new models of working, it is vital that the interests of ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/490/new-research-into-responsible-pharmacy-regs https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/490/new-research-into-responsible-pharmacy-regs Thu, 30 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT A new way of saving money when it comes to prescription medicines has been proposed by a Northern Ireland Consultant, Dr Sara Hedderwick. Speaking at the annual conference of the BMA, Dr Hedderwick suggested that unused prescription medicine could be re-dispensed to save money and prevent it from simply going to waste. She said, “Front line clinicians are often best placed to know where to save money. It has been estimated that £300 million pounds of dispensed medicines are wasted per year across the UK – that’s £1 for every £25 spent on drugs.In many cases, unused drugs are literally flushed down the toilet. “Currently, unused medicines cannot be re-dispensed to other patients, even if they are returned in pristine condition, and this is something that should be looked at. Dr Hedderwick then went on to give an example related to her own work, saying, “I regularly prescribe intravenous antibiotics to patients in ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/637/unused-meds-could-be-re-dispensed https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/637/unused-meds-could-be-re-dispensed Wed, 29 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT Pharmacy bodies have joined together to represent community pharmacy at the Local Government Association’s (LGA) national conference this week. The LGA is a voluntary lobbying organisation which acts as the voice of the local government sector. This year its conference is based around the theme of Localism Works and is being held at the ICC in Birmingham from 28th-30th June. Representatives from Pharmacy Voice, PSNC and the RPS are exhibiting jointly at the event, at which speakers will include Prime Minister David Cameron, the Leader of the Opposition and the Health Secretary Andrew Lansley.    Gareth Jones from Pharmacy Voice explained why it is so important for pharmacy to have a presence at the event. He said, “Local authorities are taking on more powers in relation to public health, and we need pharmacy to be on radar of councillors and local officials.  Our combined attendance at the LGA conference gives us ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/348/united-pharmacy-presence-at-lga-conference https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/348/united-pharmacy-presence-at-lga-conference Wed, 29 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT New health profiles for each local area in England have been published, showing the latest 2011 figures. They are put together annually by the The Public Health Observatories, in partnership with the Department of Health, and provide information which is essential for planning local services for communities. The profiles give up-to-date information on key health issues such as childhood obesity, skin cancer (malignant melanoma), deaths from smoking, hospital stays due to alcohol misuse and early deaths from cancer and heart disease. They also show how each area is performing against the national average. New indicators for the 2011 profiles include: •    the number of hospital stays for self-harm: and •    long-term unemployment. There is a separate profile for each local authority, providing a snapshot of the current health status of the area, with tailored commentary, charts and a map. Public Health Minister Anne Milton said, “Health Profiles give a picture of local people’s health for every ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/812/health-profiles-released-for-england-areas https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/812/health-profiles-released-for-england-areas Tue, 28 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT A West Drayton man has been sentenced at Harrow Crown Court to 12 months' imprisonment for possessing 800 counterfeit Seretide 250 Evohalers, used in the treatment of asthma. Premal Gandesha pleaded guilty on 13th June 2011 to charges of importing a medicine from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) to his company, Blueridge UK Ltd, based in West Drayton, Middlesex, without holding the required licence to do so. He also pleaded guilty to possessing an unlicensed medicinal product with intent to place it on the market. On 24th June 2011, Gandesha received a three-month prison sentence in respect of each of these offences, which will run concurrently with the 12 months that was imposed for the counterfeit offence. As part of his sentence Gandesha was also disqualified for six years under Section 4 of the Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986. The investigation into Gandesha, known as operation Hannah, was first launched after a Belgian ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/590/man-sentenced-for-possessing-counterfeit-meds https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/590/man-sentenced-for-possessing-counterfeit-meds Mon, 27 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) in Scotland recently hosted a successful reception in the Scottish Parliament. On 23rd June, over 100 pharmacists from all sectors of the profession and every part of Scotland met with MSPs from all the political parties. The event gave RPS members a great opportunity to tell their local MSPs about what the pharmacists are doing for healthcare in their area. Professor Bill Scott, Chief Pharmaceutical Officer, Scottish Government addressed the reception. He said, “Since devolution, pharmacy has made significant progress starting with the Pharmacy Strategy ‘The Right Medicine’. The progress continues to gather speed and the Scottish Parliament and successive Scottish Governments and their Ministers continue to ensure that pharmacists are recognised for their contribution to patient care.” Professor Scott also discussed the effect of the Strategy in moving thinking on the pharmacy profession. He said that, “the recent political party manifestoes all had something about pharmacy. ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/637/rps-hosts-scottish-parliament-reception https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/637/rps-hosts-scottish-parliament-reception Mon, 27 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT Research funded by Diabetes UK and carried out by a team from Newcastle University has discovered that Type 2 diabetes can be reversed by an extremely low-calorie diet alone. In an early stage clinical trial of 11 people, all reversed their diabetes by drastically cutting their food intake to just 600 calories a day for two months. And three months later, seven remained free of diabetes. Professor Roy Taylor of Newcastle University, who led the study and is also Director of the Newcastle Magnetic Resonance Centre, said, “To have people free of diabetes after years with the condition is remarkable - and all because of an eight-week diet. “This is a radical change in understanding Type 2 diabetes. It will change how we can explain it to people newly diagnosed with the condition. While it has long been believed that someone with Type 2 diabetes will always have the disease, and that it ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/314/diet-able-to-reverse-diabetes https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/314/diet-able-to-reverse-diabetes Fri, 24 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT Around 60,000 patients in Scotland are being prescribed drugs with a high risk of side effects, according to new research carried out at the University of Dundee and published on bmj.com. Preventable adverse drug events caused by drugs prescribed in primary care are a frequent cause of hospital admission and death. Underlying health problems and other factors mean some patients are more likely to experience side effects which can be serious and even fatal. Up until now it has been unclear how commonly high risk drugs are prescribed or how much their use varies across general practices. Professor Bruce Guthrie and colleagues in the Centre for Primary Care and Population Research at the University of Dundee’s School of Medicine therefore decided to look into this issue. They analysed prescribing records and other data from 315 Scottish General Practices with 1.76 million registered patients, examining the proportion of patients receiving a high-risk prescription using a ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/524/thousands-taking-high-risk-drugs https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/524/thousands-taking-high-risk-drugs Thu, 23 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT A mist inhaler used to deliver the drug tiotropium to patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may be linked to an increased risk of death, according to a study published on bmj.com. The findings of this study add weight to recent safety concerns by regulatory agencies regarding the possibility of an increased mortality risk associated with this device. Inhaled tiotropium is available in two formulations: as a powder, delivered with a Handihaler device, and as a mist, delivered with the Respimat Soft Mist Inhaler. Both devices are manufactured by Boehringer Ingelheim. This study, however, focused soley on the the mist inhaler which is available in 55 countries, including England and Scotland, but has yet to gain regulatory approval in the United States. A team of UK and US researchers analysed data from randomised controlled trials, comparing the risk of mortality associated with inhaled tiotropium delivered by the mist inhaler to the risk ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/891/inhaler-linked-to-increased-risk-of-death https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/891/inhaler-linked-to-increased-risk-of-death Wed, 22 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) is advising employers and employment agencies to check that the pharmacy technicians they employ or place are GPhC-registered from 1st July 2011. In the past few weeks, the GPhC has written to all superintendent pharmacists and specialist employment agencies to highlight the fact that the new register for pharmacy technicians will soon come into force. After 1st July, only those who have registered or applied for registration will be able to work as, or call themselves, a pharmacy technician. GPhC Chief Executive and Registrar, Duncan Rudkin said, “Having had two years to apply for GPhC registration under transitional arrangements, I think pharmacy technicians understand they must be registered come 1 July or they will lose their right to practise. But we must also ensure that those in positions to recruit are aware of the new legal requirement, particularly specialist recruitment agencies and others who work alongside the ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/991/pharmacy-technicians-need-to-join-register https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/991/pharmacy-technicians-need-to-join-register Wed, 22 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT Pharmacy Voice has welcomed the government’s written response to the findings of the NHS Future Forum. The report, released on 20th June, is a detailed explanation of how the Government plans to implement improvements to its plans for NHS modernisation. In one section, on clinical advice and leadership, it  acknowledges pharmacists’ role as an important source of expert advice, saying, “Commissioners will need advice and support to improve integration across health and care services: for instance, from the nurses, allied health professionals and pharmacists who have contact with patients day in and day out; from the hospital doctors who provide care for patients with the most serious needs; from the public health experts who plan how to improve our health and stop disease; and from the social care professionals who make sure services are there to support the vulnerable.” In response to the report, Rob Darracott, chief executive of Pharmacy Voice said ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/345/pharmacy-voice-welcomes-report-on-reforms https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/345/pharmacy-voice-welcomes-report-on-reforms Tue, 21 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT A new study has shown that high doses of cholesterol-lowering statins are associated with a small increased risk of diabetes, but that the risks of the drugs are still outweighed by the benefits. Researchers from St George’s University in London and the University of Glasgow looked at five statin trials published between 2004 and 2010 with a total of 32,752 participants. They found that of these patients, 2,749 developed diabetes, including 1,449 who had been assigned intensive-dose statin therapy. This means that those taking high doses of the drug were 12 per cent more likely to develop diabetes. However, the authors also stressed the beneficial effects of statins on reducing the risk of serious heart problems. The Medical Director British Heart Foundation, Professor Peter Weissberg, commented on the research, saying, “Nobody should stop taking their prescribed statins because of the evidence shown in this research. Statins play a vital role in protecting the hearts ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/493/benefits-of-taking-statins-outweigh-risks https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/493/benefits-of-taking-statins-outweigh-risks Tue, 21 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT The government has set out further details of the changes it will make to its plans to modernise the NHS. Last week, the government accepted the core recommendations of the NHS Future Forum, a body set up in April to ‘pause, listen and reflect’ on the content of the existing Health and Social Care Bill. It has now published an official response to the Forum’s report, explaining in detail the changes that will be made to the proposed NHS reforms. These changes are intended in part to ensure patients and carers are at the heart of the NHS. They introduce new safeguards against price competition, privatisation and private companies ‘cherry-picking’ profitable NHS business. The government has also committed itself to several measures that are aimed at increasing transparency, openness, and accountability. For example, a new ‘Duty of Candour’ will be introduced, contractually requiring providers to be open and transparent in admitting ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/139/government-sets-out-changes-to-nhs-reforms https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/139/government-sets-out-changes-to-nhs-reforms Mon, 20 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) recently staged a media training session in London to help community pharmacists develop the skills necessary to speak confidently to broadcast and print media. On 12th June, ten NPA members attended the all-day training event, which was carried out by expert media professionals who have experience in the UK’s local and national media. NPA member Julie Horslen, from Prestwood Pharmacy, Buckinghamshire said, “The media training was a fantastic experience. We all had the opportunity to take part in mock television and radio interviews and then watch our performances back while the media experts gave us feedback. I came away feeling more confident about doing interviews in the future – I have my first radio interview lined up already!" Sarah White, press officer at the National Pharmacy Association said, “Our free media training sessions give members the confidence to raise awareness of community pharmacy on a local ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/380/npa-holds-media-training-day https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/380/npa-holds-media-training-day Fri, 17 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT Voting on the proposed new membership category of Pharmaceutical Scientist for the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) will run from 23rd June to 21st July 2011. The proposed new category will be open to those who hold a bachelor’s degree (or its equivalent) in a subject relevant to the pharmaceutical sciences.  This could include individuals working in the basic, applied or social sciences, for example teaching pharmacy undergraduate students, or involved in the discovery, development, delivery, safety, regulation or use of medicines for the ultimate benefit of the patient. Applicants for the potential category must also have a minimum of 2 years’ experience and be working in an area of pharmaceutical science.  They would be able to use the post-nominal SRPharmS, but would not have voting rights.   Two-thirds of those who vote need to agree with the proposed category for it to be established.  Members and Fellows of the Society are entitled ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/204/new-membership-category-to-be-voted-on https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/204/new-membership-category-to-be-voted-on Thu, 16 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT Welsh Health Minister Lesley Griffiths AM launched a new community pharmacy public health campaign on Monday 13th June to raise awareness of diabetes. The launch coincided with the beginning of Diabetes Week, which is running this year from 12th to 18th June. The new campaign involves every Welsh pharmacy offering simple paper-based assessments to identify people who may be at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes in the next 10 years. Solely based in Wales, it has been organised by Diabetes UK Cymru and Community Pharmacy Wales. It is one of up to six public health campaigns required of community pharmacists by the seven Health Boards as part of their contract and is also being supported by Public Health Wales, BMA Cymru and the Royal Pharmaceutical Society. Health Minister Lesley Griffiths said, "I am very pleased to launch this first all Wales public health campaign through community pharmacies. "Diabetes UK Cymru estimates there ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/894/new-diabetes-public-health-campaign-launched https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/894/new-diabetes-public-health-campaign-launched Wed, 15 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT Pharmacy groups have given their views on the government’s decision to make extensive changes to the NHS reforms following the publication of the NHS Future Forum report on 13th June. Both Pharmacy Voice and the PSNC have welcomed the changes, which include, among other things, renaming GP consortia as clinical commissioning groups to reflect input from doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals. Rob Darracott, Chief Executive of Pharmacy Voice said, “We are pleased to see a commitment to the wider involvement of healthcare professionals and patients in decision-making as the reforms progress and new structures are established. "Pharmacy has an important role in supporting people living with long-term conditions. We have 1.6 million people choosing to visit pharmacy each day and we are keen to work in partnership so that people get best use of their medicines and receive advice from medicines experts. "As soon as possible we would like to see pharmacy ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/715/pharmacy-groups-respond-to-nhs-reform-changes https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/715/pharmacy-groups-respond-to-nhs-reform-changes Wed, 15 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT The government has agreed to make substantial changes to its plans to reform the NHS, accepting the main recommendations of the independent NHS future forum. The NHS Future Forum, the independent group of health experts set up to ‘pause, listen and reflect’ on the content of the existing Health and Social Care Bill, published its final report on 13th June. The government hopes the new changes will mean less bureaucracy and waste, a greater focus on quality and results for patients, and more freedom for doctors, nurses and the wider frontline. Speaking at a London hospital, the Prime Minister David Cameron said, “The fundamentals of our plans – more control for patients, more power to doctors and nurses, and less bureaucracy in the NHS – are as strong today as they have ever been. But the detail of how we are going to make this all work has really changed as a ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/671/changes-to-nhs-reforms-announced https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/671/changes-to-nhs-reforms-announced Tue, 14 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT After a three month consultation the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) has agreed the new registration fees for 2011-12. The registration fee for pharmacists will increase by 2%, instead of 4% as originally proposed by the consultation carried out on the issue. This means pharmacist will only pay an extra £5 per annum. A below inflation 2% increase was also agreed for pharmacy premises. On top of this, the GPhC confirmed that registration fees for pharmacy technicians would reduce by 15.5%, equating to a reduction of £22. In taking its decision, Council debated, in public, the feedback from the consultation and other key factors including: •    The current and future cost of regulation including the need to deal with the historic legacy cases transferred from the Royal Pharmaceutical Society •    The current levels of inflation, 5.2% RPI (April 2011) and 4.5% CPI (April 2011) •    The need to ensure the regulator has a stable financial base, including ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/571/new-registration-fees-set-by-gphc https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/571/new-registration-fees-set-by-gphc Tue, 14 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT The proposed NHS reforms need a major overhaul to protect the interests of patients according to the findings of the NHS Future Forum. The Forum was set up two months ago as an independent group in order to ‘pause, listen and reflect’ on the content of the existing Health and Social Care Bill. During this time, its 45 members have attended around 200 events and have met with over 6,700 people face to face. Over 25,000 people have sent their views to the Forum by email, while a further 4,000 have sent private comments, completed questionnaires or website responses. The Forum has now made a series of recommendations, set out in several reports which were published on 13th June. Recommendations include diluting the focus on competition and varying the pace of the reforms so changes are only introduced when the NHS is ready. The report also said that nurses, specialist doctors and other clinicians ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/715/nhs-reforms-need-overhaul https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/715/nhs-reforms-need-overhaul Mon, 13 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT The Dementia Action Alliance has called for action to curb the use of antipsychotic drugs in treating people with dementia. The Alliance, made up of more than 50 health and social care organisations, wants all people with dementia who are receiving antipsychotic drugs to receive a clinical review from their doctor by 31st March 2012to ensure that their care is compliant with current best practice and guidelines. It also wants alternatives to medication to be considered for treating their condition. At present, around 180,000 people with dementia are thought to be prescribed antipsychotic drugs in the UK. Antipsychotics are drugs designed to treat conditions like schizophrenia. However, the Dementia Alliance believes they are often inappropriately prescribed to people with dementia as a first response to behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia like distress or agitation. In some cases the use of antipsychotic drugs is the right treatment option, but it has been estimated ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/364/call-to-reduce-use-of-antipsychotic-drugs https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/364/call-to-reduce-use-of-antipsychotic-drugs Fri, 10 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT Pharmacies across the country will soon be invited to become Healthy Living Pharmacy Pathfinder sites. Healthy Living Pharmacies (HLP) were first developed and implemented by NHS Portsmouth. They have been making a real difference to the health and wellbeing of local Portsmouth communities since early 2010, providing the public with access to high-quality health services such as help with stopping smoking and advice on weight loss. The HLP Pathfinder Support Group has now set the criteria for Pathfinder sites and is actively looking for new areas to include in the project. Deborah Evans, HLP Project Manager, said, “Becoming an HLP pathfinder is a great opportunity to play an important role in the collection of data and evidence and shape the potential future for community pharmacy whilst receiving the backing of the national pharmacy organisations – CCA, CPPE, PSNC, NPA and RPS”. Healthy Living Pharmacy Pathfinder sites will play an important role in ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/618/healthy-living-pharmacy-project-extended https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/618/healthy-living-pharmacy-project-extended Thu, 09 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT Poorer women from deprived areas are less likely to survive breast cancer, according to a new report published by the National Cancer Intelligence Network (NCIN) on 9th June. The study, called the All Breast Cancer Report, is the first in-depth analysis in the UK to look at how the impact of treatment and route of diagnosis, either through screening or symptoms presented to a GP , affects the chance of surviving the disease1, among people with different levels of poverty. It found that poorer women are being diagnosed with more advanced stage tumours which are detected too late for surgery or need more aggressive treatment. Women from the most deprived economic grouping had a 68% chance of surviving for more than five years after developing breast cancer. However, women from the wealthiest economic background had an 83% chance of passing the same milestone. This gap in survival rates could, in part, explain why England’s ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/220/poverty-affects-breast-cancer-survival-rates https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/220/poverty-affects-breast-cancer-survival-rates Thu, 09 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT Following continued violence and unrest in London and elsewhere, including reports of pharmacies being vandalised, the PSNC has issued advice for pharmacists. PSNC Head of Regulation Steve Lutener said, “Pharmacists’ first priority must be the safety of their staff and their patients, so pharmacies must close where patients or staff are at risk. “It is appropriate for pharmacy contractors in areas that may be vulnerable to riot, to take advice from the police to protect their staff, patients and their premises, and follow any advice given. “If a pharmacy contractor has to temporarily suspend the provision of pharmaceutical services, then the terms of service require that the PCT be notified of that suspension as soon as possible, and the pharmacy contractor to use all reasonable endeavours to resume provision of services as soon as is practicable.” The PSNC website also published the precautionary measures which have been advised by the London Metropolitan police: 1.    Where ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/878/psnc-advice-on-riots-in-london https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/878/psnc-advice-on-riots-in-london Thu, 09 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT The PSNC has responded to Prime Minister David Cameron's announcement of key changes to the NHS reforms. In a speech, given on the 7th June, Mr Cameron said the government had been listening to concerns about the proposed reforms and had acted on them. He then went on to set out a series of changes to the plans. These changes mean hospital doctors and nurses will now be involved in care commissioning alongside GPs. There will be limits to on the amount of competition allowed within the NHS and the NHS economic watchdog, Monitor, will have a duty to promote the integration of care. On top of this, new clinical senates made up of senior health professionals will oversee the integration of services across local areas. Responding to the changes, PSNC Chief Executive Sue Sharpe said, "David Cameron has reiterated his commitment to the NHS with a personal pledge to protect its core values. ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/217/psnc-responds-to-pms-nhs-speech https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/217/psnc-responds-to-pms-nhs-speech Wed, 08 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT Updated dosing for children’s liquid medicines containing paracetamol has been developed to ensure children get the most effective amount. The updated dosing will have a larger number of narrower age bands and will define a single dose per age band. Paracetamol continues to be an acceptably safe and effective method of short-term pain and fever relief in children when used according to the patient information supplied with the medicine. MHRA Director of Vigilance and Risk Management of Medicines, Dr June Raine said, “The change is to ensure children get the most optimal dose of paracetamol suitable for their age. This updated dosing advice will clarify the doses, making it easier for parents and carers to know exactly how much paracetamol they should give their children. “The change is not because of safety concerns and parents/carers should not be worried that they have done anything wrong. The current dosage system has a single age band ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/652/paracetamol-dosing-updated https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/652/paracetamol-dosing-updated Tue, 07 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) has announced it will hold the next Ask Your Pharmacist (AYP) public awareness week from 7th to 13th November 2011.   AYP Week – More than Medicines is part of the NPA’s ongoing work to showcase community pharmacy as an expert clinical and public health resource, as well as an effective medicines supply service. Activities during the week will include: •    Broadcast, print and web coverage about community pharmacy services •    Local newspaper articles by NPA members •    Town centre/shopping centre exhibitions across the UK •    Talks to patient and community groups •    Leaflet distribution in partnership with community associations •    Pharmacy displays •    Parliamentary communications Stephen Fishwick, Head of External Communications at the NPA, said, “Many people are oblivious to the range of services available on their doorstep in community pharmacies.  Ask Your Pharmacist Week is an opportunity to promote pharmacy’s vital role in helping people make the best use of medicines and ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/574/ask-your-pharmacist-week-date-set https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/574/ask-your-pharmacist-week-date-set Mon, 06 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT Sufferers of the sleep disorder obstructive sleep apnoea could benefit from following a low energy diet to lose weight, according to new research recently published on bmj.com. Sleep apnoea is a common disorder caused by abnormal pauses in breathing during sleep. Sufferers rarely feel refreshed after a night’s sleep and the disease is linked to negative health effects such as increased risk of accidents, decreased quality of life and a higher chance of premature death. Around 60-70% of patients with sleep apnoea are either overweight or obese. Previous studies in other patient groups have concluded that losing weight can improve the condition. The authors of this new study, led by Kari Johansson from the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, investigated whether a low energy diet followed by counselling to keep weight under control benefited patients with sleep apnoea. The study followed on from a previous trial by the same researchers, published in the BMJ in ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/364/low-energy-diet-can-improve-sleep-disorder https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/364/low-energy-diet-can-improve-sleep-disorder Fri, 03 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) has compiled a list of the key issues it believes the pharmacy profession would like to raise with the Future Forum, the body which is currently overseeing the government listening exercise on the NHS reforms. The RPS hosted a listening event on 16th May 2011 to help gather pharmacists’ views on the reforms. This meeting was chaired by Ash Soni, a NHS Future Forum member. Pharmacists were also invited to feed their views on directly to the Society by email during May. Four main areas of concern have now been indemnified by the RPS. These are: •    The composition of Clinically-led Consortia and Health and Wellbeing Boards: The RPS believes that a pharmacist should be appointed to every clinically-led consortium and that there must be pharmacy input when medicines or pharmacy are being discussed •    The best way to deliver better primary and across care boundaries: The society believes effective ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/170/rps-responds-to-listening-exercise https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/170/rps-responds-to-listening-exercise Thu, 02 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT The PSNC has published its submissions to the Future Forum, the body overseeing the listening exercise on the NHS reform, on its official website. Over the last few weeks, PSNC has been engaging with policy makers, politicians and members of the NHS Future Forum to ensure they understand the elements of the NHS proposals that community pharmacy contractors are concerned about. Ash Soni, the pharmacist on the Future Forum attended the annual LPC Secretaries and Chairmens meeting on 19th May to hear the views of local pharmacy leaders on the proposed changes. LPCs have also been undertaking local lobbying on the changes to the NHS and the points which are of concern to pharmacy contractors. All the PSNC submissions to the Future Forum can be found at www.psnc.org.uk/publications_detail.php/253/department_of_health_nhs_and_parliamentary_consultations.   https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/975/psnc-publishes-future-forum-submissions https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/975/psnc-publishes-future-forum-submissions Wed, 01 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT Cancer Research UK has renewed its call for the European Union (EU) to adopt standardised, plain packaging with graphic pictures of health warnings on all tobacco products. The charity made the call on 31st May to coincide with World No Tobacco Day and the unveiling of a new report in the European parliament which shows the importance of stopping tobacco being marketed via its packaging. The report provides an overview of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), the world’s first international public health treaty. Entitled “Spotlight on the FCTC”, the report highlights how tobacco packaging can be used by governments to communicate the dangers of tobacco use rather than being used as a marketing tool by the tobacco industry. Many countries are already moving forward with new tobacco packaging and labelling plans. The UK government has announced it will be running a public consultation on the future ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/702/charity-calls-for-plain-tobacco-packaging https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/702/charity-calls-for-plain-tobacco-packaging Tue, 31 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT Diabetes UK, along with the British Heart Foundation, Children’s Food Campaign and Which?, has written to Secretary of State for Health Andrew Lansley calling for clear and easy-to-understand food labels to allow people to tell quickly and easily what’s in the food they’re buying.   The organisations have come together, ahead of an EU vote on the issue on 5th July, to urge that UK representatives call strongly for mandatory front-of-pack (FOP) labelling which includes information on energy, fat, saturated fat, sugar and salt. Being overweight or obese is a major risk factor for Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, as well as increasing the risk of developing several cancers. Unhealthy diets can lead to poor diabetes management and subsequently increase the risk of developing serious complications, including heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney disease and amputation.   Stella Valerkou, Diabetes UK Senior Policy Officer, said, "Nutrition labelling helps people to understand the nutritional ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/527/charities-call-for-clearer-food-labelling https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/527/charities-call-for-clearer-food-labelling Mon, 30 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT A 27-year-old man from Uxbridge in northwest London has been fined £10,000 at Southwark Crown Court for selling unlicensed medicines for erectile dysfunction. Saranjit Bhambra pleaded guilty on 26th April 2011 to one offence of selling medicinal products that contain ingredients found in medicines that can only be supplied with a prescription or by a qualified pharmacist. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) launched an investigation into Mr Bhambra, known as Operation Rome, following a test purchase of a pack of four Tadil tablets from his website, www.keepithard.co.uk. The test purchase led to a search at a car mechanic’s garage, where officers found evidence connected to an illegal online pharmacy supplying medicinal products including tadalafil and sildenafil. Both tadalafil and sildenafil are potent active ingredients and should only be taken when directed by a healthcare professional, who has access to a patient’s individual records, and supplied through a registered pharmacy. MHRA Head of ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/941/man-fined-for-selling-unlicensed-meds https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/941/man-fined-for-selling-unlicensed-meds Fri, 27 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT The Health and Social Care Bill should be withdrawn or at least undergo major changes, the BMA has said, as it warns that the latest feedback from its members on the reforms to the English NHS indicates very high levels of concern. In its formal submission to the NHS Future Forum, the body leading the government’s listening exercise on the reforms, the BMA says the legislation represents “an enormous risk” during a time of huge financial pressure for the NHS. It sets out its own recommendations for changes to encourage the development of more integrated services, arguing that greater collaboration would be more likely to improve quality and efficiency than the current proposals to increase and enforce competition. It also says disquiet among NHS staff is being exacerbated because change is already being implemented despite the announcement of a ‘pause’. Over 80% of just under 1,000 BMA members who completed a feedback ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/204/health-bill-needs-to-undergo-major-changes https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/204/health-bill-needs-to-undergo-major-changes Thu, 26 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT While moderate amounts of calcium are vital for maintaining healthy bones, there is no need to start increasing calcium intake in order to reduce the risk of fractures or osteoporosis in later life, finds a new paper recently published on bmj.com.   As people age, their bones lose calcium and they are more at risk of fractures and osteoporosis - this is especially the case for women.  As well as causing individual suffering, fractures are a huge drain on health services. The importance of increasing calcium intake to compensate for the loss of calcium has been debated for a long time and there is still no clear advice.  This is reflected by the wide range of daily calcium recommendations for the over fifties – in the UK it is currently 700 mg; it is 800 mg in Scandinavia and 1,200 mg in the US.   In order to investigate the links between long-term dietary calcium intake ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/621/moderate-amount-of-calcium-prevents-fracture https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/621/moderate-amount-of-calcium-prevents-fracture Wed, 25 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT The NPA recently successfully staged its national England & Wales conference, attended by 250 delegates. The event was held in Birmingham on 22nd May. It featured an NHS Future Forum listening exercise with Professor Steve Field and Ash Soni, a lively panel discussion on the future of pharmacy, a motivational presentation about pharmacy’s role in health improvement and a series of practical workshops.    It was the largest gathering of community pharmacists in the UK so far this year. Mike Holden commented, “This first national NPA conference was a great success and I am especially pleased at the can-do mood of our members.   The conference theme was ‘the future is in our hands’ and the delegates clearly bought into this message.  We were able to give them the information and encouragement they need to work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals. “By taking a proactive approach to service delivery both pharmacy and patients ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/267/npa-stages-england-and-wales-conference https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/267/npa-stages-england-and-wales-conference Tue, 24 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT The number of children taken to emergency care departments with common medical problems has risen sharply over the past decade, reveals a new study published online in Emergency Medicine Journal. Researchers looked at the medical records of children under the age of 15 who had attended the emergency department at Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham between February 2007 and February 2008. These findings were then compared with information about attendees a decade earlier. During the 10 years, the number of patients attending the children’s emergency department was found to have remained similar, but the number attending with common medical problems had risen by 42%. A total of 39,394 children were seen in 2007-8 of whom 14,724 had medical problems. This compared with 38,982 children seen overall in 1997 of whom 10,369 had medical problems. Ten common medical problems accounted for 85% of the most visits, including breathing difficulty, fever, diarrhoea with or ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/251/new-study-on-children-and-emergency-care https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/251/new-study-on-children-and-emergency-care Tue, 24 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT The huge cloud of smoke and ash produced by the recent volcanic eruption in Iceland could cause problems for people with asthma in the UK and across northern Europe, according to health charity Asthma UK. Information received from the Met Office indicates the scale of the problem will not be as widespread as experienced after the eruption last year, however. It is thought that the ash particles are larger than last time and will fall to the ground more quickly.   Erica Evans, Asthma Clinical Lead for Asthma UK, said, “We know that volcanic ash can trigger asthma symptoms like coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. However, as the ash is very high in the atmosphere it does not pose an immediate problem. “Asthma UK advises people with asthma to monitor the news to see if the ash cloud moves closer to the UK. They should make sure they maintain their regular ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/490/ash-cloud-could-cause-problems-for-asthmatics https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/490/ash-cloud-could-cause-problems-for-asthmatics Mon, 23 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT Treating diseases brought on by poor diet costs the NHS £5.8 billion per year, almost as much as it costs to treat smoking and alcohol related diseases combined according to a new study. The study, which was funded by the British Heart Foundation and led by Peter Scarborough at the University of Oxford, found that smoking and alcohol related diseases accounted for £3.3bn each. It notes that up to 80 per cent of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and over a third of cancers could be prevented by eliminating lifestyle risk factors such as poor diet, lack of exercise, smoking and excessive alcohol. The British Health Foundation’s senior cardiac nurse, Cathy Ross, said, “This paper suggests that specific risk factors - including poor diet - that we know increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and many other chronic conditions are responsible for the increasing burden on an already overstretched NHS budget. “Giving up ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/540/poor-diet-costs-nhs-billions https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/540/poor-diet-costs-nhs-billions Fri, 20 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT Pharmacy Voice has welcomed Andrew Lansley’s statement to the King’s Fund Leadership Conference that the key to successful NHS reform is for healthcare professionals in every area “to step up to the plate and lead”.   Pharmacists were listed alongside GPs, nurses and others, as the “right people” to be in charge. Mr Lansley, the Secretary of State for Health, said, “Today is about leadership in the NHS.  About what good leadership can do for patients and about how we can support and nurture current and future leaders within the Health Service.......the people that I believe, first and foremost, should be leading the NHS are clinicians.  GPs, hospital doctors, nurses, pharmacists, allied health professionals, scientists.    We need people in every area to step up to the plate and lead.  No profession can be left out if we are to deliver truly integrated, high quality healthcare for everyone in the country”. Rob Darracott, chief ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/217/pharmacists-have-key-role-in-nhs-reforms https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/217/pharmacists-have-key-role-in-nhs-reforms Thu, 19 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT A new drug recommended by NICE in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) could offer help to some of the thousands of people suffering from the condition in the UK. The drug, known as Golimumab (brand name Simponi®) is designed to be given as a once-monthly subcutaneous injection for people with RA. It has been provisionally recommended for adults whose rheumatoid arthritis has responded inadequately to conventional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). NICE’s draft guidance is now with consultees, who have the opportunity to appeal against the proposed guidance. NICE has not yet issued final guidance to the NHS, however. Dr Carole Longson, Health Technology Evaluation Centre Director at NICE said: “This draft guidance sets out the circumstances where golimumab could be a treatment option for people with rheumatoid arthritis for whom previous treatments have not worked. Finding ways to relieve pain, improve mobility and reduce long-term damage are the aims in treating rheumatoid ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/618/new-drug-recommended-for-ra-treatment https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/618/new-drug-recommended-for-ra-treatment Wed, 18 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) has called on scientists from across the world to enter its annual Science Award. The winner will receive a Commemorative Award, £1,000 in prize money and an invitation to present the RPS Award Lecture on their work at the Academy of Pharmaceutical Sciences UKPharmSci annual meeting on 31st August 2011. Applications are welcome from scientists who are working in a pharmaceutical or allied discipline in industry or academia. They must have a proven record of independent research and published work that shows outstanding promise, and no more than 10 years’ experience at post-doctoral level. Applicants are invited to submit the following details by 13th June 2011: • Full CV detailing personal information, past and present appointments, research responsibilities and published work. • List of research students who have worked for the applicant and their thesis titles and dates, plus any other instances of research collaborations • Details of ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/765/applicants-wanted-for-the-rps-science-award https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/765/applicants-wanted-for-the-rps-science-award Tue, 17 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT Diabetes UK recently held a Question Time event for people interested in debating diabetes issues. The event took place on 11th May 2011 at Portcullis House in Westminster, London, and was jointly organised by Diabetes UK, Novo Nordisk and C3 Healthcare. Around 100 people were in the audience, and Twitter followers were also invited to ask questions during a live feed. The people on the panel were: •    Barbara Young, Chief Executive, Diabetes UK •    Adrian Sanders MP, Chair of APPG on Diabetes, Liberal Democrat MP for Torbay •    Valerie Vaz MP, member of Health Select Committee, Labour MP for Walsall •    Margot James MP, Conservative MP for Stourbridge •    Dr Brian Karet, RCGP and Diabetes UK clinical lead for diabetes Topics raised by the invited audience included the NHS Health Bill, concerns about gaps in services and access to insulin pumps. Diabetes UK Chief Executive, Barbara Young, said, "The Question Time event was an interactive way of giving ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/267/diabetes-uk-holds-question-time-event https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/267/diabetes-uk-holds-question-time-event Mon, 16 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT Responding to the Prime Minister’s statement today that there will be substantive changes to the NHS reforms proposed by his Health Secretary, Pharmacy Voice has warned that short term political considerations must not crowd out fundamental issues of quality, access and value for money. Pharmacy Voice chief executive, Rob Darracott, said, “There is a risk that in the hurry to remove the more politically toxic proposals, the Government will overlook elements that are fundamental to quality healthcare and the sustainability of any new NHS structures. “In particular, there must be rigorous accountability in new NHS structures, and genuinely inclusive decision-making.  You mustn’t transfer enormous amounts of public funds without proper governance lining up.  People need to know when and by whom decisions are being taken, in order to have the opportunity to bring their perspective to the right table at the right time.  Good governance might not have the sex appeal of ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/618/pharmacy-voice-comments-on-nhs-reform-changes https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/618/pharmacy-voice-comments-on-nhs-reform-changes Mon, 16 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT Following the release earlier this week of an outline service specification for the New Medicine Service, Pharmacy Voice has said that coordinated preparations should begin immediately, so that pharmacies can deliver effectively from the 1st October start date. Pharmacy Voice chief executive, Rob Darracott, commented, “This service is of huge strategic significance to our sector – the effective use of medicines by patients starts when they first get them, and the research on which the new medicines service is based tells us that, through appropriate and timely follow up at initiation of treatment, pharmacists can deal with patient concerns and questions in a way which makes it more likely the medicines will be used effectively.    “But we have to get it right, from the word go, because there is so much riding on this.  This is not simply another ‘new service’. It needs to be deeply embedded as a key element ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/765/action-needed-on-new-pharmacy-service https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/765/action-needed-on-new-pharmacy-service Fri, 13 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT More information about the impending changes to the Community Pharmacy Contractual Framework in England has been revealed at a PSNC and NHS Employers briefing session. The briefing session, attending by senior figures in community pharmacy on 11th May, marked the formal start of implementing the service changes set out in the agreement reached in March 2011. The participants were the first to see new information about the changes to the contract for 2011/12. NHS Employers and PSNC are working towards full implementation of the changes by 1st October 2011 and the meeting aimed to help the stakeholders understand the changes and get involved in the process for implementation. Participants received the following information: •    The outline service specification for the New Medicine Service. This includes information about the conditions/therapies that will be included in roll-out to the service and details of the three stages of the service which are patient engagement ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/844/more-information-on-contract-changes-revealed https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/844/more-information-on-contract-changes-revealed Thu, 12 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT As part of the Government’s listening exercise on NHS modernisation, the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) will be hosting a listening event for pharmacists from all sectors of the profession on the 16th May 2011. Chaired by Ash Soni, NHS Future Forum member, the event will focus on pharmacists’ views on the following topics: •    How advice from across a range of healthcare professions can improve patient care •    The role of choice and competition in improving quality •    How to ensure public accountability and patient involvement in the new system •    How new arrangements for education and training can support the modernisation process Ash Soni MRPharmS, said, “Listening to people on the ground is vital, and I see this event as one of the real opportunities for pharmacists to have their say in shaping the future of the NHS. I would encourage all pharmacists to contribute to the listening exercise and am looking forward to robust ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/443/rps-listening-exercise-event https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/443/rps-listening-exercise-event Wed, 11 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT Pharmacists will have an officially recognised platform to give their views on the Government’s NHS reforms at the National Pharmacy Association (NPA) conference in Birmingham on 22nd May. Former NPA chairman Ash Soni, a member of the NHS Future Forum, will take soundings from the 250 conference delegates. The Forum has been convened by the Department of Health to ‘pause and reflect’ on the Health and Social Care Bill currently before parliament. NPA chairman, Bharat Patel, said, “We are pleased that a NHS Future Forum listening session will be held at the NPA conference – this is the largest and most high profile input that frontline community pharmacists will give during the official listening period.   The Government will get a real-world view from our members – more than mere theory but a clear message about the reality on the ground.   “Behind the scenes, the NPA through Pharmacy Voice has been arguing ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/878/listening-exercise-at-npa-conference https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/878/listening-exercise-at-npa-conference Wed, 11 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT Babies who are breastfed are far less likely to become children with behaviour problems by the time they reach the age of five than those who receive formula milk, according to new research which will be published in the Archives of Disease in Childhood.   There have been few large scale studies carried out to look into this issue in the past and their findings have been inconsistent. When socio-economic and parental factors were taken into account, findings that previously suggested breastfed children had fewer behaviour problems were sometimes rejected.   Researchers from the universities of Oxford, Essex, and York as well as University College London, therefore launched a new investigation to look into this issue again.   They used data from a large UK study known as the Millennium Cohort Study involving 10,037 mother-child pairs from a white ethnic background. The Millennium study is a survey of infants born in the UK during a 12-month ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/590/breastfeeding-may-reduce-behavioural-problems https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/590/breastfeeding-may-reduce-behavioural-problems Tue, 10 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT UK scientists have discovered three new genes involved in the development and growth of breast cancer. The team, from the Breakthrough Breast Cancer Research Centre at the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR), said this discovery could lead to new ways to treat and prevent the disease, which is diagnosed in 37,000 women in the UK every year. Publishing their findings in the journal PloS Genetics, they showed that the newly identified genes are found directly next to the oestrogen receptor (ER) gene. This 'detects' oestrogen, the main driver of hormonal breast cancer (also called ER-positive breast cancer). This form of the disease accounts for approximately 75% of breast tumours. The ER gene has been closely studied by scientists in recent decades, and is one of the most well-known areas in the human genome. Study author Dr Anita Dunbier said, "We found these genes in a place we thought we knew a lot about. We ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/944/three-new-genes-linked-to-breast-cancer https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/944/three-new-genes-linked-to-breast-cancer Mon, 09 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT A rarely prescribed asthma drug is easier to use and just as effective as conventional treatment with inhalers, according to a new study led by the University of East Anglia. The researchers, whose work was published in the New England Journal of Medicine, followed 650 patients with chronic asthma for two years. They found that tablets called leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRAs) managed the disease equally successfully as steroid inhalers for patients with mild asthma and in a parallel sample of patients with moderate asthma, LTRAs managed the disease equally successfully as other ‘preventer’ inhalers when used in addition to steroid inhalers. LTRAs, which are sold under the brand names ‘Singulair’ (montelukast) and ‘Accolate’ (zafirlukast), have long been on the market as an alternative to the steroid inhalers commonly used by asthmatics to ward off attacks. They have historically been less fashionable than inhalers, however, and are considered by some to be less ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/267/asthma-drug-as-effective-as-inhalors https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/267/asthma-drug-as-effective-as-inhalors Fri, 06 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) has commented on the recent supply chain debate held in Westminster Hall. RPS spokesperson Neal Patel said, “We recognise that pharmacists will be spending precious time each day trying to source medicines – an activity which takes them away from direct patient contact and is completely unsustainable. “At present, the effect on patients is being is being mitigated by the tremendous efforts of pharmacists, who are spending hours tracking down medicines for patients. However, this additional workload is putting huge pressure on frontline staff. “The supply chain needs to be sensitive to the needs to both patients and pharmacists and flexible enough to cope with the rapid changes in demand of medicines. The reasons for medicines shortages are complex and for things to improve concerted action must be taken by everyone involved. “We are completely supportive of the other measures that have been agreed by the supply ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/317/rps-comments-on-supply-chain-debate https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/317/rps-comments-on-supply-chain-debate Thu, 05 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT Pharmacy Voice has welcomed a recent parliamentary debate on the medicine supply problems in the UK and called for active discussions on the issue to take place. The debate was opened by Conservative MP for Stourbridge Margot James, who told the House of Commons that she although she welcomed the Department of Health’s recent best practice guidance, she remains concerned about patient safety.   Mrs James suggested that the Government should consider introducing legal obligations on manufacturers and wholesalers to deliver a prompt service to pharmacies.   Responding for the Government, Health Minister Paul Burstow said he did not rule out a so-called ‘public service obligation’ , but would need firm evidence of patient impact before he could commit to such a move.  He also thanked pharmacists for working “tirelessly” to ensure that patients get the medicines they need when they need them. Ian Facer, Chairman of Pharmacy Voice, said, “We welcome the ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/844/medicine-supply-problems-debated https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/844/medicine-supply-problems-debated Wed, 04 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT A new study, to be presented at the Royal Pharmaceutical Society’s annual conference 5-6 September 2010, shows that treating minor ailments such as coughs, colds and indigestion in community pharmacies rather than GP surgeries is a very cost effective use of NHS resources. Around 57 million GP consultations take place every year for minor ailments at an estimated cost of £2 billion. Dr Wasim Baqir, Dr Adam Todd and Dr Tristan Learoyd who led the research for University of Sunderland School of Pharmacy commented, “Pharmacy-based minor ailment schemes are commissioned by local primary care trusts and cover a defined range of minor health problems. They enable patients who are exempt from NHS prescription charges to receive free treatment and advice from their local pharmacy.” The research followed the launch of the Think Pharmacy First campaign in April 2009 across pharmacies in Newcastle, North Tyneside and Northumberland. The campaign was created and ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/398/new-study-on-self-care-schemes-in-pharmacies https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/398/new-study-on-self-care-schemes-in-pharmacies Tue, 03 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT Hospital in-patients are, on average, likely to miss out on almost 10% of their medication doses, according to new research. The study, which will be presented at the Royal Pharmaceutical Society’s (RPS) annual conference, was carried out at Bradford Teaching Hospitals. Overall, it found that 9.7% of prescribed medicines were not taken by patients.  However, this could be explained by a variety of reasons, including ‘nil by mouth’ policies after surgery, specific advice from a health professional to withhold doses and very often, patients themselves refusing to take medication. Drug non-availability, however, accounted for missed doses in 2.4% of cases. The highest proportion of doses missed through non-availability happened at the 9am drug round that followed a patient’s hospital admission. Drug non-availability at admission was only a problem in patients who had left their supplies of medicines at home. Not taking medication at the correct time can have serious consequences to health ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/991/many-medication-doses-missed-in-hospital https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/991/many-medication-doses-missed-in-hospital Mon, 02 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT The RPS has reminded its members that the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) is seeking their views on the extemporaneous preparation of methadone liquid. The GPhC interim standards for pharmacy owners and superintendent pharmacists require pharmacists to supply a licensed medicine, where one exists, in preference to an unlicensed medicine. However, an exemption currently exists for a pharmacist to prepare methadone liquid extemporaneously.   This decision was taken on the understanding that a full review would be undertaken in future. The GPhC therefore wishes to gather evidence from pharmacists on this issue to use in the development of new standards for pharmacy owners and superintendent pharmacists. On its website, the RPS said, “We encourage any members with an interest to respond to this call for evidence, as it is an opportunity for you to highlight any positive aspects of this practice as well as any concerns or problems you may have encountered.” The call ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/251/views-on-methadone-preparation-called-for https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/251/views-on-methadone-preparation-called-for Fri, 29 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT Pharmacies will not be excluded from competing to provide NHS services, according to a parliamentary answer received by Kevin Barron MP, Chair of the All-Party Pharmacy Group. According to the PSNC, some pharmacists had become concerned that a switch from ‘any willing provider’ to ‘any qualified provider’ could mean that only healthcare providers regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) would be eligible to provide services. PSNC therefore raised the issue with MPs to address this uncertainty, and Kevin Barron MP took the matter up with ministers by tabling questions. Simon Burns, Minister of State at the Department of Health, then confirmed that registration with the GPhC would meet the requirement for ‘any qualified provider’. PSNC Chief Executive Sue Sharpe said, “The Minister’s response offers welcome reassurance to community pharmacists, and will enable them to continue providing high quality, cost effective NHS services in the heart of their communities. “Addressing this uncertainty ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/972/pharmacies-do-count-as-a-qualified-provider https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/972/pharmacies-do-count-as-a-qualified-provider Thu, 28 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT Healthcare professionals working in the field of diabetes are being invited to sign up and enter the Quality in Care (QiC) Programme. The programme has been set up to highlight good practice and collaboration between the NHS, patient groups and the industry in specific therapy areas by identifying and sharing successful initiatives. Diabetes will be the first area covered by the programme. Anybody working within the diabetes arena can enter the programme for as chance to help improve the treatment and care of people with diabetes. Judges have said they are keen to review a wide spectrum of initiatives and programmes from across the UK. Diabetes UK will be lending its support to this part of the QiC programme, along NHS Diabetes. Diabetes UK Director of Care Information and Advocacy, Simon O’Neill, commented, "We encourage anyone who works in a diabetes-related area, to enter the QiC programme and invite their colleagues to ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/301/entrants-needed-for-diabetes-programme https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/301/entrants-needed-for-diabetes-programme Wed, 27 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) has announced it will be holding a Board of Management by-election for positions to represent South East England and Scotland for the remainder of the Triennial Term 2010-2013. The election will be administered and independently scrutinised by the Electoral Reform Society. The timetable for the election is as follows: •    Nomination papers posted 26th April •    Nomination process closes 20th May •    Ballot papers posted 2nd June •    Closure of ballot set for 17th June •    Result announced 20th June For further information on the electoral process or on the remit and working of the NPA Board please contact Janet Misson on 01727 858687 ext. 3208, or email: j.misson@npa.co.uk.   https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/878/npa-announces-board-by-election https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/878/npa-announces-board-by-election Fri, 22 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT Results of a clinical audit on lung cancer involving community pharmacies across Great Britain have shown that pharmacists have an important role to play in the early detection of cancer, according to the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS). Over 1600 consultations were recorded and submitted for the audit. Similar numbers of men (47%) and women (53%) presented with potential symptoms of lung cancer during the audit period. More than 8 in 10 cases of lung cancer occur in those aged 60+ and this age group accounted for over a third (36%) of all the consultations during the audit period. The most common symptoms reported by patients were persistent cough, worsening/changing cough, persistent chest infection and persistent tiredness or lack of energy, all of which are identified by the Lung Cancer Awareness Measure as key signs and symptoms of lung cancer. The audit data shows that the rate of referral to GPs by pharmacists increased ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/668/role-for-pharmacy-in-detection-of-lung-cancer https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/668/role-for-pharmacy-in-detection-of-lung-cancer Thu, 21 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT The announcement of the appointment of Ash Soni to the NHS Future Forum has been welcomed by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS). Helen Gordon, RPS Chief Executive commented, "I am delighted about this appointment, Ash has a great deal of experience in effectively working with other professions and advocating for pharmacists and patients. I have offered Ash every support from the RPS and wish him every success with this important work." For more information about the NHS Future Forum please visit http://healthandcare.dh.gov.uk/about-the-nhs-future-forum/ or to see a list of all members please visit http://healthandcare.dh.gov.uk/nhs-future-forum-members/.   