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The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) will introduce new arrangements for the setting of Drug Tariff Category A reimbursement prices from April 2024. Driven by ministers, DHSC's decision aims to equalise access to margin on Category A medicines and it's part of a series of drug reimbursement reforms proposed by the department following a public consultation in 2019. Currently, prices of medicines in Category A are subject to monthly adjustment. From 1 April 2024, these will be updated quarterly based on sales and volume data obtained by DHSC under the Health Service Products (Provision and Disclosure of Information) Regulations 2018. The transition will conclude in July 2025 when the reimbursement prices will be exclusively determined by the new method. Advance notice for contractors regarding the 'new arrangements' has been outlined on the NHSBSA website. However, Community Pharmacy England (CPE) did not support the introduction of the changes at this time as pharmacies are currently grappling with "wider challenges" and there is uncertainty about the potential impact of these changes on the already "turbulent" medicines supply chain

Derriford Hospital is set to move its outpatient pharmacy to a bigger unit, which will be twice as big as the current size. The new pharmacy, due to open in Spring 2024, is located adjacent to the hospital's on-site Costa Coffee shop in the multistorey car park building. University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust said work is ongoing on the new 155 square metres pharmacy, but measures such as covered seating has been implemented. Additionally, the pharmacy's opening times would be extended during the weekends to benefit patients who are unable to attend during the week, the Trust said, noting that demand for its services has grown by 25 per cent. Kandarp Thakkar, Chief Pharmacist & Clinical Director of Medicines Optimisation, said the pharmacy serves thousands of outpatient appointments each week.

The NHS's latest report on ambulance services in England for March 2024 reveals significant progress in response times for emergency calls across all categories compared to recent months. The Ambulance Quality Indicators (AQI) Statistical Note, released in April, underscores both improvements and persistent challenges within the sector. Recent figures obtained from the Liberal Democratic party suggest ongoing struggles with response times, particularly for category two patients, which may include individuals experiencing strokes or heart attacks requiring a response within 18 minutes. Similarly, in November last year, ambulance waits for category 2 calls surged to their highest level since December 2022, reaching 93 minutes, after dropping to 32 minutes in January 2023 according to the British Heart Foundation. However, according to the latest statistical figures obtained from AQI, March 2024 witnessed the shortest average response times for all four categories of emergency calls since August 2023.

Pharmacy owners can make their claims for February Pharmacy First consultations until 5pm on Friday 15 March 2024, the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) announced on Monday. The deadline for Pharmacy First submission was extended following a technical issue in the NHSBSA Manage Your Service (MYS) portal, which led to the claims appearing incorrectly in the portal. The NHSBSA has been working with suppliers and NHS England to investigate and address the problem. While the problem has been resolved, the NHSBSA has advised pharmacy owners to check their submissions carefully before submitting. If any issues persist, they are advised to contact their Pharmacy First IT system supplier helpdesk to escalate the matter and not to confirm their claims in MYS until the issue has been resolved. Pharmacy owners are informed that the extended deadline is for February only and it includes any consultations completed on 31 January 2024.

Period problems, women's health research and support for domestic and sexual abuse victims are among the government's priorities for women's health in 2024, which Health Secretary Victoria Atkins announced at the Women's Health Summit on Wednesday. Organised in central London, the event marked the second year of the landmark Women's Health Strategy for England. Victoria joined women's health champions to celebrate successes of strategy's first year and outlined plans for coming year, which also include improving maternity care and support for mothers who suffer birth trauma. Successes achieved over the strategy's first 12 months include reducing the cost of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for nearly half a million women and the rollout of specialist women's health hubs in every local health area. A new dedicated women's health section of the NHS website was also created, providing updated information, advice and practical resources for women's health across the life course.

Pharmacy sales specialist, Hutchings Consultants has revealed its market predictions for the next 12 months in a new report. The broker is anticipating that both independent group operators and corporate owners will continue to reassess their existing portfolios in 2024, making strategic disposals of varying sizes. "This is likely to result in transaction volumes remaining high for the foreseeable future," stated the report authored by Paul Steet, Associate Director, Hutchings Consultants. Community Pharmacy Contractual Framework negotiations will be the most notable opportunity for the sector to capitalise upon this year, the broker said, adding that it's "a belated opportunity for the sector to secure a vital uplift to the contract's fixed global sum."

Professor Ryan Donnelly, esteemed for his groundbreaking contributions to pharmaceutical science, has been awarded the prestigious Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) Harrison Memorial Medal for 2024. This distinguished accolade, presented in honour of the renowned pharmaceutical chemist Col EF Harrison, serves as a testament to Professor Donnelly's exceptional achievements. Currently holding the position of Chair in Pharmaceutical Technology at Queen's University Belfast's School of Pharmacy and Director of Research, Professor Donnelly has garnered acclaim for his pioneering work in developing advanced polymeric drug delivery systems. Specialising in transdermal and intradermal drug delivery methodologies, his research aims at optimising patient outcomes through innovative pharmaceutical technologies.

