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Today I'm proud to share with you the statement we submitted to the UK Commission on Pharmacy Professional Leadership in which we set out what professional leadership means to RPS. I recognise we haven't always been clear in communicating our ideas to members and our external stakeholders. Through the Commission, and our own Independent Review of member participation and communications, we are determined to remedy this. We're committed to lead pharmacy in the best interest of patients and the professions. This means that sometimes we will need to take difficult decisions. We will do the right thing for the long term, ultimately driving what's best for patient care. There are some key changes we believe are necessary to fulfil the profession's ambitions. To achieve a more unified approach to pharmacy leadership, we believe both pharmacists and pharmacy technicians should be represented by RPS within professional faculties that capitalise on the strengths of each discipline whilst retaining distinct professional voices. Many of our members work with pharmacy technicians every day and know just how essential they are to their role and to patient care. We feel the same at RPS and it makes perfect sense to evolve into an organisation where both professions can advance their scope of practice, working in alignment as part of the wider multi-professional team. We will develop and implement post-registration curricula and credentialing for all pharmacists and pharmacy technicians working with patients and the public. To do this we will require formal delegation of authority by the GPhC.

The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) Scotland the BMA's Scottish GP Committee has called for improvements to the pharmacotherapy service. The joint statement released by the organisations on Friday (13 January), has recognised that much progress has been made but states that further improvements are needed to fully maximise the benefits of the service. It highlighted the need for better use of skill mix, including more clearly defining roles and responsibilities; improved IT enablers to reduce administrative burden; and further developing a tandem model of working comprising hubs with in-practice activity The two organisations state that inadequate funding and workforce shortages are a real threat to the pharmacotherapy service. They have urge Scottish Government to reconsider its recent decision to reduce funding for training pharmacy technicians. Clare Morrison, RPS Director for Scotland, said: "In the statement, we stress that the use of pharmacists' clinical skills must be maximised.

The UK Commission on Pharmacy Professional Leadership set up by the Chief Pharmaceutical Officers of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales has published its recommendations for the 'future of pharmacy professional leadership in the UK' on Monday (6 February). The Commission is co-chaired by Nigel Clarke, Former Chair of the General Pharmaceutical Council, and Professor Dame Jane Dacre, Professor of Medical Education at University College London Medical School. The Commission proposes that closer collaboration between professional leadership bodies and specialist professional groups as part of a Pharmacy Leadership Council will enable and support pharmacists and pharmacy technicians to meet the opportunities and challenges ahead. The Council will be set up in 2023 to lead the implementation of the report's vision and recommendations over five years. Commission Co-Chairs, Professor Dame Jane Dacre and Nigel Clarke: "The Commission has set out a collaborative approach to transform pharmacy professional leadership and deliver sustained benefits for patients and the public and pharmacy professionals in the UK.

It's time for pharmacists to get their technology forecasting hats on and be selective in choosing digital technologies, commented Prof James Woudhuysen, of London South Bank University, at the National Pharmacy Association (NPA) Conference, Pharmacy Odyssey, held on Thursday (13 October). In a session on 'Healthcare in tomorrow's digital environment', hosted by Fergus Walsh, Prof Woudhuysen opined that digitisation has its merit, but it's quite tricky, and slower than we imagine. "Mechanisation has a digital component that we can look to as a way out of the gloom of the moment. And in dispensing, labelling, prescribing, and many other features of the conventional retail pharmacist, there's a lot that could be done for productivity and automation," he said. Replying to a question on 'where are we at the digital front now and where can it go', Woudhuysen replied: "It's taken 20 years for the electronic prescription. It was Tony Blair, who wanted every prescription electronic. The mishaps on repeat prescriptions and all the rest of it are still quite intense. So, we need to remember that electronics is only as clever as software and then human input into it. There're still many mistakes.