https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/928/ash-soni-appointment-welcomed-by-rps https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/928/ash-soni-appointment-welcomed-by-rps Wed, 20 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT Pharmacy Voice has welcomed the announcement that there will be a pharmacy representative on the Future Forum, the body created as part of the government’s listening exercise for the Health and Social Care Bill.    Ash Soni was named on 19th April, following appeals from Pharmacy Voice and others for community pharmacy to be represented on the review group  during the legislative ‘pause’ on the NHS reform programme. Rob Darracott, chief executive of Pharmacy Voice said, “The appointment of a pharmacy representative on the Future Forum adds an additional perspective to the NHS reform programme.   “We hope that the announcement today is a signal of intent that the Government understands that it must make appropriate use of pharmacists’ medicines expertise to get better value from the £12.5bn drugs bill in England. “Ash Soni is a respected figure who is capable of putting across pharmacy’s concerns about the NHS reforms and can articulate ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/493/pharmacy-representative-appointment-welcomed https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/493/pharmacy-representative-appointment-welcomed Tue, 19 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT The Department of Health has confirmed that they fully intend to have a pharmacist on the NHS Future Forum. DH haven't confirmed who the pharmacist will be yet, but the same is also true with regards to a small number of other forum members In response to this news, the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) has said it is “really pleased that a pharmacist will be adding their professional expertise to the forum”.   https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/765/a-pharmacist-will-sit-on-the-nhs-future-forum https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/765/a-pharmacist-will-sit-on-the-nhs-future-forum Mon, 18 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT PSNC has said it will trumpet the value of pharmacy in its response to the government’s listening exercise on the proposed NHS reforms. The organisation has been asked to contribute its views by Health Secretary Andrew Lansley as part of a wider consultation on the issue, which was announced earlier this month. PSNC Chief Executive Sue Sharpe explained, “PSNC’s response will clearly make the case that some aspects of the reform programme as they stand do not work well for pharmacy; we have particular concerns regarding the governance of consortia, and the impact this may have on pharmacy commissioning. PSNC will call for the Government to make good on its recognition of the ‘important and expanded role’ for pharmacy in the new NHS. “We want to see a Health Bill that enshrines the role of pharmacy as the service that improves the health of communities, helping people to optimise use of medicines to ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/314/psnc-to-trumpet-the-value-of-pharmacy https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/314/psnc-to-trumpet-the-value-of-pharmacy Mon, 18 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT PSNC Chief Executive Sue Sharpe has sent a clear and robust message to Health Secretary Andrew Lansley MP calling for a community pharmacy representative to be added to the NHS Future Forum Panel. In her letter, which was also sent to the Forum Chair, Professor Steve Field, Mrs Sharpe pushed for community pharmacy’s pivotal role in the NHS be properly heard and recognised. PSNC Chief Executive Sue Sharpe commented, “We’re greatly concerned by the omission of a community pharmacy representative from the initial list of members of the Future Forum Panel, and are pressing strongly for this to be rectified. All 11,000 NHS community pharmacy contractors and their staff up and down the country are affected by the proposed reforms to the NHS, and deserve proper representation. I want to see a practising community pharmacist as an active member of the Panel. It will benefit the work of the Panel and ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/317/future-forum-needs-pharmacy-representative https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/317/future-forum-needs-pharmacy-representative Fri, 15 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT A new audit from the National Bariatric Surgery Registry (NBSR), published on 13th April, has found that bariatric surgery could be used as an alternative and cost-effective treatment to prevent a number of obesity-related health problems, including Type 2 diabetes. The audit looked at data from 8,710 operations carried out in the NHS and private sector. Information from 86 hospitals showed that a quarter of clinically obese patients had Type 2 diabetes by the time they reached surgery and almost two thirds had three or more associated conditions. The audit showed that 85.5% of people who had Type 2 diabetes prior to surgery had seen an improvement in their condition after a two-year period. However, Diabetes UK has stressed that although it agrees that bariatric surgery could be used as an alternative treatment to help clinically obese people lose weight, it should only be considered if all the patient’s other attempts to lose ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/891/new-audit-published-on-bariatric-surgery https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/891/new-audit-published-on-bariatric-surgery Thu, 14 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT Pharmacy Voice has responded to the news that pharmacy will not be represented on the Future Forum, created as part of the government’s listening exercise for the Health and Social Care Bill. Rob Darracott, chief executive of Pharmacy Voice said, “The absence of pharmacy representatives on the Future Forum is disappointing – I wish I could say I was surprised - as it would have been a great opportunity for us to voice our concerns about the reforms and point out the opportunities to maximise the contribution of community pharmacy to the health and wellbeing of the nation. “What is good, however, is the presence of a number of individuals representing the patient perspective; pharmacists can take some comfort from the fact that the profession is highly regarded by patients and carers, who are very supportive of a direction of travel for the profession which is more patient focused in supporting ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/621/pharmacy-not-represented-on-future-forum https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/621/pharmacy-not-represented-on-future-forum Wed, 13 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT Royal College of Nursing (RCN) members have passed a vote of no confidence against Health Secretary Andrew Lansley's handling of the NHS reforms. Almost 99% of members voted in favour of the emergency motion, which was debated on 13th April at the RCN’s annual Congress in Liverpool. Only six of the members present voted against it. Mike Travis, Greater Liverpool and Knowsley branch, who proposed the resolution, began the debate by saying that it’s not about Andrew Lansley, it’s about “our patients” and “services being wiped off the face of the NHS”. Many members went on to voice passionate opinions and concerns about the way the reforms have been managed. The overwhelming consensus was that nurses have no confidence in Andrew Lansley and the coalition government’s reforms. Speakers voiced concerns for particular specialties, including mental health, older people, and the care of the homeless and those with long-term conditions. There was also ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/671/rcn-passes-vote-of-no-confidence-on-reforms https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/671/rcn-passes-vote-of-no-confidence-on-reforms Wed, 13 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT The PSNC has welcomed the Royal College of Nursing's (RCN) decision to turn the spotlight onto the shocking levels of medicines waste currently afflicting the NHS. Nurses attending the annual RCN conference voted overwhelming in favour of taking action to stop medicines being repeatedly ordered on prescription by patients who don’t go on to use them. PSNC Head of NHS Services Alastair Buxton commented, “The NHS currently spends billions of pounds a year on medicines, a huge proportion of which – up to 50% - go on to be wasted or inappropriately used. Medicines waste is money down the drain; a tragic squandering of precious NHS resources. “Community pharmacy is leading the fight against medicines waste, supporting patients to make the most out of their medicines through targeted Medicines use Reviews. We know that ineffective use of medicines frustrates the delivery of effective patient care, leading to hospital readmissions, long-term health complications and ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/799/rcn-turns-spotlight-onto-medicines-waste https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/799/rcn-turns-spotlight-onto-medicines-waste Tue, 12 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT The Pharmacy Voice Board has agreed their plan of action for 2011, centred around three key priorities. Throughout the year, the organisation, which represents community pharmacies, will primarily focus on: •    Continuing to refine and pursue the vision for community pharmacy. •    Influencing the re-shaping of the NHS. •    Campaigning to reduce the burden of unnecessary bureaucracy.   Establishing proactive media relations, engaging with members and stakeholders, and championing the interests of its members will also be mainstays of Pharmacy Voice’s work. On top of this, the group will continue to respond to consultations from organisations such as the Department of Health and GPhC, ensuring pharmacy’s view is heard. Rob Darracott, chief executive of Pharmacy Voice said, “Our plans for 2011 are taking shape. We would encourage everyone - independents, multiples, individual pharmacists and other stakeholders - to respond to our vision document Community pharmacy – A blueprint for health.   The NHS ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/862/pharmacy-voice-announces-action-plan https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/862/pharmacy-voice-announces-action-plan Mon, 11 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT Almost one in ten (9.6%) cancers in men and three in thirty-three (3%) cancers in women in Western Europe are caused by alcohol consumption, according to a new paper published on bmj.com.   The researchers behind the study, led by Madlen Schütze at the German Institute of Human Nutrition in Potsdam-Rehbruecke, used data gathered by the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer (EPIC) Study and the World Health Organisation (WHO) to investigate the link between alcohol consumption and cancer.   They calculated that in 2008, alcohol consumption by men was responsible for about 57,600 cases of cancer of the upper digestive tract, colorectum, and liver in Denmark, Greece, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Great Britain. Over half of these cases (33,000) were caused by drinking more than two alcoholic drinks per day.   Additionally, they found that alcohol consumption by women in eight Western European countries caused about 21,500 cases of upper digestive tract, liver, colorectum, and breast ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/571/alcohol-consumption-strongly-linked-to-cancer https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/571/alcohol-consumption-strongly-linked-to-cancer Fri, 08 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT A man has been sentenced to eight years imprisonment for the most serious known breach of the UK regulated supply chain of medicines. Peter Gillespie, 64, from Windsor, Berkshire was found guilty of conspiring to defraud pharmaceutical wholesalers, pharmacists, members of the public and holders of intellectual property rights in pharmaceuticals at Croydon Crown Court on 8th April. Four other men on trial for their involvement were acquitted. Mr Gillespie, a businessman, was involved in an operation which imported counterfeit prescription drugs for conditions including prostate cancer, heart disease and schizophrenia into the UK from China. More than two million doses of fake life-saving drugs were made it into the UK. Although more than half of these were seized by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), almost 900,000 doses reached pharmacies and patients. Commenting on the conviction, MHRA Head of Enforcement, Mick Deats said, “This outcome sends a clear message to those ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/217/man-convicted-for-counterfeit-medicine-scam https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/217/man-convicted-for-counterfeit-medicine-scam Fri, 08 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT Pharmacy Voice has welcomed the government’s announcement of a two month listening exercise on the NHS reforms in England. The representative body of pharmacy owners today wrote to the Prime Minister to reemphasise the need for engagement with pharmacy at this critical moment. Rob Darracott, chief executive of Pharmacy Voice said, “The pause allows us to re-state our support for plans to make care more patient centred and improve access and choice, to voice our concerns about the reforms and point out the opportunities to maximise the contribution of community pharmacy to the health and wellbeing of the nation.” In particular, Pharmacy Voice will emphasise: •    Rigorous accountability within any new structures, so that the public can be assured of high quality care and value for money •    The proper balance of national and local action.   Whilst a degree of local customisation is desirable, the government must take responsibility for ensuring universal access to critical ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/396/pharmacy-voice-welcomes-listening-exercise https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/396/pharmacy-voice-welcomes-listening-exercise Thu, 07 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) has responded to media reports about the massive rise in antidepressant prescribing in England. Figures obtained by the BBC from the NHS Prescription Services revealed that prescriptions for antidepressants have risen by 43% in the past four years to nearly 23 million a year. Responding to the reports, Professor David Taylor, Professor of Psychopharmacology, speaking on behalf of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society said, “Although I recognise that many people are facing financial uncertainty in the current economic climate, and don’t dispute that many will be tuning to their GP or charities for help, there are other reasons that antidepressant prescribing has increased in recent years. “Firstly, the duration of treatment has steadily increased as we have learned more about how to use antidepressants – 15 years ago treatment lasted less than 3 months on average, but now we know it should continue for 6 to 9 months once ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/718/huge-rise-in-antidepressant-prescriptions https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/718/huge-rise-in-antidepressant-prescriptions Thu, 07 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT Prime Minister David Cameron, Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, and Health Secretary Andrew Lansley have launched the Government’s listening exercise on NHS modernisation. However, Mr Cameron has said that no change is still not an option. Setting out the Government’s desire to modernise the NHS with the support of patients, the public and health professionals on 6th April, Andrew Lansley announced that engagement over the coming weeks will focus on: •    The role of choice and competition for improving quality; •    How to ensure public accountability and patient involvement in the new system; •    How new arrangements for education and training can support the modernisation process; and •    How advice from across a range of healthcare professions can improve patient care. Speaking at the launch, Prime Minister David Cameron said, “I believe passionately in the NHS. It is our most precious national asset. And it is precisely for this reason that we want to safeguard the ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/220/government-delays-nhs-reforms https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/220/government-delays-nhs-reforms Wed, 06 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT Both Pharmacy Voice and the PSNC have expressed their disappointment at the Department of Health’s decision to delay its consultation on implementing new proposals for market entry in England based on Pharmaceutical Needs Assessments (PNAs). In 2008, a review of the current control of entry system for pharmacies was carried out. This led to a decision by the previous Labour government to introduce pharmaceutical needs assessments, to gauge more specifically what pharmaceutical services are needed in local areas, as well as a new control of entry test based on these PNAs. An advisory group set up by the Department of Health then considered and developed draft regulations to introduce a PNA-based market entry test, which was initially time-tabled to come into force on 1st April 2010.  These draft regulations were subsequently passed onto the Health Minister for further consideration. However, the Department of Health has now issued a statement, saying, “We ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/443/pna-consultation-delayed https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/443/pna-consultation-delayed Tue, 05 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has taken over the functions of the National Prescribing Centre (NPC), the organisation responsible for helping the NHS to optimise its use of medicines. The merger took place on 1st April and was approved by the Department of Health last October as part of its plans to restructure the NHS. The NPC's activities will now become part of a new work programme within NICE's Evidence and Practice Directorate, which is led by NICE Deputy Chief Executive, Dr Gillian Leng. Dr Leng, commented, "The NPC and NICE already share a history of working closely together in helping ensure medicine usage across the NHS is high quality, safe and good value for money. This integration is an exciting opportunity for us to build on the important work that we both do in all aspects of medicines management and will further strengthen access to medicines information through ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/925/nice-takes-over-npc https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/925/nice-takes-over-npc Mon, 04 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) has welcomed the news that Scotland has joined Northern Ireland and Wales in abolishing prescription fees. This leaves England as the only part of the UK to charge for them.   Nanette Kerr, Director of Pharmacy at the National Pharmacy Association said, “We welcome the news that from today, people in Scotland will no longer have to pay for their prescriptions. Prescription charges deter many people from getting medicines which their doctor prescribes. Patients on low fixed incomes who do not qualify for exemption suffer the most. “It is therefore disappointing that people in England will see prescription charges rise to £7.40 today. From a pharmacist’s point of view, processing prescription levies is part of the job that adds workload but no patient benefit. “Pharmacists, like other health care professionals, experience great pressures on their time and any release of time could be used to enhance ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/123/npa-welcomes-free-prescriptions-in-scotland https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/123/npa-welcomes-free-prescriptions-in-scotland Mon, 04 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT A £200 million a year Cancer Drugs Fund that will help cancer patients get greater access to cancer drugs their doctors recommend for them has been launched by the Health Secretary Andrew Lansley. The establishment of the fund follows on from the successful £50m interim fund that helped over 2,000 cancer patients from across England gain access to life-extending drugs from October last year. A further £600 million will now be invested over the next three years by the government. Clinically-led panels have already been established across England that put doctors in charge of deciding how this funding will be spent for their patients locally, after taking on board advice from patients’ cancer specialists. Commenting on the new fund, Health Secretary Andrew Lansley said, “We have delivered on the promise in our Coalition Agreement to create a Cancer Drugs Fund, first by implementing the £50 million interim fund last October, and now with ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/846/multi-million-fund-for-cancer-drugs-launched https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/846/multi-million-fund-for-cancer-drugs-launched Fri, 01 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT Following a recent report into self-diagnosis kits by consumer organisation Which?, Diabetes UK has advised members of the public not to use them if they are worried they may have diabetes. A number of potential problems with the kits was identified by the Which? study, such as them coming with badly written instructions or being difficult to use. The kits looked at were the Boots bowel home test kit, Boots blood glucose home test kit, Selfcheck prostate health kit, Care Diagnostica cholesterol health care test, Simplicity stomach ulcer screening test and Atlas urinary tract test. Commenting on the findings, Diabetes UK Clinical Advisor, Libby Dowling said, “We would not recommend people to use a self-diagnosing kit if they are worried they have diabetes. “Self-diagnosis results might not be accurate, as blood glucose levels vary in all individuals during any given day and people might be falsely reassured. "In addition, a positive diagnosis can only increase ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/574/self-diagnosis-kits-criticised https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/574/self-diagnosis-kits-criticised Thu, 31 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT PSNC has produced a new prescription charge card to be displayed in community pharmacies from April 2011. The card reflects the increase of 20p to the NHS prescription charge in England, to £7.40 per prescription item, which was confirmed by Minister of State for Health, Simon Burns earlier this month. The card was sent out with the March edition of the PSNC publication, Community Pharmacy News, which was enclosed in the March Pharmacy Magazine mailing. However, an electronic version of the 2011 PSNC Prescription Charge Card can also be downloaded from http://www.psnc.org.uk/data/files/publications/281/Prescription_Card_2011.pdf. If an NHS community pharmacy contractor has not received a copy of the new card by the start of April, a copy can be requested by contacting the PSNC Information Team via email at info@psnc.org.uk (please include the pharmacy name and full address) or by telephoning 01296 432823 and selecting option 2. The charge card can be purchased by non-pharmacy contractors at ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/251/new-nhs-prescription-charge-card https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/251/new-nhs-prescription-charge-card Thu, 31 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT Since mid-January 2011, almost thirty thousand pharmacists have renewed their membership with the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS). As of Tuesday 29th March a total of 29,895 members had renewed their membership with the Society, of these 1,168 are retired and 2,455 currently live overseas. Commenting on member renewals to date Martin Astbury, RPS President, said, “I want to thank every member that has demonstrated their commitment to the Society and their own future by renewing their membership. It gives me great confidence for our future to see the trust that has been placed in the new professional body.” “The support of pharmacists ensures that we will continue to be the largest individual pharmacist member organisation in Great Britain and crucially we enjoy support of pharmacists across Wales, Scotland and England and from all sectors of the profession meaning finally all pharmacists have a united voice.” Patrick Stubbs, RPS Membership and Marketing Director added, “I ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/671/thousands-renew-rps-membership https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/671/thousands-renew-rps-membership Tue, 29 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT The number of herbal products registered under the Traditional Herbal Registration (THR) scheme hit the 100 mark on 18th March, increasing consumer choice for safe herbal products across the UK. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency’s (MHRA) THR scheme has been designed so that the public will no longer have to guess at the safety and quality of herbal medicines as there is continuing evidence of low grade, and sometimes dangerous, unlicensed products on the market. The problem of weak or absent product information has also been widespread up until now, with consumers taking herbal medicines often not informed on whether there would be interactions with other medicines, any known side effects or if the product will be safe to be taken in pregnancy or by children. MHRA Head of Herbal Medicine Policy, Richard Woodfield, said, “The growth of the THR scheme means that consumers will have access to a wide choice ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/799/100-herbal-products-now-officially-registered https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/799/100-herbal-products-now-officially-registered Mon, 21 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT The NPA has issued new guidance after taking many calls from pharmacists seeking advice on handling requests from customers for potassium iodide tablets following the radiation leak at the Fukushima nuclear facility in Japan. Leyla Hannbeck, Head of Information at the NPA said, “In the last two days, scores of pharmacists have called our information department looking for advice to give the public who have been trying to buy potassium iodide tablets. People want to send the tablets back to their friends and relatives in Japan and America. Some have just come back from Japan so want to take the tablets to protect themselves from any possible radiation they were exposed to. A few people have even sought to purchase tablets as they are worried about the nuclear radiation spreading from Japan to the UK. Potassium iodide tablets are not generally stocked by community pharmacies in this country.” The NPA has ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/154/npa-issues-guidance-on-potassium-iodide https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/154/npa-issues-guidance-on-potassium-iodide Fri, 18 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT Home tests for the human papillomavirus (HPV) could help increase the take-up of cervical screening among women who do not respond to screening invitations, new research has shown. The study, published in the British Journal of Cancer, looked at 3,000 women from the Westminster Primary Care Trust who had not responded to at least two screening invitations. Self-sample HPV test kits were sent to half the women, while the other half were sent another invitation for cervical screening. Around 10% of women in the first group responded to receiving kits. This was made up of 96 women (6.4%) doing the self-sample and in addition, 57 (3.8%) booking an appointment to be screened in the usual way. In the other group, 68 women (4.5%) went for a smear test after receiving a third invitation. Dr Anne Szarewski, lead author of the study and a Cancer Research UK cervical cancer expert, said, “Women who don’t go ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/925/hpv-home-tests-could-improve-screening-rate https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/925/hpv-home-tests-could-improve-screening-rate Fri, 18 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT The Department of Health has confirmed a number of changes to pharmacy contract funding in England from April 2011. These are subject to the confirmation of the 2011/12 settlement, which will be informed by the results of the Cost of Service Inquiry. The key changes include: •    Up to £55m a year will be invested for the next two years in pharmacy service development, including a national New Medicines Service, targeted MURs, and strengthening of clinical governance. •    From April 2011, fees and allowances will be set to deliver £20 million less over the course of the year. In October 2010 PSNC secured agreement from DH to postpone recovery of £20m excess margin until 2011/12. This reduction in fees and allowances is intended to recover this £20m. •    Generic medicines prices (Category M) will be reduced by £10 million per quarter for 2011/12. In order to defer the recovery of the ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/427/contract-funding-changes-announced https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/427/contract-funding-changes-announced Wed, 16 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT Sir Peter Dixon has been appointed as non-executive chairman of the Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee (PSNC), community pharmacy’s national representative on NHS matters and the national negotiator of the NHS pharmacy contract. Sir Peter, who chaired University College London Hospitals (UCLH) between 2001 and 2010 and is currently interim chairman of Basildon and Thurrock University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, will take up his post on 1st September 2011. He will replace Professor Christopher Hodges, who completes his two terms as chairman on 31st August. Sir Peter has held a number of major roles in business, finance and the voluntary sector, as well as the public sector. He has, for example, served as a trustee and council member of the NHS Confederation. Chief Executive of PSNC, Sue Sharpe said, “I'm delighted that PSNC has unanimously decided to appoint Sir Peter as its new chairman, and he has agreed to accept the appointment. He has ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/126/psnc-appoints-sir-peter-dixon-as-chair https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/126/psnc-appoints-sir-peter-dixon-as-chair Tue, 15 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT A breakthrough by Asthma UK-funded scientists at the University of Nottingham could provide hope for allergy sufferers who have ever had to choose between their health and their household pet. The team of immunologists, led by Drs Ghaem-Maghami and Martinez-Pomares in the University’s School of Molecular Medical Sciences and funded by Asthma UK, have identified a cell component that plays a key role in triggering allergic responses to cat dander. Cat dander consists of microscopic pieces of cat skin, which easily become airborne. The discovery furthers our understanding of how the body’s immune system identifies and reacts to allergens, which could pave the way in developing new ways of treating allergies. The development is especially good news for the millions of people with asthma whose condition is often worsened by their allergy to airborne allergens from cat dander or house-dust mite. Dr Amir Ghaem-Maghami said, “Many people with asthma are highly sensitive to ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/427/cell-involved-in-cat-allergy-identified https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/427/cell-involved-in-cat-allergy-identified Mon, 14 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT Three men were arrested and more than £1 million pounds worth of suspected counterfeit and unlicensed medicines seized as part of a simultaneous raid on three residential locations and a secure storage unit in north and east London. The operation took place on 9th March. It targeted the gang of three, who had eastern European connections, for the alleged supply of vast amounts of counterfeit medicines internationally, including to many customers in the UK. The drugs are currently thought to have originated from the Far East. The trio, who have been released on bail, are believed to be linked to numerous illegal online pharmacies selling fake Prescription Only Medicines and other unlicensed drugs online. MHRA Head of Operations Danny Lee-Frost said the stash of more than 300,000 tablets, included Viagra, Cialis and Levitra, and was designed to “trick unsuspecting customers that they were getting the real deal.” He continued, “These illegal online pharmacies have ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/490/men-arrested-for-supplying-counterfeit-meds https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/490/men-arrested-for-supplying-counterfeit-meds Fri, 11 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT Research into a new insulin for people with Type 2 diabetes has shown it may able to effectively manage blood glucose levels even when taken only three times a week. Trials of the insulin, degludec, were carried out over 16 weeks using participants with Type 2 diabetes from the USA, Canada, India and South Africa. The participants were divided into three groups, one treated with insulin glargine (an insulin already on the market and used by people with Type 2 diabetes), a second treated with degludec once a day, with a third group treated with degludec three times a week. Results showed blood glucose levels were much the same across the three groups. In addition, fewer people experienced hypoglycaemia in the once-daily degludec group. In response to the article, Dr Iain Frame, Director of Research at Diabetes UK, said, "This is an incremental step forward in the treatment of Type 2 diabetes ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/574/new-insulin-may-benefit-people-with-diabetes https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/574/new-insulin-may-benefit-people-with-diabetes Thu, 10 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT The Scottish Parliament's Health Committee has passed legislation which will make prescriptions free for all patients in Scotland from April 1st 2011. In 2007, a single item prescription cost £6.85, but charges have gradually been lowered over the last few years and now they will be abolished altogether. While visiting an Edinburgh city centre pharmacy to mark the passing of the legislation, First Minister Alex Salmond said, "This is a momentous day marking the culmination of four years' work in gradually reducing the burden on Scots paying for prescriptions. The abolition of these charges from April 1st recognises the fact that during these difficult economic times, no person should see cost as a barrier to access to prescription medication. "We have gradually reduced the cost of prescriptions since 2007 and in doing so have helped large numbers of patients, particularly those with long-term conditions and who require a number of prescription items. "At times ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/251/prescription-charges-abolished-in-scotland https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/251/prescription-charges-abolished-in-scotland Tue, 08 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT Pulmicort (budesonide) pressurised metered-dose inhaler (MDI), a preventer treatment used for controlling asthma, has been discontinued. Pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca said it had ended the production of the MDI version of pulmicort because of manufacturing issues, not the medicine itself. This does not affect pulmicort in powdered form (turbohaler).   Pulmicort is one of a number of preventer treatments used by people with asthma to control swelling and inflammation in their airways. This reduces their risk of having severe asthma attacks and sustaining long-term lung damage.   Asthma UK’s Clinical Lead Erica Evans said,“It is very important for people to have a preventer inhaler they are happy with and can use properly,’ explains. ‘People who have been using pulmicort (budesonide) by MDI need to find a suitable alternative before their supply runs out. We therefore urge people to make an appointment with their doctor or asthma nurse to discuss appropriate alternatives and get a new ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/123/inhaler-discontinued-by-astrazeneca https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/123/inhaler-discontinued-by-astrazeneca Tue, 08 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT The National Pharmacy Association has leant its support to National No Smoking Day by encouraging anyone interested in quitting smoking to visit their community pharmacy. No Smoking Day, which was first established in 1983, is now held annually on the second Wednesday of every March with the aim of helping smokers to quit. It does this partly by pointing smokers towards services that can support them through their quit attempt. This year, it will take place on the 9th of March.   Nanette Kerr, Director of Pharmacy at the National Pharmacy Association said, “Every month, 4000 people quit smoking with the help of NHS counselling in community pharmacies. As well giving advice on the different types of Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT), pharmacy teams can share their experiences and give hints and tips to help people to stop smoking. Many pharmacists have consultation rooms so you can discuss in private the different methods of ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/844/npa-celebrates-national-no-smoking-day https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/844/npa-celebrates-national-no-smoking-day Mon, 07 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT The Minister of State for Health, Simon Burns, has confirmed that the NHS prescription charge will increase by 20p in England, bringing it up to £7.40 per prescription item. This change will come into effect from the 1st April 2011. The cost of a prescription prepayment certificate (PPC) will rise to £29.10 for a three month certificate. The cost of the annual certificate will remain at £104. PPCs offer savings for those needing four or more items in three months or more than 14 items in one year.   PSNC has said it will be sending out an updated prescription charge card before April 1st for display in community pharmacies. This will be enclosed in the March issue of Community Pharmacy News   Reacting to today's news about an increase in the NHS prescription charge in England, PSNC Chief Executive Sue Sharpe said, “We are very disappointed to hear that the prescription charge has ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/170/prescription-charge-to-rise-in-england https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/170/prescription-charge-to-rise-in-england Fri, 04 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT Postmenopausal women who smoke or used to smoke have a higher risk of developing breast cancer compared to women who have never smoked, according to new research which was published on bmj.com on 2nd March. The study also found that women who have had extensive exposure to passive smoking, either as children or in adulthood, may also have an excess risk of developing breast cancer. Although some previous studies have indicated that smoking increases the risk of breast cancer, the theory that passive smoking is also a risk factor has so far remained controversial. Researchers, led by Dr Juhua Luo from West Virginia University and Dr Karen Margolis from the HealthPartners Research Foundation in Minneapolis, therefore decided to carry out a large scale study following participants over a long period of time to investigate this issue further. They used data from the 1993-98 Women’s Health Initiative Observational study in their work ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/398/smoking-increases-breast-cancer-risk https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/398/smoking-increases-breast-cancer-risk Thu, 03 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhc) is calling in the CPD records of a number of members across Wales. In response, the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) has announced that it will hold a series of CPD events through its Local Pharmacy Forums (LPFs).   At these meetings, pharmacists will have the opportunity to talk to one of the Society’s CPD Facilitators about their portfolio while they also receive help to ensure they meet the requirements of the GPhC.   These events will be available free of charge to members at: North Wales Pharmacy Practice Forum Tuesday 15th March Starting at 7.00pm (with a buffet being served from 6.30pm) Kinmel Manor Hotel, St Georges Road, Abergele, Conwy, LL22 9AS   Cardiff and Vale Pharmacy Practice Forum Wednesday 16th March Starting at 7.00pm (with a buffet being served from 6.30pm) RPS Office, 2 Ash Tree Court, Woodsy Close, Cardiff Gate Business Park, Cardiff, CF23 8RW   Morgannwg Local Practice Forum Thursday 17th March Starting at 7.00pm (with a buffet ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/220/welsh-cpd-records-called-in https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/220/welsh-cpd-records-called-in Wed, 02 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT The All-Party Pharmacy Group (APPG) has facilitated a private meeting between the major pharmacy bodies and key individuals from the Labour Party Shadow Health team. Representatives from the CCA, NPA, PSNC and the RPS met with Shadow Health Secretary John Healey MP, Shadow Health Minister Liz Kendall MP and their political advisors, in the House of Commons to discuss the key issues impacting the pharmacy profession. The lunch was arranged by the APPG, and was hosted by the Group’s Chair Rt Hon Kevin Barron MP. He said, “This meeting offered a unique opportunity to engage with the Shadow Health team at this crucial time. We discussed the implications and opportunities for pharmacy arising from the Health & Social Care Bill, but we also had an extremely useful conversation about the bigger picture – how to ensure we retain and build on all the good things that pharmacy does for patients ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/975/shadow-health-team-meets-with-pharmacy-groups https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/975/shadow-health-team-meets-with-pharmacy-groups Tue, 01 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) has started its recruitment process for directors in Wales and Scotland. As well as publically advertising the positions, the GPhC has also placed details about the vacancies on its website at www.pharmacyregulation.org/navheader/workingforthegphc/index.aspx.   The closing date for both positions is 18th March. By recruiting the new directors, the GPhC hopes to ensure that the health and safety of the public in Wales and Scotland remains paramount as it continues to carry out its regulatory duties.   https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/139/gphc-seeks-directors-for-wales-and-scotland https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/139/gphc-seeks-directors-for-wales-and-scotland Mon, 28 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) has welcomed new NICE guidance on food allergy testing in children. The guidance highlights the importance of using validated diagnostic equipment. In particular, it advises against the use of alternative tests, such as Vega testing, hair analysis and kinesiology.   The use of these alternative tests is on the increase at present. However, NICE has now stressed that there is very little evidence to support the use of these tests, some of which can retail for £60 or more.   NPA Director of Pharmacy, Nanette Kerr, said, “Access to allergy services, including screening for allergy, is limited. There is a need for more specialists in allergy and for increased NHS allergy provision overall. GPs are managing a growing workload relating to the care of older people with long term conditions, limiting their capacity for diagnosing and treating allergy. Despite growing demand, it appears extremely unlikely that the NHS ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/975/npa-welcomes-new-allergy-testing-guidance https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/975/npa-welcomes-new-allergy-testing-guidance Fri, 25 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT Fake and unlicensed Viagra worth around 13 million pounds was seized by UK Border Agency (UKBA) officers last year, it was revealed on 25th February. More than eight and a half million tablets were intercepted before they could enter the black market for pharmaceutical drugs.   Brodie Clark, Head of Border Force for the UK Border Agency, said, “This massive haul makes it clear just how seriously we take the smuggling of fake and unlicensed medicines. As well as stopping drugs, weapons and illegal immigrants from reaching the UK, our officers have a vital role to play in protecting British consumers and businesses from the trade in black market medicines and other goods.   “Smugglers are only out to make a profit - these goods are often dangerous and the proceeds can be used to fuel serious organised crime.”   The highest number of fake and unlicensed erectile dysfunction tablets was discovered by UK Border Agency officers ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/796/millions-of-fake-viagra-tablets-seized https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/796/millions-of-fake-viagra-tablets-seized Fri, 25 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) has announced a formal three month consultation on registrants’ fees for 2012. This will affect registrants from the end of the year 2011. The consultation will run from 17th February 2011 to 12th May 2011 and invites interested parties for their opinions on a series of key proposals. These are: •    A below inflation rise of 4 per cent for pharmacists and pharmacy premises with a recommended renewal fee of £272 for pharmacists and £226 for registered premises. •    A reduction in the annual renewal fee for pharmacy technicians so they would pay £120. •    The introduction of a credit card payment fee of 2% of the registrant’s fee – so that the additional processing charges which the GPhC incurs when taking credit card payments are passed on to those who pay in that way, rather than shouldered by all registrants. In developing the consultation for the 2012 ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/699/gphc-launches-consultation-on-fees https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/699/gphc-launches-consultation-on-fees Thu, 24 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT A 48-year-old man has been sentenced to six months' imprisonment suspended for two years and 200 hours of unpaid work for selling and supplying herbal medicines to the public without a marketing authorisation. Ramchandre Damle of Southall, Middlesex, pleaded guilty to three counts of selling and supplying the medicinal products, ‘DBCare’, ‘BControl’ and ‘SX Power’.   This case came to the attention of the MHRA after it received a complaint concerning an advertisement in the publication, 'Pravasi Times' for a website operated by Ace Continental Exports Ltd which was selling the medicines.   The MHRA reviewed the three medicines in question to determine if they were relevant medicinal products, then ordered the company to withdraw them from sale. However, further investigation revealed that they had not been withdrawn and the company was in possession of quantities of all three drugs which were intended to be placed on the market.   Invoices provided by Mr Damle disclosed that ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/652/man-sentenced-for-illegally-selling-medicines https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/652/man-sentenced-for-illegally-selling-medicines Wed, 23 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT The English Pharmacy Board of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) has launched a new survey to find out what the pharmacy profession thinks about the issue of supervision. Some pharmacists have already contributed to the debate through webinars, stakeholder meetings and local practice forum debates. These initial discussions have raised some key matters which the RPS now wants to investigate further. The survey can be taken at www.surveymonkey.com/s/rpssupervision. It is open to all members of the RPS who are working in England and Wales.   https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/975/new-rps-survey-on-supervision https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/975/new-rps-survey-on-supervision Tue, 22 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT Diabetes UK has urged the Government to make vital changes to the new Health and Social Care Bill, warning that the continuity of high-quality care for people with diabetes could suffer as a consequence of fragmented commissioning of services. The charity submitted its written briefing to the Bill Committee on 17th February. It expressed concerns that new arrangements could have a detrimental effect on the three million people with diabetes across England and mean they no longer have one healthcare body to turn to and hold accountable for providing integrated care. In a letter published in the Guardian on the same day, Barbara Young, Chief Executive of Diabetes UK, said, "Under the new proposed arrangements, different aspects of diabetes care could be commissioned by different bodies and services could fail to be joined up round the patient… The continuity of care which is vital to people with diabetes risks being damaged ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/846/diabetes-uk-calls-for-health-bill-changes https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/846/diabetes-uk-calls-for-health-bill-changes Tue, 22 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT The National Pharmacy Association is calling for the Northern Ireland Executive to exclude community pharmacies from charges for single-use carrier bags. As part of its recent budget announcement in December 2010, the Executive proposed introducing a levy on single-use plastic bags across Northern Ireland.   Anne McAlister, NPA Representational Manager, for Northern Ireland said, “We support the Executive’s aim to reduce the number of plastic bags in circulation, to encourage members of the public to reuse them wherever possible and to recycle them after use. However, there are patient safety and confidentiality issues that surround the supply of medicinal products and these issues need to be recognised. Certain items such as colostomy products and sip feeds are particularly bulky items and need to be supplied to patients in a number of carrier bags.   “Furthermore, as proposals stand, pharmacists will be required to put free prescription items into bags for which they will ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/524/npa-comments-on-carrier-bag-charge https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/524/npa-comments-on-carrier-bag-charge Mon, 21 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT The Health Secretary Andrew Lansley has announced in Parliament that herbal medicine practitioners will be regulated from April 2012. The four UK health departments have agreed that the Health Professions Council (HPC) should hold a statutory register of practitioners who supply unlicensed herbal medicines to people. This will enable the supply of herbal medicines to continue after 30th April 2011. On this date, a new EU directive on traditional herbal medicinal products comes into force which requires traditional herbal remedies that claim to have medicinal benefits to be registered as a conventional medicine or registered under the traditional herbal registration (THR) scheme. However, the directive makes allowances for “authorised healthcare professionals” who need to supply unlicensed medicines to meet the ‘special needs’ of their patients. Creating the new register will therefore mean that herbal practitioners can continue to work in the UK.  To join the register, herbal practitioners will need to meet specified standards. Further ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/380/herbal-practitioners-to-be-regulated https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/380/herbal-practitioners-to-be-regulated Mon, 21 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT Pharmacy Voice has expressed its disappointment over the Department of Health’s recent decision to scrap plans to carry out a pilot of the Summary Care Record Programme in pharmacies in Bradford and Airedale PCT. A Summary Care Record (SCR) is an electronic summary of key health information about a patient, such as what medicines they are taking and any allergies they may have.   Several care settings, including GP surgeries, emergency departments, acute admissions wards and walk in centres, already have access to SCRs. However, pharmacies do not.   Responding to the news that the Bradford and Airedale PCT pilot had been halted, Rob Darracott, Chief Executive of Pharmacy Voice, said, “Community pharmacy access to care records has the potential to improve patient safety, support pharmacists in helping people to get the most out of their medicines and improve continuity of care. Scrapping the pilot of community pharmacy access to the Summary Care Record ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/925/summary-care-record-programme-pilot-scrapped https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/925/summary-care-record-programme-pilot-scrapped Fri, 18 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT Scientists funded by Asthma UK have discovered that an exercise test can help identify the cause of unexplained breathlessness in people with asthma. There are 5.4 million people with asthma in the UK, and around 5% have ‘difficult-to-control asthma’, experiencing persistent symptoms and frequent asthma attacks despite taking several different treatments including high doses of inhaled steroids. However, a number of research studies have suggested that in around half of people thought to have difficult-to-control asthma, their persistent symptoms have other causes.   The latest research by Dr Liam Heaney, Dr Diarmuid McNicholl and their colleagues at the Regional Respiratory Centre at Belfast City Hospital shows that an exercise test called a cardio-pulmonary exercise (CPX) test could be extremely helpful in diagnosing the cause of a person’s symptoms.   They looked at the medical records of 302 people who had been referred to the difficult-to-control asthma service at Belfast City Hospital. Thirty-nine of ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/799/exercise-test-developed-for-asthma-sufferers https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/799/exercise-test-developed-for-asthma-sufferers Thu, 17 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT Pharmacy Voice, the new unified pharmacy representative organisation, held its official launch today in Westminster. The event was attended by senior government officials, pharmacists, leaders of other professions and stakeholders from across the UK. During the launch, Pharmacy Voice called for transformational change and issued an open invitation to a wide universe of stakeholders to help shape the future of the pharmacy service, delivering improved health outcomes to patients and value for the NHS.   An ambitious vision was outlined in Pharmacy Voice’s launch document Community Pharmacy a Blueprint for Better Health. It advocates an expanded role for community pharmacy as a healthcare provider of choice, offering unrivalled accessibility, value and quality, driving forward better medicines use and improving public health.   The document also makes a series of recommendations which aim to help unlock pharmacy’s potential. It proposes a radical service redesign, focused around medicines pathways which would aim to ensure people ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/314/pharmacy-voice-officially-launched https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/314/pharmacy-voice-officially-launched Wed, 16 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has again warned people about the herbal weight loss product Herbal Flos Lonicerae (Herbal Xenicol) Natural Weight Loss Formula, after test results revealed it contained more than twice the prescribed dose of a banned powerful pharmaceutical ingredient, sibutramine. Sibutramine was a Prescription Only Medicine (POM), however, its marketing authorisation (product licence) was withdrawn for safety reasons in January 2010 following a warning from the European Medicines Agency that it increased the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Herbal Flos Lonicerae (Herbal Xenicol) Natural Weight Loss Formula is believed to be widely available over the internet as well as in some Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) outlets in the UK. Anyone currently using this product should stop taking it and consult their healthcare professional immediately. This issue was bought to the Agency’s attention by a concerned GP after one patient was hospitalised and several others reported suffering a ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/477/warning-about-herbal-medicine https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/477/warning-about-herbal-medicine Tue, 15 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT Vitamin D levels do not affect men’s chances of developing prostate cancer, according to new research published in the journal Cancer Causes and Control. The study was carried out by scientists from the University of Bristol and funded by Cancer Research UK. In the past, laboratory experiments have shown that vitamin D can help slow down cell division, something which, when uncontrolled, can lead to cancer.   However, in this detailed and up to date review, the researchers looked at all the available evidence on the issue from across the world and found there to be no link between the amount of vitamin D in men’s blood and the risk of prostate cancer.   The findings support a review by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) which also found no evidence to suggest that lower levels of vitamin D increase the risk of prostate cancer.   Rebecca Gilbert, lead author of the study from the ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/752/no-vitamin-d-link-to-prostate-cancer https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/752/no-vitamin-d-link-to-prostate-cancer Mon, 14 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT Pharmacy Voice has welcomed the scaling back of the Vetting and Barring Scheme in England and Wales.   Changes to the scheme were introduced as part of the Protection of Freedoms Bill, which was published on 11th February. The changes mean, for example, that Medicines Counter Assistants will no longer have to register with the scheme.   Rob Darracott, chief executive of Pharmacy Voice, said, “The scheme is intended to safeguard children and vulnerable adults, but Pharmacy Voice has long urged that the manner of its application to community pharmacy must be workable.      “We are pleased that the Government is apparently making good on its commitment to bring the scheme into proper proportion.  We made the point repeatedly to Government that Medicines Counter Assistants should not be covered en masse.  Officials appear to have listened to us.  The removal of the need for registration and the so-called ‘controlled activity’ category also takes out ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/944/vetting-and-barring-scheme-scaled-back https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/944/vetting-and-barring-scheme-scaled-back Fri, 11 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT A 34-year-old man has been sentenced at Southwark Crown Court to 12 months imprisonment, suspended for two years, for illegally supplying Class C controlled drugs and possessing Class C controlled drugs with intent to supply. Steven Corbersmith of Frinton-on-Sea, Essex, was also given a six-month supervision order and an unpaid work (community order) of 100 hours.   Corbersmith was found to be dealing in Prescription Only Medicines such as the breast cancer drug tamoxifen, as well as unlicensed erectile dysfunction medicine and Class C controlled drugs, specifically anabolic steroids.   The MHRA was alerted to a website believed to be selling the medicines illegally and test purchases were then made. Intelligence also revealed that Corbersmith owned a gym in Walton-on-the-Naze and had a related website called www.slchealth-fitness.com.   Checks confirmed the man held no licenses with the MHRA and was therefore unable to sell or supply medicines in the UK. MHRA investigators, assisted by officers from Essex ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/477/man-jailed-for-illegally-supplying-drugs https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/477/man-jailed-for-illegally-supplying-drugs Fri, 11 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT Asthma UK has launched new resources specially designed to help people with learning disabilities manage their asthma. The resources have been developed in partnership with people with learning disabilities and asthma, and through focus groups and discussions. They include a new booklet called All About Asthma, which explains the basics of the condition and what to do during an asthma attack.   An inhalers card has also been produced to remind people of which inhaler to take, when to take it and in what quantity. Finally, a revised version of the popular Asthma Attack Card has been developed, meaning it is now available in a larger print format and with illustrations which provide information on what to do in an asthma attack.   Kate Taylor, Asthma UK’s Community, Development and Volunteering Officer, said, “We’re really pleased to be able to present these new resources. Those with learning disabilities often find it difficult to ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/139/asthma-uk-launches-new-resources https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/139/asthma-uk-launches-new-resources Thu, 10 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT The NPA Health Education Foundation has launched its first ever bursary which is now open to all registered pharmacists. The £10,000 bursary is to support pharmacists who have an interest in developing their skills to undertake research relating to community pharmacy practice.   An application pack can be downloaded by visiting www.npa.co.uk/About-us/Health-Education-Foundation/Health-Education-Foundation-Bursary.   For more information, please contact The Secretary to the Trustees, Mrs Janet Misson, on j.misson@npa.co.uk  or 01727 858687.   The closing date for applications is 31st March 2011.   https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/715/npa-launches-bursary-for-pharmacists https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/715/npa-launches-bursary-for-pharmacists Wed, 09 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT Asthma UK, together with seven other leading health charities, has sent an open letter to Health Secretary Andrew Lansley warning that patients' voices are in danger of not being heard. The letter was published in The Times on Tuesday 8th February. It said, “As the Health and Social Care Bill reaches committee stage today, we - ten of the UK’s leading health charities, who represent millions of patients – are calling on MPs to make crucial changes to ensure the NHS will be answerable to everyone it serves. We’ve heard about the concerns of NHS professionals – now we must listen to the voice of patients.   “We support the Government’s aim to create a culture of ‘no decision about me without me’ and put patient involvement and democratic accountability at the heart of the health system. Genuine patient involvement can only make the health system more effective. However, there is currently ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/301/health-charities-respond-to-nhs-reforms https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/301/health-charities-respond-to-nhs-reforms Wed, 09 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT Healthy Living Pharmacies (HLPs) took a significant step forward this week, with pharmacy bodies agreeing a coordinated plan of action at a national summit. Healthy Living Pharmacies are already making a real difference to the health and wellbeing of people in Portsmouth, by delivering a range of public health services such as stopping smoking, weight loss, the treatment of minor ailments, contraception and sexual health and advice on medicines. Other areas across England are now looking to replicate these outcomes. At the recent summit, the pharmacy bodies all committed themselves to facilitate a number of pathfinder sites across England which will support the identification, collation and interpretation of evidence on HLPs.   Together, the group also agreed that local and national leadership would be critical to success and that pharmacy teams would need support to put in place the enablers of workforce development and engagement with others.   Furthermore, the bodies have said they will ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/443/healthy-living-pharmacies-take-step-forward https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/443/healthy-living-pharmacies-take-step-forward Tue, 08 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT One in eight women is now at risk of developing breast cancer during their lifetime, according to new figures released by Cancer Research UK. The figures, which were published to coincide with World Cancer Day on 4th Febraury, have also shown that cancer rates in the UK have increased by 3.5% in a ten year period. In 2008, there were 47,700 women diagnosed with the disease, compared to only 42,400 in 1999.   The biggest rise in rates was among women aged between 50 and 69, where cases increased by more than 6% across the same ten year period. Rates among younger women aged 25 to 49 dropped slightly by 0.5%.   