Superdrug is bolstering its physical presence by launching 25 new stores this year as it celebrates its 60th year on the British high street. Additionally, the health and beauty retailer has announced plans to extend seven of its existing branches and refit another 60 throughout 2024. However, the retailer has confirmed the locations for only four upcoming stores - Wheatley Centre Shopping Parkin Doncaster, St David's Centre in Cardiff, Bluewater Shopping Centre and Westfield Stratford City. As reported by Mirror, the Donacaster site is expected to open by the end of this month, followed by the relocation of its existing Cardiff store to a new 11,3000 sq. ft space shortly thereafter. Superdrug is also shifting its Westfield Stratford City store, doubling its size to 9,892 sq. ft. Likely to be opened in the summer, it will be one of the retailer's biggest stores.

The UK Parliament is preparing for a significant reshuffling of select committee Chairs, a process that will shape the direction of parliamentary oversight for the coming term. The temporary hiatus after May 30 due to the general election on 4 July 2024, will resume as a Liberal Democrat MP will serve as the next chair of the health and social care committee (HSCC). Among the most critical positions up for election is the Chair of the Health and Social Care Select Committee, which has been allocated to the Liberal Democrats. As votes are casted to select an MP and the parliamentary landscape settles, attention is turning to what this means for the future of health policy in the UK. Liberal Dems manifesto, released during the general election that took place in July, outlined a vision for a more equitable and sustainable healthcare system, with a focus on enhancing accessibility and patient rights.

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has announced adjustments to the reimbursement rates for several Aptamil products dispensed earlier this year, following a pricing error that left pharmacies out of pocket. The changes, which apply to products dispensed between January and April 2024, come after Community Pharmacy England (CPE) raised concerns about discrepancies in the pricing data used by the NHS. The issue stemmed from recent price increases by Nutricia Ltd, the manufacturer of Aptamil, which were not reflected in the NHS Dictionary of Medicines and Devices (dm+d). To address the shortfall, the DHSC has retrospectively increased the reimbursement prices for the following Aptamil products: - Aptamil Anti-Reflux powder (800g): From £14.29 to £16.08 - Aptamil Comfort milk (800g): From £14.29 to £16.08 - Aptamil First milk powder (200ml): From £0.92 to £1.06 - Aptamil Follow On milk (200ml): From £0.92 to £1.06 - Aptamil Lactose Free powder (400g): From £7.70 to £8.39 These changes, effective from January 2024, are intended to ensure that pharmacies are appropriately reimbursed for the cost of these products.

The Galien Foundation recently announced the winners of the 2024 Prix Galien UK Awards, with the University of Oxford receiving accolades for its groundbreaking contributions to public sector innovation through the PRINCIPLE and PANORAMIC Trials. These trials, spearheaded by Oxford's team of experts, have set a new standard for scientific innovation aimed at improving global health outcomes. Led by University of Oxford, the PRINCIPLE and PANORAMIC Trials epitomize a remarkable collaboration aimed at combating the COVID-19 pandemic.

Community Pharmacy England (CPE) has notified pharmacy teams that starting 1 August 2024, three Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) medicines will be discontinued and will no longer be covered under the NHS HRT Prescription Prepayment Certificate (HRT PPC) scheme. These are Bedol® 2mg tablets, Climanor® 5mg tablets and Clinorette® tablets. Since Climanor® 5mg tablets have been discontinued, Medroxyprogesterone 5mg tablets will also be removed from the HRT PPC list, as this generic product is no longer available as a licensed HRT medicine. The CPE also noted that Provera® 5mg tablets, being an unlicensed HRT medicine, are not covered by the HRT PPC. Pharmacy staff are advised to check the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) website for the most current list of HRT medicines covered by the HRT PPC. The CPE has updated its HRT PPC medicines list to reflect these changes, which will also be updated in Part XVI of the August 2024 Drug Tariff.

The #AskAboutAsthma annual campaign, led by NHS England - London's Babies, Children and Young People programme, is returning for its eighth year with a focus on promoting simple changes that can make a big difference to people living with asthma. Scheduled to take place from 9-15 September, this year' campaign aims to address broader factors such as vaping, air quality, housing conditions, and mould to ensure every child and young person in London with asthma receives the support and tools necessary to manage their condition effectively. Pharmacists are encouraged to support the 2024 #AskAboutAsthma campaign, themed "helping children and young people with asthma to live their best lives." They can contribute to the campaign in various ways, including: Offering inhaler technique checks to all children and young people with asthma. Identifying children and young people who are not regularly collecting their preventer medication and communicating this to their GP practice. Identifying children and young people who are collecting large amounts of reliever medication and communicating this to their GP practice.