In 2008 around 22,900 women aged between 50 and 69 were diagnosed with breast cancer – almost half 48% of the total number of cases. Around 15,700 cases (33%) were diagnosed in women over 70 and 9,100 cases (19%) in women aged 25-49. Both ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/126/one-woman-in-eight-will-get-breast-cancer https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/126/one-woman-in-eight-will-get-breast-cancer Mon, 07 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is advising people not to use the herbal weight loss product Herbal Flos Lonicerae (Herbal Xenicol) Natural Weight Loss Formula, due to concerns over possible side effects. The product is believed to be widely available over the internet as well as in some traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) outlets in the UK. However, anyone currently using this product has been advised by the MHRA to stop taking it and consult their healthcare professional immediately.   This issue was bought to the Agency’s attention by a concerned GP after one patient was hospitalised and several others reported suffering a range of side effects including palpitations, severe gastritis and abdominal pain, as well as insomnia after taking the capsules.   The product is thought to contain an undeclared pharmaceutical substance and is currently undergoing laboratory testing.   MHRA Head of Herbal Medicines Policy, Richard Woodfield, said, “Since 2005, the MHRA has found ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/702/herbal-medicine-warning https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/702/herbal-medicine-warning Thu, 03 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT Pharmacy Voice has welcomed new best practice guidance developed by the Department of Health supply chain working group, which says that “pharmacies should receive medicines within 24 hours”. Ian Facer, Chairman of Pharmacy Voice, personally commented on the guidance. He is also the Chairman of the NPA, which is a member of Pharmacy Voice and has been an active participant in the supply chain working group ever since it was set up in 2010.   He said, “This guidance establishes for the first time the principle that pharmacies should receive medicines within 24 hours of ordering them. We would have preferred a stronger obligation on suppliers, however we feel this move is an important first step in supporting patients’ interests. Community pharmacists on the front line have reported a worsening in the supply situation over recent months.   “The guidance is a useful first step, but no silver bullet. We will work with ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/493/pharmacy-voice-welcomes-supply-chain-guidance https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/493/pharmacy-voice-welcomes-supply-chain-guidance Thu, 03 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT The Royal Pharmaceutical Society has responded to media reports that a new pharmacy-only medicine will not be available through all pharmacies by saying that it strongly believes in equity of access and patient choice. According to the reports, Meda Pharmaceuticals’ new tranexamic acid brand Cyklo-F is going to launch exclusively through Boots, rather than across all pharmacies.   In an official statement, published 2nd February, the RPS responded to the news, saying, “We support medicines being safely accessible through pharmacists to as many patients as possible. We would be very concerned about any exclusive arrangement that may disrupt a patient’s existing relationship with their pharmacist. We are concerned that exclusive supply arrangements could impact on continuity of care.”   Martin Astbury, RPS President added, “The public relies on pharmacy medicines through the whole profession when looking for treatment and advice. It would be confusing for the public and ultimately harmful to the whole profession if ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/380/rps-comments-on-new-pharmacy-only-medicine https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/380/rps-comments-on-new-pharmacy-only-medicine Wed, 02 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT The PSNC has responded to a recent study which claimed that offering the morning after pill to teenagers actually leads to more cases of sexually transmitted diseases. The study, called The Impact of Emergency Birth Control on Teen Pregnancy and STIs, was carried out by Professors Sourafel Girma and David Paton of Nottingham University, and covered by the Daily Telegraph on Monday 31st January. The researchers compared areas of England where the pill was available free from chemists with areas where it was not or where it the scheme implemented later. They concluded that in the areas where the pill was on offer, pregnancy rates for girls aged under 16 remained the same but the rates of sexually transmitted diseases increased by 12%. However, PSNC Head of NHS Services Alastair Buxton has argued that the study is flawed. He said, “Given that the data this study uses was gathered between eleven and seven ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/894/psnc-responds-to-morning-after-pill-claims https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/894/psnc-responds-to-morning-after-pill-claims Tue, 01 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT The first ever government cancer awareness campaign to highlight the early signs and symptoms of bowel cancer has been launched by Health Minister Paul Burstow. The ‘Be Clear on Cancer’ campaign will initially be piloted in East and South West of England and if successful will be rolled out across the country.   Adverts will appear on TV, radio and in newspapers in the two regions for seven weeks from the Monday 31st January. Featuring real GPs, the ads aim to make people aware of the early signs of bowel cancer and make it easier for them to discuss this with their GP.   Pharmacists working in the two regions will also be taking part in the new initiative. They have already been alerted to the campaign by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society and will be able to order leaflets and posters to put on display in their pharmacies.   Improving cancer outcomes is a Government ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/527/new-cancer-awareness-campaign-launched https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/527/new-cancer-awareness-campaign-launched Mon, 31 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT New figures have revealed that the number of reported cases of people with flu-like symptoms is continuing to fall. The figures, which were published on 27th January, show that: •    There have been 40.7 GP consultations per 100,000 in England and Wales. This compares with 66.5 last week and 124 four weeks ago. •    247 critical care beds are occupied with people with ‘flu-like symptoms – around 7.1% critical care capacity. This compares with 418 last week and 850 at its peak. •    72.2 per cent of over 65s and 49.1 per cent of under 65s in at risk groups have been vaccinated (71.7 and 48 per cent last week). •    The HPA have verified a total of 338 deaths in the UK since the flu season began in October last year. In total 84 new deaths from flu were reporter in the update, but the vast majority of them did not occur during the last ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/396/number-of-flu-cases-falling https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/396/number-of-flu-cases-falling Fri, 28 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT More than four million doses of the HPV vaccine have been given out since the programme first launched two years ago, according to new figures announced by Public Health Minister Anne Milton. It was also revealed that 84% of girls aged 13-14 and 76% of girls aged 12-13 have so far helped to protect themselves against cervical cancer by getting all three doses of the vaccine.   These figures mean that the programme is one of the most successful of its kind in the world. In total 60.4 per cent of all 12-19 year olds have had the full course of treatments, twice as high as the percentage who have been successfully vaccinated under the equivalent US programme.   Public Health Minister Anne Milton said, "Being able to help protect young women against this disease is a fantastic development and the uptake is very encouraging.   “But we can always do more. This vaccination reduces ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/204/millions-of-hpv-vaccines-given https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/204/millions-of-hpv-vaccines-given Thu, 27 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT NPA Chairman Ian Facer has said that pharmacy is capable of playing a much larger role in offering patients flu vaccinations. Mr Facer was speaking following the latest NPA Board meeting. He said, “This autumn and winter, many people have found it convenient to be vaccinated in pharmacies against flu.  Inside and outside the NHS, pharmacies have delivered a valuable service.  In those places where the NHS has commissioned pharmacies to provide a flu vaccination service, pharmacies appear to be doing a great job in reaching NHS target groups.   “However the NHS schemes are few and far between.  The NPA Board is convinced that community pharmacy should play a far more widespread role in the NHS flu vaccination programme in the future, so that communities across the country may benefit.  The Board has asked the NPA team to accelerate preparations for supporting members to deliver flu services ahead of the 2011/12 ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/348/npa-chairman-comments-on-flu-vaccination https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/348/npa-chairman-comments-on-flu-vaccination Wed, 26 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT The MHRA has opened a new consultation related to the product licences of right (PLR) regime and homeopathy as part of its ongoing review of UK medicines regulation. More information on the consultation is available from: www.mhra.gov.uk/Publications/Consultations/Medicinesconsultations/Othermedicinesconsultations/CON105929. Comments should be sent to andrea.farmer@mhra.gsi.gov.uk.   https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/972/new-consultation-on-homeopathy https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/972/new-consultation-on-homeopathy Tue, 25 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT Health Secretary Andrew Lansley has said that the NHS must embrace value-based competition if it is to meet the future needs of the public it serves. He was speaking at the Maximising Quality, Minimising Cost conference, just days after the publication of the new Health and Social Care Bill on 19th of January. The event, which was attended by many senior NHS clinicians, was hosted by UCL Partners and Monitor, the future NHS economic regulator. In his speech, Mr Lansley outlined his belief that this competition must be based on the quality of results for patients and not cost alone. According to Mr Lansley, under the recently announced plans to modernise the Health Service, providers that deliver excellence will benefit from more patients choosing their service. Those that do not will have a strong incentive to change and improve. He said, “Our plans to modernise the NHS will finally bring the power of competition ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/894/lansley-stresses-need-for-competition https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/894/lansley-stresses-need-for-competition Mon, 24 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT Inhaling cigarette smoke may cause dangerous chemicals to build up in the bloodstream within minutes, US scientists have found. A research team at the University of Minnesota carried out a study to determine how quickly cigarette chemicals called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) build up in the human body. Their findings were recently published in the Chemical Research in Toxicology journal.   PAHs are known to play a role in the development of smoking-related lung cancer. In the body, they are quickly turned into another chemical which promotes cancer-causing genetic changes.   The Minnesota research team added a PAH called phenanthrene to cigarettes and investigated how quickly the substance ended up making its way into the bloodstream of 12 smokers. Although phenanthrene itself has not been linked to cancer, the researchers were able to use it as a proxy for other more harmful PAHs.   They ended up discovering that it takes just 15 to 30 minutes for ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/427/smoking-may-damage-body-within-minutes https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/427/smoking-may-damage-body-within-minutes Fri, 21 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT Diabetes UK has welcomed the recent decision by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to accept the use of the HbA1c test in diagnosing diabetes. The HbA1c test measures the amount of glucose being carried by the red blood cells in the body and indicates a person’s blood glucose levels for the previous two to three months. People with diabetes have at least one HbA1c test a year after diagnosis but now, following a review by the WHO, the test has also been recommended for use in diagnosing diabetes.   To date, the most frequently used diagnosis tests typically require taking a blood sample from a patient and measuring the glucose content. In some tests, the patient has to fast and then consume a high glucose drink. Two blood samples are taken from them, one before and one after they have had the drink, so the glucose levels can be compared.   According to the ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/799/new-test-recommended-for-diabetes https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/799/new-test-recommended-for-diabetes Thu, 20 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT The PSNC has cautiously welcomed the new Health and Social Care Bill, but has stressed that the real work begins with implementation. Responding to the publication of the Bill, PSNC Chief Executive Sue Sharpe said, “We support the principles on which the reforms in the Health and Social Care Bill are built: greater local accountability, strengthening health professionals at the heart of their communities, and an increased focus on securing high quality health outcomes. The bill provides the legislative framework for the government's principles set out in the white papers. PSNC will study the implications of the reforms for community pharmacy carefully, and follow the bill in its progress in the coming months, and propose any changes that will support our core goals for community pharmacy.   “We’re pleased the NHS Commissioning Board will take responsibility for the core national pharmacy service. If local pharmacies are to develop innovative new services that ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/928/psnc-welcomes-health-bill https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/928/psnc-welcomes-health-bill Thu, 20 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT The Royal Pharmaceutical Society has commented on the publication of the new Health and Social Care Bill. In a statement released on the 19th January, the Society’s Director for England Howard Duff said, “We will be looking closely at the Bill to understand both the implications of these key changes to the NHS for pharmacists and the impact it will have on the profession. The Society will be pressing Government to ensure that pharmacists have an opportunity to input into service redesign.   “The Society will be making the case for pharmacy inclusion as a solution to many of the challenges in healthcare over the coming weeks and months, as well as keeping the profession informed as to how the changes affect them.” More information on the Bill is available at  www.dh.gov.uk/healthandsocialcarebill. https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/490/rps-comments-on-new-health-bill https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/490/rps-comments-on-new-health-bill Wed, 19 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT A short online customer survey has been launched to allow pharmacy contractors to assess the quality of service provided by NHS Prescription Services to pharmacy contractors. An online version is currently available on the www.kgs.co.uk/surveys/5268f/nhsipc.htm. The survey will run until midnight on Sunday 13th February.   A notice will also be added to a sample of contractors' January Schedule of Payments to encourage people participate. If you are pharmacy contractor and have any queries regarding the survey you can email fiona.punchard@ppa.nhs.uk or telephone 0191 203 5057.   https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/991/survey-for-independent-pharmacy-contractors https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/991/survey-for-independent-pharmacy-contractors Tue, 18 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT Special quit smoking kits are now available to independent pharmacies to order as part of a new Department of Health (DH) initiative. After first launching on 1st January, the DH is now encouraging as many pharmacists as possible to get involved and start giving out the ‘Quit Kits’ to smokers in their community.   The DH has already started to work with community pharmacy bodies, including the NPA, CCA and RPS, to try to get more independent pharmacies involved. The new Quit Kits have been developed by NHS Smokefree together with smokers and experts and contain practical tools and advice to help smokers quit for good. They also include a voucher for a week’s free trial of NRT patches, which can double smokers’ chances of quitting successfully.   Customers can complete the voucher for NRT and return it to the DH, which will then distribute the NRT free of charge.   In an official statement on the ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/380/nhs-quit-kits-now-available-for-pharmacies https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/380/nhs-quit-kits-now-available-for-pharmacies Tue, 18 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT Pharmacy Voice Chief Executive Rob Darracott has argued that outreach to GPs and local authorities is critical for the future pharmacy. Mr Darracott was speaking at a media seminar run by the School of Pharmacy at the University of London. The seminar was entitled, ‘New approaches to primary care will save lives and money’.   He shared the platform with other leading pharmacy and healthcare figures, including Professor Nick Barber from the School of Pharmacy, University of London; Alex Gourlay, Chief Executive Alliance Boots Health & Beauty and Professor Sir Nicholas Wald, World leading expert in preventative medicine. The event was chaired by Professor David Taylor of the School of Pharmacy, University of London.   Mr Darracott said, “In theory the ‘any willing provider’ model espoused by the Government should unlock huge opportunities for community pharmacy and patients alike. But I’m afraid community pharmacy rising up and saying yes we can won’t be enough. ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/605/pharmacy-must-reach-out-to-gps https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/605/pharmacy-must-reach-out-to-gps Mon, 17 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT Cancer Research UK’s drug development office (DDO) has formed a new alliance with AstraZeneca to take combinations of experimental cancer drugs into early phase clinical trials. It is hoped that this move will help increase patient access to trials of potential new cancer treatments.   The trials will look specifically at new cancer treatments which combine molecularly targeted experimental drugs developed and owned by AstraZeneca. They will test these combinations alongside conventional chemotherapy radiotherapy and other novel agents. Cancer Research UK hopes that combination therapy using a number of molecularly targeted drugs may decrease the chance of patients developing resistance to any individual drug. It is already known that different types of drugs attack the faults in cancer cells at different points.   Kate Miller, head of the alliance at Cancer Research UK’s DDO, said, “We are delighted to be collaborating with AstraZeneca through the combinations alliance. This initiative will provide a huge boost to ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/251/cancer-research-uk-forms-new-trial-alliance https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/251/cancer-research-uk-forms-new-trial-alliance Fri, 14 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT Current guidance advising mothers in the UK to exclusively breast feed for the first six months of their baby’s life has been questioned in a new study by child health experts, which was recently published on bmj.com. The authors of the study, led by Dr Mary Fewtrell, a consultant paediatrician at the UCL Institute of Child Health in London, have reviewed the evidence behind the current guidance and say the time is right to reappraise this recommendation. The researchers have stressed that while they fully back exclusive breast feeding early in life, they are concerned that exclusively doing so for six months and not introducing other foods may not always be in the child’s best interests. In 2001 the World Health Organisation (WHO) made its global recommendation that infants should be exclusively breast fed for the first six months. Many western countries did not follow this recommendation, but in 2003 the UK ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/812/official-breast-milk-guidance-questioned https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/812/official-breast-milk-guidance-questioned Thu, 13 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT Leading pharmacy bodies have expressed a number of concerns in a joint response to the MHRA’s Informal Consultation on Streamlining and Reducing Regulatory Burdens.   The bodies included Pharmacy Voice, the Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee (PSNC), and Community Pharmacy Wales. Although the three organisations are pleased that the MHRA is taking the opportunity to review and remove some of the excessive bureaucracy within medicines legislation and regulation, they have stressed in their response that it is important that one form of bureaucracy does not simply end up being replaced with another. They also emphasised that patient safety must not be compromised in any way as a result of changes being made.   Rob Darracott, Chief Executive of Pharmacy Voice, said, “We strongly oppose the MHRA’s plans to change the section 10 exemptions relating to wholesale dealing. The existing provisions are straightforward and have allowed community pharmacies to provide a service that is in the best ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/605/pharmacy-bodies-concerned-about-mhra-review https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/605/pharmacy-bodies-concerned-about-mhra-review Wed, 12 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT In response to recent concerns from the public, the RPS and RCGP have released a joint statement on flu vaccines. Published on 11th January, the statement said, “There has been a large amount of flu circulating in the community over the last few weeks. Flu is usually an illness that affects older people, however this year we have seen much more flu in younger adults and children. This, coupled with media interest, has lead to unusual post Christmas demand for vaccination. Ensuring that pharmacists and doctors have all the information and medicines they need to help patients is our top priority.   “Pharmacists at The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) and doctors at The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) are working collaboratively together and with the Department of Health to ensure patients receive the right medicines and good advice promptly. Both organisations have been keeping their members updated with the latest advice regarding ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/752/joint-rps-and-rcgp-statement-on-flu-vaccine https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/752/joint-rps-and-rcgp-statement-on-flu-vaccine Tue, 11 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT Commonly used painkillers for treating inflammation can increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes, according to an analysis of the evidence published on bmj.com today. The drugs include traditional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) as well as new generation anti-inflammatory drugs, known as COX-2 inhibitors. The researchers have said their findings mean that when anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed, the potential cardiovascular risk should be taken into account. NSAIDs have been the cornerstone of managing pain in patients with osteoarthritis and other painful conditions for some time. However, in 2004, the COX-2 inhibitor rofecoxib was withdrawn from the market after a trial found that the drug increased the risk of cardiovascular disease. Since then, there has been much debate about the cardiovascular safety of COX-2 inhibitors and traditional NSAIDs, which several studies have not been able to resolve. To take a fresh look at the issue, researchers in Switzerland performed a comprehensive analysis of ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/891/painkillers-linked-to-heart-problem-risk https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/891/painkillers-linked-to-heart-problem-risk Tue, 11 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT The number of people looking up flu information on the NHS website increased tenfold compared to last year, new figures today reveal. Figures from NHS Choices show the site, www.nhs.uk, was clicked onto than 20 million times during winter, and that there were 50,000 searches for flu information compared to just 3,800 in 2009.   The figures also reveal that apart from flu, pneumonia, diabetes and pregnancy were among the most popular pages on the site. The busiest single day for the site was 13 December when there were 300,000 visits.   Research published this week from the London School of Economics found the number of people looking for health information online is set to soar again as workers return from holiday breaks.   Health Minister Simon Burns said, “NHS Choices has been able to provide timely and accurate information about flu and other conditions during winter months.   "The internet is a great resource for health-related information ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/540/thousands-search-the-net-for-info-on-flu https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/540/thousands-search-the-net-for-info-on-flu Mon, 10 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) has released a new statement in response to public concerns over the availability of the flu vaccine. On 6th January, the RPS said, “Ensuring that pharmacists have all the information and medicines they need to help patients is our top priority.   “Pharmacists at The Royal Pharmaceutical Society are in constant dialogue with Chief Pharmaceutical Officer and colleagues at the Department of Health and we are taking a collaborative approach to ensure patients can receive medicines and up to date advice promptly.   “We have been keeping pharmacists updated with the latest advice regarding supplies of anti-viral medicines and have set up a dedicated web page to ensure all the information can be easily accessed. We are also feeding back any information we pick up from pharmacists to the Department of Health directly.   “Regarding vaccine supplies our understanding from the Department of Health is that there is enough vaccine nationally but ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/928/new-rps-statement-on-flu-vaccine-availability https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/928/new-rps-statement-on-flu-vaccine-availability Fri, 07 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT In response to members of the public continuing to enquire at pharmacies about the vaccine which protects against seasonal flu strains including the H1N1 swine flu virus, Pharmacy Voice has released a new statement.   The members of Pharmacy Voice include the National Pharmacy Association (NPA), the Company Chemists’ Association, (CCA) and the Association of Independent Multiple Pharmacies (AIMp).   In a statement released on 6th January, the pharmacy body explained, “The Department of Health has advised that there is no national shortage of seasonal flu vaccine.  There may be local supply issues, but NHS organisations are working together to resolve these.     “Where local supply difficulties exist, Pharmacy Voice is encouraging community pharmacies to work with other health professionals such as GPs to ensure that vaccines reach the at risk groups.     “Pharmacies can supply against NHS prescriptions for at risk groups where they have vaccine available. However community pharmacy stocks of vaccines are ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/781/pharmacy-voice-releases-statement-on-flu https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/781/pharmacy-voice-releases-statement-on-flu Fri, 07 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT The BMJ has declared the 1998 Lancet paper which implied a link between the MMR vaccine and autism to be “an elaborate fraud”. On 6th January, Dr Fiona Godlee, BMJ Editor in Chief explained that the MMR scare was based not on bad science but on a deliberate fraud by the author of the study, Andrew Wakefield. She then went on to say that the “clear evidence of falsification of data should now close the door on this damaging vaccine scare”. She compared Andrew Wakefield’s fraud to Piltdown man, the great paleontological hoax that led people to believe for 40 years that the missing link between man and ape had been found. Additionally, she raised questions about the veracity of Wakefield’s other publications and called for an investigation “to decide whether any others should be retracted”. A series of three BMJ articles, which will start to be published this week, will go ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/812/paper-linking-mmr-jab-with-autism-a-fraud https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/812/paper-linking-mmr-jab-with-autism-a-fraud Thu, 06 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT New research being funded by Diabetes UK is investigating whether regular doses of medication derived from fish oil could be used to improve nerve damage and prevent diabetes complications such as amputation, blindness and heart disease. Researchers at the University of Southampton will study 100 people at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes to determine if a medication called OMACOR can improve the function of nerves and small blood vessels in the feet. OMACOR is a medication derived from fish oil found in Norwegian sardines.   Researcher Keith McCormick explained, “OMACOR has already proved to be extremely successful in the treatment of high triglycerides (a type of fat) in the blood, but if this trial is successful it will provide evidence that treatment with these purified long chain fatty acids can also serve to improve small nerve and blood vessel function that is very relevant to people at risk of Type 2 ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/941/new-diabetes-research-launched https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/941/new-diabetes-research-launched Wed, 05 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) has responded to media reports that pharmacies are unable to provide private vaccinations for seasonal flu. RPS Chief Executive Helen Gordon said, “The vaccine is available to all children in at-risk groups free of charge on the NHS.   “There has been significant unexpected demand this year from parents wanting to vaccinate healthy children against seasonal flu. Last year, the NHS provided flu vaccinations for all children under five, but in previous years this group has not been routinely vaccinated unless individuals are in an at-risk group.   “Pharmacists who have been involved in the administration of flu jabs are familiar with vaccinating adults but not children.  In order to vaccinate children, pharmacists would have to undergo extra training. “Some pharmacies offer flu vaccination privately provided under a system of governance called Patient Group Directions, which are set by senior pharmacists and doctors in an organisation.  Decisions around age limits ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/618/rps-comments-on-flu-vaccine-availabilty https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/618/rps-comments-on-flu-vaccine-availabilty Tue, 04 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT Complementary medicines (CAM) can be dangerous for children and can even prove fatal, if substituted for conventional medicine, a new study published in the Archives of Disease in Childhood has indicated. The authors carried out an audit of all the adverse reactions associated with CAM which were reported to the Australian Paediatric Surveillance Unit between 2001 and 2003, and involved children under the age of 16.   During this period, a total of 46 instances of adverse events associated with complementary medicine treatment, including four deaths, were reported. But only 40 questionnaires were completed, and one of these was a duplicate, leaving 39 cases for the researchers to study.   Almost two thirds of the reported cases (64%) were rated as severe, life threatening or fatal. In over three quarters of cases (77%) the authors looked at, the adverse events were considered to be probably or definitely related to CAM, and in almost half of ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/364/complementary-meds-can-be-dangerous-for-kids https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/364/complementary-meds-can-be-dangerous-for-kids Mon, 03 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT Free NRT treatment on the NHS will now be offered to smokers through their local pharmacies. The new scheme, organised by the Department of Health’s Tobacco Team, first launched on the 1st January. During the late summer, a number of community pharmacies were selected to take part in the programme. They will offer patients who want to quit smoking a special kit containing a coupon which grants them a week’s free trial of either NiQuitin Clear 21mg Patches or Nicotinell TTS 30 21mg/24 hour Patches, Step 1. Smokers will then be able to complete the coupon and post it free of charge to a given address, complete an online application, or send a text, and the Department of Health (DH) will send them out the patches.   Applications will be restricted to one per household and the 300,000 kits are being provided on a ‘first come first served’ basis. There is no ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/637/nrt-offered-free-in-pharmacies https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/637/nrt-offered-free-in-pharmacies Mon, 03 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT Pharmacy Voice (PV), a body which represents the vast majority of community pharmacy owners in England, has expressed some concerns in its response to the Royal Pharmaceutical Society's consultation on new draft regulations and schedules. Rob Darracott, Chief Executive of Pharmacy Voice, said, "We understand and recognise the need for the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) to update and revise its governing legislation following the creation of the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPHC). However we are very concerned at the tone being set by this document and would urge the RPS to moderate its proposed course of action.   "A simple code of conduct would be appropriate to set the standard for the Society's members. The conduct procedures and the scheme outlined appear to create a cumbersome and costly disciplinary mechanism running in parallel to the GPHC. It would be better to see greater emphasis from the Society on positively supporting pharmacists in ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/345/pharmacy-voice-responds-to-rps-consultation https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/345/pharmacy-voice-responds-to-rps-consultation Thu, 23 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT A common mould that is linked to asthma symptoms and reduced lung function has been found to grow in the lungs of people with severe asthma. The discovery was made by researchers at the University of Leicester, who were studying the impact of environmental mould Aspergillus fumigatus on people with asthma. The mould, which releases spores into the air that can trigger asthma, is usually found in soil and compost heaps. The study showed that people with asthma who were allergic to the mould had more narrowing of the airways than those who were not allergic. The narrowing was worse in people who had the mould growing in their lungs. Professor Andrew Wardlaw, lead researcher on this project, has also led Asthma UK-funded research into the role fungal spores play in severe asthma. Asthma UK-funded research into which parts of the Aspergillus fumigatus mould trigger symptoms is currently ongoing, with ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/621/mould-strongly-linked-to-asthma https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/621/mould-strongly-linked-to-asthma Wed, 22 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT Health Secretary Andrew Lansley has visited the West End Blood Donor Centre in Central London to support an urgent call for blood donations from NHS Blood and Transplant.   Blood donors, especially those with Group O Negative blood, are being urged to come forward as poor weather has affected stocks. Group O negative is particularly important as this blood can be given safely to patients with other blood groups (known as the universal donor).   Giving blood is vital to ensure that patients undergoing surgery and receiving treatment for cancer and blood diseases, such as leukaemia, continue to receive the transfusions they need.   Speaking at the West End Blood Donor Centre, Health Secretary Andrew Lansley said, “Giving blood is an incredibly generous act and I am grateful to the millions of people who give blood every year. The NHS needs 7,000 units of blood every day, regardless of the weather.   “The recent bad weather ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/173/urgent-call-for-blood-donors https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/173/urgent-call-for-blood-donors Mon, 20 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT If everyone in the UK ate their “five a day,” and cut their dietary salt and unhealthy fat intake to recommended levels, 33,000 deaths could be prevented or delayed every year, new research has suggested. According to the study, which was published online in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, eating five portions of fruit and vegetables could prevent more than 15,000 deaths a year from conditions like coronary heart disease and cancer.   On top of this, nearly 4,000 annual deaths could be prevented by people sticking to the recommendations on dietary fibre, while people sticking to recommendations on fats and salt would save almost 7,000 and 7,500 lives respectively.   The researchers based their findings on national data for the years 2005 to 2007 for all four UK countries. Their data sources included deaths from coronary heart disease, stroke and cancers; figures on food and nutrient consumption; and in-depth high quality ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/314/dietary-changes-could-save-thousands-of-lives https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/314/dietary-changes-could-save-thousands-of-lives Fri, 17 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT The NHS is wasting tens of millions each year by using a more expensive type of insulin, despite NICE recommending a cheaper alternative. The findings of a joint investigation by the British Medical Journal (BMJ) and Channel 4 News suggests that a drive by the drug industry to promote a new, more expensive type of insulin, known as analogue insulin, for people with type-2 diabetes has cost the NHS at least £250m extra over the past five years. NICE advises doctors to prescribe human insulin as the treatment of choice for people with diabetes. A recent health technology assessment concluded that, in type-2 diabetes, analogue insulin weren't worth what the NHS was being charged in most cases. The National Prescribing Centre published advice earlier this summer on 15 key areas of medicines use that local NHS organisations should scrutinise in order to save money. This specifically drew attention to NICE's guidance about targeting ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/891/millions-being-wasted-on-expensive-insulin https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/891/millions-being-wasted-on-expensive-insulin Thu, 16 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC), the regulator for pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and pharmacy premises in Great Britain, is currently running a consultation on a new draft framework and rules for continuing professional development (CPD). All registrants have to undertake CPD to demonstrate that their practice is current; the framework explains how registrants do this. It explains how much CPD is required, how it has to be recorded and what happens when a registrant’s records are called. Primarily, the rules deal with the consequences of non compliance.   Commenting on the launch of the consultations, Damian Day, Head of Education and Quality Assurance said: “Professional CPD is an important way for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians to maintain their competence. We hope registrants will find the Framework is a clear and helpful guide to our CPD requirements. Because all registrants are affected by CPD, we are inviting a wide range of individuals and interest groups ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/398/gphc-launches-cpd-consultation https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/398/gphc-launches-cpd-consultation Wed, 15 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT The main pharmacy bodies have welcomed the visit of Health Minister Earl Howe to a Healthy Living Pharmacy in Portsmouth today. Healthy Living Pharmacies (HLPs) are making a difference to the health of people in Portsmouth, by delivering a range of high-quality public health services such as stopping smoking, weight loss, the treatment of minor ailments, contraception and sexual health and advice on medicines.   The Government has stated its intention to deliver a public health service that achieves excellent results, unleashes innovation and liberates professional leadership. The leading pharmacy bodies, including the NPA and PSNC, believe that Healthy Living Pharmacies are already fulfilling that aim with clearly defined public health interventions. Commenting on the HLP concept, Sue Sharpe, Chief Executive, PSNC said, "The HLP concept offers a strong example of how much pharmacies can do to improve the health of their communities. We welcome Earl Howe's recognition of the value of national ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/139/pharmacy-support-for-hlp-concept https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/139/pharmacy-support-for-hlp-concept Tue, 14 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT Diabetes UK-funded research has shown that a dietary supplement of the synthetic derivative of vitamin B1 has the potential to prevent heart disease caused by diabetes.   Scientists believe vitamin B1 may help the body to dispose of toxins and therefore protect cells of the heart from becoming damaged. Researchers based at the University of Bristol gave a synthetic derivative of vitamin B1 called benfotiamine to mice with and without diabetes. In earlier research published in the journal Circulation: Heart Failure, they found that treating mice with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes with benfotiamine from the early stages of diabetes can delay progression to heart failure. In the latest research published in the 'Journal of Molecular and Cellular Cardiology' they found that the vitamin B1 derivative also  improved survival and healing after heart attacks in Type 1 mice (and even in the mice without diabetes too). Foods rich in vitamin ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/154/vitamin-b1-benefit-for-diabetics https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/154/vitamin-b1-benefit-for-diabetics Mon, 13 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT Members of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) have voted overwhelmingly in favour of creating two new membership categories, which will come into effect from March 2011. The special resolution ballot achieved the highest voter turnout in recent years. In total 11,348 votes were cast to decide whether or not a student member and associate member category should be created, equating to a 22.7% voter turnout.   Of those voting, 89.3% of members agreed to the proposed Student member category and 81.2% agreed to the proposed Associate member category.   President Martin Astbury said, “I’m delighted to welcome students and associate members into the new Society. I’d like to thank members for voting in such large numbers and showing such a positive response to extending membership to these groups.   “Students will now be able to join the Society from the first day of their university course and be able to attend local practice forum meetings. During ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/301/new-rps-membership-categories-created https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/301/new-rps-membership-categories-created Mon, 13 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT The Home Office has launched a new drugs strategy which sets out the Government’s approach to tackling drug and alcohol dependency. The strategy focuses on cracking down on those involved in the drugs trade, as well revolutionising the treatment services which offer drug users a path to recovery.   In a major policy shift, the strategy puts drug free recovery at the heart of the Government’s response and puts more responsibility on individuals to seek help and overcome their dependency.   The new cross-government approach will also see a renewed focus on reducing demand and restricting supply through: •    taking more action to seize the assets of those involved in the drugs trade, both at home and abroad •    giving teachers greater powers to search and confiscate drugs and alcohol in schools •    encouraging people who have been successful in conquering their own addiction to build a nationwide network of ‘recovery champions’ who can inspire others in their ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/139/new-drugs-strategy-unveiled https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/139/new-drugs-strategy-unveiled Fri, 10 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT Cancer is the nation’s number one fear but more than a third think getting the disease is down to fate and there is nothing they can do to avoid it – according to a Cancer Research UK survey. Overall, the survey found that one in five men and women in Great Britain feared cancer more than debt, knife crime, Alzheimer’s Disease and losing a job.   The survey questioned more than 2000 adults aged 16 and over and 34% said the disease was down to fate. Among the 55-64 year olds this figure rose to 41 per cent.   Sara Hiom, Cancer Research UK’s director of health information, said, “The fear factor is a serious wake-up call for the British public. It’s absolutely vital for us to get the message out that people can do something to alleviate their emphatic fear of cancer.   “Cancer is no longer the death sentence people still seem to dread. Long-term ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/702/cancer-is-the-nations-biggest-fear https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/702/cancer-is-the-nations-biggest-fear Thu, 09 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT Regulatory authorities should consider banning electronic cigarettes until safety concerns have been addressed, concludes research published online in the BMJ journal, Tobacco Control. The researchers base their conclusions on an evaluation of six different brands of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS). These are not tobacco products, but are designed to look and feel like regular cigarettes. They are aimed at smokers for use in places where cigarette smoking is not permitted as they don’t produce smoke. They usually consist of a battery, an atomiser, and a replaceable cartridge containing nicotine suspended in propylene glycol and water. The e-cigarettes analysed in the study were bought from online vendors and assessed on design features; the accuracy and clarity of labelling; and the quality of instruction leaflets and associated printed material either supplied with the product or available on the manufacturer’s website. The basic design of all the products was similar, although the design features varied ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/715/safety-concern-over-electronic-cigarettes https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/715/safety-concern-over-electronic-cigarettes Wed, 08 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT A daily low dose of aspirin significantly reduces the number of deaths from a range of common cancers, an Oxford University study has found. The large drop in all cancer deaths seen in the study, which was recently published in the Lancet, has added new evidence into the debate about whether otherwise healthy people in their 40s and 50s should consider taking a low dose of aspirin each day.   Aspirin is already known to be beneficial for those at high risk of heart disease, but among healthy people, this benefit only marginally outweighs the small risk of suffering from a stomach bleed. However, the effect aspirin has now been shown to have in preventing cancer may tip the balance on favour of taking the drug on a regular basis.   The scientists behind the new research, who were based in Oxford, Edinburgh, London and Japan, studied data on over 670 deaths from cancer in ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/668/aspirin-may-help-prevent-cancer https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/668/aspirin-may-help-prevent-cancer Tue, 07 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT The NPA and PSNC have both welcomed the recognition of pharmacy’s role in improving public health in the new White Paper, Healthy Lives, Healthy People. However, in its response to the white paper, the NPA also expressed some concerns that people in deprived circumstances could get left behind if new commissioning arrangements fail.   NPA chairman, Ian Facer said, “We are pleased that the white paper strongly endorses an expanding role for community pharmacy, recognising the sector’s uniquely accessible position within the health service and at the heart of communities.  There is considerable public health benefit to be gained by extending the range and reach of pharmacy-based health improvement services.     “We hope that new commissioning arrangements will not distract from the monumental challenges ahead, in particular efforts to bridge the stubborn health inequalities gap.  There must be specific provision in the new commissioning arrangements to support the non-registered population. The emerging system must ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/204/psnc-and-npa-respond-to-white-paper https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/204/psnc-and-npa-respond-to-white-paper Mon, 06 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT The RPS has responded to the new Government White Paper, “Healthy Lives, Healthy People”, by welcoming the creation of a new public health service. The new service, called Public Health England, will be set up to give local people more power over their health, whilst still keeping a firm national grip on crucial population-wide issues such as flu pandemics.   The majority of public health services will now be commissioned by Local Authorities from their ring-fenced budget, or by the NHS, all funded from Public Health England’s new public health budget.   Directors of Public Health will be employed by Local Authorities and will be the ambassadors of health issues for the local population. In practice, this means that they will lead discussion about how the ring-fenced money is spent to improve health. This will include influencing investment decisions right across the Local Authority, with the goal of enhancing health and well-being.   The RPS said that ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/862/rps-responds-to-new-white-paper https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/862/rps-responds-to-new-white-paper Sun, 05 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT The three largest community pharmacy associations have created a new organisation called Pharmacy Voice to create a stronger, unified voice for their members. The members of Pharmacy Voice are the National Pharmacy Association (NPA), the Company Chemists’ Association (CCA) and the Association of Independent Multiple Pharmacies (AIMp).   The decision to work together in this way was driven by the desire to simplify and strengthen the way the three organisations represent their members.  The associations believe that as the NHS enters a period of rapid change community pharmacy must fulfil its potential and play an expanded role as a healthcare provider of choice in the new NHS, offering unrivalled accessibility, value and quality for patients and driving forward both the medicines optimisation and public health agendas. The Chairman of Pharmacy Voice is Ian Facer, who is also Chairman of the NPA and its Chief Executive is Rob Darracott, who is also Chief Executive of ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/540/new-organisation-set-up-for-pharmacists https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/540/new-organisation-set-up-for-pharmacists Sat, 04 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT An East London man was sentenced to a total of nine months imprisonment, suspended for 12 months, for conspiracy, money laundering and numerous medicines offences on the 3rd December. Aziz Bharmal of Tower Hamlets pleaded guilty to conspiracy to import prescription only medicines as well as unlicensed generic drugs. He also pleaded guilty to importing a controlled Class C drug, Diazepam.   Other charges to which he entered a guilty plea included possession with intent to supply prescription only medicines, controlled Class C drugs and the unlicensed erectile dysfunction drug, Kamagra.   There was also one count of money laundering to which he pleaded guilty having laundered approximately £76,000 through his own bank account between 2007 and 2008.   The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) were notified of a website www.anglopharmacy.com which was offering for sale a variety of unlicensed pharmacy and prescription only medicines.   The MHRA visited Bharmal’s residential address and seized huge quantities of ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/605/man-guilty-of-numerous-medicine-offences https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/605/man-guilty-of-numerous-medicine-offences Fri, 03 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT New research from the Royal Pharmaceutical Society has shown that many people have a low awareness of the key symptoms of lung cancer, even though it remains the UK’s biggest cancer killer. Working with YouGov, the Society conducted an extensive survey of members of the public as part of their campaign to mark Lung Cancer Awareness Month, which runs throughout November this year. Just under half of the people surveyed (48%) were able to identify breathlessness, breathing difficulties and wheezing as a warning sign of lung cancer. However, only 29% realised that having blood in the phlegm or coughing up blood could be a symptom, while even less knew chest or lung pain or weight loss could be also symptoms. A paltry 33% of those questioned identified having a cough as a warning sign, while just 11% specifically mentioned a persistent cough, despite it being a key symptom of the condition. Almost ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/799/lung-cancer-symptoms-often-overlooked https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/799/lung-cancer-symptoms-often-overlooked Thu, 25 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT Belfast’s binge drinking culture could be behind Northern Ireland’s high rates of heart disease, according to a paper which was published on bmj.com on the 24th November. Researchers led by Dr Jean-Bernard Ruidavets from Toulouse University spent ten years investigating whether or not the different drinking patterns in Northern Ireland and France could be linked to the known disparity in heart disease between the two culturally diverse countries. Throughout the decade, Ruidavets and his colleagues assessed the alcohol consumption of 9,758 men from three centres in France (Lille, Strasbourg and Toulouse) and Belfast. The participants, who were free from heart disease when the research started in 1991 and all aged between 50 and 59, were divided into never drinkers, former drinkers, regular drinkers and binge drinkers. The ‘drinkers’ were asked via interviews and questionnaires about the volume of alcohol they consumed on a weekly and daily basis and also about the type of ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/540/binge-drinking-linked-to-heart-disease https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/540/binge-drinking-linked-to-heart-disease Wed, 24 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT PSNC has announced the development of a web-based platform to support community pharmacy contractors and their staff in the delivery of services and the management of payment claims. The platform, PharmaBase, which was unveiled at the LPC Conference 2010, has been developed over the past six months following an initial trial of a proof of concept. More information is available from www.psnc.org.uk/pages/pharmabase.html https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/891/psnc-launches-new-web-based-support-platform https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/891/psnc-launches-new-web-based-support-platform Tue, 23 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT Eating less salt every day as a teenager could help people reduce their risk of developing heart disease and suffering from a stroke in later life, according to a new study. Researchers from the University of California used computer modelling to investigate the effect reducing salt intake could have on the health of teenagers. Their study was recently presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions in Chicago. They found that if the amount of salt the teenagers consumed per day was cut by 3g, then between 44 and 63% less of them would develop hypertension. On top of this, by the time the teenagers reached 50, their chance of developing heart disease would have fallen by 7 to 12%, while the number having heart attacks would have been cut by 8 to 14%. They would also experience 8% less strokes.    The findings echo calls from NICE for people to cut ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/345/reducing-salt-intake-can-improve-health https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/345/reducing-salt-intake-can-improve-health Tue, 23 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT People at risk of complications from seasonal flu are being reminded of the importance to get themselves protected by taking advantage of the annual free flu jabs. Experts have noted that the number of people taking advantage of the seasonal flu vaccine in 2010 has so far been slightly lower than at the same point in previous years. At the end of October, 48 % of over 65s had accepted the jab, compared to 54% last year, while only 26% of under 65% in at risk groups had been given the jab, compared to 31% last year.    The ‘blip’ in uptake could be explained by a period of milder than usual weather for this time of year or it could be due to people being unnecessarily concerned about the jab containing swine flu vaccine. Experts, however, are urging patients to check if they’re eligible and make sure they contact their doctor to have ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/718/uptake-of-vaccine-lower-than-previous-years https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/718/uptake-of-vaccine-lower-than-previous-years Mon, 22 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT An open letter from 20 consultants and a patient group, has called on the Prime Minister to take action over a legal loophole that allows drug companies to make easy profits by licensing existing treatments for rare (or orphan) diseases. The letter, which was published on bmj.com last week, argued that the current situation concerning orphan drugs is not in the best interests of patients and that the cost to the NHS per year is likely to rise above £10m. The original purpose of the legislation on orphan drugs was to encourage drug companies to conduct research into rare diseases and develop new treatments. However, the authors of the open letter have claimed that, as the rules are currently enacted, many companies simply modify existing drugs and obtain a licence for one or more orphan diseases. This then gives the company sole rights to supply the drugs and to charge what ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/217/orphan-drug-pricing-criticised https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/217/orphan-drug-pricing-criticised Mon, 22 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT Pharmacy Minister Lord Howe has voiced his support for a new pharmacy-based service which will be used to help patients who have been newly prescribed a medicine for a long-term condition. Speaking at PSNC’s Community Pharmacy Dinner on the 18th November, Lord Howe called on the PSNC and NHS Employers to finalise proposals for the service. He said that it could minimise medicines waste and lead to benefits for patients as well as considerable savings. Lord Howe explained that, in his view, the development of the service “entirely in keeping with the QIPP initiative to release up to £20 billion worth of efficiency savings for reinvestment across the Health Service”. In addition endorsing the new medicines service, Lord Howe also noted that he supported “many of” the proposals put forward by PSNC and NHS Employers during recent service-development negotiations, including the introduction of national target groups for MURs. Responding to the Minister’s speech ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/364/minister-calls-for-new-medicines-service https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/364/minister-calls-for-new-medicines-service Fri, 19 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT The Government has launched a new campaign to encourage members of the public to use antibiotics responsibility. The launch was timed to coincide with official European Antibiotic Awareness Day (EAAD), which is held annually on the 18th November and attempts to tackle the inappropriate use of antibiotics. Chief Medical Officer (Interim) Professor Dame Sally Davies said, “As the season for coughs and colds approaches, the public are being reminded to ‘Get well without antibiotics’ because these drugs do not cure most coughs, colds and sore throats. The aim of the campaign is to raise awareness of the risks in taking antibiotics for the wrong reasons, and to keep antibiotics effective for use in future generations.” Pharmacists have been told they have a key role to play in the campaign. Philip Howard, Consultant Antimicrobial Pharmacist and Royal Pharmaceutical Society spokesperson explained: “Pharmacists are ideally placed to convey this information, for example, letting people know ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/846/patients-urged-to-use-antibiotics-responsibly https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/846/patients-urged-to-use-antibiotics-responsibly Thu, 18 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT Discount chain, Poundworld Retail Ltd, has been fined £5,000 and ordered to pay costs of £9,000 for selling defective digital thermometers and other non-compliant medical devices to the UK market. The defective thermometers, which were found to give an inaccurate reading, were discovered in several shops across the UK following an investigation by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) last year. Despite being issued with formal notices from the MHRA, the company continued to place the products onto Poundworld shelves. The defective thermometers were not CE marked, which determines compliance with UK legislation, and they were not accompanied by the appropriate warnings, precautions and instructions for use. Additionally, the packaging did not supply information on the manufacturer, or the batch, or serial number. A number of other non-compliant devices were discovered including bandages, plasters and sterile dressings. MHRA Director of Devices Peter Commins said, “By knowingly placing these products onto the market, Poundworld ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/846/retailer-fined-by-mhra https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/846/retailer-fined-by-mhra Thu, 18 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT One care home resident with diabetes is admitted to hospital every 25 minutes due to failings in screening and training, according to a new report by Diabetes UK.   The report, called Diabetes in Care Homes – Awareness, Screening, Training, was published on the 15th November and found six out of ten care homes in England which have residents with diabetes fail to provide any training to their staff about the condition. It also revealed that just 23% of care homes screen residents for diabetes on admission and only 28% screen for the condition on an annual basis. According to Diabetes UK, the lack of regular screening means that as many as 13,500 care home residents in the UK could have undiagnosed Type 2 diabetes and be at increased risk of complications associated with the condition such as heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, blindness and amputation. Diabetes UK Chief Executive, Barbara ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/941/care-homes-failing-to-screen-for-diabetes https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/941/care-homes-failing-to-screen-for-diabetes Tue, 16 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT Pharmacists are being reminded that they need to renew their registration with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) by the 30th November. Membership with the GPhC is mandatory in order to practise as a pharmacist in Great Britain. All pharmacists in England, Scotland and Wales should have already received a personalised renewal notice with their new registration number and a renewal number, which are required to complete the renewal process. Registration can be completed by telephoning the GPhC on 0330 100 4456, or by visiting www.pharmacyregulation.org/regulatingpharmacy/registration/renewingyourregistration/index.aspx online. https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/925/pharmacists-must-register-with-gphc https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/925/pharmacists-must-register-with-gphc Mon, 15 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT Following successful fringe events at each of the main political Party Conferences earlier this year, PSNC has worked with its Health Hotel fringe event partners, the Fitness Industry Association, MEND and the Women's Sport and Fitness Foundation, to develop a joint submission to the public health White Paper. The submission builds on the debate at the Party Conferences and makes a number of proposals to Government: 1. The Department should work to create a centrally driven, public facing web resource to provide patients with clear information about the health and wellbeing services that are available in their areas. This platform should mirror the set-up of NHS Choices, and should be led nationally but updated and owned by local Health and Wellbeing Boards. 2. Community pharmacy should be formally represented on statutory Health and Wellbeing Boards in order that pharmacies' potential of to improve public health is maximised at a local level. 3. Local ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/941/psnc-publishes-submission-to-white-paper https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/941/psnc-publishes-submission-to-white-paper Fri, 12 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT More patients than ever before are going online to find health information and self-diagnose, saving the NHS millions of pounds a year, according to two separate studies published today. The NHS Choices 2010 Annual Report showed that the NHS website received over a 100 million visits in the last year, a 10% increase on the 2009 total. A separate study from Imperial College found a third of those logging on to the site avoided booking a GP appointment afterwards, potentially saving the NHS £44 million a year. It also revealed that 70% of patients use the internet to search for health information, with a third deciding not to visit their GP afterwards as they were able to find the information they were looking for. Health Minister Simon Burns said, “Every day we use the internet and technology to organise our lives, and increasingly when it comes to our health. For example, more ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/618/millions-turning-to-the-net-for-health-advice https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/618/millions-turning-to-the-net-for-health-advice Tue, 09 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT A new test has shown that 60% of women with ovarian cancer could benefit from treatment with ‘smart’ drugs called PARP inhibitors. PARP inhibitors are the first targeted treatment to be developed for women who suffer from inherited forms of breast and ovarian cancer because they carry faults in a BRCA gene. Early results from clinical trials have been promising. However, the new test has now shown that even more patients could potentially benefit from treatment with the smart drugs. It was developed by a team based at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Gateshead, and the Newcastle Cancer Centre at the Northern Institute for Cancer Research, Newcastle University, which collaborated with Pfizer Inc. The test, called the RAD51 assay, scans the cancer cells and identifies which tumour samples contain defective DNA repair that can be targeted by the PARP inhibitor. So far, it has been used to examine tumour samples in the laboratory ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/574/test-reveals-new-cancer-treatment-hope https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/574/test-reveals-new-cancer-treatment-hope Mon, 08 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT People should be cautious about indiscriminate widespread use of vitamin E due to an increased risk of a certain type of stroke, warns a new study published recently on bmj.com. An international team of researchers from the US, France and Germany carried out a review of existing studies that had looked at vitamin E and its reported effect on different types of stroke. They looked at nine trials in total, which had 118,756 participants. The researchers overall finding was that taking vitamin E increased the risk of a patient having a haemorrhagic stroke (where bleeding occurs in the brain) by 22%, but reduced the risk of ischaemic stroke by 10%. However, they have stressed that the absolute effects of the vitamin are small. There is the chance of one additional haemorrhagic stroke for every 1,250 people taking it, while one ischaemic stroke prevented per 476 people taking it. They also pointed out that other ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/398/vitamin-e-increases-haemorrhagic-stroke-risk https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/398/vitamin-e-increases-haemorrhagic-stroke-risk Fri, 05 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) has officially launched Ask Your Pharmacist Week 2010 at a parliamentary reception addressed by Pharmacy Minister Lord Howe and hosted by Kevin Barron MP, chairman of the All Party Pharmacy Group in Westminster. MPs, peers, policy makers, patient representatives and pharmacists braved the London tube strike on Tuesday to support the Ask Your Pharmacist initiative which highlights the advice, support and services provided through community pharmacies across the UK. Speaking at the event, Pharmacy Minister Lord Howe said, “I'm pleased to take part in launching this year’s Ask Your Pharmacist Week and would like to encourage the public to make good use of the wide range of services on offer at their local pharmacy. Pharmacies are perfectly placed in local communities to provide advice and services that people need to improve and maintain their health.” Rt Hon Kevin Barron MP also welcomed the start of Ask Your Pharmacist ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/765/ask-your-pharmacist-week-2010-launches https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/765/ask-your-pharmacist-week-2010-launches Fri, 05 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT The RPS has criticised homeopathic treatments and said that the public needs to be made more aware that they are clearly not medicines. The Society was responding to an MHRA consultation on draft guidance on advertising homeopathic products. It also expressed concerns that members of the public may not fully understand the principles on which homeopathy is based and may be confusing homeopathic and herbal products. Jayne Lawrence, Chief Scientific Advisor said, “Given the lack of clinical and scientific evidence to support homeopathy, the RPSGB does not endorse homeopathy as a form of treatment. The Society strongly believes that any advertising for any homeopathic product, regardless of its licensing status needs to include the statements that there is no scientific evidence for homeopathy nor any evidence to support the clinical efficacy of homeopathic products beyond a placebo effect. She added, “Homeopathic products should only be used for the treatment of minor, self-limiting conditions ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/975/homeopathic-treatments-clearly-not-medicine https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/975/homeopathic-treatments-clearly-not-medicine Thu, 04 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT The PSNC has responded to a BBC News article about a new scheme on the Isle of Wight which will allow girls as young as 13 to get access to the contraceptive pill through their local pharmacy. According to the article, which was first published online on 1st November, the scheme has come under criticism by church and campaign groups. However, the Isle of Wight Primary Care Trust believes it will help to reduce unwanted pregnancies. Ten pharmacies on the island will now be able to provide a single month’s supply of the contraceptive pill to teenagers without a prescription, but they will then have to make an appointment with their GP or a sexual health nurse to obtain any additional supplies Responding to the original BBC article, PSNC Chief Executive Sue Sharpe said, "Operating at the heart of the communities they serve, pharmacies offer a personalised service in a less formal ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/443/psnc-comments-on-isle-of-wight-pill-pilot https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/443/psnc-comments-on-isle-of-wight-pill-pilot Wed, 03 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT UK scientists have shown that stem cells derived from trees could be used to produce a common cancer drug called paclitaxel on a commercial scale, at low cost. At present, paclitaxel is made using an extract from yew tree bark, a process that is expensive, requires a supply of mature trees, and creates harmful by-products. Now, a research team at the University of Edinburgh and the Unhwa Biotech company in Korea have found that it may be possible to create the drug by manipulating tree-derived stem cells. Writing in the journal Nature Biotechnology, the researchers revealed that they were able to isolate stem cells from a yew tree and grow them in the laboratory. They say it may be possible to encourage these self-renewing cells to produce large amounts of the active compound required to form paclitaxel. The process would cost far less than conventional methods of manufacturing the drug. Lead researcher Professor Gary Loake ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/925/tree-stem-cells-may-reduce-cancer-drug-costs https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/925/tree-stem-cells-may-reduce-cancer-drug-costs Tue, 02 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT The Royal Pharmaceutical Society is calling on pharmacists to vote on two new potential membership categories. Voting will open on Thursday 11th November and run until Thursday 9th December. One of the proposed categories would cover for students studying for a degree in pharmacy at an institution recognised by the Society, while the other would be for people who have a degree in pharmacy but who have never been registered with the regulator in Great Britain and want to become associate members.      Two-thirds of those who vote need to approve the proposed categories for them to come into effect. All members are entitled to vote, and will be able to do so by post or online using the unique PIN number which they will receive shortly. President Martin Astbury said, “As the professional body for pharmacy, we are the obvious home for all pharmacists as well as those who plan on becoming ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/348/rps-calls-on-members-to-vote https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/348/rps-calls-on-members-to-vote Tue, 02 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT New research from the National Pharmacy Association (NPA) has shown that many people are still unaware about just how much help their local pharmacies can offer them. Ahead of Ask Your Pharmacist week, which will be held between 8th and 14th November 2010, the NPA conducted a UK-wide consumer survey. The survey confirmed that while most people go first to their pharmacy for medicines advice, they are unclear about the range of other healthcare services on offer in pharmacies.   Findings included that:    •     8% of people go to see their GP at least once a month.  Four times that many (33%) go to their local pharmacy at least once a month •    37% of people will go first to a pharmacist for advice about medicines, compared to 17.5 % to a GP.  Older people are twice as likely to go first to a local pharmacy than to their GP for medicines ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/443/public-awareness-of-pharmacy-services-poor https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/443/public-awareness-of-pharmacy-services-poor Mon, 01 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT A major bladder cancer trial, funded by Cancer Research UK, has shown that adding two commonly used chemotherapy drugs to traditional radiotherapy can reduce the chance of a patient’s tumour coming back by a third. The trial, led by scientists at the University of Birmingham, and the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR), is the largest of its kind in the world. Its success could mean fewer patients with invasive bladder cancer will need radical surgery to completely remove their bladder. The results will be presented at the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) annual conference on 1st November 2010. Patients diagnosed with invasive bladder cancer are usually offered either radiotherapy alone or surgery to completely remove the bladder. However, the new study has shown that giving the two chemotherapy drugs, 5FU and Mitomycin C, to patients can often boost the effectiveness of radiotherapy treatment by making cancer cells more sensitive to it. Professor Nick ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/715/cancer-drug-trial-success-could-help-patients https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/715/cancer-drug-trial-success-could-help-patients Fri, 29 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT It has been announced that the National Prescribing Centre (NPC) and the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) are to merge. An official statement on the NPC website explained the move, saying, “Following notice of the reforms outlined in the recent NHS White Paper, the Department of Health and the NPC's management team have been considering options for the future location of the NPC's activity. “We have concluded that there is a strong rationale for integrating the NPC's work into NICE, particularly given the launch of NHS Evidence and NPC's primary focus on securing better use of medicines. DH Ministers have approved the planned merger and detailed discussions and work will now begin with a view to implementing the change from April 2011. “The NPC and NICE already have a history of close working and we believe integration will further strengthen our work to support the NHS, and those working for it, to ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/844/nice-and-the-npc-to-merge https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/844/nice-and-the-npc-to-merge Thu, 28 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT The Welsh branch of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) has taken a lead role in highlighting the need for the NHS to reduce medication errors and improve patient safety. On 22nd October 2010, the Society held an inaugural Medicines Safety Symposium held in Cardiff. Organised in association with Public Health Wales and 1000 Lives Plus, the national patient safety programme in Wales, the event brought together pharmacists and other key stakeholders to look at the contribution the pharmacy profession is making to patient safety and to identify what improvements are required. The need for patient information to be shared effectively and for pharmacists to be closely involved in the prescribing process were just two of the key issues raised. Speaking at the event, Dr Alan Willson, Joint Director of 1000 Lives Plus, stressed that, “Medicines management is all about working closely with colleagues to develop systems that ensure patients’ experiences ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/590/rps-takes-a-lead-on-medicines-safety https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/590/rps-takes-a-lead-on-medicines-safety Thu, 28 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT A Cancer Drugs Fund of £200 million a year to help cancer patients get greater access to cancer drugs that their doctors recommend has been confirmed today by Health Secretary Andrew Lansley. The money will be available annually from April 2011 to the end of 2013 and will help patients get increased access to cancer drugs. In addition to this commitment, £50 million has already been made available to cover the period between 1st October 2010 and the end of March 2011. Clinically led panels have been set up in each region to decide how funding should be spent on local patients. All drugs recommended as clinically and cost effective by NICE will still be funded by the NHS and NICE will continue to appraise most significant new medicines.  However, the additional £50m of interim cancer drugs funding and the £200m a year funding will help cancer patients get access to drugs ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/267/cancer-fund-confirmed https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/267/cancer-fund-confirmed Wed, 27 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) has expressed its great disappointed at the news that the community pharmacy minor ailment service in Northern Ireland is to be narrowed to exclude coughs, colds and other self-limiting ailments. The NPA’s Anne McAlister said, “Our members are going to feel the effects of this change very directly.  More importantly, the public will suffer reduced access to treatments just at the time of year when they are most needed.  Families with children, older people and the less well off will lose out the most.” “This is transparently about saving money, not about need.  The service has proved extremely popular and we should be looking to expand the formulary not cut it back. “The DHSSPS should not be reacting to budget pressures by reducing access to front line services.  Instead, they could achieve more value from the medicines budget by investing in adherence schemes such as ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/317/npa-comments-on-minor-ailment-scale-back https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/317/npa-comments-on-minor-ailment-scale-back Tue, 26 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT The number of people diagnosed with diabetes in the UK has increased by more than 150,000 to 2.8 million in the past year, Diabetes UK has revealed. Data, collected directly from GP practices and collated by the charity, has also shown that the nationwide figure of people registered as obese to have risen to over five and half million, an increase of more than 265,000. This now means one in 20 of the population is being treated for diabetes and one in ten for obesity. According to the figures, around nine in ten people with diabetes (2.5 million) have Type 2 diabetes, which is strongly linked to being overweight or obese, leading a sedentary lifestyle and eating an unhealthy diet. In many cases the condition can be prevented by maintaining a healthy weight, taking regular physical activity and eating a balanced diet rich in fruit and vegetables but low in fat, sugar ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/844/number-of-people-with-diabetes-rises https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/844/number-of-people-with-diabetes-rises Mon, 25 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) has announced that Michael Holden is to be its Chief Executive.   A qualified pharmacist, Holden has worked in the field of community pharmacy for 30 years and is currently the Chief Officer of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Local Pharmaceutical Committee, responsible for more than 340 community pharmacies and their interface with the NHS and other commissioners.  He has been heavily involved in the Healthy Living Pharmacy initiative in the region. Holden already sits on a number of strategic advisory boards and national committees including the National Public Health Leadership Forum for Pharmacy. He has extensive experience of multiple group management and independent pharmacy ownership, and has been involved in the design and successful implementation of community pharmacy services. Ian Facer, Chairman of the NPA welcomed Michael’s appointment, saying, "Michael has a clear vision of how community pharmacy can achieve its potential and a ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/894/michael-holden-new-chief-executive-of-npa https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/894/michael-holden-new-chief-executive-of-npa Fri, 22 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has warned the public of the dangers of taking unlicensed Payouji tea and Pai You Guo Slim Capsules due to concerns over possible side effects. These herbal products are being promoted for weight loss, but have been found to contain an undeclared pharmaceutical active ingredient, sibutramine. Sibutramine has been withdrawn in the European Union on safety grounds and any product containing it is considered harmful to public health. Uncontrolled use of Sibutramine can result in serious side effects such as high blood pressure, seizures, heart attack or stroke. It may also interact with other prescription medication. Anyone who is currently using Payouji tea or Pai You Guo Slim Capsules should stop taking it and consult their healthcare professional immediately with the details contained in these products. MHRA Head of Herbal Policy, Richard Woodfield, said, “People need to be aware that Payouji tea and Pai You ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/571/warning-on-herbal-products-issued-by-mhra https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/571/warning-on-herbal-products-issued-by-mhra Thu, 21 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT The Government has halted the expansion of free prescriptions for patients with long-term conditions as part of its spending review for the period between 2011-12 to 2014-15 . Details of the spending review were published on 20th October, revealing that the overall NHS budget will increase by 0.4% in real terms. However, along with halting the expansion of free prescriptions, the Government has also announced that plans for one to one nursing for cancer patients and a one-week wait for cancer diagnostics are on hold. On top of this, to meet the rising costs of healthcare and increasing demand on its services, the NHS will have to release up to £20 billion of annual efficiency savings over the next four years. Health Secretary Andrew Lansley said, “The Spending Review reinforces our historic commitment to protect health spending and means that funding for the NHS will increase in real terms in every year of this ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/991/expansion-of-free-prescriptions-halted https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/991/expansion-of-free-prescriptions-halted Wed, 20 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT The World Medical Association has stressed the importance of pharmacists and doctors working together at its General Assembly in Vancouver. On 16th October, the WMA said that the two professions had complementary and supportive responsibilities and this required communication, respect, trust and mutual recognition of each other's professional competence. The organisation also stressed that collaboration between the two professions is imperative, particularly to develop training and information sharing with one another and with patients. Dialogue should be kept open between physicians' and pharmacists' representative organizations in order to define each profession's respective functions and promote the optimal use of drugs within a framework of transparency and cooperation, all in the best interests of patients. Dr. Edward Hill, Chair of Council of the WMA, said, “Our patients will be served best when pharmacists and physicians collaborate together, recognizing each other's roles, to ensure that medicines are used safely and appropriately to achieve the ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/493/pharmacists-and-doctors-must-work-together https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/493/pharmacists-and-doctors-must-work-together Tue, 19 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT The RPS is seeking a community pharmacist who has helped get a patient into treatment for lung cancer to take part in its latest campaign. During November, which is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, the RPS will be championing the role of community pharmacists in raising awareness of the signs and symptoms of lung cancer. The RPS needs to find a pharmacist who would be willing to talk to the media and has direct experience of helping get a patient into treatment for lung cancer by noticing their symptoms and referring them to their GP, where they then received a positive diagnosis for the disease. Anyone who thinks they might fit this bill should contact Melissa Dear on 020 7572 2653 or email pr@rpharms.com. No previous experience with the media is necessary as the individual will be given full support by the RPS. The Society’s other plans for the month so include running a clinical ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/396/rps-seeks-pharmacist-for-lung-cancer-campaign https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/396/rps-seeks-pharmacist-for-lung-cancer-campaign Tue, 19 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT Pharmaceutical giant Reckitt Benckiser has agreed to pay £10.2 million after admitting that it infringed UK and European competition law by withdrawing Gaviscon Original Liquid from the NHS in 2005. The fine was reduced from £12 million to reflect Reckitt Benckiser's admission and decision to co-operate as part of an early resolution agreement with the Office of Fair Trading (OFT). The OFT's allegation was that Reckitt Benckiser withdrew NHS packs of Gaviscon Original Liquid from the NHS prescription channel after the product's patent had expired but before the publication of the generic name for it, so that more prescriptions would be issued for its alternative product, Gaviscon Advance Liquid. Pharmacies that receive prescriptions for Gaviscon Advance Liquid must dispense it, as it is patent protected and there are no generic equivalent medicines. John Fingleton, the OFT Chief Executive, said, “Vigorous competition between firms supplying the public sector is vital to ensure taxpayers get ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/396/reckitt-benckiser-agrees-to-pay-penalty https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/396/reckitt-benckiser-agrees-to-pay-penalty Mon, 18 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT The NPS has welcomed the Department of Health’s announcement that it will not proceed with proposals to introduce automatic generic substitution. NPA Policy Manager, Margaret Peycke, said, “The Department of Health appears to have taken into account warnings about patient safety, inter-professional relationships and workload.  The NPA made strong representations on these matters during the consultation period.   "Automatic generic substitution would have introduced a whole set of problems without presenting significant scope for patient and taxpayer benefit. "We want to take this opportunity to re-iterate that there are other, more effective ways of achieving value for money from the drugs budget.  We are calling for early roll-out of a national medicines concordance scheme in pharmacies across England.  A structured medicines support service, especially for people newly taking medication for long term conditions was promised by the Department of Health two years ago and is long overdue.  Renewed energy behind existing platforms ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/220/npa-reacts-to-generic-substitution-decision https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/220/npa-reacts-to-generic-substitution-decision Fri, 15 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT Forty-five countries across the globe have taken part in an international operation targeting the online sale of counterfeit and illegal medicines. Operation Pangea III ran between 5 – 12 October and resulted in 76 people either arrested or placed under investigation across the globe. It was staged to raise awareness of the dangers of buying medicines online. The operation was the largest internet-based enforcement action of its kind to date and involved IMPACT, the World Customs Organisation (WCO), the Permanent Forum of International Pharmaceutical Crime (PFIPC) and the Heads of Medicines Agencies Working Group of Enforcement Officers (HMA WGEO). Coordinated by INTERPOL and carried out with the assistance of police, customs and national medicines regulators, the global operation targeted the three main components abused in the illegal website trade – the Internet Service Provider (ISP), the electronic payment system and the delivery service. Internationally, 267,855 packages were inspected by regulators and customs resulting ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/991/operation-targets-counterfeit-drugs https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/991/operation-targets-counterfeit-drugs Fri, 15 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT The PSNC has welcomed the Department of Health’s decision not to progress any further with the implementation of generic substation in primary care following a public consultation into the issue. Instead the Department will be looking at further ways to support the use of generic medicines, recognising that there are still some savings that can potentially be delivered in this area. Responding to the announcement, PSNC Chief Executive Sue Sharpe said, "PSNC welcomes the news that the Department will not be progressing the implementation of generic substitution. Whilst we fully support the principle that products should be prescribed generically unless there is a clinical reason to prescribe a particular brand, we believed that the costs of implementing the Department's proposal would have outweighed the benefits to be gained. This argument formed the basis of PSNC's response to the Consultation. "We believe that much more needs to be done on a local level ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/702/psnc-welcomes-generic-substitution-decision https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/702/psnc-welcomes-generic-substitution-decision Thu, 14 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT Patients and doctors are being misled by the published data on some medicines, according a new study published on bmj.com which looked at the effectiveness of the antidepressant reboxetine. After examining the existing evidence, a team of researchers from The German Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG) found the drug to be ineffective and potentially harmful. They also discovered that nearly three quarters of the data on patients who took part in trials of reboxetine had not been published and that the data which was published often overestimated the benefits of the drug. The researchers examined 13 trials in total and believe their work has revealed a striking example of publication bias, resulting in a distorted public record of a treatment. They commented, “Our findings underline the urgent need for mandatory publication of trial data.” The authors believe that the current regulations on the publication of trial results are insufficient. ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/944/clinical-trials-misleading-the-public https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/944/clinical-trials-misleading-the-public Wed, 13 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT Martin Astbury has been elected as the first President of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS), while John Gentle has become the new treasurer. They were both elected by the RPS Assembly on the 7th October. Martin, who previously served three terms as the Vice-President of the RPSGB, said, “These are exciting and challenging times for pharmacy. The new RPS is committed to building a better future. It will offer all the support and advice our members need to stay up-to-date at every stage of their career and be an influential voice for our profession.  Through the Boards and Assembly we can develop a unified, positive and energised profession resulting in a future which we can all be proud to be a part of.” John added, “As the Treasurer of the Society, I believe that an ability to represent the profession to outside bodies and a preparedness to listen to what the members ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/123/martin-astbury-becomes-rps-president https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/123/martin-astbury-becomes-rps-president Tue, 12 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT The Chairman of the NPA has met with the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, Earl Howe, at the Department of Health to discuss issues that are important to NPA members. The NPA used the meeting to discuss pharmacy’s role within the government’s plans to reform the NHS, the decriminalisation of dispensing errors and the long-standing problems with the medicines supply chain. Earl Howe listened intently to what the NPA had to say and commented, “The NPA has successfully reinforced that there is enormous scope for community pharmacy to play an expanded role in delivering public health and in making sure medicines are used more effectively in the NHS. There is an opportunity for all of us to ensure that patients benefit on a wide scale from the range of services that pharmacy is able to deliver.” The NPA also flagged up its worries about the short-sighted decommissioning of successful services in some places ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/699/npa-meets-with-pharmacy-minister https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/699/npa-meets-with-pharmacy-minister Mon, 11 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT The Faculty of Homeopathy has issued an outraged response to a recent statement by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) which called for homeopathic products to carry a label saying there is "no scientific evidence for homeopathy". The organisation said the RPS’s suggestion was ill-conceived, ill-informed and clearly unworkable. In an official statement, published online, the Faculty said, “Use of the phrase ‘no scientific evidence’ reveals a disappointing misunderstanding of the trials and patient orientated outcome measure studies available in the literature. “Evidence for the effectiveness of homeopathy does exist but is ignored or disregarded by a scientific community fixated on data from Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs) that bear no relation to real world use of an individualised healthcare intervention such as homeopathy within an integrated package of care. “The Faculty of Homeopathy believes that, as highlighted by the government's measured response to the flawed Science & Technology Committee's report, patients should ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/749/homeopathy-defended-after-rps-statement https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/749/homeopathy-defended-after-rps-statement Mon, 11 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT Pharmacists are being called on to take part in Patient Safety Week, which will run from the 15th to 21st November. The National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA) initiative is now in its second year, following its successful launch during 2009. This time around, pharmacists are being asked to focus on patients who may be at risk of a fall and those taking insulin or an anticoagulant. The NPSA has suggested a number of activities pharmacists could carry out during the week, including discussing falls prevention with five patients or checking the international normalised ratio levels of patients taking anticoagulants. More information is available from www.patientsafetyfirst.nhs.uk/Content.aspx?path=/Campaign-support/patient-safety-week-2010/ https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/749/patient-safety-week-launching-soon https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/749/patient-safety-week-launching-soon Mon, 11 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT GPs are prescribing the anti-obesity drug orlistat in line with NICE recommendations, but many patients are being left on the drug even if they fail to lose any weight, says new research. Nearly a quarter of adults in England are obese, with figures on the rise for both adults and children. Orlistat is the only approved drug treatment for obesity in the UK following the withdrawal of subutramine from the market, due to concerns that its use could increase the risk of cardiovascular events. NICE guidelines recommend that orlistat is prescribed to patients only as part of an overall plan for managing obesity in adults after diet, exercise and behavioural approaches have been tried. To be eligible for the drug, patients must have a body mass index (BMI) of 28.0 kg/m2 or more with associated risk factors, or a BMI of 30.0 kg/m2 or more. A new study into the use of orlistat ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/668/patients-left-on-orlistat-unnecessarily https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/668/patients-left-on-orlistat-unnecessarily Mon, 11 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT NICE has rejected bone cancer drug Mepact, known generically as mifamurtide, for use on the NHS in new draft guidance published on 8th October. Although evidence presented to NICE showed that when Mepact was used alongside chemotherapy it could be more effective in treating bone cancer than chemotherapy alone, there was uncertainty about just how much extra benefit it could offer, especially considering its exceptionally high cost. Current treatment for osteosarcoma, the most common form of bone cancer, involves chemotherapy before and after surgery, first to shrink the tumour and then to destroy any remaining cancer cells, and surgery to remove the part of the bone or limb affected. Despite no major new treatment advance over the last 20 years, clinical specialists believe that overall survival rates for osteosarcoma have improved by 10-20% over the past decade, because of the introduction of high dose methotrexate as a chemotherapy option and better ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/527/bone-cancer-treatment-rejected https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/527/bone-cancer-treatment-rejected Fri, 08 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT The Royal Pharmacy Society (RPS) has responded to the new NHS white paper, Equity and Excellence: Liberating the NHS. In a statement published on its website, the RPS said, “Our message to Government is clear – we have the skills, expertise and experience to prevent people becoming unwell through public health interventions as well as improving their health by making the most out of medicines. “The NHS of the future will focus on prevention as well as cure; those in healthcare will be incentivised for outcomes not activity and the quality of services provided will be rewarded rather than the quantity delivered. We welcome this focus as we do the empowerment of health professionals and patients. “The Society and our members are ready to deliver against this new agenda. However, the incentives in the new structures and systems, GP commissioning and a shift of responsibility of public health to local authorities, must be ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/928/rps-responds-to-white-paper https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/928/rps-responds-to-white-paper Thu, 07 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) has drawn attention to new guidance which recommends that codeine containing OTC liquid medicines for coughs should no longer be given to children under the age of 18. The Commission on Human Medicines (CHM) conducted a review into the safety and efficacy of the medicines and concluded that the risks associated with children taking them outweighed any benefits. There will be no recall of existing stock and medicines with the old age ranges in packaging and leaflets do not need to removed from shelves. However, pharmacists should follow the new CHM advice when recommending and selling these medicines. It is expected that codeine products containing new packaging and leaflets will start to appear in April 2011 and will be packaged in child resistant containers by June 2012 in order to address additional concerns about accidental ingestion by young children. The medicines affected  include Codeine Linctus BP, Pulmo Bailly, Galcodine ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/590/new-advice-on-the-use-of-codeine-medicines https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/590/new-advice-on-the-use-of-codeine-medicines Wed, 06 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT Improvements to NHS services need not be put on hold for new commissioning arrangements, the National Pharmacy Association (NPA) has said in its response to the white paper Equity & Excellence Liberating the NHS. NPA chairman, Ian Facer, said, “Community Pharmacy offers the potential for swift and sure progress towards better health outcomes, and pharmacy service development need not be put on hold until new commissioning structures bed down.  The period between now and the settling in of new commissioning arrangements must be one of progress in the NHS, not sliding back.  For example, early moves on a national medicines concordance scheme could bring about tangible benefits in every community.” Ian continued, “Liberating the NHS states an ambition to make the NHS ‘the envy of the world’. For this to happen, there has to be partnership right across the service, bringing to bear the efforts of all members of the ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/443/npa-responds-to-white-paper https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/443/npa-responds-to-white-paper Wed, 06 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT Alliance Boots has announced that it will be phasing out around 900 non-store based roles over the next three years to reduce costs. The move is part of a programme to provide a high level of support for stores while also driving future growth. Alliance Boots hopes the programme will lead to the development of a leaner central support organisation, as well as helping to optimise supply chain activities and streamline manufacturing operations. The majority of the job cuts will be Nottingham-based and, overall, under 10% of the UK non-store workforce will be lost. Where possible, the reduction will be achieved through staff turnover and by offering redeployment to other areas within the Group.   The restructuring programme is targeted to reduce operating costs by around £56 million per annum by 2013/14.  Related exceptional charges are expected to total around £67 million. Alex Gourlay, Chief Executive of the Health & Beauty Division, Alliance Boots ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/524/alliance-boots-announces-job-cuts https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/524/alliance-boots-announces-job-cuts Tue, 05 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT The Royal Pharmacy Society is calling on pharmacists across England, Scotland and Wales to help it with some research into lung cancer. Pharmacists who decide to take part in the research will simply need to complete two audits with customers, one in the third week of October and one in the fourth week of November. All the information recorded will also need to be entered online. The data from the two audits will then be used to help create research determining how community pharmacy can help improve health outcomes for patients. Pharmacists who are interested in taking part in the research simply need to go to www.surveymonkey.com/s/lungcancer and enter their details there before Wednesday 6 October 2010. Anyone who signs up will receive all the materials they need to carry out the audits in the post with full instructions on what to do. They will also be entered into a prize ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/671/pharmacists-asked-to-help-with-cancer-study https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/671/pharmacists-asked-to-help-with-cancer-study Mon, 04 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT Doctors have raised concerns about the Government’s plans for the NHS in England, as laid out in the recent white paper. On the 1st October, the BMA said that the positive elements of the plans, such as devolving more control to patients and frontline clinicians, are at risk from other aspects that seek to accelerate a market-based approach. In its official response to the white paper, the BMA also said it is interested in exploring proposals for most services to be commissioned by consortia led by GPs. However, it believes that successful commissioning can only be achieved if other clinicians, such as hospital consultants, are also brought into the process, and if there is meaningful engagement with the public and patients. The BMA also argued that proposals that would encourage further competition in the NHS, such as extending choice to “any willing provider” and giving the foundation trust regulator Monitor a duty ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/490/doctors-criticise-nhs-plans https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/490/doctors-criticise-nhs-plans Fri, 01 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT A 51-year-old man received a sentence of 12 months imprisonment suspended for 18 months for the illegal importation, sale and supply of an unlicensed medicinal product called ‘Triamazon’. Andrew Harris of Partington, Manchester, put in a guilty plea after hearing the prosecution evidence at Manchester Crown Court. He pleaded guilty to four offences in total; two counts of importing Triamazon without holding the necessary licence to import medicines, one count of supplying Triamazon capsules and one count of possessing Triamazon with intent to place it on the market. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) carried out an investigation into Mr Harris’s activities which eventually led to his court appearance. It requested that he start complying with medicines regulations, however he continued to sell Triamazon from his websites www.thiskillscancer.com and www.triamazon.com. Harris claimed that Triamazon was a non-toxic treatment that selectively targeted cancerous cells throughout the body. MHRA Head of Operations, Danny Lee-Frost ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/220/man-sentenced-for-selling-unlicensed-drugs https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/220/man-sentenced-for-selling-unlicensed-drugs Fri, 01 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT The PSNC has responded to an article which has claimed that Medicines Use Reviews (MURs) are often used by pharmacists primarily as a way to make money. The piece, written by Gareth Iaccobucci and published by Pulse magazine, also argued that MURs bring no real benefit to patient care and are “bordering on fraud”. However, the PSNC has now leapt to their defence. In an official statement, PSNC Head of NHS Services Alastair Buxton said, “At a time when the NHS is throwing away hundreds of millions of pounds a year on expensive drugs that go on to be wasted or incorrectly used, Medicines Use Reviews play a crucial role in boosting patients’ adherence to medicines. 55% of all medicines prescribed today are not used as directed, and as such are effectively wasted. MURs bring patients into the decision-making process and establish them as partners in their own care, helping to tackle ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/493/psnc-defends-murs https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/493/psnc-defends-murs Thu, 30 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) has brought together experts from around the country to advise Department of Health officials about community pharmacy’s role in public health.    In a special roundtable event, held on 29th September, delegates were presented with the growing pool of evidence which shows the benefits of pharmacy interventions. The ongoing success of the ‘Healthy Living Pharmacies’ pilot in Portsmouth was looked at in particular detail. NPA chairman Ian Face co-chaired the event with Paul Edmondson-Jones, the Director of Public Health at Portsmouth PCT.   Speaking before the meeting, Ian said, “The intention today is to spell out why community pharmacies should move to centre stage in improving public health and tackling health inequalities.  The sector’s potential is beginning to be realised in some localities - as we will hear from many contributors today.  The policy and commissioning challenge is how to take what’s happening in some places to every place ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/540/future-of-pharmacy-discussed-at-npa-event https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/540/future-of-pharmacy-discussed-at-npa-event Wed, 29 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT A worldwide consortium of scientists from 19 countries has discovered several new genes linked to asthma after analysing DNA from over 26,000 people. The research, which was partly funded by Asthma UK and co-ordinated by researchers from Imperial College London, looked at the genes of 10,000 children and adults with asthma and 16,000 people without asthma. More than half a million genetic tests were performed on each person's DNA. As a result if the new study, the researchers have been able to identify key genetic variations which occur in over a third of children with asthma. The scientists believe that by concentrating on these genes it may eventually be possible to develop new asthma treatments. They also said that another major implication of their findings is that allergies are probably a consequence of asthma, rather than a cause. Their study also suggests that childhood-onset asthma differs biologically from adult-onset asthma, as the ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/170/gene-link-to-asthma-found https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/170/gene-link-to-asthma-found Tue, 28 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT A letter from the Queen has marked the official launch of the new professional body for British pharmacists, the Royal Pharmaceutical Society. The demerger of the RPSGB’s regulatory and professional functions is now complete. In a letter to the outgoing President, Steve Churton, Her Majesty wrote, “Please convey my best wishes to the members and staff of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society as you celebrate your new role as the professional body for pharmacists and pharmacy across Great Britain. “As your Patron, I was most interested to learn about the establishment of the General Pharmaceutical Council and appreciate your thoughtfulness in writing as you did. I send my best wishes to all concerned on this most important event.” The Pharmacy Minister Earl Howe, also commented on the launch of the new body, saying, “A strong professional voice is essential for realising our vision of clinically-led healthcare services. The Royal Pharmaceutical Society will be an ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/752/queen-welcomes-the-new-professional-body https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/752/queen-welcomes-the-new-professional-body Mon, 27 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT The European Medicines Agency’s (EMA) Committee on Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) has recommended the suspension of the marketing authorisation for Avandia because the benefits of the drug are no longer though to outweigh the risks. The CHMP looked at all the available data on the benefits and risks associated with Avandia and discovered that it led to an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes. Avandia (rosiglitazone) has until now been used as a second line therapy in the treatment of type 2 diabetes in patients for whom metformin is inappropriate. It has also frequently been given as a combination therapy with either metformin and/or a sulphonylurea in patients with inadequate diabetes control despite existing treatment with these drugs. Chief Executive of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), Professor Kent Woods said, “Patient safety is the top priority for the MHRA and we have been constantly monitoring the ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/618/drug-suspended-across-europe https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/618/drug-suspended-across-europe Fri, 24 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT Tesco has announced that it will become the first supermarket to sell Viagra on an OTC basis. From 27th Septmeber, the anti-impotence drug will be available to customers without a prescription in 300 in-store Tesco pharmacies. Eight pills will cost £52, less than half the usual price of £55 for four. The service will be available to men aged between 40 and 65. Before being sold the pills, they will have to complete a questionnaire and will also be given a blood pressure test, have their cholesterol checked and be screened for diabetes. Shona Scott, Tesco commercial manager for pharmacy services, explained, “Provided that they (men) are suitable we will discuss their options and can sell them an effective treatment. Only pharmacists can make this sale.” Over two million men are thought to suffer from erectile dysfunction in the UK, but few go to their GP for help. https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/443/supermarket-to-offer-viagra-over-the-counter https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/443/supermarket-to-offer-viagra-over-the-counter Thu, 23 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT Ten health charities in the UK have joined forced to call on the NHS to spend its funding for health services in a more focused and patient-centred way. The charities, which include Diabetes UK, the Multiple Sclerosis Trust and Macmillan Cancer Support, believe that too much money is currently wasted by focusing on short-term savings rather than long-term planning. They also contend that, if the NHS is to keep track with the country’s health needs, it needs to redefine value for money and patient care. Together the charities have created a report which identifies a number of different areas for improvement and highlights the need for better co-ordination and a greater emphasis on self-management. Ciarán Devane, Chief Executive at Macmillan Cancer Support, explained, "If we truly want to put the patient at the heart of the healthcare system and make the future affordable, we need to change things now. The NHS cannot keep ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/317/charities-campaign-on-nhs-funding https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/317/charities-campaign-on-nhs-funding Thu, 23 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT The MHRA is piloting a new system that will allow pharmacists to report adverse drug reactions electronically to its Yellow Card Scheme. The system is able to automatically produce a Yellow Card from data entered in to it about adverse drug reactions. It is now being trialled by the MHRA and the UK Medicines Information service (UKMi). Medicines information pharmacists at five NHS hospitals in the UK will be evaluating the new system before it is deployed nationwide. The study is being led by Southampton University Hospitals NHS Trust on behalf of UKMi. Dr June Raine, Director of Vigilance and Risk Management of Medicines at the MHRA said, “Medicines information pharmacists provide important support on individual pharmaceutical care of patients and advice about medicines management in the NHS. The integration of Yellow Card reporting into this system will allow information to be more easily shared with the MHRA for effective drug ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/267/new-way-to-report-drug-reactions-piloted https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/267/new-way-to-report-drug-reactions-piloted Wed, 22 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT The RPSGB has welcomed a new report on the future of pharmacy by a centre-right think tank known as the Bow Group. The paper, entitled ‘Delivering Enhanced Pharmacy Services in a Modern NHS: Improving Outcomes in Public Health and Long-Term Conditions’, examined how pharmacy can help the Government combat increased costs and achieve its public health goals. Authored by members of the The Bow Group Health Policy Committee, the report concluded that enhanced pharmacy services are an under-utilised resource that can deliver innovative, cost-effective services to patients in a highly accessible manner. They also argued that such services could be used more to help the NHS achieve its Quality, Innovation, Productivity and Prevention (QIPP) objectives. Welcoming the new paper, Chair of the English Pharmacy Board, Lindsey Gilpin said, “We are pleased to have submitted to this Bow Group research project. The Bow Group has a real presence amongst policy-makers and clearly ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/894/rpsgb-welcomes-new-pharmacy-report https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/894/rpsgb-welcomes-new-pharmacy-report Tue, 21 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT Numark is celebrating reaching another major milestone after gaining its 2,500th member this month. The virtual chain of independent pharmacies now has members spread across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Growth is showing no signs of slowing at present, with 487 new pharmacies joining in the past 12 months. Numark’s managing director Tony Mottram is delighted with the rate at which the company is gaining members. He said, “By having a membership in excess of 2,500, we are able to offer greater benefits to our members through relationships with our partners. The shift in the pharmacy to provide a service based intervention also presents greater opportunity for branded manufacturers to get closer to the patient through our adherence programmes.” Tony Mottram believes Numark’s growth is likely to continue. He concluded, “My forecast is a total year end membership of 2,570 – there is strength in numbers; there is strength ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/991/numark-membership-reaches-2500 https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/991/numark-membership-reaches-2500 Mon, 20 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT Two popular supplements taken by millions of people around the world to combat joint pain, do not work, new research has found. The study, published on bmj.com, investigated whether glucosamine and chondroitin are able to reduce the discomfort caused by osteoarthritis in the hips and knees. Researchers, led by Professor Peter Jüni at the University of Bern in Switzerland, conducted a large scale review of existing studies on the effectiveness of the two supplements. They analysed the results of 10 published trials involving 3,803 patients with knee or hip osteoarthritis. The group focused on assessing changes in levels of pain after patients took glucosamine, chondroitin, or a combination of both, and compared it to the effect taking a placebo had. In the end, they concluded that both supplements have no clinically relevant effect on relieving joint pain or in easing joint space narrowing. Although the researchers argued that there is no harm in ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/668/popular-treatments-for-joint-pain-do-not-work https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/668/popular-treatments-for-joint-pain-do-not-work Fri, 17 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT Cancer Research UK has reached an agreement with AstraZeneca to bring a new experimental drug that could potentially treat a range of cancers into clinical trial. The drug, made up of a compound known as AZD-3965, can be used to limit cancer cells’ ability to generate energy, making the cells less likely to survive in the body. It is the sixth treatment to enter Cancer Research UK's Clinical Development Partnerships (CDP) scheme. CDP is a joint initiative between Cancer Research UK’s Drug Development Office and its development and commercialisation arm, Cancer Research Technology. The scheme aims to support promising anti-cancer agents when pharmaceutical companies lack the necessary resources to progress them through to clinical trial. The new deal with AstraZeneca means that Cancer UK will now fund an early stage trial of the AZD-3965 compound which will start in 2011 and involve up to 60 patients. The trial will be managed by the charity's ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/894/deal-reached-to-trial-new-cancer-drug https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/894/deal-reached-to-trial-new-cancer-drug Thu, 16 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT The British Red Cross has launched a campaign to improve the life-saving skills of young people so they can help their friends if they ever become dangerously drunk or need medical assistance. According to a new study by the charity, one in seven (14%) 11-16 year olds has been in an emergency situation as a result of a friend drinking too much alcohol. The findings have revealed that in the past 12 months more than 1 in 10 (532,128  - 12%) 11-16 year olds have been left to cope with a drunken friend who was sick, injured or unconscious.  Half of these had to deal with someone who had passed out and a quarter had to deal with an injured friend who had been drunk and in a fight.   However, the study found that it’s not just alcohol-related injuries which young people are having to cope with. Close to 9 in 10 ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/345/red-cross-helps-teens-cope-with-emergencies https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/345/red-cross-helps-teens-cope-with-emergencies Wed, 15 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT With proper support up to half of children with severe asthma could effectively control their symptoms using conventional treatments, a new review claims. Asthma UK-funded researchers Professor Andrew Bush and Dr Sejal Saglani, world-leaders in the study of childhood asthma, reviewed previous research projects and found many 'severe' cases of asthma were either the result of misdiagnosis or the result of under-use of existing medicines. They believe that with accurate diagnosis and effective support, the number of people whose asthma affects them severely could be greatly reduced, even if they continue to rely on conventional treatments. The team looked at previous research on asthma in both adults and children, and identified a number of problems preventing the successful management of the condition. For example, they found that parents often fail to follow their child’s treatment plan correctly or allow them to be exposed to cigarette smoke. They also drew attention to how the lack ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/571/new-hope-for-controlling-childhood-asthma https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/571/new-hope-for-controlling-childhood-asthma Tue, 14 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT The Government has announced that NHS IT programmes will no longer be managed nationally to make way for more localised decision making. The move, which was announced on the 9th September, follows a Department of Health review of the National Programme for IT. This concluded that national control over IT programmes, including the Electronic Prescription Service, is no longer necessary. In future, a more locally-led plural system of procurement will operate, allowing NHS organisations to introduce smaller, more manageable change, in line with their business requirements and capacity. However, a national infrastructure will still be retained. Health Minister, Simon Burns, said, “Improving IT is essential to delivering a patient-centred NHS. But the nationally imposed system is neither necessary nor appropriate to deliver this. We will allow hospitals to use and develop the IT they already have and add to their environment either by integrating systems purchased through the existing national contracts or elsewhere. “This ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/796/future-of-nhs-national-it-programme-decided https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/796/future-of-nhs-national-it-programme-decided Mon, 13 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT Weight loss surgery could save the economy hundreds of millions of pounds, according to leading UK experts. A new report, called Shedding The Pounds, has concluded that the great financial toll of unemployment, housing and incapacity benefit, hospital admissions and prescriptions could be cut dramatically if more obese people were given bariatric surgery. The research was carried out by the Office of Health Economics, working with Allergan, the National Obesity Forum, and the Royal College of Surgeons, and included data obtained under the Freedom of Information Act. According to the report, if just 5% of eligible patients were given weight-loss surgery, the gain to the economy within three years would be £382 million. If a quarter of eligible patients were granted surgery, the gain within three years would be £1.3 billion. The Government could also expect savings in benefit payments of £35 million to £150 million as people head back to work. If NICE ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/493/bariatric-surgery-could-save-economy-millions https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/493/bariatric-surgery-could-save-economy-millions Mon, 13 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT Macmillan Cancer Support and Boots UK have banded together to provide help to the two million people living with cancer in this country. They have launched a groundbreaking new partnership and over the next three years will develop and provide a number of services for people wanting to know more about cancer. Macmillan aims to train 15,000 Boots pharmacists, dispensers and healthcare assistants on the issues surrounding cancer, initially focusing on what help is available to people through Macmillan. Customers will also be able to pick up leaflets and general information about cancer from all Boots stores. Ciarán Devane, Chief Executive at Macmillan Cancer Support, explained, “The number of cases of cancer is increasing at a frightening rate so that soon the majority of people in the UK will know someone who is living with the condition. “Members of the public need to be able to find out answers to general questions ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/317/boots-to-help-cancer-patients https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/317/boots-to-help-cancer-patients Fri, 10 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT Hospital inpatients are likely to miss out on almost 10% of their medication doses, according to new research which was unveiled at the Royal Pharmaceutical Society’s recent annual conference. The research, based on a study at Bradford Teaching Hospitals, found that, overall, 9.7% of prescribed medicines were not taken by patients. A number of different factors can explain the high percentage of missed doses, including ‘nil by mouth’ policies after surgery, specific advice from a health professional to withhold doses and often the patients themselves refusing to take medication. The study also found that drug non-availability accounted for missed doses in 2.4% of cases. The highest proportion of doses missed through non-availability happened at the 9am drug round that followed a patient’s hospital admission. Drug non-availability at admission was only a problem in patients who had left their supplies of medicines at home. Not taking medication at the correct time can have serious ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/718/medication-doses-often-missed-in-hospitals https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/718/medication-doses-often-missed-in-hospitals Fri, 10 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT The ABPI has said that urgent action is needed to tackle the worsening problems UK patients are facing when trying to receive their medicine prescriptions. On 4th September the ABPI called on the Government to combat the problem of parallel trading, which is leading to medicines intended for UK patients being sold overseas by people who are taking advantage of favourable exchange rates to make a profit. Richard Barker, Director General of the ABPI said, “Our primary concern is for patients. Manufacturers have supplied more than enough medicines to satisfy patient demand in the UK but there is still not enough getting through to the front line. We believe that the problem is worsening, despite joint efforts by the Supply Chain Forum. The Government must take action to deal with unabated trading by those who continue to put profit before the well being of NHS patients. “The ABPI has presented two ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/380/urgent-action-needed-on-medicines-supply https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/380/urgent-action-needed-on-medicines-supply Thu, 09 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT Pharmacy Minister Earl Howe has settled funding for community pharmacy services in England for 2010/11, with the agreed sum available for distribution totalling £2,486m. In light of the results of the Medicines Margin Survey, arrangements have also been confirmed for adjusting £140m of retained purchase margin above the overall £500m contractual target. £120m will be recovered through adjustment to Category M prices of £60m per quarter, with effect from October. The Minister has agreed that the remaining balance of £20m will be recovered over the course of 2011/12 rather than over the remainder of this financial year. Commenting on the settlement, PSNC Chief Executive Sue Sharpe said, “The Minister has agreed that community pharmacy funding for 2010/11 will be £2,486m. This is an encouraging settlement in challenging financial times. However contractors will no doubt feel the effects of excess margin recovery when January payments come through. We recognise the impact that Category ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/427/pharmacy-funding-set-for-201011 https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/427/pharmacy-funding-set-for-201011 Thu, 09 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT A third of people are too embarrassed to seek a Chlamydia test, according to a new survey published just days after Health Protection Agency figures showed that there was a rise in sexually transmitted infections during 2009. In the NPA survey, fewer than half (42%) of the 2000 people questioned knew that there are no symptoms of Chlamydia, suggesting that many members of the public have a poor understanding of the STI. The research also found a carefree attitude when it came to protecting the sexual health of partners, with a quarter of people saying they’d only tell a holiday fling they’d contracted chlamydia from them if they knew them well. As a result of the survey results, the NPA is now promoting the practical, confidential and discrete option of picking up a test kit from a community pharmacy to the public. The government recommends that sexually active young people should ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/126/embarrassment-leading-to-chlamydia-risk https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/126/embarrassment-leading-to-chlamydia-risk Wed, 08 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT A new study has suggested that patients can play an important part in reducing medicines wastage, which is estimated to cost the NHS at least £100 million a year, simply by ensuring unused medicines are removed from their repeat prescriptions. The study, which was presented at the Royal Pharmaceutical annual conference on 5th-6th September, examined the number of medicine packs returned after public education campaigns in Guernsey and Alderney. Lead researcher and pharmacist teacher and practitioner ElMarie Brache explained, “The estimated annual cost of prescription drugs returned in 2009 was over £186,000 for a total population of 62,000 in the two islands. Calculations were based on the number of uncollected prescriptions, opened and unopened packs returned over a two-week period.” Medicines wastage is a common problem across the globe and the World Health Organisation suggests only a 50% adherence rate to medicines prescribed for long-term conditions. Reasons for waste include side-effects, recovery by patients ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/396/nhs-money-wasted-on-unused-medicines https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/396/nhs-money-wasted-on-unused-medicines Wed, 08 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT Tobacco companies  may be exploiting web 2.0 media on sites such as YouTube to promote their products to young people. A recent study, published in the Tobacco Control journal in late August, has found that tobacco companies could well be using the internet to get around marketing restrictions, despite always vehemently denying doing so. Several of the companies even signed up to a voluntary agreement to restrict direct advertising on websites by the end of 2002. The authors of the new research looked at content on YouTube specifically, as it has the largest share of the online video market, and searched through the first 20 pages of video clips containing any reference to five tobacco brands. These were Marlboro and L&M, marketed by Philip Morris; Benson and Hedges, marketed by both British American Tobacco and Gallagher; and Winston and Mild Seven, marketed by Japan Tobacco and Reynolds. The authors analysed 163 relevant clips in ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/972/tobacco-may-be-being-marketing-via-youtube https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/972/tobacco-may-be-being-marketing-via-youtube Fri, 27 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT Nearly half a million people in the UK were newly diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection (STI) during 2009, according to the latest figures released by the Health Protection Agency (HPA). In 2009 a total of 482,696 new STI diagnoses were reported to the agency from sexual health clinics and community based chlamydia testing. This is almost 12,000 more cases than were recorded in 2008, continuing the steady upward trend we have seen over the last decade. The figures show that 15 to 24 year olds, particularly young women, continue to be the group most affected by sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the UK. Last year a shocking two thirds of new STI diagnoses in women were in those under 25. Comparitively, in men, over half of new STI diagnoses were in those aged under 25. High rates of STI diagnoses have also been found among men who have sex with men. The peak ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/891/leap-in-the-number-of-sti-diagnoses-revealed https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/891/leap-in-the-number-of-sti-diagnoses-revealed Wed, 25 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT Bowel Cancer UK has expressed its disappointment at NICE’s decision not to recommend Avastin (bevacizumab) for the treatment of advanced bowel cancer. NICE recently conducted a second review of the drug but decided that its high cost relative to the benefits it brings means that it would not be a cost- effective use of NHS resources for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer. Bevacizumab is a targeted therapy, which works alongside chemotherapy to help shrink and remove tumours that have spread from the bowel to other parts of the body, usually the liver and the lungs. It is estimated that approximately 6,500 people per year might be eligible for the drug, which costs around £20,800 per patient. Announcing NICE’s decision, Sir Andrew Dillon, Chief Executive of NICE, explained, “We have recommended several treatments for various stages of colorectal cancer, including cetuximab for the first-line treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer. We are disappointed not ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/972/bowel-cancer-uk-disappointed-by-nice-decision https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/972/bowel-cancer-uk-disappointed-by-nice-decision Tue, 24 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT Doctors in Scotland have called on the Scottish Government to act urgently to improve patient safety by tackling prescribing errors. The Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh (RCPE) made the comments in response to a recent study commissioned by the General Medical Council (GMC) which found that in a one-week period 5.9% of consultants and 10.3% of trainee doctors in UK hospitals made prescribing errors. Worryingly, some of these errors could have proven to be potentially fatal for patients. According to the RCPE, although there can be many reasons such mistakes occur, one of the most significant contributory factors is a lack of standardisation in prescribing charts used by doctors in different parts of the country. The accuracy of these charts is vital for patient safety. However, prescribing charts developed by individual Health Boards often vary significantly from each other, increasing the risk of doctors making an error as they move ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/637/government-urged-to-tackle-drug-errors https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/637/government-urged-to-tackle-drug-errors Sun, 22 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT The National Pharmacy Boards have slammed the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) for failing to properly justify its proposed fee structure. Responding to an official consultation on the fees, they said the current plans were not transparent enough and did not seem to be giving registrants a particularly fair deal.   