The General Pharmaceutical Council is in the process of appointing five new council members within the next two years, coinciding with the conclusion of the current members' terms. The regulator aims to recruit five individuals from diverse professional and personal backgrounds for its governing council, the GPhC has said. "We are seeking three members to join us in April 2024 and two in April 2025," said GPhC in its job advertisement brief. "For the 2024 intake, two of the new council members must be lay members of the public, while one must be a Saxton . Moreover, at least one out of the three must primarily reside or work wholly or mostly in Wales. As for the new members commencing in 2025, one must be a lay member, and the other must be a registrant member." The members will be initially appointed for a three-year term, with the option to extend their position for a maximum of eight years, GPhC added. The council, which serves as the regulator's governing body, currently comprises 14 members. Half of the council consists of lay members, who bolster public confidence and infuse novel viewpoints into the GPhC, as highlighted by the regulator. "This council will play a pivotal role in shaping the regulatory body's future strategic goals," the regulator added. "These members must contribute positively to patients and society, ensuring the benefits of secure and efficient pharmacy care."

Pharmacists on the temporary register will be automatically removed on April 1, unless they have applied to rejoin the permanent register, the General Pharmaceutical Council has said. The government asked the GPhC and other pertinent health professional regulators to close temporary registers by March 31, 2024. According to the GPhC, this decision is based on the anticipation that the emergency conditions justifying the establishment of these temporary registers will cease after the approaching winter. The temporary register was established after the Health and Social Care Secretary asked the Council to utilise its emergency powers to swiftly register pharmacy professionals for their essential role in the national COVID-19 response. Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians who had previously opted to withdraw from the GPhC register or failed to renew their registration are now eligible for immediate re-registration, the regulator added.

A new report commissioned by the National Pharmacy Association (NPA) has revealed harsh financial realities faced by community pharmacies in England. The report by Professor David Taylor of University College London warned that 1000s of community pharmacy closure might take place by 2024 in England if the sector was not supported with additional funds. At the launch of the report titled 'Protecting UK Public Interests in NHS Community Pharmacy', Prof Taylor said: "There will be several 1,000s of closures over the next few years unless we take appropriate action, which doesn't mean to pour money all over it, but it is to fund appropriately when necessary. "At the moment, if we got a partial collapse in the pharmacy network it would disrupt medicine supply and increase health inequalities… For me, it's missing out on the future development of better and more accessible care, which would be the tragedy of reducing, harming and damaging the pharmacy network unnecessarily."

The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) has proposed a 7.5 per cent increase in all fees for pharmacies, pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and foundation trainees, including those for registration and renewal from April 2024. According to the GPhC's proposal the pharmacist renewal fee would increase by £19 from £257 to £276; the pharmacy technician renewal fee would increase by £9 from £121 to £130 and the pharmacy premises renewal fee would increase by £27 from £365 to £392 Any changes would be effective from April 2024, which means fees will remain at current levels for this financial year, giving registrants and applicants time to prepare for any increase in subsequent years. Fees have been frozen for the last two years (2022 and 2023) to help reduce pressure on both pharmacy professionals and pharmacy owners. Chief Executive, Duncan Rudkin, said: "In the last few years, we have been able to avoid raising many of these fees by improving our efficiency and by using our financial reserves to cover any gap between our income and our outgoings. While we are continuing to look for ways to make savings, we now have to consider increasing fees.

Community Pharmacy England (CPE) CEO, Janet Morrison said that the negotiations for the £645 million investment pledged to community pharmacies in 2023-25 have concluded. The government's primary care recovery plan is to be announced in a "few weeks" and negotiations for the Community Pharmacy Contractual Framework (CPCF) from April 2024 will begin. She said: "We have finished the substantive discussions on the recovery plan but detailed discussions about implementation are ongoing and we are awaiting final clearance from the Government and the NHS. "We hope that we will be in a position to make an announcement in the next few weeks and that negotiations on the CPCF from April 2024 will commence soon after that." Morrison reminded attendees that the Primary Care Recovery Plan is "to improve access to primary care by investing £645 million over the remainder of the year".

Duncan Rudkin, the CEO of the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhc) has highlighted the importance of strengthening pharmacy governance to provide clarity around how pharmacies are organised and managed. This will ensure that patients and the public continue to receive safe and effective pharmacy care, he said while speaking at the annual Sigma Conference in London on Sunday (5 November). According to him, there could be rules that outlined the essential roles and responsibilities of responsible pharmacists, and professional standards for responsible pharmacists, superintended pharmacists and chief pharmacists. He also announced that the GPhC will be shortly launching a consultation to integrate a new set of standards for the statutory role of hospital chief pharmacists "which up until recently has never been recognised in law." It is expected to be launched by early January 2024. However, Duncan, emphasised that they cannot start the work on standards for responsible and superintendent pharmacists until they know the government plans in relation to supervision. "Because of course, the responsible pharmacists' regime, and the supervision regime are in many ways intertwined, and can't certainly be looked at separately.

More than 1.5 million courses of Pfizer's COVID-19 antiviral drug Paxlovid have expired unused in European countries by the end of November, the health analytics firm Airfinty has revealed. It is predicted that the figure could surge to 3.1 million, at a value of $2.2 billion (around £1.73 billion), by the end of Feb 2024. According to Airfinty analysis, Britain has the highest unused stock, with an estimated one million expired drug courses worth $700 million (over £550 million). With 2.2 million courses estimated to expire unused by the end of June 2024 due to the low prescription of the antiviral in the country, the total drug value wasted in the UK could reach $1.5 billion (£1.1 billion), the report added.