Chair of the English Pharmacy Board Lindsey Gilpin said, “The GPhC should set a fee structure that is proportionate and fair to registrants in order to deliver the necessary regulatory outcomes. “The lack of background information provided by the GPhC makes it extremely hard to justify their proposed increase to the regulatory fees. The Boards are unconvinced that the fees suggested accurately reflect the true cost of regulation.” Chair of the Scottish Pharmacy Board Sandra Melville said, “The RPSGB has determined that even with allowing for a new organisation to emerge, a substantial increase in current costs is being assumed by the GPhC without ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/862/boards-slam-proposed-gphc-fees https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/862/boards-slam-proposed-gphc-fees Thu, 19 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT The RPSGB has called on the health service to let pharmacists play a greater role in helping the estimated half a million people in the UK who are living with hepatitis B or hepatitis C without knowing it. Along with the Hepatitis C Trust, the Society is campaigning for hepatitis testing to be introduced to pharmacies to allow early diagnosis of the disease. This could potentially save thousands of lives. Last year a viral hepatitis testing pilot project which was held in 19 pharmacies across the country found a hepatitis B or C positive patient in every 6 tests they conducted. Across the stores a total of 234 tests were conducted, diagnosing 35 people with hepatitis C (15% of tests) and 4 people with hepatitis B (2% of tests). This is a far higher proportion of hepatitis C positive diagnoses than found in GP surgeries, where 4% of tests find positive ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/123/many-hepatitis-sufferers-going-undiagnosed https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/123/many-hepatitis-sufferers-going-undiagnosed Wed, 18 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT Six Polish convenience stores in the Hull area have been raided by enforcement officers from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). The raids were carried out on the 12th August after the MHRA received information from Trading Standards which suggested that the shops were selling unlicensed medicines. A range of products were seized including aspirin, ibuprofen and children's cough medications. In the UK, only medicines labelled in English are licensed for sale, but the stores were all selling medicines with Polish labels. One of the shops raided had been the subject of a previous MHRA visit and had already been instructed to remove all of their unlicensed medicines from sale. This shop was still selling Polish labelled medicines, leading officers to seize approximately £1,000 worth of stock. The MHRA is now considering further enforcement action against this shop. The remaining shops had all of their unlicensed stock removed and formal warnings were ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/574/polish-medicines-seized-in-raids https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/574/polish-medicines-seized-in-raids Wed, 18 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT Asthma UK has criticised NICE’s decision not to recommend a pioneering medicine which could help hundreds of children in England.   Omalizumab, brand name Xolair, is used as a treatment for severe persistent allergic asthma. However, NICE decided against recommending it for use with children aged 6-11 years because evidence highlighted little extra benefit compared with existing treatments for this age group, meaning the extra cost would not represent value for money for the Health Service. The draft guidance is now with consultees who have the opportunity to appeal against it. NICE has not yet issued final guidance to the NHS, but it is expected in September 2010. Dr Mike Thomas, Chief Medical Adviser to Asthma UK, said, “Hundreds of children across England with the most severe, allergic asthma will now be denied a pioneering treatment that could free them from crippling daily asthma symptoms, endless trips to hospital and huge amounts of ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/781/asthma-uk-criticises-nice-decision https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/781/asthma-uk-criticises-nice-decision Mon, 16 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT Boots UK has announced the launch of a new online private prescription service, which allows customers to have their medications delivered directly to a personal address, their place of work or a selected Boots store. ‘Prescriptions Direct’ will be managed by specially trained healthcare professionals. Customers register online and complete a confidential questionnaire. Next their request is assessed by the Boots medical team, who prescribe the medicine as long as it is safe. The patient can then order the medicine, choosing a preferred delivery address or store collection point. The treatments available online at boots.com are: •    Helping people to quit smoking •    Management of menstrual cycles •    Hair- retention  (for male pattern baldness) •    Malaria prevention •    Mild-to-moderate acne Paul Bennett, Professional Standards Director & Superintendent Pharmacist, Boots UK, said, “This is a very exciting development, and one that again further helps lead the way into the future of the UK’s healthcare management. The trusted heritage of ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/220/new-boots-online-prescription-service https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/220/new-boots-online-prescription-service Mon, 16 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT The NPA has said that a lot more needs to be done to tackle medicines waste if the health service is to start making significant savings. The pharmacy trade association made the comments on 9th August in response to recent guidance which has asked GPs to revise prescribing “in the context of a challenging medium term financial position”. The new recommendations were published in August by the National Prescribing Centre as part of a Government drive to achieve £20 billion in NHS savings by 2013. Nanette Kerr, Director of Pharmacy at the National Pharmacy Association  commented, “This guidance is useful but limited – it is all about what GPs do, not what patients do. The NHS should look through the other end of the telescope for the big wins.  Real value for money can only be achieved if the NHS supports patients to get more benefit from their medicines. “The NPA is calling for ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/752/broader-attack-on-medicines-waste-needed https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/752/broader-attack-on-medicines-waste-needed Thu, 12 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT The RPSGB today announced the appointment of Alex MacKinnon as Director for Scotland. Mr MacKinnon is currently Head of Corporate Affairs at Community Pharmacy Scotland, where he has worked in a variety of high profile roles since 2005. Prior to this he held roles within Lloydspharmacy and originally qualified as a community pharmacist in 1975. He will lead the Society’s work in Scotland from its Edinburgh base from 4th October 2010.    Chair of the Scottish Pharmacy Board Sandra Melville said, "We warmly welcome Alex as Director for Scotland. This is a hugely exciting time for pharmacy and we look forward to working closely with him for the benefit of all pharmacists across the country.” RPSGB Chief Executive Helen Gordon also welcomed the appointment, saying, "Alex’s extensive knowledge of pharmacy in Scotland, his experience of contract negotiation and public affairs skills will be invaluable in developing services for members.” Alex MacKinnon said ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/217/rpsgb-appoints-new-director-for-scotland https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/217/rpsgb-appoints-new-director-for-scotland Thu, 12 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT Breast cancer rates in the UK are over four times higher than those in Eastern Africa, World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) has revealed. According to the latest cancer statistics, 87.9 women per 100,000 in the UK (adjusted for age) were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008, compared to just 19.3 women per 100,000 in Eastern Africa, which includes countries such as Kenya and Tanzania. Part of the difference is likely to be because the UK is better at diagnosing and recording breast cancer cases. But WCRF has warned that lifestyle is also an important reason for the difference. Scientists estimate about four out of every 10 breast cancer cases in the UK (42 per cent) could be prevented through maintaining a healthy weight, drinking less alcohol and being more physically active. There is also convincing evidence that breastfeeding reduces the risk of breast cancer. Women in Eastern Africa drink much less alcohol than ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/364/breast-cancer-rate-higher-in-uk-than-eafrica https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/364/breast-cancer-rate-higher-in-uk-than-eafrica Tue, 10 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT WHO Director-General Dr Margaret Chan has announced that the swine flu pandemic is now over. However, localized outbreaks of various magnitudes are likely to continue. On 10th August, the members of the WHO’s Emergency Committee convened by teleconference and concluded that the H1N1 virus has now largely run its course. In an official statement, Dr Margaret Chan said, “We are now moving into the post-pandemic period… The Committee based its assessment on the global situation, as well as reports from several countries that are now experiencing influenza. I fully agree with the Committee’s advice. “As we enter the post-pandemic period, this does not mean that the H1N1 virus has gone away. Based on experience with past pandemics, we expect the H1N1 virus to take on the behaviour of a seasonal influenza virus and continue to circulate for some years to come. “In the post-pandemic period, localized outbreaks of different magnitude may show ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/699/swine-flu-pandemic-over https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/699/swine-flu-pandemic-over Tue, 10 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT Sainsbury's has begun a trial of prescription vending machines, which allow patients to collect their medicines without any direct contact with a pharmacist. The company hopes that the machines, made by Asteres Inc, will allow customers to securely and conveniently collect NHS prescriptions. They are currently being piloted in two Sainsbury's stores in Sussex, in Haywards Heath and West Green. Some pharmacists have expressed concerns about the machines, particularly with regards to patient safety. However, Sainsbury’s has said that the machines have stringent safety checks in place and promote the role of pharmacists by freeing up their time. Each machine can hold up to 450 packs of medicines and each pack has a barcode so the machine can identify it. Customers using the service must register and create a unique ID and PIN code. A qualified pharmacist checks that the medication has been properly prescribed before placing it into the machine along with ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/846/prescription-vending-machines-trialled https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/846/prescription-vending-machines-trialled Mon, 09 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT The world's leading medical journal has criticized the UK government's plans for a new emergency cancer fund. In an editorial published in early August, the Lancet labelled plans for the fund as “intellectually bankrupt” and argued that, in practice, the extra money will do little to help patients. The £50 million fund was first announced by Health Minister Andrew Lansley on the 27th July and will cover six months from October, at which point a new £200 million fund will become available. Under the plans, patients will be able to appeal directly to their Strategic Health Authority (SHA) if they are refused a drug because it has not been approved by NICE for NHS use. However, according to the author of the Lancet article, “Scratch the surface, and it quickly becomes clear that what this fund represents is not the victory for patient groups that some believe. Rather, it is the product of ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/314/cancer-fund-heavily-criticised https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/314/cancer-fund-heavily-criticised Mon, 09 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT NICE is updating the pharmacological aspects of its clinical guideline on the management of epilepsy in adults and children in primary and secondary care. As part of this process, draft recommendations have been published on the NICE website for public consultation.   Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder characterised by recurring seizures, affecting between 260,000 and 416,000 people in England and Wales. Two-thirds of people with the condition can effectively control their seizures with a class of medication known as anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs). NICE is updating its pharmacological recommendations as there has been an increase in available AEDs since the original guidance was published in 2004. Dr Fergus Macbeth, Director of the Centre for Clinical Practice at NICE said, “While epilepsy is a lifelong condition, most people are able to control their seizures effectively with medication and live a normal life. However, it can take some time to find the right type of anti-epileptic ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/524/nice-consults-on-epilepsy-management https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/524/nice-consults-on-epilepsy-management Fri, 06 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT Numark has released a comment in response to NHS information statistics which show that 886 million scripts were dispensed last year, a 5.2% increase on 2008. This also means there has been a 67.2% rise since 1999. Mimi Lau, Director of Professional Services for Numark said, “The percentage increase in prescription volume year on year is no surprise, assisted by an ageing population amongst other factors.  What did shock me, though, was the growth in volume against a decade ago – and I can see this same increase 10 years from now.  Dispensing is a core service that pharmacists have to provide and it alarms me that this is often taken for granted by our paymasters.   “Dispensing goes hand in hand with the advice on medicines’ usage given to patients and must be recognised.  I have seen the way some Numark members have changed the way they work to manage ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/251/numark-comments-on-huge-rise-in-script-volume https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/251/numark-comments-on-huge-rise-in-script-volume Wed, 04 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT An ad produced by abortion advice provider Marie Stopes International (MSI) has been cleared by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA), despite attracting over 1,000 complaints. The “Are you late?” advert aired during May and June on Channel 4, although it could not be shown in Northern Ireland. In total, 1,054 complaints were lodged by doctors, counsellors, MPs and members of the public who were angered by the campaign. Viewer objections included that the ad promoted abortion, failed to take into account the views of the father and was sexist because it implied the pregnancy was entirely the woman’s responsibility. In response, MSI argued the ad did not mention abortion and did not promote it, but was instead was designed to draw attention to its Advice Line and general advice service for any woman concerned about a missed period or unplanned pregnancy. On 4th August, ASA revealed that it had rejected all complaints against ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/812/abortion-advice-tv-ad-in-the-clear https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/812/abortion-advice-tv-ad-in-the-clear Wed, 04 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT An editorial in the Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin (DTB) has said that Novo Nordisk’s recent decision to pull its Mixtard 30 insulin drug from the UK could add millions to the NHS bill in England alone According to the monthly BMJ publication, the decision could affect an estimated 90,000 patients of all ages who have either Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Novo Nordisk first announced its intention to withdraw the conventional human biphasic insulin drug from the UK in June, citing commercial reasons. However, guidelines on the care of patients with diabetes, including those issued by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), recommend human biphasic insulin as the treatment of choice. There are alternative biphasic analogue insulins, but these are all more expensive. In the article, DTB said, “Assuming a direct swap to Novo Nordisk’s analogue biphasic insulin, NovoMix 30, the increased prescribing costs could be over £9 million in ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/765/drug-loss-could-cost-the-nhs-millions https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/765/drug-loss-could-cost-the-nhs-millions Wed, 04 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT Tim Brown from the Fenton Road Pharmacy in Rotherham South Yorkshire has been named as the Lloydspharmacy Pre-Registration Graduate of the Year. Tim was nominated for the prestigious award by other graduates on the Lloydspharmacy pre-reg training programme. Commenting on his win Tim said, “I was really pleased to be nominated in my area, let alone win overall. I think it was probably the audit project I conducted into the use of inhalers that stood out to the judges. The results showed that many who use inhalers and suffer side effects are doing so because they are inhaling too quickly. This means the medicine hits the back of their throat rather than reaching their lungs. We will now be using this information during our Medicine Use Review procedures to ensure our patients are getting the best from their medication.” Tim and his fellow successful graduates will now take up positions as relief ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/398/lloydspharmacy-chooses-pre-reg-of-the-year https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/398/lloydspharmacy-chooses-pre-reg-of-the-year Mon, 02 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT This year the Co-operative Pharmacy is extending its award winning Ramadan campaign to offer stop smoking advice to Muslim patients. A total of 82 Co-operative Pharmacies located in areas with a high proportion of Muslim customers, have received special training so they can offer smoking cessation advice alongside a free tailored “medicines check” service which will run during Ramadan. Pharmacists involved in the campaign will now be able to identify patients who are looking to stop smoking, offering them hints and tips for quitting for good in conjunction with a bespoke Ramadan Medicines Use Review (MUR). Although people who are ill can be exempt from fasting between dawn and sunset during Ramadan, many who take regular medication continue to observe the fast.  This can mean that oral medicines are not taken at the correct time intervals, or their effectiveness is altered due to drugs’ interactions with food.  The pharmacist will give the ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/671/co-op-supports-fasting-muslims-during-ramadan https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/671/co-op-supports-fasting-muslims-during-ramadan Sun, 01 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT NPA chairman Ian Facer has commented on the new NHS white paper, following on from a recent NPA Board meeting. He said, “The Board considered in detail the recently published Liberating the NHS white paper, which sets out changes to commissioning arrangements in England. “The white paper presents many challenges, but there is also a significant opportunity to grow pharmacy’s role in achieving value for money medicines use and in public health.  Furthermore, the new NHS Commissioning Board should be a vehicle to move pharmacy services forward in a less piecemeal fashion that has been the case under local, PCT-led arrangements. “I have already told the Health Secretary that GP commissioning can only make best use of NHS resources and be truly transformative if it is characterised by accountability and genuine partnership with other front-line professionals, including community pharmacists. “Our immediate concern is that the period between now and the settling in ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/477/npa-comments-on-white-paper https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/477/npa-comments-on-white-paper Fri, 30 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT Cancer patients are to get greater access to cancer drugs recommended by their doctors as a result of a new £50 million fund announced by Health Secretary Andrew Lansley on 27th July. Publishing a report by National Cancer Director Professor Sir Mike Richards, which has shown that the UK’s uptake of new drugs falls behind other European countries, Mr Lansley revealed that the extra money will be available from October. The funding boost means that cancer patients will be able to more easily access medicines to help extend or improve the quality of their life, ahead of longer term plans to change the way the NHS pays for drugs. Proposals to launch a new Cancer Drugs Fund in April next year have also been put in place. This move will allow doctors to decide how the funding is spent for their patients locally based on the advice of cancer specialists. Health Secretary Andrew ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/844/funding-boost-for-cancer-drugs https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/844/funding-boost-for-cancer-drugs Tue, 27 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT Teva UK Limited, the UK's leading generics manufacturer, has opened up its Student Bursary Scheme for the third year running. The company first launched the scheme in 2008 as part of plans to extend its support of pharmacy in the UK. The bursaries are available to students who want to gain a degree-level qualification in pharmacy, or a similar subject, but may suffer hardship without additional financial support. Last year, funding was awarded to five individuals who are now studying for a pharmacy degree at university. Each will receive a payment of £500 for up to three years of study. Teva believes that it is now more important than ever to offer this kind of help to students. Lynda Wilebore, the company's UK HR Director, said, "We hope this scheme will make an important contribution to lives of under-privileged students in the UK, particularly at a time when financial considerations ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/671/teva-uk-limited-repeats-student-bursary-offer https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/671/teva-uk-limited-repeats-student-bursary-offer Mon, 26 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT NICE has revealed on its website that over 80% of the recommendations it has made about new treatments since it started work in 1999 have been positive. From March 2000 to June 2010, NICE published 49 single technology appraisals, 141 multiple technology appraisals, and a total of 378 individual recommendations on the use of drugs and treatments. Overall, NICE has recommended 67% of treatments for use in line with its licensed indication, and a further 16% of treatments for “optimised use” under specific conditions. A total of 6% of treatments have been approved for “research only” which means that they are recommended for use only in the context of a research study because sufficient clinical evidence has not yet been collected. Only 11 % of treatments were not recommended by NICE. In most instances, a treatment is not recommended either because there is a lack of evidence for its clinical effectiveness or it is ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/154/nice-reveals-positive-recommendation-stats https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/154/nice-reveals-positive-recommendation-stats Sat, 24 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT Alphega Pharmacy has decided to help more independent pharmacists join the front line in the fight against obesity by launching a new Weight Loss Support Service for its members. The package provides everything a pharmacy might need to provide customers with a weight loss service, including promotional material, measurement equipment and discounts on relevant products. It enables the pharmacist to offer their customers a structured programme of motivation, diet and exercise via 12 face to- face consultations (free of charge to the customer) which will be spread out over a six month period. The new package even includes results tracking software which will ultimately enable the pharmacist to present the results to their local PCT to help them apply for funding in future. Clare Clark, Head of Development at Alphega Pharmacy UK, is very proud of the new service, which is unique to Alphega Pharmacy. She said, “Community pharmacists are ideally placed to ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/781/alphega-pharmacy-launches-new-service https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/781/alphega-pharmacy-launches-new-service Wed, 21 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT Health charity, The Anaphylaxis Campaign, has issued an important reminder to people to stay vigilant about their allergies even when jetting off on holiday. The warning is part of an ongoing drive to encourage patients who carry adrenaline auto-injectors, also known as adrenaline pens, to check their device to ensure the medicine hasn’t expired and to keep carrying it at all times in case of emergencies. Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that progresses rapidly and can be fatal if not managed quickly.  Around 210,000 patients in the UK are prescribed adrenaline auto-injectors, ready to use in an emergency to counter the allergic reaction whilst waiting for medical help. Research has shown that almost 1 in 3 patients prescribed adrenaline auto-injectors are likely to have an out-of-date device. This year alone in the UK over 575,000 of the auto-injectors will expire due to manufacturing cycles. Dr Adam Fox, a Consultant Paediatric Allergist in London ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/891/health-charity-issues-allergy-warning https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/891/health-charity-issues-allergy-warning Wed, 21 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT Alliance Healthcare has officially opened its new state-of-the-art Exeter Service Centre, which spans over 5,500 m². The centre provides a service for more than 1,000 pharmacists, hospitals and doctors in the South West of England, making around 1,800 deliveries and distributing an average of 100,000 products every day. Its official opening was attended by more than 100 delegates from the pharmacy and healthcare sector, as well as local dignitaries, including the High Sheriff of Devon and the Deputy Lord Mayor of Exeter. Alliance Healthcare used the event to highlight its continued commitment to healthcare services and to forming partnerships with pharmacists and manufacturers. The company’s UK Chairman Mike Smith, who is also a community pharmacist, welcomed delegates to the opening ceremony, saying, “As a customer of the Exeter Service Centre for over 20 years, I welcome this event, which represents a substantial investment by our company in the provision of excellent pharmaceutical wholesale ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/348/alliance-healthcare-opens-new-service-centre https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/348/alliance-healthcare-opens-new-service-centre Wed, 21 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT Numark, the largest UK 'virtual' chain of independent pharmacists, has responded to the publication of the new NHS White Paper. Tony Mottram, Managing Director of Numark, commented, "Having read the White Paper yesterday my initial reaction was this sounds a lot like fund-holding with a few additional components. Whilst it sets out a clear strategy for the NHS, it assumes that in the timeframes available budget holders, namely GPs, have or will be able to develop the skills they need to manage these sizeable budgets whilst continuing to deliver a quality service to patients. Or perhaps we will see more roles for managers in the proposed GP consortiums? The GP budget holders have to engage and utilise the role of pharmacy and reward them for their contribution to improving the patient journey by improving outcomes at a local level. "Will the NHS be fixed by what falls out of this White ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/925/numark-comments-on-white-paper https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/925/numark-comments-on-white-paper Tue, 20 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT Secretary of State for Health Andrew Lansley has set out a vast programme of NHS reform that will bring major change to the health service. On 12th July, he launched a new White Paper, ‘Equity and Excellence: Liberating the NHS’, which details how power will be increasingly devolved from Whitehall to patients and professionals. It has so far received a fairly positive response from pharmacy organisations. Under the new plans, patients will get more choice and control so that services are more responsive to their needs and designed around them. The principle will be "no decisions about me without me". Patients will be able to choose which GP practice they register with, regardless of where they live, and will also have the opportunity to choose between consultant-led teams.   More comprehensive and transparent information, such as patients’ own ratings, will help them make these choices together with healthcare professionals. Groups of GPs will be ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/139/new-white-paper-published https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/139/new-white-paper-published Thu, 15 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT In its latest draft guidance, NICE has been unable to recommend everolimus (Afinitor, Novartis) for the second line treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma because it does not provide enough benefit to patients to justify its high cost. The draft guidance is now with consultees, who have the opportunity to appeal against it. NICE has not yet issued final guidance to the NHS. Commenting on the draft recommendations, Sir Andrew Dillon, Chief Executive at NICE said, “A diagnosis of renal cancer is devastating for patients and those who care for them and we are disappointed not to be able to recommend everolimus as a second line treatment option. However, we to have ensure that the money available to the NHS is used to best effect, particularly when NHS funds, like the rest of the public sector, is under considerable financial pressure.” The decision has been labelled as another disappointing blow for renal ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/173/nice-unable-to-recommend-kidney-cancer-drug https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/173/nice-unable-to-recommend-kidney-cancer-drug Fri, 02 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT An independent review has found that the swine flu pandemic ended up costing the UK a total of £1.2 billion, but the government’s response to the crisis was, on the whole, both “proportionate and effective”. The review was led by former Welsh Chief Medical Officer Dame Deirdre Hine. She began her work in March, looking at the pandemic response across all four UK nations. During her rigorous investigations, Dame Hine studied over 700 documents and interviewed over 100 individuals. Her final report was published on 1st July and, although it did not identify any major failings, it has put forward a number of recommendations to guide future pandemic responses. In her foreword, Dame Hine said, “The majority of the evidence revealed as a result of this process leads me to judge that, overall, the UK response was highly satisfactory. The planning for a pandemic was well developed, the personnel involved were fully prepared ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/605/independent-review-on-swine-flu-published https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/605/independent-review-on-swine-flu-published Thu, 01 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT Steve Churton has been re-elected as the President of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain. At a recent council meeting, John Gentle was also re-elected as a Treasurer, while Professor Nick Barber was elected as Vice President for the first time. In his acceptance speech, Mr Churton highlighted the achievements of the RPSGB. He also reaffirmed his vision for the establishment of a new professional body, which will become a source of pride for members, and for the safe transfer of the regulatory responsibilities from the Society to the GPhC. Addressing Council, the President said, “I am as proud to be a member of this profession now, as I was on the first day that I registered over 30 years ago. I can only hope that I have been able to make a difference, and played my part in securing a sustainable and influential future for our profession. “During my time as ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/941/steve-churton-re-elected-as-rpsgb-president https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/941/steve-churton-re-elected-as-rpsgb-president Wed, 30 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) across England have been selected by the Government to road test a new direct payment scheme which will let people decide what to do with their own health budgets. Under the scheme, individual patients, suffering from a range of conditions including diabetes and heart disease, will have the funding for their care given straight to them. This will then allow them to have more choice over where, when and how exactly they receive their healthcare. The cost of providing direct payments will come from existing funding within PCTs and patients covered by the new initiative will be able to use their personal budgets in a number of different ways. For example, an individual suffering from chronic pain following removal of a spinal tumour might decide to use their payments to fund massage and hydrotherapy sessions, instead of simply relying on painkillers. Piloting direct payments is part of wider programme ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/781/direct-payments-piloted https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/781/direct-payments-piloted Tue, 29 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-style-parent:""; line-height:115%; font-size:11.0pt;"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-"Times New Roman";} Independent pharmacists planning to offer seasonal flu vaccinations as a private PGD service this autumn/winter can now enrol in Alliance Healthcare’s Flu Vaccination Training Programme for 2010. The programme offers clinical training as well as all round support in ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/173/alliance-healthcare-launches-flu-training-programme https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/173/alliance-healthcare-launches-flu-training-programme Tue, 29 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT The English Pharmacy Board of the RPSGB has responded to the publication of a revision to the Operating Framework for the NHS in England 2010/11, which has set out a number of areas that are going to be subject to immediate change. Howard Duff, Director for England, commented, “The new revised Operating framework for NHS will result in hard hitting cost reduction targets within the managed sector. We would urge Government to recognise the enormous value pharmacists employed by the NHS bring. This includes managing the drugs budget nationally, regionally and locally improving discharge processes and reducing the number of prescribing incidents. Improving outcomes for patients through effective medicine management when in hospital and in the community. “The patient facing and strategic roles that pharmacists have within the NHS are essential to delivering a safe, clinically effective service that delivers value for the taxpayer and improves clinical outcomes for patients. He added, ““The ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/749/english-pharmacy-board-responds-to-framework-revision https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/749/english-pharmacy-board-responds-to-framework-revision Mon, 28 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT Numark has launched a new support package to assist pharmacists who are struggling to keep their CPD up to date. The package allows individuals to choose between three different levels of support, the first of which is completely free to members.   Mimi Lau, Numark’s director of professional and training services, said, “With the RPSGB call and review process now firmly in place and the GPhC taking over regulation in September, this will be timely help for our busy owner-managers. “CPD in itself is not difficult; we do it every day as part of our job and there are numerous opportunities to undertake structured learning, not just through Numark resources.  What is challenging, however, is the regular recording as this requires discipline and a change in mindset.  The Numark CPD diary has helped many members get to grips with recording, but this additional support package gives that extra reassurance.” The basic support service ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/590/numark-launches-cpd-support-package https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/590/numark-launches-cpd-support-package Thu, 24 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT NICE has said that tens of thousands of UK lives could potentially be saved if simple changes are made to the nation’s diet. In new guidance, published on Tuesday 22nd June, the health watchdog called on both the food industry and the Government to take swift action to improve the food we are eating. NICE's recommendations included: •    Speeding up the reduction in salt intake in the population, aiming for a maximum intake of 6g per day per adult by 2015 and 3g daily by 2025 •    Encouraging manufacturers to substantially reduce hidden saturated fat in all food products, and considering supportive legislation if necessary •    Ensuring low salt products and low saturated fat foods are sold more cheaply than their higher content equivalents •    Eliminating industrially-produced trans fats from processed food and take-aways. NICE also used the guidance to suggest some wider policy actions that could be used to help support a healthier food environment. For ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/862/nice-calls-on-the-food-industry-to-introduce-change https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/862/nice-calls-on-the-food-industry-to-introduce-change Tue, 22 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) has responded to the Coalition Government’s first Budget by calling for sustained investment in the NHS front line. NPA Director of Pharmacy Nanette Kerr said, “Our members need access to finance, flexibility in managing cash flow and confidence that public investment will be sustained.  That is always important, but especially so when pharmacies are operating within a fragile UK economic environment.  Community pharmacy is critical to the nation’s health and indeed to the economic well-being of neighbourhoods across the UK. The tax and spend regime must support this valuable service.” NPA Chairman Ian Facer added, “Front line health care professionals such as community pharmacists should be able to influence the direction of NHS investment.  Therefore we are making the case to the new Administration for pharmacists to be properly included in decision-making at all levels.” https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/380/national-pharmacy-association-comments-on-new-budget https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/380/national-pharmacy-association-comments-on-new-budget Tue, 22 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT Hilary Lloyd has been appointed as the first Director of Regulatory Services for the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC), the pharmacy profession’s new regulator. A solicitor by profession, Hilary recently led the re-engineering of the regulation directorate of the General Social Care Council (GSCC). In her new role with the GPhC, Hilary will report directly to Chief Executive and Registrar, Duncan Rudkin, and will be part of the senior management team. She will officially join the council in early June, when she will start to head a team which has been put in charge of delivering four core functions of the new regulator - Education, Registration, Fitness to Practice and the Inspectorate. Under Hilary, the team will also develop and implement strategies and tactics which support the GPhC’s overall business plan and its stated intention of being a fair, transparent and proportional regulator. Welcoming Hilary’s appointment, Duncan Rudkin, GPhC Chief Executive and Registrar said ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/524/hilary-lloyd-joins-gphc-as-director-of-regulatory-services https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/524/hilary-lloyd-joins-gphc-as-director-of-regulatory-services Tue, 22 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT British company GW Pharmaceuticals has announced the launch of the world's first prescription cannabis medicine. Sativex(R), a new treatment for the spasms and cramping which can plague Multiple Sclerosis (MS) sufferers, contains two cannabinoids as active ingredients - THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). It has been developed by GW in response to calls from MS patients for a prescription cannabis-based medicine to help them manage their symptoms. The UK is the first country in the world to grant a full regulatory authorization for the product. Sativex(R) is currently being manufactured by GW under Home Office licence at an undisclosed location in the UK. The medicine is being marketed in the UK by GW's UK licensee, Bayer Schering Pharma. Dr Geoffrey Guy, GW's Chairman, said, "The approval and launch of Sativex(R) in the UK is the world's first full approval of a cannabis-derived prescription medicine and the product of eleven year's research ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/574/gw-announces-launch-of-first-prescription-cannabis-medicine https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/574/gw-announces-launch-of-first-prescription-cannabis-medicine Tue, 22 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT The RPSGB has responded to new guidance issued by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) on prosecuting Medicines Act offences involving a dispensing error. RPSGB President  Steve Churton said, “The publication of these Guidance Notes is an important step towards protecting pharmacists from prosecution for single dispensing errors, and improving patient safety through the development of a learning culture. “The guidance includes a number of important public interest factors that CPS staff should take into account when considering whether to prosecute. Greater clarity is needed on how these factors will be considered, and the consistency with which they will be applied, but the guidance is moving in the right direction. “We are pleased to note that the Director of Public Prosecutions has said: “Prosecutors have to apply the Full Code Test in the Code for Crown Prosecutors when making their decisions; this includes the evidential and the public interest stages. When the evidential ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/427/rpsgb-reacts-to-cps-guidelines-on-dispensing-errors https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/427/rpsgb-reacts-to-cps-guidelines-on-dispensing-errors Tue, 22 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT In preliminary guidance issued today, NICE has been unable to recommend erlotinib (Tarceva, Roche Products) as a maintenance treatment for people with non small cell lung cancer who have had first line treatment and their disease had remained stable. Draft guidance has been issued for public consultation and the manufacturer and other consultees now have an opportunity to consider and respond to comments made by the independent Appraisal Committee. Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers in the UK, with around 38,000 people diagnosed every year. Maintenance treatment is a relatively new concept in lung cancer care. Its goals are to prolong the benefits of treatment and to maximise quality of life for as long as possible. Sir Andrew Dillon, Chief Executive at NICE said, “In November 2008 we recommended erlotinib as a first line treatment for non small cell lung cancer and we are disappointed not to have been ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/380/nice-unable-to-recommend-erlotinib-as-maintenance-treatment https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/380/nice-unable-to-recommend-erlotinib-as-maintenance-treatment Thu, 17 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT The Pharmacists' Defence Association (PDA) has called for fundamental changes to be made to the General Pharmaceutical Council's revised draft standards. In its latest response to the draft standards, which have been designed to advise pharmacists on their conduct, ethics and performance, the union has put forward a number of recommendations which it believes should be acted upon. The PDA argues that, at present, the standards are failing to address some fundamental issues. Its recommendations are as follows: 1.    The GPhC should carry out further work on standards with a view to facilitating the new roles for pharmacists. 2.    Standards for the supply of medicines and the delivery of services should be considered separately. 3.    The GPhC should consider how it will create a regulatory framework that will deliver the standards of patient safety embodied in the European Court of Justice ruling about non pharmacist ownership. 4.    An urgent professional debate to establish the professions ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/267/the-pda-responds-to-the-gphc-revised-draft-standards https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/267/the-pda-responds-to-the-gphc-revised-draft-standards Thu, 17 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT The Government has announced that it will halt the Vetting and Barring Scheme (VBS) so it can be remodelled back to proportionate, common sense levels. Launched in 2009, under Labour, the scheme was designed to safeguard children and vulnerable adults by requiring people working with both groups to apply to join a new register.  It was in the process of being rolled out gradually across the UK. The Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA), which heads the scheme had already started to compile lists of individuals barred from working with children or vulnerable adults. Voluntary registration with the VBS for new employees and job-movers working or volunteering with children and vulnerable adults was due to start as soon as 26th July. However, the new coalition Government has now decided to temporarily stop the roll-out of the scheme because of concerns from businesses, community groups and individuals that it had the potential to become overly burdensome. ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/975/vetting-and-barring-scheme-halted https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/975/vetting-and-barring-scheme-halted Wed, 16 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT Leading health charity Diabetes UK has expressed its concern after a National Diabetes Audit, published this week, revealed that between 2003 and 2009 there was a 20% increase  in the number of people with diabetes needing dialysis or a kidney transplant. The audit, which looked at the medical records of 1.7 million people with diabetes across 2008/2009, produced a series of worrying findings. For instance, it discovered that half of the patients failed to meet their blood pressure targets during this period, while more than a third had poor blood glucose control. Poorly controlled diabetes can lead to a long list of future complications, including kidney failure, heart disease, stroke and blindness. NICE therefore recommends that all people with diabetes receive nine crucial tests at an annual review of their condition. However, the audit found that only a third of people with Type 1 diabetes, and just half of those with Type ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/398/20-increase-in-kidney-failure-among-people-with-diabetes https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/398/20-increase-in-kidney-failure-among-people-with-diabetes Wed, 16 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) has called for a common sense approach to be taken towards the new Vetting and Barring Scheme (VBS), which has already started to be rolled out across the UK. The scheme has been designed to safeguard children and vulnerable adults by requiring people who want to work with them to apply to join a new register. However, the NPA is concerned that the manner of its application to community pharmacy could potentially be burdensome and unworkable. A forum of NPA members therefore recently convened to discuss this issue. Their meeting was attended by Lynne Phair, the Department of Health’s Clinical Advisor on the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act team, who was able to listen to the group’s concerns and answer any questions they raised. NPA Chairman, Ian Facer, said, “This is yet another issue on which the NPA is keeping a vigilant eye for bureaucratic overkill.  We are pleased ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/975/npa-raises-concerns-about-the-vetting-and-barring-scheme https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/975/npa-raises-concerns-about-the-vetting-and-barring-scheme Mon, 14 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT Pharmacists will be able to take advantage of more integrated technology from today thanks to RX Systems’ purchase of a shareholding in MultEPoS Computer Systems.   The leading pharmacy software provider has completed a deal which includes a licensing agreement, allowing it to supply and install the MultEPoS System into pharmacies.   MultEPoS is a specialist pharmacy EPoS solutions provider, offering all levels of pharmacy retail and stock control systems. Initially, priority will be given to existing Rx Systems’ customers, but the opportunity will be widened to include all pharmacy contractors.  A number of existing ProScript users are already using the MultEPoS application, but will be offered the opportunity for wider integration as it is developed.   Those customers who run several outlets will benefit from the ‘head office’ application as they continue to drive efficiencies through their organisations.    Information Governance and system security are both ongoing issues facing all contractors, particularly with the ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/799/rx-systems-joins-forces-with-multepos https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/799/rx-systems-joins-forces-with-multepos Mon, 14 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT Keeping children away from certain foods and dust mites in their first few months of life could help prevent them from developing asthma in later years, according to a new study by British researchers. Since 1990, Professor Syed Hasan Arshad and his team from the David Hide Asthma and Allergy Centre in the Isle of Wight have been monitoring 120 children, who were all considered to be at high risk of developing an allergic disease because two or more of their family members had already been diagnosed with an allergic disorder. At the very start of the research project, the children were divided into two groups, one to  actively be subjected to lifestyle changes and one to act as a control group. Professor Arshad said, “The 58 infants up to one year old and their mothers in the prevention group followed a diet that avoided dairy products, soya and nuts. We ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/991/lifestyle-regime-could-prevent-asthma https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/991/lifestyle-regime-could-prevent-asthma Thu, 10 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT A fake drugs stash worth around £150,000 has been seized by the MHRA as part of a simultaneous raid on six locations in London and two in Yorkshire. Six people in the UK, believed to be linked to a gang in Asia, have now been arrested in connection with the illegal sale and supply of a range of medicinal products, most of which are suspected to be counterfeit. Information on this case was initially passed to the MHRA by pharmaceutical manufacturers Pfizer, Lilly and Sanofi-aventis. The raids then took place on 8th June, with the assistance of local police. MHRA Head of Intelligence Nimo Ahmed said, “Large boxes containing counterfeit and unlicensed medicines together with packaging, computers and cash were seized and the suspect medicines will now be sent to government laboratories to assess their authenticity. “The products seized relate to treatment for depression, erectile dysfunction, as well as painkillers, sedatives and injectable ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/652/massive-fake-drugs-stash-seized https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/652/massive-fake-drugs-stash-seized Thu, 10 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) recently held training sessions in Belfast and London for community pharmacists wanting to become more media savvy. Both events received very positive feedback from the people who took part. The participants will now be asked to help promote community pharmacy as part of the NPA’s 2010 Ask Your Pharmacist campaign, along with 40 other local pharmacists who took part in previous media training sessions during 2009 A number of last year's ‘graduates’ have already made appearances in the local and national press and two now have regular interview spots. One of the trainees, Brian Deal from Ashwell Pharmacy, Hertfordshire, praised the sessions, saying, “The three journalists were great teachers. I learnt so much despite having done over 85 articles, DVDs, radio and trade press interviews .” Nicola Rossi NPA Director of Communications added, “Ask Your Pharmacist Week (8-14 November) provides a great focus for the essential role ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/427/npa-provides-pharmacists-with-media-training https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/427/npa-provides-pharmacists-with-media-training Wed, 09 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT The University of East Anglia has been ranked as the top place in the UK to study pharmacy by the Guardian’s 2011 University Guide. It took the top spot partly for its excellent teaching quality, high level of student satisfaction and good graduate prospects. Keele University and Nottingham University also scored very well in the Guardian guide, ranking second and third respectively among those offering the Pharmacy course. The full league table, which covers universities offering both pharmacology and pharmacy, is available from www.guardian.co.uk/education/table/2010/jun/04/university-guide-pharmacy-and-pharmacology. https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/618/university-of-east-anglia-best-for-pharmacy https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/618/university-of-east-anglia-best-for-pharmacy Wed, 09 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT A joint investigation by the BMJ and the Bureau of Investigative Journalism has discovered that key scientists who advised the World Health Organisation (WHO) on the swine flu pandemic had previously done paid work for pharmaceutical firms. The report echoes the findings of a highly critical inquiry led the Council of Europe, which was published on Friday 4th of June. Both will likely fuel suspicions that the drug industry was able to exert undue influence on the WHO’s decisions about swine flu and the mass stockpiling of drugs. Significantly, the BMJ investigation has discovered that the WHO’s 2004 guidance on the use of antivirals in a pandemic was prepared by an influenza expert who had received payments from Roche, manufacturers of oseltamivir (Tamiflu), and GSK, manufacturers of zanamivir (Relenza), for lecturing and consultancy work. Two more scientists who worked on annexes to the guidelines were also found to have had recent financial links ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/878/whos-swine-flu-strategy-comes-under-scrutiny https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/878/whos-swine-flu-strategy-comes-under-scrutiny Tue, 08 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT In his first speech since taking up the post of Health Secretary, Andrew Lansley has said he will put his heart and soul into the improvement of health outcomes by making patients the driving force behind changes to the NHS. Mr Lansley wants to make sure the public has a share in decision-making. He also laid out plans for hospitals to have more responsibility for a patient’s ongoing care after discharge, creating more joined-up working between hospitals and community services. Addressing an audience of patients, carers and staff at an event in London’s Bromley by Bow Centre, which was hosted by the Patients Association and National Voices, the Health Secretary challenged the NHS to: •    make a cultural shift. From a culture responsive mainly to orders from the top-down, to one responsive to patients, in which patient safety is put first. •    devolve power through the unleashing of meaningful information to patients. Comparative ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/314/health-secretary-sets-out-plans-for-nhs https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/314/health-secretary-sets-out-plans-for-nhs Tue, 08 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT Numark has crowned its pre-registration student of the year during a gala dinner held at The Belfry resort in the West Midlands. The event marked the end of a 12 month programme for 59 students working in Numark member community pharmacies. The winner of the award, and £500, was Amy Stanforth from C A Brack Pharmacy in Stamford Bridge, Yorkshire. She was presented with her prizes by Karina Adams, training associate at Numark, and Trevor Gore from the sponsor, Reckitt Benckiser. As part of the pre-reg programme, all the students were asked to run a health promotion event, based on topics they covered as part of their training. Amy’s winning project was entitled “Stamford Bridge Stomp”. Part of the UK Walking Health Initiative, it encouraged people to go on a half-hour health walk, led by Amy, at lunchtime every Tuesday.   Karina Adams, Numark’s training associate, said, “It has been great to see ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/652/numark-selects-its-pre-registration-student-of-the-year https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/652/numark-selects-its-pre-registration-student-of-the-year Tue, 08 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has called for a minimum price to be set per unit of alcohol to help tackle binge drinking in the UK. In new public health guidance, published in June, NICE also advocated a greater role for pharmacists in helping patients cut back on their alcohol consumption. According to NICE, one in four men and women in the UK are currently drinking dangerous amounts of alcohol, which has the potential to damage them both physically and mentally. The number of alcohol-related deaths has more than doubled in the past 16 years, with over 8,000 people dying of conditions such as alcohol poisoning and liver cirrhosis annually. NICE believes that introducing a minimum price for alcohol, alongside other measures making it harder for people to buy alcohol, will help to save thousands of lives each year. Professor Anne Ludbrook, a health economist from the University of ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/715/nice-calls-for-minimum-alcohol-pricing https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/715/nice-calls-for-minimum-alcohol-pricing Mon, 07 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT The European Court of Justice (ECJ) has decided that demographic and geographical rules limiting the establishment of pharmacies are compatible with European Union law. The Court found that such rules are justified in the interests of public health. Specifically, it decided they contribute to an even distribution of pharmacies across the territory and therefore help ensure that reliable and high quality pharmaceutical services are available to European citizens. The Court did, however, qualify its ruling by suggesting that there may have to be some flexibility in the rules in areas which have special geographical characteristics. PGEU Secretary General Mr John Chave said, "More than half EU states have establishment rules for pharmacy, some based on rules almost exactly the same as Spain’s. If the Court had declared them illegal, it would have brought about a very significant change in how these states manage their health systems. “The Court clearly says ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/204/ecj-finds-pharmacy-establishment-rules-are-justified https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/204/ecj-finds-pharmacy-establishment-rules-are-justified Thu, 03 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT Numark, the UK’s largest virtual chain of independent pharmacists, has just recruited its 2400th member to become nearly as big as leading high street multiple, Boots. Williams and Barry Ltd has become the latest pharmacy to sign up to Numark, following Christian Barry’s purchase of the Edinburgh shop during May.   To mark the major milestone, pharmacy manager Alan Berrie received a visit from Wayne Harrison, Numark’s member services manager, who warmly welcomed the store to the chain.  Wayne presented Alan with the Numark Own Brand Top 20 products and his staff received chocolates. Alan said, “We are delighted to have been Numark’s 2400th member and it is clear that they are a company concerned with securing the future of independent pharmacy, so we are looking forward to taking advantage of what they have to offer.  As an independent it is great to have the security of a virtual head office, especially ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/799/numark-gains-its-2400th-member https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/799/numark-gains-its-2400th-member Thu, 03 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT Leading pharmacy software provider, Rx Systems has received authorisation to move on to the next stage of delivering the electronic transmission of prescriptions (ETP) in Wales through two dimensional barcoded prescriptions. The company can now proceed with the initial implementation of 2DRx software across four pharmacies.     The majority of GP prescriptions are printed with a two dimensional barcode which contains data.  Phase 2 of ETP in Wales involves this prescription data being decoded using a handheld barcode scanner and then interpreted by the pharmacy dispensary management software for processing. This service will not require a smartcard and the paper form (FP10) will continue to be the legal prescription. Rx Systems will now select appropriate pharmacies for the testing that use its ProScript dispensary management system.   Ian Taylor, Rx Systems’ managing director, said,  “We hope to complete the testing and roll 2 DRx to all our Welsh customers by the end of ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/217/rx-systems-proceeds-with-etp-in-wales https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/217/rx-systems-proceeds-with-etp-in-wales Tue, 01 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT The NPA has responded to the legislative programme set out by the new coalition Government in the Queen’s speech last week. The speech included the announcement of a new Health Bill, which will implement the Government’s proposals for a sustainable national NHS framework, support a patient-led NHS focused on outcomes and reduce bureaucracy. A further commitment was also made by the Government to improve public health and reduce health inequalities. NPA Chairman Ian Facer commented, "The NPA welcomes the commitments in the Queen's Speech on public health and reducing health inequalities, as this is an agenda that plays to the strengths of community pharmacy which is a uniquely accessible and ubiquitous service.   “It is quite right that the voice of patients should be listened to by the NHS.  This can only be good news for pharmacists because of the close bond of trust that already exists between us and patients.  “We also support the ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/217/npa-responds-to-queens-speech https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/217/npa-responds-to-queens-speech Fri, 28 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT A 44-year-old man has received a six month prison sentence  for the illegal sale and supply of unlicensed slimming pills containing ephedrine. David Green of Wickersley, Rotherham, pleaded guilty at Sheffield Crown Court to advertising and selling an unlicensed medicine without a licence and to possessing a medicine with the intent to place it on the market without the required licence. He was sentenced on Friday 28th May. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) became aware of Mr Green‘s activities and requested that he start to comply with medicines regulations but instead he continued to sell the illegal products from his website www.wholesalefx.co.uk, as well as via online auction sites. MHRA investigators subsequently seized several hundred bottles of the capsules which laboratory results confirmed contained ephedrine (Thermoslimmer capsules [3.5mg] and Inch Aid capsules [4mg]). MHRA Head of Operations, Danny Lee-Frost, said, “The products being sold by Mr Green have undergone no quality ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/527/six-month-prison-sentence-for-illegal-sale-of-slimming-pills https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/527/six-month-prison-sentence-for-illegal-sale-of-slimming-pills Fri, 28 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT Supermarket chain Asda has committed itself to selling all privately prescribed cancer treatment medications on a permanent not for profit basis, potentially saving patients thousands of pounds. Cancer is responsible for the deaths of almost 300,000 people per year in the United Kingdom, making it the country's second biggest killer. However, research compiled for Asda has shown that some UK high street pharmacies have been marking up the prices of private prescription cancer drugs by up to 76%. According to the supermarket giant, cancer sufferers in the UK are currently face a three pronged challenge in their battle for affordable treatment: •    Pharmacy mark-ups The cost of private prescription anti-cancer drugs varies significantly between pharmacies, which are able to charge at their discretion and are known to mark up anti-cancer drugs by as much as 76 per cent. •    Post code lottery on cancer funding The annual spend per cancer patient across the 152 PCTs ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/477/asda-to-sell-cancer-drugs-at-cost https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/477/asda-to-sell-cancer-drugs-at-cost Wed, 26 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT The transfer of the regulatory functions of the RPSGB to the GPhC is now set to be completed by the end of September. Both organisations are confident that this target date for the transfer is attainable after taking part in constructive talks both with each other and with the Department of Health and the devolved administrations. These discussions anticipate that all the necessary processes, including the parliamentary process, will be concluded in time to allow a September timetable to be adhered to. The Councils of the RPSGB and the GPhC have also jointly announced that Duncan Rudkin, Chief Executive and Registrar of the GPhC, will assume the role of Registrar when Helen Gordon becomes Chief Executive of the RPSGB in July. The RPSGB Council felt that separating the two roles traditionally held by its most senior executive would help pave the way for the transfer of regulation to the GPhC. Equally the GPhC ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/668/september-date-for-transfer-of-pharmacy-regulatory-functions https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/668/september-date-for-transfer-of-pharmacy-regulatory-functions Tue, 25 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT The Department of Health has announced that Conservative Peer Earl Howe will have responsibility for pharmacy under the new coalition government. The new Ministerial portfolios were confirmed by Health Secretary Andrew Lansley on 20th May. Simon Burns MP is now Minister of State for Health, Paul Burstow MP is Minister of State for Care Services, Anne Milton MP is Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Public Health and Earl Howe is Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Quality. His full list of responsibilities include Medicines, Pharmacy and Industry; Dentistry; the NHS Constitution; Primary Care; NICE; and Research and Development. Andrew Lansley said, “We have a very strong Ministerial team with a wealth of experience in the field of health. Simon Burns previously served as a Health Minister as well as, more recently, working on the shadow health team. Since 1999, Paul Burstow has worked on the older people’s brief and has a special ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/718/earl-howe-to-be-responsible-for-pharmacy https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/718/earl-howe-to-be-responsible-for-pharmacy Fri, 21 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT New Health Secretary Andrew Lansley has said that the NHS must make sure that patient outcomes and clinical evidence are at the heart of any changes to health services. He said, "Today I am fulfilling the pledge I made before the election to put an end to the imposition of top-down reconfigurations in the NHS. "We are committed to devolving power to local communities – to the people, patients, GPs and councils who are best placed to determine the nature of their local NHS services. Local decision-making is essential to improve outcomes for patients and drive up quality.” He outlined new, strengthened criteria that he expects decisions on NHS service changes to meet.  They must: •    focus on improving patient outcomes; •    consider patient choice; •    have support from GP commissioners; and •    be based on sound clinical evidence. Local NHS organisations, which have already started to look at changing services, will need to make sure that ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/154/health-secretary-outlines-vision-for-nhs-services https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/154/health-secretary-outlines-vision-for-nhs-services Fri, 21 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT NICE has recommended two new treatments for severe Crohn’s disease, which affects thousands of people across the UK.  Infliximab and adalimumab have now been approved for use by patients who have not responded to or are unable to take the more commonly used therapies to treat the condition. Around 60,000 individuals in the UK have Crohn’s disease, with approximately 3,000 (5%) of these having the most severe form of the chronic inflammatory condition. However, what causes people to develop Crohn’s is still unknown. The disease results in parts of the gastrointestinal tract becoming inflamed, leading to symptoms including diarrhoea, pain in the abdomen, weight loss and tiredness. Ulcers may also form in the wall of the gastrointestinal tract, producing scar tissue which makes the area narrower. Sometimes Crohn’s disease even causes the formation of abnormal passageways (fistulas) between parts of the intestine, or between the intestine and the skin. Other parts ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/301/nice-recommends-two-more-treatments-for-crohns-disease https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/301/nice-recommends-two-more-treatments-for-crohns-disease Thu, 20 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT The coalition government has set out its plans for the future direction of UK health and social care in a document published today. A new independent commission will be established to advise the Government on the future funding of long-term care and the NHS will be reformed to improve patient outcomes. Health Secretary Andrew Lansley said, “This document sets out a clear message to the NHS. That our united vision is for a healthcare system which achieves outcomes that are amongst the best in the world, and free from day-to-day political interference.   “We will cut bureaucracy and hand back power to clinicians and patients to ensure they are at the forefront of decision making about NHS services. The proposals will drive up standards of care, eliminate waste and lead to better outcomes that improve the health of the nation.” The Government will now: •    establish the independent commission; •    break down barriers between health and ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/154/coalition-document-sets-out-direction-for-health https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/154/coalition-document-sets-out-direction-for-health Thu, 20 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT The RPSGB has announced a discount structure for membership of the new professional body after a meeting of the Shadow Assembly. The discounts are designed to acknowledge the special circumstances of some pharmacists. Retired pharmacists, those on maternity leave and pharmacists who are not currently working, perhaps due to long term ill-health, will now only have to pay a reduced fee. In addition, the standard membership fee is being reduced by 5% for all members who choose to pay annually via direct debit, making Society membership as affordable as possible. Martin Astbury, Chair of the Society’s Shadow Assembly said, “The discount structure shows our commitment to building an organisation that is representative of the entire profession. “Pharmacists who are not currently in practice can benefit both the broader membership and the Society by sharing their expertise and knowledge, so we are creating a fee structure that recognises their valuable contribution. I look forward ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/348/society-announces-reduced-fees https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/348/society-announces-reduced-fees Thu, 20 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT The RPSGB has commented on the results of its latest member survey asking pharmacists about their experience of medicines shortages. Jeremy Holmes, Chief Executive of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society said: “Over half of members (57%) surveyed said the situation has not really changed for them since we originally questioned them on the issue back in February, whilst a further 40% felt it had got worse. “Pharmacists are continuing to dedicate precious time trying to obtain medicines for patients, when they could be spending it on direct patient care. “This lamentable state of affairs needs to be addressed urgently.  We need a reliable, regularly updated list that's widely available and made known to the profession. The key outcomes of the supply chain summit convened by the Dept of Health back in March are predicated on having such a list.   “Robust practice guidance on supply difficulties would also help clarify the situation for everyone ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/173/medicines-shortages-still-a-problem-for-pharmacists https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/173/medicines-shortages-still-a-problem-for-pharmacists Tue, 18 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT The Department of Health has announced that Professor Dame Sally Davies will become the interim Chief Medical Officer, following the departure of Sir Liam Donaldson at the end of May. Dame Sally has been actively involved in NHS research and development from its establishment. She will remain Director General of Research and Development and Chief Scientific Adviser for the Department of Health and the NHS even after taking up this additional role. Sir Liam's last day of service as Chief Medical Officer will be 31st May. Dame Sally began taking up her new duties from the beginning of May 2010 and is working alongside Sir Liam to ensure a smooth transition. An open competition to make a substantive appointment to the Chief Medical Officer role will be held this summer. https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/749/interim-chief-medical-officer-announced https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/749/interim-chief-medical-officer-announced Mon, 17 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT The Royal Pharmaceutical Society has named a new group of Honorary Members in recognition of their exceptional service to both the profession and the Society. The new Honorary Members are: Seema Agha, Kay Blair, Phillida Entwistle, John Hanlon, Sylvia Hikins, Jeremy Holmes, Lorna Jacobs, Raymond Jobling, Alan Kershaw, Professor Alastair Michell, Jane Ramsey, Marcia Saunders and three pharmacy technicians, Stephen Acres, Corrine Hunt and Yvonne Liddell. Their Certificates of Honorary Membership will be awarded by RPS President Steve Churton at 2pm on Wednesday 19th May in the main conference suite at the Society’s London Office, 1 Lambeth High Street, SE1 7JN.   https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/251/society-appoints-new-honorary-members https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/251/society-appoints-new-honorary-members Mon, 17 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT Appointments have continued to be made to the Department of Health following the formation of a new Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government last week. Simon Burns and Paul Burstow are both now Ministers in the Department, although their exact portfolios are yet to be assigned. Mr Burns is the Conservative MP for Chelmsford, while Mr Burstow is the Liberal Democrat MP for Sutton and Cheam. Both have previous experience which will be useful in their new roles.   Burns was Shadow Health Minister from 2001 to 2005 and Burstow has been a member of the House of Commons Health Select Committee since 2005. Rounding off the recent appointments, two Parliamentary Under Secretaries of State have also been named. They are Anne Milton, a nurse as well as the Conservative MP for Guildford, and Earl Howe, a Conservative peer who has also been a Tory health spokesman.   https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/574/more-department-of-health-appointments-made https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/574/more-department-of-health-appointments-made Mon, 17 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT Half (46%) of primary school pupils with Type 1 diabetes and a third (29%) of their secondary school counterparts report that their parents have had to reduce working hours or give up work completely to help them administer life-saving insulin injections. This is just one of the findings from a new  study carried out by the health charity, Diabetes UK, which surveyed 661 children and young people with Type 1 diabetes. Called the State of Diabetes Care in the UK 2009, the report also revealed that two thirds (65%) of the primary school pupils questioned, as well as four fifths (87%) of the secondary school students, thought their school staff did not have enough training in diabetes. Misjudged doses of insulin injections can result in hypoglycaemic episodes, known as 'hypos', brought on by low blood glucose levels, while missed injections can result in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), caused by high blood glucose levels. ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/878/parents-of-children-with-diabetes-forced-to-give-up-work https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/878/parents-of-children-with-diabetes-forced-to-give-up-work Mon, 17 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT Andrew Lansley CBE has been appointed as the Secretary of State for Health in the new Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government. The position was previously held by Labour MP Andy Burnham. Mr Lansley is the MP for South Cambridgeshire and formerly served as the Shadow Health Secretary. He said, “It is an immense privilege to be appointed Secretary of State for Health in the new Government. “Just as Britain needs strong and stable Government, so we intend to bring to the NHS the consistent, stable reform, which enables it to deliver improving quality of care to patients. “I have met many people working in the NHS and social care; I know they want to focus on patients and to be accountable for the results they achieve. “I am determined that we will have an NHS in which the patient shares in making decisions; where quality standards are evidence-based and form the ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/126/new-health-secretary-chosen https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/126/new-health-secretary-chosen Thu, 13 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT The Managing Director of Numark has commented on the UK’s brand new coalition government, formed by the Conservative and Liberal Democrats at the start of this week. Tony Mottram said, “The inception of a new conservative lead coalition government creates an interesting political landscape.  It was always clear that regardless of the outcome of this election, we were heading for a period of substantial cost cutting.  ‘Efficiency savings’ have been the buzz words of most interviews with the party leaders in recent weeks and we know that the Labour government had already committed to £20bn of efficiencies in the NHS. Andrew Lansley is going to have his work cut out ensuring the NHS does not bare the majority of the projected cuts in expenditure.   “The NHS remains overburdened and the demand on it is increasing – the real challenge of saving money is going to be hard, perhaps how money is ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/571/numark-comments-on-new-government https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/571/numark-comments-on-new-government Thu, 13 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT The PSNC has responded to a recent British Medical Journal article which attempted to analyse the changing role of pharmacy in England and Wales. Written by Professor Allyson Pollock, the paper ‘Community pharmacy: moving from dispensing to diagnosis and treatment’ was published in May. It aimed to investigate whether enhanced services are value for money and also what impact they have on patient care. Responding to the article, PSNC Head of NHS Services Alastair Buxton said, “Professor Pollock’s article, which characterises a developing role for pharmacy as part of “broader Government policy to incorporate the private sector into the provision of NHS care, and transfer tasks away from General Practitioners”, has a pro-GP and anti-pharmacy slant that seems founded more on entrenched bias than rigorous academic analysis. After all, both pharmacists and GPs operate as independent contractors within the NHS. It is rather disingenuous to ignore GPs’ financial incentives then in the ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/398/psnc-responds-to-bmj-paper-on-community-pharmacy https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/398/psnc-responds-to-bmj-paper-on-community-pharmacy Tue, 11 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT The NPA has officially responded to the General Pharmaceutical Council’s (GPhC) Draft Rules for the Healthcare and Associated Professions (Pharmacy Order 2010). Nanette Kerr, NPA’s Director of Pharmacy said, “The GPhC says that its regulatory regime will be fair and proportionate, yet some of its proposed rules are unlikely to be either of these. We have particular concerns about the introduction of a rolling year for registration. This is likely to cause complexity and confusion and a needless paper chase over the accidental non payment of fees.” “In addition there is proposed a markedly higher application fee for pharmacists than for UK qualified technicians. It is not at all obvious why the fee for pharmacists has been set so high.” “We are pleased that representatives of GPhC have agreed to meet the NPA at our offices next month.  We hope this signals a genuine desire on their part to listen to the ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/396/npa-responds-to-new-regulators-draft-rules https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/396/npa-responds-to-new-regulators-draft-rules Tue, 11 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT Numark has launched a new time saving service to help its members to attract and retain repeat prescription business. This is the first phase of a programme of measures that the virtual chain is introducing ahead of EPS release 2. Repeat My Medicines will provide independents with all the materials they need to operate a repeat prescription service. Mimi Lau, Numark’s director of professional and training services, said,  “Clearly there is an impetus for protecting repeat prescription business with the imminent ‘nomination’ stage of EPS release 2 and heavy marketing activity by the multiples.  Independents can’t take this business for granted and need to be more proactive – I would urge them to act now to ensure they do not lose out.”   Numark’s advice to independents is: •    Display posters advertising a repeat prescription service •    Ensure you have patient leaflets that explain how the service works and incorporate a sign up form •   ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/126/numark-unveils-repeat-my-medicines-service https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/126/numark-unveils-repeat-my-medicines-service Mon, 10 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT Pharmaceutical company Actavis has added four new generic medicines to its ever growing portfolio.   This move is in line with Actavis’ recent pledge to launch 100 reimbursable products over the next three years. Two of the new medicines, Clomipramine and Fluoxetine, treat depression, while Azathioprine, is used to suppress people's the immune syste Finally, Levast, a combination contraceptive pill, represents the company’s first move into the contraceptive pill market. Actavis has now launched an impressive 16 new products since the start of 2010. Michael Cann, Director Generics at Actavis commented, "These new product launches demonstrate our commitment to providing customers with a broad portfolio of products." https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/699/actavis-launches-new-products https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/699/actavis-launches-new-products Fri, 07 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT Numark, the UK’s largest virtual chain of independent pharmacists, has announced a new programme to provide its members with discounts on numerous purchases including groceries, holidays, days out and gym memberships.   ‘Choices’ is free and will be available to all Numark members, and their immediate families, from 1st June. The new scheme will even include a Member Assistance Programme, providing pharmacists with access to HR advice, legal information and a counselling service. A brochure outlining the full range of benefits is currently being distributed. Tony Mottram, Numark’s managing director, said, “The ethos behind many of our initiatives is to provide Numark members with all the advantages of belonging to a large organisation whilst still allowing them to maintain their independence.  We all know that many large employers provide benefit packages and as a group that is almost as big as Boots we are able to provide a very ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/652/numark-launches-new-member-benefits-programme https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/652/numark-launches-new-member-benefits-programme Tue, 04 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT The NPA's Board of Management has reappointed community pharmacist Ian Facer as Chairman for a second year. He will be joined by the newly appointed Vice-Chairman, Bharat Patel, and Michael Guerin, who takes over as Treasurer from Wally Dove because he has retired. Together, they will lead a 23-strong Board with a membership covering independents, independently owned multiples and corporate multiples. Ian, who owns a community pharmacy in Lancashire, commented, “As NPA chairman for the past year I have been in regular contact with pharmacists all over the UK.  Throughout 2009 the NPA has helped its members navigate an array of pressing challenges, as well as doing groundwork to get us all into a better position to capitalise on opportunities that lie ahead.  With the backing of the Board and a strong executive team, I look forward to continuing to serve the NPA and our members.”   Ian first joined the NPA Board ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/846/ian-facer-reappointed-npa-chairman https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/846/ian-facer-reappointed-npa-chairman Fri, 30 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT Leading generic medicines manufacturer Teva UK Limited has welcomed the publication of the All-Party Pharmacy Group’s (APPG) policy action plan. This plan seeks to influence the incoming Government and presses for the role of pharmacy in healthcare to be further expanded. It puts forward a total of 12 calls to action, all focusing on areas which the APPG feels the Government must prioritise in its first 100 days of power. Richard Daniell, Commercial Operations Officer at Teva, commented, “We welcome the APPG’s action plan, as its’ recommendations are patient-focused, and also recognise the important role of pharmacy in the front-line of primary care provision.” Teva supplies more packs of medicine to the NHS each year than anyone else. To find out more about Teva, visit www.tevauk.com The plan, entitled ‘100 days to make a difference’, can be found at http://www.appg.org.uk/news.htm. https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/928/teva-welcomes-appg-policy-action-plan-ahead-of-election https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/928/teva-welcomes-appg-policy-action-plan-ahead-of-election Wed, 28 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-style-parent:""; line-height:115%; font-size:11.0pt;"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-"Times New Roman";} Pharmaceutical giant GSK has used its 2010 IMPACT Awards to celebrate more unsung excellence in voluntary sector healthcare. In total, ten UK charities have each been granted £25,000 in recognise their outstanding work in addressing some of the most difficult ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/170/gsk-impact-awards-recognise-hardworking-health-charities https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/170/gsk-impact-awards-recognise-hardworking-health-charities Tue, 27 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT Four high flyers have been recognised as making an exceptional contribution to the pharmacy profession by the Council of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society in its 2010 awards. Mrs Gill Hawksworth, a Fellow of the Society and former President, was granted the Charter Gold Medal for his outstanding service in promoting the interests of pharmacy. Pharmacists Mrs Beth Taylor OBE and Mr Peter Jones have both been awarded Charter Silver Medals for their outstanding service on a local basis, to specific sectors of the profession.   Charter Medals have been awarded annually by Council on the recommendation of the President since 1963.   Mr Nigel Clarke was named as winner of the Synergy Award for his invaluable work in creating the basis of the new professional leadership body.  The Synergy Award was instigated in 2000 and recognises outstanding contribution to the profession by a non-pharmacist. With a background in government relations, public policy and ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/765/society-recognises-high-achievers-in-pharmacy https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/765/society-recognises-high-achievers-in-pharmacy Mon, 26 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT PSNC Chief Executive Sue Sharpe leapt to the defence community pharmacists’ broadening clinical role last week, after a prominent GP argued in a national newspaper that allowing certain drugs to be provided over the counter at the pharmacists’ discretion could endanger patients.   The issue was first raised by Dr Bill Beeby, the Chair of the BMA’s GP Committee’s Prescribing Committee, in a Daily Mail article on the 13th April. He said, “It is one thing to sell a product over-the counter that treats an ongoing condition that has been previously diagnosed by a GP; it is very difficult thing to expect the pharmacist to diagnose a condition from scratch, on a stranger for whom he has no medical notes or records. Many pharmacists will have excellent diagnostic skills. Others may not.” In response, Sharpe highlighted pharmacists’ expertise on an episode of BBC Radio 4’s consumer discussion programme You and Yours. During ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/605/psnc-chief-executive-stands-up-for-pharmacy https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/605/psnc-chief-executive-stands-up-for-pharmacy Mon, 26 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT European Medicines Agency has recommended that marketing authorisations for bufexamac-containing medicines be revoked. The agency’s Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) made the recommendations after a scientific review associated the anti-inflammatory agent with a high risk of sometimes serious contact allergic reactions. The risk was found to be even higher in patients with pre-disposing conditions, such as certain forms of eczema, for which bufexamac is frequently prescribed. Furthermore, because the allergic reactions caused by the agent are very similar to the disease being treated, this may at times have led to a potential delay in individuals being correctly diagnosed. The difficulty in differentiating between a treatment failure and an allergic reaction also means that it is likely that cases of contact allergic reaction have gone unreported. As the data to support the effectiveness of bufexamac is very limited, the Committee concluded that, based on all the available information, the benefits of ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/605/ema-recommends-bufexamac-be-taken-off-the-market https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/605/ema-recommends-bufexamac-be-taken-off-the-market Fri, 23 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT Teva UK Limited has welcomed the Department of Health's (DH) consultation on a Strategy for Services for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). As well as trying to outline the best ways to improve care and outcomes for patients with COPD, the document also includes a section looking at asthma services. Robyn Hughes, Director for Primary & Secondary Care at Teva said, "Teva wholeheartedly supports the DH proposed strategy for COPD. The strategy seeks to put patient health at the centre by enabling patients to manage their condition themselves, and we believe this is key to its successful implementation. "We know it's important that patients understand the importance of lung health and risk factors, and these proposals seek to address the current situation where we have an estimated 2 million undiagnosed UK patients with COPD." The main aim of the DH strategy is to ensure that COPD and asthma services are ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/668/teva-uk-limited-welcomes-dh-consultation-on-copd-strategy https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/668/teva-uk-limited-welcomes-dh-consultation-on-copd-strategy Fri, 23 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) has expressed its disappointment after the European Court of Justice ruled that incentive schemes which reward GPs for prescribing certain medicines are not illegal. This decision is linked to an ongoing High Court case surrounding the issue, which has pitched the ABPI against the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). The ABPI believes the MHRA has failed to enforce a legal ban on inducements to prescribe, as set out in Article 94 of EU Directive 2001/83. It initially launched its case back in 2007. The European Court of Justice (ECJ) was recently asked by the High Court to interpret the EU rules to help it make a final ruling in the case. Despite the ABPI’s argument, the ECJ concluded that EU rules do not preclude “financial incentive schemes, such as the one at issue in the main proceedings, implemented by the national public health ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/844/prescribing-incentive-schemes-ruled-to-be-legal-by-the-ecj https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/844/prescribing-incentive-schemes-ruled-to-be-legal-by-the-ecj Fri, 23 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) will hold a series of training events during the summer for pharmacists who want to start offering its Private Seasonal Flu Vaccination Service. The one-day courses will be open to NPA members working across England and Wales. For the second year running, the NPA has partnered with The Health Station, an established flu vaccination provider, to provide pharmacists with this valuable training opportunity. The courses have been specifically designed for pharmacists, covering clinical governance, the appropriate use of PGDs, the correct vaccination technique and the management of anaphylaxis and resuscitation. Nanette Kerr, NPA Director of Pharmacy, said, “Member feedback from last year’s programme was extremely positive so we are in the process of developing plans to extend the PGD platform for NPA members. As a first step we are relaunching our successful seasonal flu vaccination programme updated for 2010/11. A bonus for NPA members is that they won’t ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/345/flu-vaccination-training-from-the-npa https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/345/flu-vaccination-training-from-the-npa Thu, 22 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT The Numark Actavis Academy bursary scheme has already made 65 awards totalling £40,000 in only its second year of operation. Mimi Lau, director of professional and training services for Numark, commented, “It is generally well accepted by contractors that they have to move towards delivering services as this is required by the NHS from both a professional and funding perspective. “It is also acknowledged that it is hard for pharmacists – especially independents - to set time aside to deliver these services given the increasing rise in prescription volume and the increasing administrative burden - despite the will to do so.  One option is investing in staff to take some of the day to day management of the pharmacy and investing in service champions or health trainers.  One way in which Numark has been supporting its members to train and develop themselves or their teams is through the Numark-Actavis bursary funding.” ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/752/numark-bursary-scheme-continues-to-support-members https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/752/numark-bursary-scheme-continues-to-support-members Tue, 20 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT The results of the 2010-2013 National Pharmacy Association’s (NPA) triennial election have been announced. The following members have been elected onto the NPA Board as declared by Electoral Reform Services: North – Umesh Patel North West – Ian Facer Greater Manchester – Raj Patel Merseyside & Cheshire – Ian Cubbin West & The Marches – Sean Woodward West Midlands – Nitin Sodha East Midlands – David Evans East Anglia – Bharat Patel Home Counties North – Coll Michaels Home Counties South – Dilip Joshi North West London – Hiten Patel North East London – Gerald Alexander South West – Andrew Lane South – Michael Hewitson South East – Ashok Soni Northern Ireland – Michael Guerin Scotland – John Currie, Gordon Dykes Wales – Raj Aggarwal, Chris Jenkins The NPA Board directs the overall policy and operation of the Association. NPA members wishing to contact their Board Member should email: boardmember@npa.co.uk. https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/571/npa-election-results-announced https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/571/npa-election-results-announced Mon, 19 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT The Prescription Charges Coalition has voiced its disappointment over the content of all three major parties’ manifestos. Neil Churchill, Chair of the Prescription Charges Coalition and Asthma UK’s Chief Executive, commented, ‘We are extremely disappointed that none of the three main political parties have made a commitment in their manifestos to abolish prescription charges for people who suffer with long-term conditions like Alzheimer’s, asthma, heart disease, Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson’s. ‘Gordon Brown promised people with long-term conditions a year and a half ago that prescription charges would be abolished for them and many are frustrated that this has not become a reality. We also know that lots of people with long-term conditions are struggling to afford essential treatments, which can result in them not taking the medicines they need, or having to choose between buying different items. ‘People with long-term conditions, their families and carers are passionate about this issue and make ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/894/prescription-charges-coalition-disappointed-by-manifestos https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/894/prescription-charges-coalition-disappointed-by-manifestos Mon, 19 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT Leading community pharmacy group Lloydspharmacy is holding a series of events to encourage locum pharmacists to think about becoming a full time member of a pharmacy team. Four events are currently planned. The first will be held in Manchester on the 20 April and the second on the 29th April in Middlesborough, both targeting pharmacists in the North of England. Two further events will be held later in the year for those in the South West, possibly in Gloucester and Bristol. So far events have already taken place in Walsall in the West Midlands on 7th December and in Normanton, Nottinghamshire on 23rd March. Karen Latham, Resourcing Manager at Lloydspharmacy commented, "Both events held so far have been a real success. We keep numbers quite low as we like to have the opportunity to speak to everyone individually after the presentations and group question opportunities." Barbara Sutherland, Head of Capability said, "Our staff ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/220/lloydspharmacy-events-for-locums https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/220/lloydspharmacy-events-for-locums Tue, 13 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT The English, Welsh and Scottish Pharmacy Boards have launched their general election Manifestos for Pharmacy, which will be distributed to Westminster hopefuls. The Manifestos set out a series of issues that need to be resolved by the next Government, bringing together themes from the English White Paper, the national Boards’ strategic objectives and the RPSGB’s ongoing work. They were drawn up after a series of surveys asked pharmacists to give their views on key issues facing the profession. Lindsey Gilpin, Chair of the English Pharmacy Board said, “The Manifestos are documents that provide the incoming government with a roadmap, directing ministers towards more effective delivery of healthcare services. They focus on enhancing the role of pharmacists and providing additional services, and will enable the future government to demonstrate real patient benefits within the space of a single Parliament.”   Three separate manifestos have been published to recognise the devolved nature of health care ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/618/manifestos-for-pharmacy-launched https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/618/manifestos-for-pharmacy-launched Tue, 13 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT A new campaign launched by the RPSGB is aiming to save lives by using pharmacists to help spot the early symptoms of bowel cancer in patients. The Behind Closed Doors campaign, created with the charity Beating Bowel Cancer, will raise awareness of the disease amongst both patients and pharmacist. Bowel cancer is the UK’s second biggest cancer killer.  Over 90% of cases could be successfully treated if diagnosed early, yet almost half of the 100 people diagnosed with the condition every day in the UK will die from the disease. Research has shown that at present one in two people are not aware of the key symptoms of bowel cancer and three-quarters don’t realise that it is one of the top two causes of cancer deaths. During April, packs containing practice guidance on bowel cancer and bowel cancer screening, till prompts for counter staff, posters and patient information leaflets will be sent to ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/812/rpsgb-launches-bowel-cancer-campaign https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/812/rpsgb-launches-bowel-cancer-campaign Tue, 13 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT Boots UK has launched a revolutionary product to improve the sex lives of men suffering from erectile problems. Prelox is a unique combination of two naturally occuring ingredients, pycnogenol and L-Arginine, which together may help to maintain blood flow to the genital area. Pycnogenol is a powerful antioxidant obtained from the bark of French maritime pine trees. Containing Proanthrocyanadins, it protects blood vessels against the damaging effects of free radicals produced within the body. L-Arginine, the other key ingredient, is an essential amino acid found in many foods. It is used within the body to form nitric oxide, a substance that has an essential role in normal blood vessel function and blood flow. Prelox will be distributed in the UK by Northumberland based Pharma Nord and has been designed to provide a safe, natural alternative to medicinal drugs for erectile problems. The product will be sold in 600 Boots storesd across the UK from ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/765/boots-to-stock-male-sex-enhancer https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/765/boots-to-stock-male-sex-enhancer Mon, 12 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT AAH has added its voice to those calling for clarification from the Department of Health concerning the government’s proposals for generic substitution. Mark James, group managing director of AAH Pharmaceuticals Ltd and Deputy Chair of BAPW, said, “AAH has made a submission to the Department to highlight two areas where further clarification is necessary. “Firstly, the Department proposes to give a month’s notice to add or remove a product from the list of products which can be substituted. “AAH has called on the Department to begin a dialogue with wholesalers and the PSNC to determine if that notice period is sufficient to manage stocks at both wholesaler and pharmacy levels. “Secondly, if the Department intends to press ahead with its proposals, it needs to start talking to PMR providers about how much notice period they will require in order to update systems, what new functionality will be required and when, how will this align ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/846/aah-calls-for-clarification-on-generic-substitution https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/846/aah-calls-for-clarification-on-generic-substitution Mon, 12 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT John Turk has resigned as Chief Executive of the NPA to pursue other projects after spending two years in the job. His decision was announced on 8th April. He commented, “I feel that I have achieved a great deal during my time at the NPA. The organisation now has a clearly defined remit to represent, support and protect its members and a strong management team and structure in place to deliver.” The NPA Chairman Ian Facer said, “I would like to thank John for his contribution over the past two years and wish him well for the future.” https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/972/npa-chief-executive-resigns https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/972/npa-chief-executive-resigns Mon, 12 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT The Department of Health has reached an agreement with pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) over its outstanding orders of the swine flu vaccine. The final settlement was announced on 7th April 2010 and has resulted in significant savings. The deal means that the Government’s order of the vaccine has been capped at 34.8 million doses, representing the stock that the manufacturer had produced for the UK and could not reasonably retract. There will be no cancellation fee. The Government initially ordered sufficient vaccine to protect the entire UK population from swine flu. However, as evidence about the virus developed, experts advised that this would not be necessary, causing the Department of Health to seek a new settlement with GSK. Stock which hasn’t been used will now be kept as a strategic reserve in case the virus causes a third wave of illness and priority groups, such as pregnant women, will continue to be immunised. ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/590/deal-reached-on-surplus-pandemic-vaccine https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/590/deal-reached-on-surplus-pandemic-vaccine Thu, 08 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT The RPSGB has responded to a Department of Health consultation on proposals which could allow more generic medicines to be dispensed in place of branded medicines in primary care in England. The consultation was launched in January, exploring three possible options. They are: • Keeping the current situation. • Allowing branded products to be substituted with generic equivalents but having a list of products exempt from the scheme. • Allowing branded products to be substituted with generic equivalents but only applying this to a selected group of products. The Department of Health has revealed that it favours the third option, with the prescriber still being able to opt out a prescription from the arrangements if necessary. However, in its response to the consultation, released on 1st April, the English Pharmacy Board (EPB) of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain (RPSGB) has said that it does not consider any of the three options fully acceptable. ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/443/rpsgb-responds-to-generics-consultation https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/443/rpsgb-responds-to-generics-consultation Wed, 07 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) has responded to the Department of Health (DH) consultation on proposals to implement generic substitution in primary care. It has come out in support of the first option outlined in the consultation document – No change. The NPA believes that the consequences of the proposed changes are likely to run counter to the drive to quality, promoted within the DH Quality Innovation, Productivity and Prevention work-stream. Margaret Peycke, NPA External Relations Manager said, “We believe that changes to a generic from the brand must be instigated by the prescriber and the patient must be involved in the decision.  “Initiatives to reduce waste are far more likely to achieve the financial savings the DH is seeking than generic substitution with its inherent problems, which we list in our response. The DH and NHS should support Repeat Dispensing, MURs, develop the First Prescription Service which was proposed in the ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/844/npa-opposes-generic-substitution-proposals https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/844/npa-opposes-generic-substitution-proposals Wed, 07 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-style-parent:""; font-size:10.0pt;"Times New Roman","serif";} In partnership with the Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee (PSNC) and the General Practitioners Committee (GPC) of the British Medical Association, NHS Employers has launched two new guides designed to help GPs and community pharmacists develop more effective working relationships. They have ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/862/guides-to-help-gps-and-pharmacists-work-together-launched https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/862/guides-to-help-gps-and-pharmacists-work-together-launched Fri, 02 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT The Prescription Charges Coalition in England has stepped up its campaign after free prescriptions were introduced to Northern Ireland on 1st April. The coalition of 22 health charities is pushing for people living England who have long term conditions to be able to get their prescriptions for free, as promised by Prime Minister Gordon Brown at the Labour Party Conference in 2008. On 1st April, Neil Churchill, Asthma UK Chief Executive and Chair of the Prescription Charges Coalition, released a new statement saying, “Today marks a year since prescriptions became free for people with cancer. It is great news that those with cancer no longer have to pay for their prescriptions, but the Prescription Charges Coalition wants to see the system made fair for people with a range of long-term conditions who should not have to pay for vital medicines. “Prescriptions also become free in Northern Ireland today, meaning that England is ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/590/prescription-charges-coalition-calls-for-change https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/590/prescription-charges-coalition-calls-for-change Fri, 02 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT The RPSGB continued to push for the decriminalisation of dispensing errors at its recent council meeting. At the meeting, held on the 31st March, RPSGB President Steve Churton said, “Back in 2009 the Society welcomed the news from the Department of Health that new guidance about the decriminalisation of dispensing errors would be published in early 2010. “To date, no guidelines have been issued and we are growing increasingly frustrated and impatient with the delay.  The decriminalisation issue is of key importance to both pharmacists and patients.  The new guidelines will encourage the reporting of errors, from which pharmacists and colleagues can learn how patient safety can be further improved.   “The Society is in contact with the MHRA on the matter and continues to press for swift and decisive action by the CPS.” https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/812/rpsgb-urges-decriminalisation-of-dispensing-errors https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/812/rpsgb-urges-decriminalisation-of-dispensing-errors Thu, 01 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT The MHRA has updated its drug safety advice on Yasmin, a combined oral contraceptive pill, because of recent evidence which suggests it may cause a slightly higher risk of venous thromboembolism than previously estimated. MHRA Director of Vigilance and Risk Management of Medicines, Dr June Raine, said, “This is not a new issue. Combined oral contraception use has always carried a risk of VTE. However, as with all combined oral contraceptive pills, this risk is very small and smaller than the risk of VTE associated with pregnancy. “All hormonal contraceptives are highly effective and safe, and have important health benefits, including those from avoiding unplanned pregnancy.  When used appropriately the benefits of all combined oral contraceptives far outweigh the risk of VTE, which is rare. “The advice to women is that if you are already taking Yasmin there is no need to stop on the basis of these findings.   “The MHRA continuously ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/380/product-information-updated-for-contraceptive-pill https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/380/product-information-updated-for-contraceptive-pill Thu, 01 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT A medicine specifically targeted to treat heavy menstrual bleeding in women has become an over the counter drug after receiving MHRA approval. Every year, an estimated one in 20 women aged between 30-49 years consults a GP or healthcare professional with heavy menstrual bleeding. This condition can lead to mood changes and absence from work and can severely impact a woman’s quality of life. Tranexamic acid will now be available OTC through pharmacies under the brand name Cyklo-F, for women aged 18 to 45 years with a history of regular heavy menstrual bleeding over several consecutive menstrual cycles. Patients can self diagnose heavy menstrual bleeding and then visit their pharmacist who will help decide whether or not Cyklo-F is suitable for them. MHRA Director of Vigilance and Risk Management of Medicines Dr June Raine said that quick access to treatment will allow women to successfully take charge of this condition. “Making Cyklo-F available through ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/139/first-otc-medicine-for-heavy-menstrual-bleeding-approved https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/139/first-otc-medicine-for-heavy-menstrual-bleeding-approved Wed, 31 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT The RPSGB has welcomed the news that tamsulosin will now be available over the counter in pharmacies after previously being a prescription only medicine. Tamsulosin is used to treat the symptoms of prostate enlargement, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which typically affects males aged 45 to 75 years. The cause is unknown, but ageing and long-term exposure to testosterone and particularly dihydrotestosterone are factors. The symptoms of BPH, caused by the enlarged prostate placing pressure on the bladder and urethra, can include difficulty when starting to urinate and needing to frequently urinate.   Graham Phillips, pharmacist, and Royal Pharmaceutical Society English Pharmacy Board Member said, "‘Racks of make-up and no spanners’ was the title of a report published by the Mens Health Forum in 2009. It pointed out that pharmacists had a significant role to play in improving outcomes for men. The report asked directly – what do we need ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/891/rpsgb-welcomes-otc-mens-health-medicine https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/891/rpsgb-welcomes-otc-mens-health-medicine Wed, 31 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT From 1st April 2010, patients in Northern Ireland will no longer have to pay anything for their prescriptions. This follows an announcement by the Health Minister Michael McGimpsey in September 2008, pledging to introduce free prescriptions. From January 2009, patients in Northern Ireland only had to pay £3 for them. Charging for prescriptions has already been abolished in Wales and is being phased out of the Scottish health system. England has abolished charges for cancer patients. Speaking at the Grove Wellbeing Centre in Belfast, Michael McGimspey said, “I believe that charging people for vital medication is totally against the principles of a health service that is free at the point of use. “Prescription charges have been called a tax on illness. The fact is that within our community there are ill people who do not have enough money to pay for their prescriptions. They are being forced to choose between their medicine and food ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/668/free-prescriptions-introduced-to-northern-ireland https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/668/free-prescriptions-introduced-to-northern-ireland Wed, 31 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT PSNC has negotiated a further errors of payment package for community pharmacy contractors to acknowledge the difficulties they experienced with the prescription pricing technology known as CIP (Capacity Improvement Programme). A payment of £1,000 will be made to all pharmacies which have had their prescriptions priced through the CIP system between 1st October 2008 and 31st of March 2009. No prescription data needs to be submitted to qualify for the sum and it will be received automatically by contractors as part of April’s advance payment. However, anyone who thinks their payments up until 31 March 2009 have been significantly affected should submit a written request to NHSBSA, asking for the month(s) concerned to be reviewed.   Contractors have until 30th June 2010 to do this; after this time, no further checking of prescriptions pre- 31 March 2009 will be undertaken. Details on how to make a request for a recheck will be ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/345/errors-of-payment-package-negotiated https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/345/errors-of-payment-package-negotiated Tue, 30 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) is offering free media training to its members at locations in Belfast and London this June. The day-long courses will help pharmacists develop the skills necessary to be able to speak with the press. In 2009 around 40 NPA members were media trained in Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh and London. The 2010 dates for the new sessions are Thursday 3rd June in Belfast and Sunday 6th June in London. Mark Beckett, NPA Press Officer said, “Last year’s media training proved to be a real success. Many of those that went through the training have already put the skills they learnt into practice by speaking on radio, television and with the print media, most notably in Ask Your Pharmacist Week. “Increasingly the media look for a regional or local perspective – pharmacy is well positioned for this being at the heart of local communities. However, it is important that pharmacists ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/443/npa-offers-media-training https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/443/npa-offers-media-training Tue, 30 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT A National Audit Office report has been published assessing the financial impact of the Community Pharmacy Contractual Framework since its inception in April 2005. The main aim of the report was to review whether or not the margin community pharmacies retain from the purchase of medicine is in line with the levels agreed in the framework. PSNC Chief Executive Sue Sharpe commented, “The NAO report shows that the current pharmacy contract has delivered a cost saving of around £1.8 billion to the NHS. It illustrates that whilst total expenditure on pharmacy dispensing increased by 8% since 2005, the volume of drugs dispensed grew at twice this rate, representing a major productivity gain. And it notes the considerable progress made in the delivery of new pharmacy services, including health and wellbeing programmes and support for self-care. For pharmacies, the implementation of the new contract funding arrangements was a massive change, and it ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/618/national-audit-office-reports-on-pharmacy-contract https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/618/national-audit-office-reports-on-pharmacy-contract Tue, 30 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT More than 900 packs of a potentially dangerous traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) are currently on the UK market despite warnings issued by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). The unlicensed herbal product, Jingzhi Kesou Tan Chuan Wan, was distributed to 20 TCM and herbal medicine outlets across the UK. A recall was initiated by the distributor, Ekong International (UK) Ltd, in February 2010, however, more than three quarters of the stock brought in from China has still not been returned.   Concerns were raised after it was revealed that new labelling in English had been applied to packs, concealing the original label which contained the Chinese symbols for aristolochia, a banned toxic and carcinogenic plant derivative.    Exposure to aristolochic acids can result in kidney failure and the development of cancer, particularly of the urinary tract. As a result, its use in unlicensed medicines has been banned since 1999. MHRA ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/267/banned-chinese-medicine-circulating-in-the-uk https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/267/banned-chinese-medicine-circulating-in-the-uk Mon, 29 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT NICE has named its first ever group of Fellows and Scholars, recognising a collection of highly esteemed health professionals. Twenty awards have been presented in total to talented individuals working across a wide range of fields including general practice, physiotherapy, public health, radiology, management, paediatrics, psychiatry, orthopaedics and pharmacy. Lord Ara Darzi, Chair of Surgery at Imperial College London and former Health Minister, has also become the Institute’s first honorary NICE Fellow. Professor Peter Littlejohns, Director of Clinical and Public Health at NICE said, “We are very honoured to have such high calibre health professionals on board for the first year of our NICE Fellows and Scholars Programme. Our appointees have been chosen for their dedication, foresight and experience in promoting clinically- and cost-effective practice in the NHS. “While the fellowships and scholarships will provide them with opportunities to develop further in their own careers and improve the quality of healthcare in ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/493/nice-selects-fellows-and-scholars https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/493/nice-selects-fellows-and-scholars Mon, 29 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT Ahead of the imminent general election, the All Party-Pharmacy Group (APPG) has put together a Policy Action Plan to guide the next government in its first 100 days of power. The plan was drawn up following a public consultation and takes on board the opinions of parliamentarians and stakeholders from across the health community. It consists of 12 calls to action, which are designed to be realistic, achievable and capable of making a real difference to patients and the NHS. They ask for: •    Consistent NHS local and national commissioning arrangements •    Greater public awareness of the growing range of pharmacy services •    Pharmacy input at PCT board/committee level •    Targets for implementation of new pharmacy services •    Improved collaboration and information sharing between pharmacists, GPs and other  health professionals •    More effective use of NHS information technology •    Sustainable funding and rewards for quality & outcomes •    Tackle shortages in the medicines supply chain •    Improve medicines waste and ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/170/appg-launches-action-plan-for-the-next-government https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/170/appg-launches-action-plan-for-the-next-government Fri, 26 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT The MHRA and the Appointments Commission have announced the appointment of 13 new members to the Independent Review Panel for Advertising (IRPA) and the Independent Review Panel for Borderline Products (IRPBP). Both independent bodies are served by the same pool of experts. The IRPA works closely with the MHRA, advising UK health ministers on the conformity of advertising and promotional material with the Medicines (Advertising) Regulations. The IRPBP also has an important role, instructing UK ministers on whether products are medicinal as defined by legislation. The following members have been appointed for a two year term commencing 1 February 2010: Professor Peter Aggett OBE, an emeritus professor of child health and nutrition at the University of Central Lancashire and an honorary consultant paediatrician at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. He is also a member of the Herbal Medicines Advisory Committee (HMAC). Mr Michael Carroll, currently a non-executive director for the Health Protection ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/170/irpa-and-irpbp-appointments-announced https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/170/irpa-and-irpbp-appointments-announced Fri, 26 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT Health Minister Mike O’Brien has announced that prescription charges in England will remain frozen during 2010-2011. On 25th March, he said, “The prescription charge will remain unchanged at £7.20 for each quantity of a drug or appliance dispensed. The cost of a prescription prepayment certificate (PPC) will remain at £104.00 for an annual certificate. PPCs offer savings to those who need frequent prescriptions throughout the year. The cost of the three-month PPC, which is useful for those with a shorter-term need for prescription items, will remain at £28.25. “Alongside this, I am confirming that we will not be introducing any changes to the age-exemption criteria for free prescriptions in April 2010. We are considering how best to implement changes to the age at which people qualify for free prescriptions, in line with the changes to state pension age for women.” https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/267/freeze-on-prescription-charges https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/267/freeze-on-prescription-charges Fri, 26 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT The latest Avicenna Member Survey has revealed that many independent pharmacies are feeling over stretched and unsupported.    Issues concerning members include the uncertainty of future funding, the level of PCT commissioning, the immense administrative burden facing them and Category M. Avicenna conducts a member survey annually, comparing the results year on year. This time the responses from 150 pharmacists were analysed. Funding issues emerged as a considerable problem, with 25% of the members reducing staff numbers, resulting in 95% having to work longer hours.   The survey also found that although almost all of the respondents now offer smoking cessation and EHC services, 72% listed lack of time as the main reason for not developing further new or enhanced services. Members rated the NPA as the top professional body for the second year running, with 64% considering it to provide a very good service.  62% indicated that they also feel confident about renewing their subscription ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/991/avicenna-survey-reveals-pharmacist-worries https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/991/avicenna-survey-reveals-pharmacist-worries Fri, 26 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT A strategic and independent review of the UK response to swine flu has been announced by the Government. Dame Deirdre Hine, a former Welsh Chief Medical Officer, will chair the review which will examine the pandemic response across all four UK nations. She will report to Ministers with recommendations before the summer parliamentary recess. Having planned for the event of a pandemic for a number of years, the UK was widely recognised as one of the most prepared countries in the world. Although swine flu continues to be present in the UK, infection levels are at their lowest since the virus first appeared. Globally, the World Health Organization estimates that 16,813 people have died after contracting virus. The number of confirmed swine flu related deaths in the UK currently stands at 457. Reviewing the UK response to the virus is now seen by the Government as a crucial step to ensuring the country ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/637/independent-review-of-the-uk-pandemic-response-to-launch https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/637/independent-review-of-the-uk-pandemic-response-to-launch Thu, 25 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT The PSNC has launched a campaign to help community pharmacists engage with Prospective Parliamentary Candidates in the run-up to the General Election. The campaign is centred around a new Community Pharmacy Charter which has been designed to not only raise awareness of the key commitments outlined in the Pharmacy White Paper, but also to push home the message that pharmacists are more than willing to take on a greater role in NHS primary care. PSNC Chief Executive Sue Sharpe explained, “The Community Pharmacy Charter is a useful tool to help community pharmacists engage with the people who will be representing them in the next Parliament.  In the run-up to the General Election we have a great opportunity to highlight the valuable work which community pharmacists do for NHS patients, and also re-emphasise our capabilities and willingness to play an enhanced role, as set out in the White Paper. " The charter states ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/317/community-pharmacy-charter-campaign-launched https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/317/community-pharmacy-charter-campaign-launched Thu, 25 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT A report was recently published by Office of Fair Trading (OFT) evaluating what impact the partial liberalisation of the pharmacy market has had so far. Partial liberalisation was first introduced in 2005 after the OFT recommended the existing control of entry regulations for community pharmacies be completely removed. In response, the Government resolved to 'move cautiously in the direction recommended by the OFT', relaxing the regulations in certain areas but not getting rid of them outright. Published on Monday 22nd of March, the new OFT report has concluded that this change has led to many positive developments, including greater choice for consumers. Over the last few years, the number of pharmacies operating in England has risen by nearly nine percent. According to the OFT, fears that enabling easier entry would lead to large numbers closing have so far proven unfounded. Against the benefits for consumers there have been some additional administrative and business ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/894/report-published-on-the-impact-of-partial-liberalisation https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/894/report-published-on-the-impact-of-partial-liberalisation Wed, 24 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT PSNC Chief Executive Sue Sharpe has responded to the RCGP’s call for more minor ailments to be treated outside of GP surgeries, allowing patients to have longer standard appointment times. She said: "As highly qualified health professionals working at the heart of the communities they serve, pharmacists are ideally placed to provide comprehensive Minor Ailments Services. The recent CBI report 'Doing More With Less' claimed that £4.8bn could be saved nationally by moving the 57 million minor ailments-related consultations GPs deal with every year into community pharmacies. For commissioners, empowering pharmacy to provide Minor-Ailments Services should be a no-brainer.   "However, patchy local commissioning means that pharmacists in many areas are held back from providing this invaluable service. Community Pharmacy is ready and willing to play a wider role in treating minor ailments. It is vital that it is empowered to do so. It is also crucial that GPs and pharmacists work together ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/493/psnc-responds-to-rcgp-minor-ailments-call https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/493/psnc-responds-to-rcgp-minor-ailments-call Wed, 24 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT The three National Pharmacy Boards of the RPSGB have responded positively to the  publication of the General Pharmaceutical Council's (GPhC) future regulatory standards for pharmacy. The Boards said, “We are pleased that the GPhC has listened to the views of all stakeholders, including the Society and has indicated that it will, in the first instance, be operating a “principles approach” model. This is the model used currently for the RPSGB Code of Ethics. “We are also pleased that GPhC plans to hold a further consultation on these and other standards. “The new professional body looks forward to being fully engaged in this process. We hope the consultation will lead to the development of practice standards that are flexible and broad enough to allow pharmacists to apply them in their particular practice, for the benefits of patients and the public. “The Society also looks forward to being consulted on the proposed ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/846/future-regulatory-standards-for-pharmacy-published https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/846/future-regulatory-standards-for-pharmacy-published Wed, 24 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT Patients with very rare conditions will be given access to drugs and services not previously available on the NHS, Health Minister Mike O'Brien has announced. The new proposals follow two recent consultations. They will create a new £25 million Innovation Pass pilot which will allow a small number of drugs and treatments for very rare conditions that are not yet appropriate for the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) appraisal process, to nevertheless be considered for use in the NHS. An expert advisory group will also be set up, strengthening the existing arrangements for commissioning services nationally for extremely rare conditions and ensuring that the system is more transparent and robust.   Health Minister Mike O’Brien said, “I am extremely pleased to see support for proposals that will make a real difference to patients with very rare and extremely rare conditions by helping improve access to drugs and services not previously ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/126/better-nhs-access-to-drugs-for-very-rare-conditions https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/126/better-nhs-access-to-drugs-for-very-rare-conditions Mon, 22 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT Recent negotiations between the RPSGB and HM Revenue and Customs have helped to ensure that the membership fee for the new professional body will be tax advantageous to every member. The society recently announced that the full membership fee will be set at £192 for 2011. However, if you earn under £43,875 per annum, with a tax code of 647L (standard code) you will save £3 per month off the member fee (an annual saving of £36). If you earn over £43,875 per annum, with a tax code of 647L (standard code), you will save £7 per month, leading to a total saving of £84 across the year. This means some members will have to pay as little as £9 per month. When the full membership fee was first announced, Jeremy Holmes, Chief Executive and Registrar of RPSGB commented, “Through our regular “attitude tracker” research and the many discussions I have had with ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/364/professional-body-membership-fee-news https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/364/professional-body-membership-fee-news Mon, 22 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT The RPSGB has responded to a Department of Health consultation on draft regulations which will eventually guide PCTs when they are undertaking Pharmaceutical Needs Assessments (PNAs). PNAs are used by trusts to determine what services need to be offered to patients through their local pharmacies. Last year, two clauses specifically on PNAs were introduced in the Health Bill 2009 (now the Health Act 2009). Although PNAs were often undertaken by PCTs before 2009, these clauses made it a requirement for the Primary Care Trusts to: •    Develop and publish pharmaceutical needs assessments (PNAs) •    Then to use PNAs as the basis for determining market entry to NHS pharmaceutical services provision The new draft regulations have been drawn up to help implement both clauses and should go on to further build on them. Heidi Wright, RPSGB English Practice and Policy Lead commented, “We welcome the proposal of developing PNAs but we want to ensure that the development ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/571/rpsgb-responds-to-consulation-on-pnas https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/571/rpsgb-responds-to-consulation-on-pnas Thu, 18 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT PSNC has secured a commitment from Health Minister Mike O'Brien that global sum funding will be robustly protected once it is devolved to PCT level. The Department of Health will introduce a series of measures designed to safeguard this funding for pharmacy contractors. Commenting on these protection measures, PSNC Chief Executive Sue Sharpe said, “We are delighted that our efforts to protect pharmacy funding once the global sum is devolved have paid off. The protective measures announced by Mike O’Brien yesterday at PSNC’s Community Pharmacy Conference will go a long way to ensuring pharmacy’s funding is secure for the next financial year.  We have been working with the DH ever since the decision to devolve was announced, and have continued to raise our concerns with them. “We are confident that these measures will ensure pharmacists continue to deliver the very best service to NHS patients. Any contractor whose income is significantly affected ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/317/global-sum-funding-to-be-protected https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/317/global-sum-funding-to-be-protected Wed, 17 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT The RPSGB has announced plans to establish a new Pharmaceutical Science Expert Advisory Panel, which will offer key advice to the professional body on scientific strategy, leadership, advocacy, assessment and review. Professor Jayne Lawrence, Chief Scientific Advisor, said, “The Panel of leading scientists and researchers will help build a broad community speaking with a strong, united voice on a wide range of critical issues in a consistent way.” RPSGB is now inviting nominations and self nominations for scientists and researchers of national and international standing in pharmacy or related fields who could join the panel. Candidates will be drawn from a wide range of disciplinary and professional settings including social, basic and applied science; industry; clinical/hospital; academia; and community practice. Membership of the RSPGB is not required for nomination and panellists may also include non-pharmacists and non-UK residents. For more detail on the remit of the panel, selection criteria, required qualifications and application process ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/928/new-pharmaceutical-science-panel-to-form https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/928/new-pharmaceutical-science-panel-to-form Tue, 16 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT The PSNC has responded positively to the Health Minister’s latest decision on funding for community pharmacy. During 2009/10, at the PSNC’s request, Mike O’Brien MP agreed to permit community pharmacy contractors to retain an excess margin of £190 million. This helped provide contractors with much needed additional funds to cover a number of specific non-recurring costs. Following a speech at the PSNC’s Community Pharmacy Conference in Birmingham on 15th March 2010, the Minister has now decided to make no overall change to the margin for the first Quarter of 2010. Prices of a number of medicines will change, however, to reflect the inclusion of Clopidogrel in Category M. In his speech, Mr O’Brien reiterated his desire to protect the financial viability of pharmacies and acknowledged the damage that could be caused by removing the excess margin. Responding to the Minister’s recent decision, Sue Sharpe, Chief Executive of PSNC, said, “The Minister’s decision will ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/298/community-pharmacy-funding-news https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/298/community-pharmacy-funding-news Tue, 16 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT The RPSGB has started working with Lion Television on an exciting new BBC2 documentary about pharmacy in the bustling Victorian age. Staff at the Society’s Museum are directly involved in developing ideas for the ‘living history’ show, which is coming soon from the same production company that made Victorian Farm. The series will begin filming this April in a fully-functioning Victorian pharmacy in the recreated Victorian town of Blists Hill, in Ironbridge, Shropshire. The production will feature Professor Nick Barber from the University of London’s School of Pharmacy. He will fully recreate the role of a Victorian pharmacist, adopting period dress while he tests out remedies and medicines which were popular at the time on visitors to the pharmacy. Nick Barber said, “This is a great opportunity to communicate some fascinating facts about pharmacy to a wide audience.  The wealth of knowledge held by the Society’s Museum staff is central to informing ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/571/new-victorian-pharmacy-series-coming-to-tv-screens https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/571/new-victorian-pharmacy-series-coming-to-tv-screens Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and the Appointments Commission have announced the appointment of six new members to the Advisory Board on the Registration of Homoeopathic Products (ABRHP). They are: •    Professor Gillian Eccleston, who is currently professor of pharmaceutics at Strathclyde University. She is also a member of the Chemistry, Pharmacy and Standards Expert Advisory Group and a member of the British Pharmacopeia Commission. •    Mr Andrew Farrow the patient/carer governor of the Salisbury Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. He has been appointed as a lay representative. •    Mr Needleman, a registered community pharmacist and homeopath. •    Dr Gary Smyth, a general practitioner and a homeopathic physician. He is also a member of the Northern Ireland Health and Social Care Board. •    Dr Dominic Williams, currently a senior lecturer at the Medical Research Council’s Centre for Drug Safety Science at the University of Liverpool. •    Dr Alan Worsley ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/605/new-appointments-to-the-abrhp https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/605/new-appointments-to-the-abrhp Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT The Association of Pharmacy Technicians UK (APTUK) has revealed the talented winners of the 2009 Pharmacy Technicians of the Year Awards. Donna Bartlett was named primary care technician of the year for her submission paper on ‘Delivering injectable training on swine flu vaccinations to non-registered staff’. She is the Development and Improvement Project Lead Technician for the NHS Northwest Medicines Management Network in Preston. The other major prize, Pharmacy Technician of the Year Professional Award, was claimed by Karen Pawelcyzk, who works as the Senior Technician for Vaccine Supplies at the Pharmacy Distribution Centre, Govan, Glasgow. Both winners will be recognised at the APTUK national conference, scheduled to be held in June at the Cranage Hall, Cheshire. Donna Bartlett will also get to present her winning paper during the event. APTUK’s President Sarah Wilcox said, “APTUK were again impressed by the high quality of entries for this award.  We recognise the importance of promoting ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/637/aptuk-pharmacy-technicians-of-the-year-announced https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/637/aptuk-pharmacy-technicians-of-the-year-announced Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT Teva UK Limited has achieved Star Status under the Best Companies Accreditation, which annually celebrates the greatest places to work in the UK. Entering the awards for the first time, Teva scored particularly well in the My Team category, which is based around staff feeling part of the company, having fun, and belonging. Teva was also rated highly in the My Company and the My Manager categories. Dipankar Bhattacharjee, Teva’s Chief Executive Officer, commented, “We’re delighted with our Star Status, especially with this being our first attempt at these prestigious awards. We value the feedback from our employees, so we’re particularly pleased to have been rated so highly by colleagues across a number of areas.” Best Companies established the accreditation award scheme to recognise excellence in the workplace. Based on staff feedback, it looks at employee engagement as an integral part of a company’s success and growth, and sets a benchmark ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/718/teva-uk-limited-wins-best-companies-star-status https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/718/teva-uk-limited-wins-best-companies-star-status Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT The new NHS Constitution for England 2010 has been published, replacing the 2009 edition and setting out the rights of patients using the health service. The important document also lays down any pledges the health service has committed itself to achieving, as well as explaining the responsibilities which members of the public, patients and staff owe to one another to ensure that the NHS operates fairly and effectively. All NHS bodies and private and third sector providers supplying NHS services are required by law to take account of this constitution in their decisions and actions. The constitution, which will be renewed every 10 years, is accompanied by a explanatory handbook. Both are available from: http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_113613 https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/345/nhs-constitution-published https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/345/nhs-constitution-published Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT The RPSGB has announced the appointment of Helen Gordon as the Chief Executive of the new Professional Leadership Body. She will join the Society on the 1st of July. Mrs Gordon comes to the Society from her current position as Chief Executive of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. Prior to leading the RCOG for the past five years, Mrs Gordon was Chief Executive of Queen Mary's Sidcup NHS Trust from 2000-2005. RPSGB President, Steve Churton said, "I am delighted to welcome Helen to the Society at this pivotal time in its history. Helen is a highly regarded senior manager who has a clear understanding of the healthcare arena. This appointment will bring skills, knowledge and experience to the new Professional Leadership Body and will ensure we deliver exceptional service to members in all areas.” In a statement, the Chairs of the three national Pharmacy Boards, England Chair Lindsey Gilpin, Wales Chair ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/314/royal-pharmaceutival-society-appoints-new-chief-executive https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/314/royal-pharmaceutival-society-appoints-new-chief-executive Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT The RPSGB has issued a statement following on from the crucial medicines supply summit which was held on Tuesday 2nd March. Jeremy Holmes, Chief Executive of the Society said, “We have been calling on government to take urgent action to resolve the immediate problems in medicines supply since December and I am pleased that Government, manufacturers, wholesalers, pharmacy bodies and regulators have all agreed to work together to resolve the issue. “Around 40 medicines are currently in short supply. At present, the effect of this is being mitigated by the tremendous efforts of pharmacists, who are spending hours tracking down medicines for patients. However, this additional workload is putting huge pressure on frontline staff. “Results of a new survey of our members on medicines shortages are stark. They show that over 70% of respondents are spending anything up to two hours a day sourcing medicines – an activity which takes them ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/301/rpsgb-comments-on-medicines-supply-summit https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/301/rpsgb-comments-on-medicines-supply-summit Tue, 09 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT Actavis is planning to add exciting new e-learning opportunities to its online academy, which has already attracted over 1,250 members since launching in April 2009. The website will now provide pharmacists with training in the Clamelle Chlamydia Service. This is the first pharmacy-led sexual health service that enables pharmacists to provide an oral antibiotic over the counter following the reclassification of azithromycin from prescription-only to status. Actavis has worked in conjunction with genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinicians, sexual health experts and pharmacists to develop the training materials and is committed to supporting pharmacists in offering the service. The materials have also been accredited by the College of Pharmacy Practice (CPP) and British Association of Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH) and awarded the NPA Training seal. Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted bacterial infection in the UK, and is mostly asymptomatic in both men and women. The availability of the Clamelle Chlamydia Service supports ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/396/actavis-continues-to-boost-actavis-academy-online https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/396/actavis-continues-to-boost-actavis-academy-online Tue, 09 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT Linda McAvan, MEP for Yorkshire and Humberside, recently took time out of her busy schedule to tour the Teva UK Limited head office and distribution centre. She visited the centre in early March because of her role as ‘Rapporteur’ for the European Parliament on proposals which should strengthen the regulatory framework surrounding pharmacovigilance. This basically means she will be in charge of steering any new regulations. Pharmacovigilance is the science of collecting, monitoring, researching, assessing and evaluating information from healthcare providers and patients on the adverse effects of medicines, biological products, herbals and traditional medicines. Mrs McAvan toured the Teva distribution centre as well as meeting staff and receiving a briefing from Teva on issues affecting the generics industry. She said, “Pharmacovigilance is crucial to ensuring that patients can be sure that their medication is safe; that systems are in place to prevent and report adverse drug reactions; and that manufacturers use their ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/972/mep-visits-teva-head-office https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/972/mep-visits-teva-head-office Mon, 08 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT Lloydspharmacy has plenty of reason to celebrate after winning two coveted prizes at the Oracle Retail Week Awards 2010.   First, the UK-wide chain picked up the award for ‘BT Customer Service Initiative of the Year’ in recognition of its Online Doctor service, which began to be offered in pharmacies last year. It then went on to win the ‘Best OTC PR Campaign for a Non-Medicine’ category because of the success of its Sex Degrees of Separation PR Campaign, which helped to publicise the Online Doctor service.   Speaking about the awards, Lloydspharmacy’s Managing Director Richard Smith said, “We are delighted that our Online Doctor service and associated PR campaign have been recognised with these coveted awards, and I congratulate everyone who has played a part in this success. “The BT Customer Service Initiative of the Year is a real accomplishment for Lloydspharmacy especially in the face of such strong competition from other major ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/972/lloydspharmacys-online-doctor-scoops-awards https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/972/lloydspharmacys-online-doctor-scoops-awards Mon, 08 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT Avicenna is continuing to go through a strong period of development despite market place challenges, with operating profit rising by 46%. Avicenna members have benefited from a share in over £2 million profit pot, an increase of more than 53% on the previous year.   Salim Jetha, Avicenna CEO, commented, “This is a direct result of both an increase in membership and the sustained loyalty of our members towards our preferred suppliers. There is 20% increase in dividend payout for 2009 over previous year majority of dividends can been converted into shares, which once again demonstrates our members’ confidence and loyalty to the business.”   With more than 1,000 members, Avicenna now represents more than a quarter of all independent community pharmacies.   Salim explained, “Avicenna members are attracted by both the commercial offering and service package available.  We recently appointed Zul Mamon, Director of Membership Services and Retail Development, who is helping Avicenna ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/715/avicenna-continues-to-grow https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/715/avicenna-continues-to-grow Mon, 08 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT Helping a man to stop smoking after 43 years and supporting a woman to quit cigarettes following 15 previous relapses are just two examples where a local pharmacy made the difference of a life time. No Smoking Day will soon be held on Wednesday 10th March and the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain (RPSGB) is advising the public to make a trip to their community pharmacy as the first step towards quitting for good.   Every year thousands of people across the UK use annual event to quit their tobacco habit and this time around the campaign’s theme, 'Break free, we can help', has come direct from the smokers themselves. Community pharmacist and RPSGB spokesperson, Sultan Sid Dajani explained, “Stopping smoking requires commitment and planning and pharmacists are ideally placed to offer advice and information about the support available. “People come to us wanting to quit smoking for so many reasons and we ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/941/smokers-urged-to-visit-their-local-pharmacy https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/941/smokers-urged-to-visit-their-local-pharmacy Mon, 08 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT On 2nd March, the National Pharmacy Association represented its members, the vast majority of the UK’s high street pharmacies, at a Ministerial Summit on the Medicines Supply Chain. Speaking after the Summit, which was convened by the Secretary of State for Health Andy Burnham, National Pharmacy Association Chief Executive, John Turk, said, “The summit was a very constructive step, bringing together representatives of pretty much everyone in the medicines supply chain, including the National Pharmacy Association, to try to address the current problems. There is a commitment from all the participants to collaborate with government, and each other, to ensure that medicines supplied for UK patients actually reach them. “We were pleased that so much time was spent talking about the quotas that have been brought in to try to regulate supply. There seems to be a growing acknowledgement that quotas are a blunt instrument, often causing distressing delays for patients ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/540/npa-welcomes-the-outcome-of-medicines-supply-chain-summit https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/540/npa-welcomes-the-outcome-of-medicines-supply-chain-summit Fri, 05 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT Professor Sir Liam Donaldson has been appointed as the new Chairman of the National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA).   The announcement follows an independent recruitment exercise conducted by the Appointments Commission. Sir Liam is currently Chief Medical Officer for England, a post he has held for 12 years, in which he advises the Secretary of State for Health, the Prime Minister and other government ministers on all health-related issues. He began his career in Birmingham where he trained as a surgeon. Since then, he has worked across all areas of healthcare, including hospital medicine, general practice, public health, academic medicine and health service management.   Commenting on his appointment to the NPSA, Sir Liam said, “Improving the safety of care is a priority for health services worldwide.  The NHS was one of the first to establish a programme of patient safety.  I look forward to helping to make further progress. Quality and safety ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/220/sir-liam-donaldson-becomes-new-npsa-chairman https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/220/sir-liam-donaldson-becomes-new-npsa-chairman Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT A package of tough new measures to ensure that all NHS patients can get hold of the medicines they need has been agreed at a summit hosted by Health Secretary Andy Burnham and Health Minister Mike O’Brien. On 3rd March, stakeholders from across the country came together to look for solutions to the UK’s medicine supply problems. Participants included the PSNC, NPA, RPSGB and BMA. The actions that were jointly agreed between the delegates are as follows (although some organizations still need to formally ratify the agreement): • As organisations representing the supply chain, regulators and Government, we will continue to work collaboratively to ensure that patients get the medicines they need. • The MHRA will undertake a proactive, targeted programme of inspection. • Those who are breaching existing duties to supply medicines, will face the consequences. Manufacturers and wholesalers risk losing their licences and prosecution, pharmacists and doctors risk being called ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/925/tougher-action-to-support-medicines-supply https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/925/tougher-action-to-support-medicines-supply Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT Bayer has announced the date of its annual Newbury 10K race, organised in partnership with Newbury Athletic Club and with media support from Newbury Sound. The charity race will take place on Sunday 30th May, with participants setting off from the heart of the historic market town of Newbury. Andrea Postles, Bayer’s race organiser, commented, “The positive response to past races has been incredible, from both our employees and the public. This is the third year that we’ve held this race and the community spirit and enthusiasm seems to grow and grow! Due to popular demand, we’ve opened the race upto 750 places, available on a first come, first served basis, so I would urge people to enter as soon as possible.” This year, the Bayer Newbury 10K will be supporting Naomi House and “jacksplace“, a children and young people’s hospice that provides support to those with conditions that mean they ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/317/bayer-10k-run-launched https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/317/bayer-10k-run-launched Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT Teva UK has announced the launch of its new losartan potassium film-coated tablets, available in 25mg, 50mg and 100mg strengths in packs of 28.  Losartan is indicated for the treatment of essential hypertension. It is a generic version of Cozaar®? (losartan) from MSD and is available immediately in the award-winning Teva 360 livery, which is designed to aid patient safety. Kim Innes, Commercial Director at Teva UK Limited said, “We are pleased to add this product straight into our portfolio on the first day it is off patent.” https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/314/teva-uk-limited-launches-losartan https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/314/teva-uk-limited-launches-losartan Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT The RPSGB has received glowing feedback after undergoing its first ever audit by the Council for Healthcare Regulatory Excellence (CHRE). Published on March 1st 2010, the watchdog’s audit praised the RPSGB’s procedures, concluding that patient safety and maintaining public confidence are at the heart of the Society’s operations. It also said that the RPSGB processes and procedures operate effectively and ensure that cases are dealt with appropriately and in a timely manner. The independent audit identified many areas of good practice, highlighting how: •    There is good liaison between the fitness to practise team and the Society’s inspectorate which is able to gather information on pharmacists at a local level. This enables an active and pragmatic approach to be taken when dealing with concerns •    The RPSGB gives thorough explanations to people involved in decisions on closing cases •    The RPSGB produces well reasoned investigation reports based on structured templates which lead to well ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/796/results-of-rpsgb-audit-revealed https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/796/results-of-rpsgb-audit-revealed Tue, 02 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT Peer pressure to drink to excess could be all in our minds according to a survey published for the Department of Health in March. A YouGov poll of more than 2,000 English adults suggested that over one in five (22%) people who have ended up drinking more than planned put it down to peer pressure, while 39% of drinkers feel the need to make up an excuse or lie to justify refusing a drink. However, the survey, produced for the Department of Health’s ‘Alcohol Effects’ campaign, also revealed that people rarely mean to pressure others into drinking heavily. The poll found: •    only 1% of English adults who drink, think less of people who refuse a drink or choose to drink less than them; •    just 4% expect their friends to keep up with them when drinking; and •    only 2% admit to piling on the pressure for friends to drink more when they don’t want ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/944/over-1-in-5-blame-beer-pressure-for-drinking-more https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/944/over-1-in-5-blame-beer-pressure-for-drinking-more Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT People with diabetes are at risk of serious harm because of poorly written prescriptions, according to findings presented during February at Diabetes UK’s Annual Professional Conference in Liverpool. Researchers from the Royal Liverpool University Hospital looked at 75 charts for people with diabetes and found that in 5 per cent of cases, the use of doctors’ own abbreviations and hastily written notes could easily be misread by the nursing staff. The audit also revealed that one in six charts (17.3 per cent) carried prescription errors. Some were illegible, a few were not dated and others were not signed by the prescribing doctors (medication must only be given if the prescription is signed by a doctor). In addition, one in three charts did not have the correct timings for insulin injections. For people with diabetes who treat their condition with insulin (all people with Type 1 diabetes and around 30 per cent ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/154/research-reveals-poor-writing-is-causing-prescription-errors https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/154/research-reveals-poor-writing-is-causing-prescription-errors Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT A cancer charity has launched an online petition, aimed directly at No. 10 Downing Street, calling for a review of the current system NICE uses to appraise newly licensed and approved Cancer drugs. The James Whale Fund for Kidney Cancer launched the petition in the wake of a report that revealed the UK's death rate is ‘still around 6% higher than the European average' and suggested a poor uptake of new treatments across the country may be contributing factor to this problem. According to the charity, spending on cancer medicines in the UK is currently only about 60% of that in other advanced European countries and cancer patients here may be missing out on drugs which could be of great help to them. For example, during February, NICE issued preliminary guidance to the NHS rejecting  everolimus (trade name Afinitor & manufactured by Novartis) a new drug for the second line treatment of advanced ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/944/medicine-approval-petition-launched-by-cancer-charity https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/944/medicine-approval-petition-launched-by-cancer-charity Fri, 26 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT The MHRA is offering people one last chance to give their views or whether key information about medicines should published online. The Agency recently commissioned a discussion website to allow both healthcare professionals and the public to give their views on this subject. Specifically, the site has been asking people if they think it would be a good idea for MHRA’s definitive database of patient information leaflets (PILs) and Summaries of Product Characteristics (SPCs) to be made available online. Every medicine pack includes a PIL and this provides patients with information on how to use the medicine safely. PILs are based on the SPCs, which give a description of a medicinal product’s properties and the conditions attached to its use. The discussion site also asks visitors to think about how exactly having all this important information available online, at their fingertips, could benefit the public and healthcare professionals. Additionally, the MHRA wants to ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/652/mhra-seeks-views-on-online-medicines-database https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/652/mhra-seeks-views-on-online-medicines-database Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT Women who put on excessive weight during pregnancy could increase their risk of developing diabetes during the second and third trimester by 74 per cent, according to US research. The findings, published on the 23rd February in the journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, have come as NICE issues draft guidance on weight management in pregnancy and after childbirth. The three-year study of 1,145 pregnant women found that those who are overweight or obese and from ethnic minority groups have the greatest risk of developing gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes is known to be associated with complications in pregnancy and can increase a child’s risk of developing diabetes and obesity in later life. For the study, researchers from the Kaiser Permanente Division of Research in Oakland, California, monitored the women for weight gain during pregnancy before screening for gestational diabetes by measuring blood glucose levels. After adjusting for other diabetes risk factors such as age at delivery ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/702/pregnancy-weight-gain-linked-to-diabetes https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/702/pregnancy-weight-gain-linked-to-diabetes Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT The NPA has responded to the General Pharmaceutical Council’s (GPhC) consultation on Education Procedures and Registration criteria.   The trade association has questioned the remit of the consultation and the proposals, which it believes could have significant impact on community pharmacists, registered pharmacy technicians and training institutes. Margaret Peycke, NPA External Relations Manager said, “The remit of this consultation is vast.  We believe that the consultation would be more manageable if broken down into sections to enable each aspect to be given the in depth scrutiny required. “There are many grey areas in the consultation where it asks to give opinion on vague principles, for example the proposed change from registration examination to registration assessment.   Any changes should be based on a clear rationale and developed transparently, otherwise GPhC risks reducing the number of organisations and people willing to be involved in pre-registration training (from the standpoint of premises or tutors).  If this ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/527/npa-issues-response-to-gphc-consultation https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/527/npa-issues-response-to-gphc-consultation Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) is taking voluntary, precautionary action to end the supply of its zinc-containing denture adhesives because long-term excessive use has been associated with potential health risks. In the UK, GSK markets zinc-containing and zinc-free adhesives under the Poligrip brand. The pharmaceutical company will now transition to using zinc-free versions of all affected variants. ‘Zinc Free’ will be clearly shown on the new packaging. Dr Howard Marsh, Chief Medical Officer, GSK Consumer Healthcare, commented, “The safety of our consumers is our primary concern. It is important for consumers to know that Poligrip Ultra and Poligrip Total Care remain safe to use as directed on the product label. We are taking this voluntary action because we have become aware of potential health problems associated with the long-term excessive use of our zinc-containing denture adhesive products. “These reports are very rare, given that several million people worldwide are users of the products. ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/524/gsk-to-end-supply-of-zinc-containing-denture-adhesives https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/524/gsk-to-end-supply-of-zinc-containing-denture-adhesives Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT The Museum of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society has launched a brand new online resource for pupils at Key Stage 3 and 4.   Health Histories uses primary source material to allow students to investigate pharmacy in the 20th century. Written with the British Dental Museum, the project was inspired by the discovery that both pharmacy and dentistry get little mention in the history of medicine taught in secondary schools. Primary sources are provided alongside activities and questions which bring history alive for the pupils. Sources used include oral excerpts from patients remembering changes before and after the National Health Service was introduced.    The learning pack also features extensive teachers’ notes, providing background information and contextual resources to support the use of Health Histories in the classroom. Briony Hudson, Keeper of the Museum Collections, said, “Health Histories sprung from our audience development programme, and the realisation that teachers didn’t have the resources available to ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/139/pharmacy-museum-launches-learning-resource-for-pupils https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/139/pharmacy-museum-launches-learning-resource-for-pupils Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-style-parent:""; line-height:115%; font-size:11.0pt;"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-"Times New Roman";} The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) kicked off its ‘Lightening the Load’ project at NPA headquarters on 16th February.  A workshop, which was attended by NPA members and pharmacy representatives from across the UK, was held to look at the ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/540/lightening-the-load-workshop-held-at-the-npa https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/540/lightening-the-load-workshop-held-at-the-npa Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT RPSGB has responded to the House of Commons Science and Technology Committee report on homeopathic products which labelled them as little more than ‘placebo’ treatments. First published on Monday 22nd February, the report concluded that the NHS should cease funding homeopathy. It also argued that the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) should not license homeopathic products, or allow their labels to make medical claims without evidence of efficacy. The Science and Technology Committee carried out their investigation by testing if the Government’s policies on homeopathy were based on sound evidence. In the end, it found there was a mismatch between evidence and policy. According to the Committee, although the Government acknowledges there is no proof that homeopathy works beyond the placebo effect (where a patient gets better because of their belief in the treatment), it does not intend to change or review its policies on NHS funding of homeopathy. In ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/446/rpsgb-responds-to-report-on-homeopathy https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/446/rpsgb-responds-to-report-on-homeopathy Mon, 22 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT The PSNC has received 18 valid nominations from candidates wishing to take on one of its 13 Regional Representative positions. As 10 of those were in regions where only one nomination was submitted, each of those candidates have been elected. In the remaining areas there will be an election.  These regions are: •    London North Thames; •    London South Thames; •    South Central.     Election statements are being prepared by the Candidates, and the voting papers will be despatched on 4th March.   More information, including the names of all the nominees, is available from http://www.psnc.org.uk/data/files/psnc_regional_representative_elections_2010__progress_report_18.02.2010.pdf. https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/204/psnc-regional-representative-elections https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/204/psnc-regional-representative-elections Mon, 22 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT One of the UK’s leading pharmacies has issued a stark warning to older women about the dangers of unprotected sex. The Co-operative Pharmacy, which has nearly 800 branches, has seized on the "Conceivable?" campaign, which was recently launched by the Family Planning Association (FPA) to highlight the fact that unplanned pregnancies are not the only issue facing older women. In fact, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the 45-64 age group are also showing a worrying increase, with Chlamydia up 119%. Wendy Lee, Clinical Governance Pharmacist at The Co-operative Pharmacy said, "Any woman who thinks that these problems are faced only by teenagers must think again." "As more adults begin new relationships later on in life, they are not always thinking about the consequences of unprotected sex.”  Research also shows that nearly a third (32%) of 45-54 year olds believe that it is unlikely or very unlikely that they would be at risk of ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/781/the-co-operative-pharmacy-warns-on-sex-infections-danger https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/781/the-co-operative-pharmacy-warns-on-sex-infections-danger Fri, 19 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) is currently developing new guidance on weight management for women during pregnancy and after childbirth. Draft recommendations have already been published on the NICE website (on the 18th February) for public consultation. The new guidance will help health professionals support women who are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or have had a baby in the last 2 years. Specifically it will offer advice to GPs, obstetricians, midwives, health visitors, dieticians, community pharmacists and all those working in antenatal and postnatal services and children’s centres. The recommendations will complement existing NICE guidance on topics like obesity, child nutrition, antenatal care and diabetes in pregnancy. Professor Mike Kelly, Director of the Centre for Public Health Excellence at NICE explained, “In today’s society women are bombarded by often conflicting advice on what constitutes a healthy diet and how much physical activity they should do during pregnancy ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/752/new-nice-guidance-on-weight-management-in-pregnancy https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/752/new-nice-guidance-on-weight-management-in-pregnancy Fri, 19 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT Nominations and applications can now be made for the Practice Research Award which will be given out at the Royal Pharmaceutical Society’s (RPS) Conference 2010. This prestigious award, sponsored by the Pharmacy Practice Research Trust, recognises individuals who have made a significant contribution to pharmacy practice research and have the potential to become a leader in the field. It is judged by the Society’s Practice Research Panel. In 2009, the award went to Dr Darren Ashcroft, Reader in Medicines Usage and Safety, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science at the University of Manchester for his work into medicines usage and in particular quality and safety. Dr Ashcroft said, “The Practice Research Award recognised my research and work over the last 10 years studying drug related morbidity in the UK and its development into a wider European context. Winning this award meant a lot to me.” Typically, applicants should be at the mid-point of their ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/123/applications-sought-for-practice-research-award https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/123/applications-sought-for-practice-research-award Fri, 19 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT A traditional Chinese practitioner today received a two-year conditional discharge at the Old Bailey after pleading guilty to committing five offences under the Medicines Act 1968. Susan Wu, who worked at the ‘Chinese Herbal Medical Centre’ in Chelmsford, Essex, prescribed and sold a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Longdan Xie Gan Wan, to a woman who was suffering from a minor skin complaint in 2003. After five years of treatment, the patient began to suffer from kidney failure, developed cancer and had a heart attack, all of which doctors attribute to the ingestion of the TCM. She now undergoes dialysis three times weekly. An investigation launched by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) discovered the tablets contained Aristolochia, a toxic and carcinogenic plant derivative that has never been licensed for use in the UK and is banned. MHRA Head of Enforcement, Mick Deats, said cases such as this highlight the very serious dangers ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/123/herbal-practitioner-found-guilty-of-offences https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/123/herbal-practitioner-found-guilty-of-offences Thu, 18 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT Over 80% of RPSGB registrants have achieved a rating of “excellent” in the first wave of the call and review Continuing Professional Development (CPD) assessment programme. The Society’s lead for CPD, Janet Flint, commented “Over 3500 records have been called for review since the system went live in July last year. “Not only are we pleased to report the high standards of registrants’ achievement in the overall assessment – over 80% of entries achieved a rating of ‘excellent’ against the review criteria and a further 18% of entries achieved the “good” standard – but we are also pleased that over 80% of the records requested were submitted promptly within the specified time limits.” The Society’s analysis of the data from the first six months of CPD call and review also revealed that: • The average number of entries submitted per record was 15 • The referral rate to the Chief Inspector for non compliance was 1.5% • ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/699/most-pharmacists-keeping-excellent-cpd-records https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/699/most-pharmacists-keeping-excellent-cpd-records Wed, 17 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT The University of Manchester's Centre for Pharmacy Postgraduate Education (CPPE) has announced the launch of a new open learning programme called Older People: Managing Medicines. It has been designed specifically for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in community, primary and secondary care. The course reflects on which members of society are considered to be older people and also what care frameworks and guidelines state they should receive. It examines changes in older people and what impact these have on medicine use, such as putting them at greater risk of having adverse drug reactions. An overview of risk assessment and management is provided. Additionally, the importance of teamwork is covered, with consideration given to who provides care to older people, their roles and how pharmacy can contribute. The programme includes an accompanying web-based fact file on the presentation and management of diseases commonly seen in older people. An online assessment can be taken ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/540/cppe-launches-older-people-managing-medicines-course https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/540/cppe-launches-older-people-managing-medicines-course Wed, 17 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT Responding to the results of a Pfizer survey which estimated that the counterfeit medicines market in Europe is worth more than €10.5 billion per year, the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPSGB) has urged the public to be extra vigilant when buying online. RPSGB Head of Communications Neal Patel said: “Pharmacists are deeply concerned about the sale of fake or counterfeit medicines. Internet sites that offer prescription medicines for sale without a consultation with a health professional are putting patients at risk. These medicines may be fake and individuals could end up taking a product that doesn’t work, or at worst being seriously harmed by it. “People who wish to buy medicines over the net should stay safe by using a legitimate registered online pharmacy. Pharmacists can lawfully and safely supply medicines via the internet and the RPSGB has designed an internet logo so you can check you are dealing with a ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/493/rpsgb-counterfeit-medicines-warning https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/493/rpsgb-counterfeit-medicines-warning Tue, 16 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT The newly-elected English, Welsh and Scottish Pharmacy Boards have met for the first time to confirm Board appointments and focus on future work plans. In England, Lindsey Gilpin and Sultan ‘Sid’ Dajani were chosen as the new Chair and Vice-Chair.  After her election, Lindsey said, “The new professional body is all about a bottom-up approach in which the members drive and inform our activities. “Local Practice Forums (LPFs) will be the eyes and ears of the Board, so we’ve agreed each Board member will be the link for a number of LPFs in their area.  Each local member will effectively have a hotline to the Board and be able to contribute from grassroots level. “It’s also vital we bring sectors together within our profession, so we can benefit from the cross-fertilisation of ideas and best practice, as well as encouraging collaboration with other health professions.  Together we are stronger as a professional ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/846/new-pharmacy-boards-meet https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/846/new-pharmacy-boards-meet Tue, 16 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT One of the biggest pharmaceutical companies in the UK is throwing a cash lifeline to pharmacy students who are struggling in today’s economic climate. For the second year running, Teva UK Limited is awarding cash bursaries to students who are aiming for a degree level qualification in pharmacy or an associated subject, but are suffering hardship. The company’s HR Director Lynda Wilebore explained, “As the UK’s leading generics pharmaceuticals company, we’re totally committed to pharmacy in the UK. This means we’re not only interested in supporting the pharmacists of today, but also in ensuring the pharmacists of tomorrow get the best possible start. “We hope our bursary scheme will make an important contribution to the lives of under-privileged students in the UK, particularly at a time when financial considerations are becoming a prime concern for individuals wishing to take a degree course.” Hammed Anwar is one of the students Teva UK is helping. The ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/524/teva-uk-limited-supports-the-future-of-pharmacy https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/524/teva-uk-limited-supports-the-future-of-pharmacy Mon, 15 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT Numark has announced details of its 2010 mini conference and family weekend, which will be held during spring time at the Alton Towers Resort in Staffordshire. Tony Mottram, Numark’s managing directors, commented, “This will be an opportunity for us all to review key changes occurring within pharmacy, discuss future plans and have fun at an exceptional venue.  With something for everyone, it is set to be the most informative, beneficial and enjoyable Numark Family Weekend yet, one not to be missed.”   The event will be held from Friday 23rd April to Monday 25th April and will start with a welcome buffet on the Friday evening. Saturday and Sunday mornings have been set aside for ‘ASK Numark - Shaping for Success’ business sessions. These will feature special guest speaker Yasmina Siadatan, winner of The Apprentice 2009.   CPD sessions will also be held, covering topics including MURs, Service Development, Retail Excellence, Leadership ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/524/numark-announces-spring-family-weekend https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/524/numark-announces-spring-family-weekend Mon, 15 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT Eighty percent of the patients who took part in the first audit of Medicine Use Reviews (MURs) said their knowledge of medicines and how to use them had improved since the service was introduced. This is just one of the new findings from a national online audit which was launched six months ago and asked for feedback on MURs from Primary Care Organisations (PCOs), pharmacists, patients and GPs. Its results have now been published on the website www.qi4pd.org.uk. Pharmacists from the eight PCOs  which took part in the audit said long term conditions and multiple medicines were the main reasons they undertook an MUR, with the majority of their patients taking 3 to 6 medicines. Eighty percent had then gone on to make recommendations as a result of a MUR. Encouragingly, ninety three percent of patients given recommendations said they were likely to make those changes. The audit was carried out by the ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/765/first-results-from-mur-audit https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/765/first-results-from-mur-audit Mon, 15 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT Alliance Healthcare Ltd has been appointed as a distribution partner for the supply of Metoject® (manufactured by medac) from 1March 2010, under new plans announced in February. Metoject®is a pre-filled syringe for injection, containing the drug methotrexate. It is registered for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and is available in different doses. Mark Stephenson, Commercial Healthcare Director, commented, “We are delighted to have been appointed by medac as a distribution partner for Metoject®. Our Group’s homecare business Central Homecare and pre-wholesale joint venture business UDG have both worked closely with medac as the distribution partners of Metoject® for a number of years and we are now pleased to be extending this relationship to ensure that all dispensing points across the UK can access this product through the full-line wholesale distribution channel.” https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/944/alliance-healthcare-in-new-distribution-deal https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/944/alliance-healthcare-in-new-distribution-deal Mon, 15 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has launched a brand new section of its website for the pharmaceutical industry. The section, which has been developed following feedback from users, provides targeted links to useful pages throughout the site, as well as other content which is relevant to industry. Among other things, it can connect users to the latest news for the pharmaceutical industry, provide them with information about fees and direct them to relevant legislation and guidance. It also provides contact details for the MHRA. The new section is found at http://www.mhra.gov.uk/Pharmaceuticalindustry/index.htm If you have any feedback on this section and how the MHRA can improve it please email webupdates@mhra.gsi.gov.uk https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/796/new-section-of-the-mhra-website-launched https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/796/new-section-of-the-mhra-website-launched Sun, 14 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) is launching a brand new conference which will be held this year at London’s Imperial College over Sunday 5th and Monday 6th September 2010. Carrying the theme “Supporting Patient and Professional Decision-Making”, the RPS Conference 2010 will focus on front line pharmacists and practice. It will also showcase how the Society as the new professional leadership body (PLB) is supporting its members to develop their professional, practice and leadership skills. Attendees will have a chance to learn about the latest developments, improve their skills and network. The event is replacing the old British Pharmaceutical Conference (BPC). The science element of BPC will now be run at a separate conference held by the Academy of Pharmaceutical Sciences (APS) for pharmaceutical scientists, although the RPS conference will also maintain a “science into practice” element. RPSGB Chief Executive Jeremy Holmes commented, “I’m delighted to officially announce our new conference which is ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/699/new-conference-for-new-look-society https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/699/new-conference-for-new-look-society Thu, 11 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT The All-Party Pharmacy Group (APPG) and the Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee (PSNC) have both responded to Health Minister Mike O’Brien’s announcement of a summit to tackle medicine supply chain issues. Dr Howard Stoate MP, Chair of the APPG, said, “It is not acceptable for patients to be put at risk due to drugs shortages. Our priority is that patients can access drugs safely and efficiently and we are concerned by reports that people are unable to access important medicines. Community pharmacists play a crucial role in delivering medicine and key health services to communities across the UK, but this role is now being threatened. Instead of caring for patients, pharmacists are having to dedicate more and more time chasing after medicine”. “We are delighted see that, following our recent investigation into drug shortages, Mike O’Brien has prioritised this issue and is working towards a collaborative solution. Clearly what we need from ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/671/pharmacy-groups-respond-to-plans-for-medicine-supply-summit https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/671/pharmacy-groups-respond-to-plans-for-medicine-supply-summit Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT Health Minister Mike O'Brien has released a statement on the current UK medicine supply problem, announcing that a summit will be held over the issue in early March. On 9th February, Mr O'Brien said: "For months I have been concerned about the potential impact on patients’ health of a small number of medicines being sold abroad by speculators. It is unacceptable that people have had to wait longer than they should have to get their medication. "I have made it very clear that it is a very few unscrupulous people that are putting profits before patients. Rather than selling drugs to NHS patients as they should, they are selling them abroad for greater profit. "I am pleased that the different parts of the supply chain have come together to work with the Government to tackle this and the joint guidance we have already developed makes clear the legal and ethical duties ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/427/health-minister-mike-obrien-comments-on-medicine-supply https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/427/health-minister-mike-obrien-comments-on-medicine-supply Tue, 09 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT Teva is to discontinue all strengths of its Beclazone™ (beclometasone dipropionate) pMDI inhalers − 50mcg, 100mcg, 200mcg and 250mcg − from 31st March 2010. The pharmaceutical company is issuing letters to key stakeholders and wholesalers, advising them that they will be ceasing supply. Beclazone™ is an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS), used in the prophylactic management of mild, moderate or severe asthma. CFC gas is being replaced by CFC-free alternatives under the terms of the Montreal Protocol on substances that deplete the Ozone Layer. Teva is encouraging healthcare professionals to transfer patients to alternative products between now and the end of March 2010. The Company says the discontinuation should not compromise patients’ asthma management as a range of alternative products are available. This may require an adjustment to the dose for certain products. Kim Innes, Commercial Director at Teva, said: “Our main concern is for patient welfare. We recognise the important role played by ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/574/beclazone-to-be-discontinued-from-march-2010 https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/574/beclazone-to-be-discontinued-from-march-2010 Mon, 08 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT According to the PSNC website, new powers, designed to deter personal data security breaches, are expected to come into force on 6 April 2010. From that date, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) will be able to order organisations to pay up to £500,000 as a penalty for serious breaches of the Data Protection Act. When doling out monetary penalties, the Information Commissioner will carefully consider the circumstances, such as the seriousness of the data breach and what reasonable steps had been taken to prevent breaches. For more information please visit http://www.psnc.org.uk/news.php/681/fines_of_up_to_pound500000_for_serious_data_protection_breaches_. The ICO guidance is also available in full at http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/library/data_protection/detailed_specialist_guides/ico_guidance_monetary_penalties.pdf. https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/799/fines-of-up-to-500000-for-serious-data-protection-breaches https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/799/fines-of-up-to-500000-for-serious-data-protection-breaches Mon, 08 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT The Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain (RPSGB) is calling on the Government to protect patients by taking urgent action over the shortage of hospital pharmacists. Around a quarter of junior pharmacist positions in hospitals remain vacant, up from 22% in 2008, and this greatly concerns the Society. They are key staff members, working across all aspects of hospital pharmacy, carrying out clinical work on wards, checking the safety and efficacy of prescriptions and providing information on medicines. RPSGB Chief Executive Jeremy Holmes said, "We have written to the Secretary of State to express our deep concern as a professional body at the on-going problem of recruitment and retention of hospital pharmacists on band 6 of Agenda for Change.  “The importance of hospital pharmacists in relation to patient safety cannot be underestimated, and has been highlighted yet again by recent studies in relation to medication errors by prescribers (2) and in specific areas ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/348/rpsgb-calls-for-action-on-hospital-pharmacist-shortage https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/348/rpsgb-calls-for-action-on-hospital-pharmacist-shortage Mon, 08 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT Swine flu cases remain near their lowest level since the early stages of the disease in the UK, according to a statistical bulletin issued by the Chief Medical Officer for England, published on Thursday 4th February. The bulletin also shows that the swine flu vaccination programme has gathered pace since Christmas, with more people in groups at risk from swine flu receiving the vaccine. Although patients have continued to be hospitalised and admitted to critical care facilities suffering from the virus, these numbers are in decline. However, a substantial number of deaths which occured during the last few months are still being investigated. Key statistics in the new bulletin are: Swine flu cases •    In England, the rate of general practitioner consultations for influenza like illness was 12.5 per 100,000 population for the week ending 31 January 2010. •    There are still 124 patients in hospital with swine flu in England, 29 of whom are ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/925/new-swine-flu-stats-released https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/925/new-swine-flu-stats-released Fri, 05 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT The UK is leading the way as the first market in the world to make tamsulosin an over-the-counter drug. From March, Boehringer Ingelheim’s  Flomax Relief will be available, without prescription, to men aged between 45 and 75 in pharmacies throughout the UK. The drug, which has tamsulosin as its active ingredient, provides relief from lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). One in four men over the age of 40 suffers from LUTS, experiencing symptoms ranging from a frequent urge to urinate (particularly at night) to difficulty getting started. Taken as a once-daily capsule, Flomax Relief begins to work within one week of treatment. Boehringer Ingelheim is offering extensive training to support the switch of the drug from POM to P, including a national road show. Distance learning is also available to every pharmacy in the UK at www.flomaxrelief.co.uk/hcp. Pharmacists and counter staff can access a variety ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/925/first-otc-mens-health-drug-coming-to-uk-pharmacies https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/925/first-otc-mens-health-drug-coming-to-uk-pharmacies Fri, 05 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT The PSNC has issued a response to Secretary of State Andy Burnham's recent speech at the Demos think tank in London. Talking on the 2nd February, Mr Burnham discussed Government efforts to improve public health and wellbeing. The speech is available from http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/News/Speeches/DH_111794.   Responding to Mr Burnham’s comments, PSNC Chief Executive Sue Sharpe said, “I was delighted to see Andy Burnham so strongly endorse a preventive approach to improving public health. As trusted, accessible health professionals working at the heart of their communities, pharmacists have huge potential to improve public health and wellbeing. They are capable of providing stop smoking and weight management programmes, sexual-health screening, and substance misuse services. They are also an ideal provider of NHS Health Checks, with middle aged men being far more likely to visit a pharmacy than other NHS service providers. In some areas, they are already providing these services.   “At PSNC’s recent question time event ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/477/psnc-repsonds-to-andy-burnham-speech https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/477/psnc-repsonds-to-andy-burnham-speech Fri, 05 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT Patients are handing over millions of doses of prescription medicines to family members and friends according to new figures released by Lloydspharmacy. The pharmacy chain’s research has revealed that over the past five years more than 37 million doses of painkillers, antibiotics and other medicines have been given to someone for whom they were not prescribed. Heart medicines, statins, depressants and oral contraceptives are among the prescription drugs which are commonly passed on by patients in the mistaken and dangerous belief that they are doing someone a favour. Lloydspharmacy, which dispenses more than 150 million prescriptions a year, is urging people who have unused prescription medicines to return them to their nearest branch where they can be disposed of safely. According to the research, one in four British homes has some prescription medication which is no longer being taken . Andy Murdock, Pharmacy Relations and Governance Director of Lloydspharmacy said, “You’d think that ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/301/millions-dish-out-powerful-drugs-to-family-and-friends https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/301/millions-dish-out-powerful-drugs-to-family-and-friends Fri, 05 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT The RPSGB has entered a new partnership with Harper Adams University College to provide pharmacy graduates with specialist courses in veterinary pharmacy. The agreement will provide opportunities for closer collaboration between the two organisations, including the sharing of expertise and the creation of joint proposals for research and outreach activities. It will also help pharmacists boost their continuing professional development. Jeremy Holmes, RPSGB Chief Executive said, "This is an exciting opportunity to provide support for a special interest group within pharmacy. We are delighted to be working with Harper Adams University College to raise the profile of veterinary pharmacy through the provision of high-quality specialist courses. "The Society as the new professional body will represent a wide variety of interests and give members the tools they need to pursue and extend their chosen career path. I hope this will be the first of many such agreements as we look to build partnerships ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/878/rpsgb-joins-new-partnership-to-help-veterinary-pharmacists https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/878/rpsgb-joins-new-partnership-to-help-veterinary-pharmacists Thu, 04 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT Following a successful launch last year, Boots is reducing the price of its pharmacy-led cervical cancer vaccination service. The course of three vaccines will now cost a total of £297, having previously set customers back £135 per injection. Boots launched the service to allow women who fall outside of the Government vaccination programme to protect themselves against the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) strains 16 and 18, which are responsible for 70% of cervical cancer cases. It is primarily aimed at 18 to 54 year olds. Patients are vaccinated by specially trained pharmacists, who also tell them about the importance of regular smear tests. In the UK, approximately three women die every day as a result of cervical cancer and it is the second most common cancer in women under 35. The disease causes approximately 1000 deaths per year.   Jane Lyons, Director of The Eve Appeal, which fundraises for research into gynaecological cancers said, “We ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/173/boots-reduces-price-of-hpv-vaccination-service https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/173/boots-reduces-price-of-hpv-vaccination-service Thu, 04 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT Volunteer doctors now have easier access to essential drugs and medications thanks to a new partnership with community pharmacy chain, Lloydspharmacy.   Lloydspharmacy has joined with the charity BASICS (British Association for Immediate Care) to supply drugs for emergency response incidents across the UK.   BASICS consists primarily of highly trained doctors, nurses and paramedics who support the Emergency Services by voluntarily giving up their own time to attend accidents and medical emergencies. They can, if required, anaesthetise patients and perform emergency surgical procedures, no matter where the patient is. Historically, BASICS volunteers have sourced the drugs they need through individual arrangements with hospitals. However, this new partnership means they now have access to a consistent supply of medicines through a dedicated Lloydspharmacy website. Speaking about the partnership Dr Vic Calland from BASICS commented, “We are delighted to be working with Lloydspharmacy. Our members are attending emergencies and potentially saving lives every day and ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/941/lloydspharmacy-aids-voluntary-emergency-response-teams https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/941/lloydspharmacy-aids-voluntary-emergency-response-teams Thu, 04 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT Nurofen, a leading analgesic brand in the UK, has launched a new multimedia campaign worth more than £11 million. It first went live in late January and includes TV, print, online and outdoor advertising, as well as a new-look website, new packaging and instore activity. The campaign has been designed to reveal a new, modern look for the painkiller and reinforce the message that Nurofen ‘targets pain right at its source’. It also introduces a new animated hero for Nurofen, called ‘Nuro’, which was developed by Mother Advertising. Nuro appears in the adverts and also the eye catching point of sale (POS) kit that has been developed for pharmacies to bring the campaign to life in store. The POS includes shelf barkers, wobblers, window posters and strut cards. Select pharmacies will also have branded window displays for an even higher impact with customers. Stefan Gaa, Marketing Director of Reckitt Benckiser, the company ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/139/nurofen-launches-new-campaign https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/139/nurofen-launches-new-campaign Thu, 04 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT Pfizer Limited has launched six new generic medicines for its pharmacy and dispensing customers in the UK. They have been introduced into Pfizer’s Established Products Business Unit portfolio of over 80 off-patent medicines, following on from agreements between Pfizer and generic medicine manufacturers Aurobindo Pharma Ltd and Claris Lifesciences last year. The newly added medicines are metformin, finasteride, ondansetron, paroxetine, mirtazapine and mirtazapine OD for disorders including, type 2 diabetes, benign prostatic hyperplasia, post-operative nausea and vomiting and depression. Their introduction increases the range of high quality and cost effective products that Pfizer can offer to pharmacists and healthcare professionals. Over time Pfizer plans to further increase its range.   Steve Poulton, Commercial Director and Head of the Established Products Business Unit at Pfizer UK said, “Pfizer is committed to ensuring that its generic medicines continue to build on the strong heritage of its patented medicines, which are known for their quality ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/443/pfizer-launches-generic-medicines-portfolio-in-the-uk https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/443/pfizer-launches-generic-medicines-portfolio-in-the-uk Wed, 03 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT People across England recently joined forces to demonstrate their outrage at Gordon Brown's failure to act on his promise to abolish prescription charges for people with long-term conditions, by taking part in a simultaneous ‘wake-up phone call’ to No 10. The wake-up call was arranged by the Prescription Charges Coalition, which is made up of 22 separate health charities including Diabetes UK, the British Heart Foundation and Arthritis Care. On Monday 1st February 2010, large numbers of people with long-term conditions, their carers, families and health care professionals called the Downing Street phone lines. Over 200 confirmed beforehand they were going to make the call. According to a spokesperson for Diabetes UK, some people were put through to a recorded message, while others were able to leave brief messages with Downing Street staff. The Prescription Charges Coalition decided to take this rather unusual campaigning approach because time is rapidly running out for ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/427/gordon-brown-receives-prescription-promise-wake-up-call https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/427/gordon-brown-receives-prescription-promise-wake-up-call Wed, 03 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT Numark has announced a new series of training workshops for pharmacists and support staff, which will be held at 17 venues spread across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland,. Yvonne Tuckley, Numark’s training manager, explained, “Our training workshops are designed to cover topics which add real value to our members and their teams, helping them maintain and build business and offer good customer service and advice.  We attribute the success of our workshops to the rigorous analysis of feedback which we use to refine the content.”   With workshops in their current format, Numark has trained over 5,000 pharmacists and support staff over the last four years.   This time around, the training event for pharmacists and technicians will cover the first POM to P switch in men’s health; Flomax (Tamsulosin), which treats Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This will create a new OTC category, providing an effective and convenient treatment for over 2.5 ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/749/new-pharmacist-and-support-staff-workshops-from-numark https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/749/new-pharmacist-and-support-staff-workshops-from-numark Wed, 03 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT Co-operative stores across the UK are backing the 2010 Variety Club Gold Hearts Appeal, which has been officially launched by singer and TV personality Alesha Dixon. Gold Heart badges, designed by Alesha, will now go on sale in more than 4,000 Co-operative Food, Bank, Travel and Pharmacy branches. Each one sold will help to raise much-needed funds for the Variety Club, which will be used to help sick, disabled and disadvantaged children and young people all over the country. The charity first came up with the idea for Gold Heart Badges in 1991. They are now produced every year, featuring a different design and have become a popular collectors’ item.  This time around, the badges are embellished with Alesha’s signature. Alesha was inspired to get involved with the charity after they helped out with her younger brother, Callum who has cerebral palsy. She said: “I’m honoured to be fronting the 2010 Gold Hearts ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/574/co-operative-launches-gold-hearts-appeal https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/574/co-operative-launches-gold-hearts-appeal Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT The RPSGB has announced the results of a survey which questioned thousands of pharmacists about the importance of original pack dispensing. The Society’s English Pharmacy Board has been calling for more original pack dispensing since the end of last year in a bid to improve medicines safety for patients and to reduce medicines waste. Currently community pharmacies often have to dispense medicines without the manufacturer’s original packaging when the pack size does not correspond to the amount prescribed. Results from the new RPSGB survey suggest many pharmacists see this as an increasing problem. For example, 80.3% of those questioned said not being able to use the original packs increased the dispensing times of some items and 77.8% felt snipping tablets was unprofessional. RPSGB Director for England, Howard Duff commented, “We know the impact that cutting up an original pack can have on a patient’s ability to take medicine correctly either through lost instructions ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/267/thousands-of-pharmacists-call-for-original-pack-dispensing https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/267/thousands-of-pharmacists-call-for-original-pack-dispensing Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT The RPSGB has welcomed the House of Lords approval of the draft Pharmacy Order, which puts the creation of a professional leadership body for pharmacy one step closer. The order was approved on 1st February 2010. It had already been given the go-ahead by both the Scottish Parliament last year and the House of Commons in January.   Jeremy Holmes, Chief Executive of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society said, “I am delighted that we have taken this significant step forward on the road to creating a professional leadership body for pharmacy. With this legislative hurdle removed we are aiming for the Society, as the professional body, to be ready for launch as soon as regulation is transferred to the General Pharmaceutical Council. “The new professional body will have a clear identity with leadership and advocacy at its heart, as well as a full suite of support and development services.  With the new national Boards ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/170/rpsgb-welcomes-the-approval-of-the-draft-pharmacy-order https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/170/rpsgb-welcomes-the-approval-of-the-draft-pharmacy-order Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT Secretary of State for Health Andy Burnham has set out an ambitious new strategy to halve the number of smokers from 21% to 10% of the population by 2020. Announced on Monday 1st February, it builds on the 1998 strategy ‘Smoking Kills’ and will ensure every smoker in England, regardless of their level of addiction or how many times they’ve tried to stop before, will be able to get help from the NHS if they want to quit. It also recognises that some patients will need long-term support to kick their tobacco habit. Since 1998, more than two million people have given up smoking with help from the NHS, including 337,000 last year. Striking picture warnings are now on tobacco packs, the age of sale for tobacco has been raised to 18 and virtually all enclosed public and work places are smoke free. However, although smoking rates are declining, the problem is ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/348/new-smoke-free-future-strategy-unveiled https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/348/new-smoke-free-future-strategy-unveiled Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-style-parent:""; line-height:115%; font-size:11.0pt;"Calibri","sans-serif";} The next steps in the response to the (H1N1) Swine Influenza pandemic have been announced by the Department of Health (DH). Detailed communications have been issued to GPs, pharmacists and social care staff, setting out the Department's future plans for dealing with the ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/925/department-of-health-announcement-on-swine-flu-pandemic https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/925/department-of-health-announcement-on-swine-flu-pandemic Fri, 29 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-style-parent:""; line-height:115%; font-size:11.0pt;"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-"Times New Roman";} Simon Jose, Senior Vice President and General Manager of GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) UK Pharmaceuticals, has been named as the new President Designate of the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI). Simon will take over from current ABPI President, Chris Brinsmead ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/749/new-abpi-president-announced https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/749/new-abpi-president-announced Thu, 28 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT Following on from the news that one in every five hospital patients now suffers from diabetes, Tony Mottram, Managing Director of Numark, has called on the representative bodies of pharmacy to lobby strongly for a pharmacy-led national diabetes service.   In late January the first ever diabetes audit of NHS hospitals revealed twice as many patients than previously estimated suffer from the condition. The audit will be officially published later this year. Mr Mottram commented, “There is an obvious role for pharmacists to play in educating the diabetic patient in terms of disease management and medicines adherence. MURs in England and Wales are one formalised vehicle for doing this and pharmacists should actively seek to target this vulnerable group as diabetic patients are a huge cost to the NHS in terms of primary and secondary care “What still needs to happen, however, is a service for newly diagnosed patients as this is ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/574/numark-director-calls-for-national-diabetes-service https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/574/numark-director-calls-for-national-diabetes-service Thu, 28 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) held its first member event of 2010 in Preston, Lancashire on Wednesday 20th January. The workshop, led by NPA staff, looked at Information Governance and provided members with an opportunity to hear directly from NPA Chairman Ian Facer about his own thoughts on pharmacy business in the current climate. This was followed by a lively Question & Answer session, during which issues like the medicines supply chain, administrative burden and pharmaceutical needs assessments were all hotly debated. NPA Chairman, Ian Facer, said, “The message we are getting from members is that they are under severe pressure at this time, yet they remain determined to continue providing valuable services.   Member events are a good way of speaking on a one to one basis, finding out where NPA can better support pharmacists with resources and also gaining feedback so that we can accurately represent their views to Government ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/718/npa-member-event-2010-programme-kicks-off-in-preston https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/718/npa-member-event-2010-programme-kicks-off-in-preston Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT The Royal Pharmaceutical Society’s (RPSGB) Chief Scientific Advisor has presented work aimed at improving medicines to a neutron scattering conference held in Grenoble, South Eastern France. Jayne Lawrence has been carrying out a study alongside her King’s College London colleagues to look at how more drugs can be made soluble. Giving a drug to a patient by mouth is the most cost effective, most patient-friendly way to administer medicine but it is estimated that 40% of all potential drugs fail because of their low water-solubility. This causes a huge problem as some potentially important drugs don’t reach the market. The aim of the ongoing study by the RPSGB and King’s College London is to understand why certain drugs aren’t soluble and to find ways of changing them so they can be absorbed by the body. Jayne and her colleagues have been using the rather unusual technique of neutron scattering to help them ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/251/rpsgbs-chief-scientific-advisor-presents-new-research https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/251/rpsgbs-chief-scientific-advisor-presents-new-research Tue, 26 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has announced a new ‘open innovation’ strategy which should help it deliver better medicines for people living in some of the world’s poorest countries. Speaking on 20th January, the pharmaceutical company’s Chief Executive, Andrew Witty, put forward a series of fresh initiatives. These will build on commitments GSK first made during 2009. In a speech given at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York, Mr Witty said, “Since I took over at GSK I have been focused on changing the business model for the company to improve performance. But equally important is the imperative to earn the trust of society, not just by meeting expectations, but by exceeding them. “We want to be a company that is truly a partner in addressing the healthcare challenges in the world’s poorest countries, no matter how difficult they are.  A restless company, never satisfied with what it has achieved, but always looking for ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/204/new-gsk-strategy-to-deliver-medicines-to-poor-countries https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/204/new-gsk-strategy-to-deliver-medicines-to-poor-countries Fri, 22 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT Leading anti-obesity drug sibutramine (Reductil), used by 86,000 people in the UK during the past year, has been suspended by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). The watchdog acted after the European Medicines Agency (EMA) recommended removing the drug from all European markets. A safety review by the EMA, involving thousands of patients, had concluded that the modest benefits of weight loss on Reductil were outweighed by an increased risk of non-fatal heart attacks and strokes. The MHRA has advised prescribers not to issue any new prescriptions for the drug, which works by controlling food cravings. They have also been instructed to review the treatment of patients already taking it, while pharmacists have been asked to cease dispensing the medicine. On top of this, patients who have been taking Reductil have been advised by the MHRA to make a routine appointment with their doctors to discuss alternative measures to lose weight. ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/298/obesity-drug-suspended-from-sale https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/298/obesity-drug-suspended-from-sale Fri, 22 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT A leading UK charity that provides medical aid to some of the poorest areas of the world has launched a major appeal to help stricken Haiti. International Health Partners (IHP) has called on companies, including wholesalers, drug manufacturers and large retailers, to donate medical supplies which are desperately needed by people living in the devastated Caribbean country. On Tuesday 12th January Haiti was hit by an earthquake measuring at least 7.0 on the Richter Scale, causing an estimated 200,000 deaths and leaving over a million homeless. The medical supplies required by IHP to help the local population include antibiotics, water purification tablets, bandages, eye drops and analgesics. The charity is also asking for individuals, including pharmacists, to donate money in support of the appeal. This will help cover the cost of handling and shipping the necessary supplies to Haiti. According to IHP, for every £1 donated, they can ensure that over £10 ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/524/medical-aid-charity-launches-major-haiti-appeal https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/524/medical-aid-charity-launches-major-haiti-appeal Wed, 20 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT From now on, NHS organisations will be legally obliged to take account of the rights and pledges set out in the NHS Constitution. Initially published one year ago, this Constitution defines patients’ rights to access NHS services and aims to safeguard the future of the NHS.  Among other things, it gives patients the legal rights to: •         access NHS services; •         access drugs and treatments approved by NICE; •         have a choice about where they receive their care; and •         be treated with dignity and respect. The duty for NHS organisations to recognise the NHS Constitution was first established in the Health Act 2009 and set to come into effect from Tuesday 19th January. Health Secretary Andy Burnham said, “One year ago, the NHS Constitution came into being.  This landmark document gives patients and staff real power to know what they can expect and what they can demand – demands that cannot go unchecked by the NHS ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/975/nhs-constitution-now-backed-by-law https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/975/nhs-constitution-now-backed-by-law Wed, 20 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT The Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain will launch a new workforce census for pharmacy technicians this January. Funded by the Department of Health, the census will provide a ‘snapshot’ of the profession today. It will also ensure the General Pharmaceutical Council is equipped with key data on technicians, such as the areas of practice they are involved in and their working hours. This information will then go on to provide a baseline from which changes and trends in the profession can be tracked, as well as helping the Society develop future plans to support pharmacy technicians. Census forms are being sent to all pharmacy technicians, with an address in England, Scotland or Wales, currently on the RPSGB’s registers. An analysis of the data will be published in early summer, with the statistics available on the Society’s website www.rpsgb.org. Any pharmacy technicians who have not received a form by Monday 25th January ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/891/rpsgb-launches-pharmacy-technician-census https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/891/rpsgb-launches-pharmacy-technician-census Tue, 19 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT To help encourage sales at a time of year when consumers’ pockets are a little more empty than usual, Numark has put forward some helpful tips explaining how pharmacies can attract additional business. Jane Powell, Numark’s consumer brand manager, explained:“Post Christmas, everyone is suffering from a dip in cash flow and with credit card bills due to come in, not to mention the  recession, many customers are looking for a reason not to spend.    “Although pharmacy is the last to be hit retailing-wise when there is a recession as consumers will still tend to look after their health, it is crucial for community pharmacies to capture incremental business which can be achieved by preparing the right retail environment.  This means publicising strong offers using professional point of sale materials and bringing own brand products to the forefront to provide shoppers with a choice of a value offering.  We need to ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/715/numarks-tips-for-beating-the-post-christmas-sales-dip https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/715/numarks-tips-for-beating-the-post-christmas-sales-dip Mon, 18 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT Leading community pharmacy group Lloydspharmacy has opened its 2011 Pre-registration Programme to pharmacy graduates. Applications for the scheme must be received by Friday 4th June 2010, and people who secure a position will start at one of over 1,700 Lloydspharmacy stores in July 2011. This year, the group has a record 350 places on offer. Barbara Sutherland, Head of Capability at Lloydspharmacy, commented “Our people are the most valuable asset we have. It makes sense for us to offer the best training and development around, particularly for those starting out in their pharmacy career. With patient care moving out of hospitals and into local communities it’s an exciting time to be in community pharmacy, and we pride ourselves on giving our pre-registration graduates not only the skills to be an outstanding pharmacist, but also the business and soft skills development that will help move their career forward quickly. They are the ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/398/lloydspharmacy-calls-for-graduate-pharmacists https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/398/lloydspharmacy-calls-for-graduate-pharmacists Mon, 18 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT New research has suggested the introduction of targeted services might help attract new customers to community pharmacy, helping to safeguard its future. At present fewer than half (49%) of UK consumers visit their local pharmacy at least once a month. Yet new research by GlaxoSmithKlein (GSK) indicates that over 80% of consumers would be willing to access services from their local pharmacy. Talking about the results of the study, Kimberley Warren, Senior Brand Manager, GlaxoSmithKline said, “With the influx of online, instore and out of town pharmacies, there is no escaping the fact that the market is becoming increasingly competitive. Successful pharmacists will seek to boost their bottom line by staying ahead of the game; ensuring they use their enhanced role to broaden their customer base, improve loyalty and increase the number of visits made by existing customers.” As part of the pharmaceutical company’s study, a total of 1000 people were surveyed ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/301/gsk-research-reveals-public-demand-for-pharmacy-services https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/301/gsk-research-reveals-public-demand-for-pharmacy-services Fri, 15 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT The Government has issued a long-awaited apology to thalidomide survivors, following on from its announcement of a major compensation package to support victims of the drug. Thalidomide was prescribed to pregnant women as a treatment for morning sickness or insomnia for a short period during the late fifties and early sixties. However, it had to be withdrawn from sale in 1961 after it was found to cause severe damage to the unborn children. Health Minister Mike O’Brien issued the apology on the 14th of January in a statement to MPS, saying, “There are currently 466 Thalidomiders, as they refer to themselves, who are beneficiaries of the Thalidomide Trust. The Government wishes to express its deep sympathy for the injury and suffering endured by all those affected. “I am pleased to report to the House that the government will now fund a £20m, three-year pilot scheme to meet health needs of Thalidomide ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/991/apology-issued-to-thalidomide-survivors https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/991/apology-issued-to-thalidomide-survivors Fri, 15 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPSGB) has launched the second phase of its campaign to encourage members to vote in the English, Welsh and Scottish Pharmacy Board elections by giving them “10 reasons to vote” over 10 days. From the 12th to the 21st of January, a new reason will appear every 24 hours on http://www.pharmacyplb.com explaining why pharmacists should take to the polls. RPSGB Chief Executive, Jeremy Holmes commented, “These historic elections offer members the chance to use the ballot box to shape the leadership of the new professional body, an opportunity we are encouraging every pharmacist in Great Britain to take up. “We have worked hard over recent months to make sure these elections are “front of mind” for pharmacists. However, we are aware that the holiday period combined with the recent inclement weather may have distracted many from voting, by either using the paper forms or on-line. “We are ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/364/10-reasons-to-vote-in-the-rpsgb-elections https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/364/10-reasons-to-vote-in-the-rpsgb-elections Thu, 14 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT Numark has reported receiving an extraordinary number of hits on its secure members' website from pharmacists looking for guidance on the new Responsible Pharmacist legislation.   Over the last three months, Standard Operating Procedures relating to this new legislation, which was first brought in during October last year, have been downloaded 5318 times. Mimi Lau, Numark’s director of professional and training services, commented, “When the new responsible pharmacist requirements were notified, a lot of material was made available for pharmacists - but the documentation was lengthy and our members lacked the time to sift through it.  To help our members adhere to the new guidelines, we dedicated an area on our members’ secure site (Numarknet) to the subject, which includes a summary of what the legislation is and what is required, a template for recording who is the RP and 13 new SOPs which specifically relate to the RP.  To date we ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/126/numark-members-site-inundated-with-requests-for-rp-sops https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/126/numark-members-site-inundated-with-requests-for-rp-sops Wed, 13 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT Numark has issued a response to the Department of Health’s recently announced consultation on generic prescribing. Mimi Lau, Numark’s director of professional and training services said, “There has been a drive towards generic prescribing by PCTs to reduce NHS drug costs for several years and with >80% of prescriptions now generically written, there isn’t much left to change to be frank.  A proposal to change was objected under the PPRS generic substitution last year but following the announcement today it seems to me that the DoH is set on this agenda. Their proposal to allow branded products to be substituted with generic equivalents is feasible, as long as it takes into account that there are some products that need to be prescribed by brand due to differences in bioavailability.  If patients in these cases are established on the brand they should not be changed, for example epilepsy or transplant products e.g. ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/618/numark-responds-to-new-consultation-on-generic-prescribing https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/618/numark-responds-to-new-consultation-on-generic-prescribing Tue, 12 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT The National Pharmacy Association’s (NPA) 'Opening a Pharmacy' Information Leaflet has been revised and is now available for members to download from the NPA website. The leaflet highlights the main issues that need to be considered when opening a pharmacy in new premises or in premises which are not already an existing pharmacy. Topics covered include: Premises registration, Personal control/responsible pharmacist; NHS issues; and Staff. Further useful resources are also referenced in the Information Leaflet. The NPA Information Leaflet can be downloaded from the Document Store on www.npa.co.uk/members. If you require further information please contact the NPA Information Department on 01727 891 800 or email information@npa.co.uk. https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/894/opening-a-pharmacy-information-leaflet-revised https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/894/opening-a-pharmacy-information-leaflet-revised Tue, 12 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT The Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain has made another set of ambitious commitments to the pharmacy profession, which it will try to meet over the next 100 days. Last year the Society launched its first set of seven commitments to pharmacists, divided into 21 separate goals. Most had already been completed by December 2009, although a couple of projects are still ongoing. Through making these commitments, the RPSGB is hoping to demonstrate to pharmacists its vision for the new professional leadership body (PLB) for pharmacy which is scheduled to launch later this year when the Society undergoes a demerger, splitting its regulatory and leadership functions. In total, the RPSGB has set 22 new targets. These include the extension of Local Practice Forums; the launch of a new information, advice and support service for pharmacists; a new online network for members; quarterly surveys to get members feedback and a host of Continuing ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/380/rpsgb-announces-a-new-set-of-commitments https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/380/rpsgb-announces-a-new-set-of-commitments Mon, 11 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT One in five people don’t realise catching chlamydia can affect a woman’s fertility, according to the worrying results of a new survey conducted to mark the launch of a new sexual health advertising campaign.  The Populus survey of 2,000 young adults and parents shows that superficial knowledge and a casual attitude to the most prevalent STI in England could be risking the nation’s sexual health. Last year alone nearly 60,000 15 - 24 year olds tested positive for the infection. The survey found that: • Two thirds (65 per cent) of people don’t use a condom when they have sex with a new partner for the first time • Nine out of ten (90 per cent) don’t get tested for STIs before starting a new relationship, leaving themselves and their partner at risk • More than three quarters of young people (78 per cent) are aware that chlamydia is the most ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/668/ignorance-and-indifference-risks-spread-of-chlamydia https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/668/ignorance-and-indifference-risks-spread-of-chlamydia Mon, 11 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT The Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee (PSNC) has responded to an alert issued by the Department of Health over the high level of medication errors occurring in care homes. On the 6th of January, the alert was sent out through the NHS Central Alerting System (CAS). It called on Primary Care Trusts in England to “review the safety of local prescribing, dispensing, administration, and monitoring arrangements in the provision of medication to older people in care homes” and “establish a plan for effective joint working in the future, including auditing on-going progress”. The alert referred PCTs to a recent study by Professor Nick Barber, from the School of Pharmacy in London, entitled "The Care Homes’ Use of Medicines Study: prevalence, causes and potential harm of medication errors in care homes for older people". This paper looked at a random sample of 256 residents living in 55 West Yorkshire, Cambridgeshire and central London care ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/398/psnc-to-call-for-joint-working-to-reduce-medication-errors https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/398/psnc-to-call-for-joint-working-to-reduce-medication-errors Thu, 07 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT The Chief Executive of the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), Andrew Dillon, has been knighted in the 2010 New Year’s Honours List for his services to health care. He was previously awarded a CBE in 2003. NICE is an independent organization, charged with providing national guidance on the promotion of good health and the prevention and treatment of ill health. Its work includes producing advice on the use of new and existing medicines, treatments and procedures within the NHS. Sir Andrew graduated from the University of Manchester in 1975 and has held a number of senior management positions in the National Health Service, including posts at two London teaching hospitals. He was General Manager of the Royal Free Hospital and Chief Executive of St George's Healthcare NHS Trust before joining NICE as its founding Chief Executive in 1999. Speaking about being Knighted, Sir Andrew said, “I am very proud ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/217/nice-chief-executive-knighted https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/217/nice-chief-executive-knighted Wed, 06 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT Teva UK Limited has welcomed the Department of Health's (DH) recently announced preferred proposal on generic substitution. A three month public consultation on the issue has already been launched. The proposal favoured by DH would allow dispensers in England to switch a prescription from a named branded medicine to a cheaper generic equivalent for a selected list of medicines, with an opt-out endorsement. Richard Daniell, Teva’s Commercial Operations Officer said, "Teva wholeheartedly supports DH's preferred proposal. Generic medicines maintain the same standards of quality, safety and efficacy as the originator brands at an average of 20% of the cost. The UK generics industry already saves the NHS GBP8.6 billion each year(1), and this is the ideal opportunity to save millions - or even billions - more whilst providing proven and effective healthcare for millions of patients across the UK." The vast majority of generic medicines are interchangeable with their branded equivalents. Richard added ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/540/teva-uk-welcomes-dh-generic-substitution-consultation https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/540/teva-uk-welcomes-dh-generic-substitution-consultation Wed, 06 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT Proposals that would allow generic medicines to be dispensed in place of branded medicines in primary care in England have been set out by the Department of Health. A new consultation on the issue has been officially launched, exploring three possible options. They are: • Keeping the current situation. • Allowing branded products to be substituted with generic equivalents but having a list of products exempt from the scheme. • Allowing branded products to be substituted with generic equivalents but only applying this to a selected group of products. In the official consultation document, the Department of Health has revealed it favours the third option, with the prescriber still being able to opt out a prescription from the arrangements if necessary. Although changing branded products to generics will mean, in some cases, a patient’s medicine might look slightly different to the one they were previously used to, the drug itself will of course still be ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/396/proposals-to-dispense-more-generic-medicines-unveiled https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/396/proposals-to-dispense-more-generic-medicines-unveiled Tue, 05 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT Over three hundred of the1,500 babies predicted to have been born this New Year’s day could be overweight or obese by the time they start school unless action is taken, according to figures released to tie in with the unveiling of a new Government scheme. Start4Life, first launched in late December, is a fresh campaign geared towards supporting pregnant women and parents of babies to help them give their child a healthier start in life. It is part of the wider Change4Life scheme which has been running since last year and encourages families to ‘eat well, move more and live longer’. Start4Life will centres around six ‘building blocks’, based on the latest infant health research, to help parents know what’s right for their baby. The blocks are: •    mum's milk – guidance explaining why breast milk is better for both mum and baby; •    everyday counts – information about how each day of breastfeeding ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/590/campaign-launched-to-give-families-a-healthier-start4life https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/590/campaign-launched-to-give-families-a-healthier-start4life Mon, 04 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) has encouraged people to visit their local pharmacy to help them keep their New Year’s resolution of giving up smoking. NPA Chief Executive John Turk said, “Recent research has shown that over half of smokers are resolved to quit in January 2010. Smokers are four times more likely to quit should Nicotine Replacement Therapy be accompanied by support such as that provided in a pharmacy.” The NPA put forward five main reasons why patients trying to kick their nicotine habit should pay a visit to their local pharmacy: 1. They have the Knowledge – A pharmacist has in depth training in medicines and their use. This stems from a 4 year degree course in pharmacy followed by one year of pre-registration training. There is then a final professional exam to pass before becoming a registered pharmacist then compulsory continuing professional development. 2. They are Convenient to get ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/490/smokers-trying-to-quit-encouraged-to-visit-pharmacies https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/490/smokers-trying-to-quit-encouraged-to-visit-pharmacies Mon, 04 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT It has now been100 days since the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPSGB) first announced its vision for the profession’s new leadership body (PLB). The Society did so by launching a series of seven commitments to its members, which had all been developed in consultation with them and aimed to demonstrate to pharmacists what the body will be able to offer to them when it eventually launches. During the past four months a huge amount of work has already gone into the PLB, with many things on the ambitious list of tasks already completed. Members have worked with the Society throughout this period, testing and piloting new services, as well as providing feedback and support on a number of issues. Some of the key activities already carried out include: •    The online CPD recording system has been upgraded and simplified. Online practical support has also been run through webinar events along with provision for 8,000 pharmacists ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/490/rpsgb-marks-100th-day-of-its-commitment-to-the-profession https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/490/rpsgb-marks-100th-day-of-its-commitment-to-the-profession Fri, 18 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT Customers in and around London are benefitting from a 3 million pound investment in the latest automation equipment at the AAH branch in Ruislip. The pharmaceutical wholesaler also installed a new 17,000 sq/ft mezzanine floor at the site, increasing its capacity by more than 50 per cent. Both these changes are designed to help make the branch ‘future proof’. The new automated system in particular should provide customers with a more efficient service and hopefully improve order accuracy. Steve Anderson, operations director for the company said, “AAH has an extensive, on-going programme of investment to ensure we offer our customers the best service possible and stay ahead of our competitors. This huge investment in Ruislip is a sign of our commitment to our customers. “At Ruislip we process more than 8,500 orders per day so it was crucial that we built a future proof system that housed the latest and best technology available. ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/715/aah-makes-ruislip-branch-future-proof https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/715/aah-makes-ruislip-branch-future-proof Thu, 17 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT The English National Board (ENB) of Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain (RPSGB) is spearheading a campaign which will call for medicines to be dispensed to patients in their original packs. This could help improve patient adherence and also reduce medicines wastage. Currently community pharmacists frequently dispense medicines out of manufacturers’ original packs when the pack size does not correspond to the prescribed quantity. According to Howard Duff, the RPSGB’s Director for England, this adds additional steps to the dispensing process. “The pharmacist needs to provide additional Patient Information Leaflets and may need to "snip" tablets from manufacturers’ blisters. We have pledged to understand and address the issue of workplace pressures within the profession, activities such as “snipping” blister packs and finding additional leaflets for patients increase the workload associated with dispensing for pharmacists and their staff.”  “This is also an issue that impacts on patients. The snipping of tablets damages the integrity ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/862/medicines-packaging-campaign-launched https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/862/medicines-packaging-campaign-launched Thu, 17 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT v\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} o\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} w\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} .shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);} Normal 0 false false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-style-parent:""; line-height:115%; font-size:11.0pt;"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-"Times New Roman";} The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has launched useful new guidance advising shops and pharmacies on the best practice to follow when selling pain relief medication. The guidance outlines that no more than two packs of ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/173/useful-guidance-on-the-sale-of-pain-medication-released https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/173/useful-guidance-on-the-sale-of-pain-medication-released Thu, 17 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT Over 65s should take high dose vitamin D to prevent falls, say researchers behind a study recently published on bmj.com. They found that a daily supplement of vitamin D at a dose of 700-1000 IU reduces the risk of falling among older people by 19%, though a dose of less than 700 IU per day has no effect. Each year, a third of people aged 65 and older experience at least one fall, with around 6% resulting in a fracture. This means fall prevention has become a public health goal, especially as the older section of the population grows. Several trials have shown that vitamin D improves strength and balance among older people, while others have found no significant effect on the risk of falling. An international team of researchers therefore decided to analyse the results of eight such fall prevention trials.  Differences in study design and quality were all taken into ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/571/study-suggests-vitamin-d-can-prevent-falls https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/571/study-suggests-vitamin-d-can-prevent-falls Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-style-parent:""; line-height:115%; font-size:11.0pt;"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-"Times New Roman";} An international week of action targeting the dangerous online sale of counterfeit and illicit medicines was successfully launched across the globe last month. INTERPOL and the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) International Medical Products Anti-Counterfeiting Taskforce (IMPACT) co-ordinated 24 countries to carry out ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/972/international-operation-combats-counterfeit-medicines https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/972/international-operation-combats-counterfeit-medicines Mon, 14 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT The Crown Prosecution Service will produce new guidelines early in the New Year to stop the automatic criminalization of one off dispensing errors. Chief Pharmaceutical Officer Dr Keith Ridge recently confirmed the move, which will amend the current regulations, in November. In a letter to All-Party Pharmacy Group Chair, Dr Howard Stoate MP, Dr Ridge said that the new CPS guidance would be implemented while the drawn out process of reviewing and reforming the Medicines Act was underway. The news has already been welcomed by the pharmacy profession, which was left with serious concerns about the issue after locum Elizabeth Lee was handed a suspended prison sentence for dispensing the wrong drug to a patient.  Dr Howard Stoate MP, Chair of the All-Party Pharmacy Group said, “It is encouraging to have such a quick and positive response from the DH, and that Keith has committed to introducing this interim protocol early ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/891/new-guidelines-on-dispensing-errors-expected-shortly https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/891/new-guidelines-on-dispensing-errors-expected-shortly Mon, 14 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT The RPSGB has announced it will be calling on the government to take urgent action to resolve the crisis in medicines availability which is putting patients at risk. The Society’s Council decided to take this step in response to increasing stock shortages across a range of widely supplied medicines for chronic conditions, shortages which appear in recent months to have worsened. Additionally the RPSGB has said it will be formally approaching the government to ask for the urgent establishment of an inquiry into the issue in the hopes of finding a long term solution to the problem. According to the Society, currently over 40 well known medicines are officially acknowledged to be in short supply. These fall across a wide range of therapeutic categories and include among many others, anti-hypertensives, epilepsy treatments, and even some medicines to treat cancer and prevent rejection following organ transplantation. Pharmacists have been reporting increasing and notable shortages to ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/812/rpsgb-reacts-to-medicines-availability-crisis https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/812/rpsgb-reacts-to-medicines-availability-crisis Sun, 13 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT Pharmacist Support, the UK’s leading independent welfare charity for pharmacists and their families in Great Britain, has entered into a new partnership with Action on Addiction. The two charities have joined forces so members of the pharmacy profession with substance abuse problems can easily access help. Action on Addiction is dedicated to working across the addiction field, conducting research as well as providing assistance to people who need it. As a result of the new partnership, Pharmacist Support can build on its own existing Health Support Programme, a confidential specialist service available to those who experience problems with alcohol, drugs or other types of dependency. A freephone helpline will now be managed 24/7 by Action on Addiction. Its team of experts will be on hand to assist those experiencing addiction and dependency issues at any time of the day or night, all pharmacists have to do is call 0808 168 5132. Pharmacist Support ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/314/charity-pharmacist-support-announces-new-partnership https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/314/charity-pharmacist-support-announces-new-partnership Fri, 11 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT A recent survey has revealed that over seven million UK adults may be gambling with their lives by taking fake medicines. The research was released as part of a new, hard-hitting campaign to educate the public of the risks involved in purchasing fake medicines from unregulated websites. Called Get Real, Get A Prescription, it is supported by Pfizer, the MHRA, the RPSGB, The Patients Association and HEART UK. Without recognising the dangers associated with counterfeit medicines, patients are putting too much trust in illicit websites and jeopardising their health. Alarmingly, almost a fifth (18%) of UK adults believe people who sell prescription only medicine without a prescription are providing a service by offering cheaper medicines to those that need it. In fact, more than one in seven of those surveyed admitted to bypassing the healthcare system by buying medicines in this way, a practice which 78% of GPs agreed was putting people’s health ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/637/counterfeit-medicines-campaign-launched https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/637/counterfeit-medicines-campaign-launched Thu, 10 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT Simple hygiene and physical measures, such as hand washing, wearing masks and isolating potentially infected patients, should be given higher priority in national pandemic preparation plans according to a recent study. Research published on bmj.com during September found that these measures can be highly effective in preventing the spread of viral infections. Professor Tom Jefferson and colleagues first demonstrated this in 2007. However, as the current mainstay of pandemic interventions still appears to rest on vaccines and antiviral drugs, the team decided to update their previous work. They did so by analysing the results of 59 published studies on the effectiveness of physical measures to interrupt or reduce the spread of respiratory viruses such as influenza and SARS. The results showed that regular hand washing (more than 10 times a day) and wearing masks, gloves and gowns were effective individually against all forms of acute infectious respiratory disease, and were ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/928/hygiene-and-physical-barriers-should-be-given-higher-priorit https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/928/hygiene-and-physical-barriers-should-be-given-higher-priorit Wed, 09 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT The Co-operative Pharmacy’s business development plans have entered a new phase with the construction of a dedicated generics factory in the city of Tianjin in Northern China. The £20m joint venture between The Co-operative Pharmacy and the Tasly Group, one of China’s leading traditional herbal medicine and pharmaceutical manufacturers, will give the chain total control over its supply of key generic drugs. Completion of the 24,000 square metre factory was marked with a ceremony attended by Peter Marks, Group Chief Executive of The Co-operative Group, John Nuttall, Managing Director of The Co-operative Pharmacy and Len Wardle, Chair of The Co-operative Group’s Board of Directors. Heading the Tasly delegation were President Madame Naifeng Wu and Chairman Xijun Yan. The factory, which began to be built last year, will employ approximately 120 people and is due to begin production next summer after MHRA EU GMP approval. The initial output will be approximately ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/618/new-phase-for-the-co-operative-pharmacy https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/618/new-phase-for-the-co-operative-pharmacy Wed, 09 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT The more weight women gain from the age of 18 until middle age, the less likely they are to enjoy a long and healthy life, new research has revealed. The study, published on bmj.com, found that, compared with lean women, females who are obese in middle age reduce their odds of healthy survival by 79%. Researchers based their findings on comprehensive monitoring of more than 17,000 middle-aged women in the United States. They were specifically investigating the theory that being overweight in mid-life is associated with a reduced probability of maintaining optimal health among those who survive to older ages. Healthy survival referred to participants who lived to age 70 years or older, were free of major chronic diseases, and had good cognitive, physical and mental health. Usual survival referred to participants who survived to age 70 years or older but did not meet these criteria. After adjusting for several ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/941/obesity-cuts-womens-chances-of-having-a-long-life https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/941/obesity-cuts-womens-chances-of-having-a-long-life Tue, 08 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT AAH Pharmaceuticals’ All About Health website has generated one and a half million hits and recruited almost 900 pharmacists, 20 weeks after going live. Local pharmacies can sign up to have their own page on the site, which has been designed primarily to help empower patients to manage their own health and wellbeing. At present it is receiving more than 10,000 hits daily. An intensive consumer PR campaign has generated coverage for the website in titles like Red and FHM, as well as on the GMTV website. AAH Head of Marketing Services and All About Health pharmacist, Ajit Malhi, even set up a mobile pharmacy at major consumer publishing houses to show health journalists how pharmacists run services such as allergy screening and diabetes testing. Mark James, group managing director for AAH, said, “We are delighted and astonished by the success of this. We felt we owed it to our customers to educate ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/590/consumer-health-website-celebrates-major-milestone https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/590/consumer-health-website-celebrates-major-milestone Sat, 05 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT PSNC has submitted responses to the Department of Health consultations entitled 'Greater Choice and Control', and An Information Revolution'. Copies of the responses can be downloaded from the Liberating the NHS page of the PSNC website, which can be found at www.psnc.org.uk/pages/liberating_the_nhs-liberating_the_nhs-574.html.   Commenting on the Choice consultation, Alastair Buxton, Head of NHS Services said, "PSNC supports the proposals to put patients at the heart of the NHS through greater choice and control. Community pharmacies provide NHS services in the heart of where people live and work, offering an enormous range of choice to patients in a highly competitive environment, with no appointments or registration needed. Choice is fundamental to an effectively functioning NHS; but whilst expanding choice is important, it's also crucial that commissioners appreciate the value of the choices already offered in their communities.   "A balance has to be achieved between competition and making the best use of NHS resources. ... https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/781/psnc-responds-to-dh-information-revolution https://pharmacy-life.co.uk/781/psnc-responds-to-dh-information-revolution Sat, 24 Nov 2001 00:00:00 GMT