New data released on Friday (July 1) shows how public support has continued to grow despite a lack of progress on the policy front, 15 years since a smokefree legislation in Britain prohibited smoking inside public spaces such as offices, shops and pubs. This was demonstrated by a new report 'Fifteen Smokefree Years' summarising results from the annual survey carried out since 2007 by YouGov for the public health charity Action on Smoking and Health. Around three quarters (74 per cent) of those who participated in survey supported the government's Smokefree 2030 ambition. The report said: "The public are way ahead of the government, and right behind recommendations made to the Health and Social Care Secretary for the forthcoming Tobacco Control Plan by Javed Khan's independent review." Three quarters (76 per cent) support making tobacco manufacturers pay a levy to fund tobacco control and smoking cessation, 83 per cent support requiring retailers to be licensed to sell tobacco, 70 per cent support increased investment in public education campaigns, 67 per cent support warnings on cigarettes, and 62 per cent support making seating areas outside restaurants, pubs and cafes smokefree.

NHS England has urged women to accept cervical screening invites to make it possible to eliminate the disease within the next two decades. Screening using a highly effective test helps detect human papillomavirus (HPV), which is responsible for over 99 per cent of all cervical cancers. Sadly, three in ten of those eligible for screening do not take up the potentially life-saving offer, as shown by the NHS Cervical Screening Programme, England 2022-2023 annual report. The report, published by NHSE on Thursday, showed that a total of 4.62 million women aged 25 to 64 for cervical screening was invited to book an appointment in 2022-23, and 3.43 million attended the screening.

Mental health has become a major concern worldwide and across all sectors,including pharmacy and pharmaceutical industry. The penetration of the issue exacerbated during the Covid-19 pandemic, due to mental fatigue, anxiety and most importantly the social distancing. Therefore, building an environment of trust and comfort is utmost essential to understand and tackle mental health challenges, said panelists in a discussion on Mental Health And Wellbeing In The Workplace, held during the Pharmacy Business Diversity Conference on Thursday (December 9).Talking in context of workplace, Monika Misra, head of Employee Health and Wellbeing, Europe and MEA, said: "We really need to create an environment of trust where we a have the manager, really trying to understand the unique challenges and needs of the individual, but be also ensuring that the individual feels comfortable to open up and have that conversation with their manager."

One evening whilst I was watching TV, my phone pinged with an all too familiar WhatsApp alert with a message preview saying "Can you help". I recognised the name as one of our Titan pharmacy customers who was clearly in a state of panic. I replied offering my assistance and asked him what was up. What followed over the next 24 hours was an interesting case study of how innovative technology can genuinely solve real challenges in pharmacies. Mr P (let's call him that) had booked a locum to cover in his dispensary on the next day so he could focus on his vaccination service. The problem - his locum had just called to cancel his booking (no reason given) and now he had no cover. Meanwhile, he was fully booked with back to back appointments and could not cancel them. He had phoned round his usual network of pharmacists and no one was available at short notice. He was asking if there was anything that Titan could do to reduce his workload and said he had heard about Titan's artificial intelligence module. Unfortunately, Titan. X had not been installed at this site and was not an option at this late stage. Equally, Titan's digital workflow cannot be circumvented so there was no way steps could be taken out of the process.

The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) has welcomed the new research guidance published by NHS England for the integrated care systems. The guidance is said to reflect the benefits of delivering research, for patients, staff and healthcare system performance, including the economic benefits for the NHS. Jennifer Harris, ABPI's Director of Research Policy, said: "This guidance is clear on what good research practice looks like and it's great to see it out and available for the NHS to use. "A research-active NHS delivers huge value to patients, staff and the system itself. We hope that putting this guidance into action will help Integrated Care Systems realise the huge benefits that research can offer, and help make the UK once again a destination of choice for developing the medical breakthroughs people need."

Reckitt has recalled certain catches of Nutramigen LGG stage 1 and stage 2 Hypoallergenic Formula powders over the possible presence of Cronobacter sakazakii. While the products, which are used for special medical purposes for infants, are mainly prescribed, they are also available without a prescription. The precautionary step has been taken after an isolated overseas sample of the product tested positive for Cronobacter sakazakii, said the consumer goods company, adding that a thorough investigation is on. Cronobacter sakazakii is a type of bacteria that can easily survive in dry foods, like powdered infant formula, powdered milk, herbal teas, and starches.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has warned that there has been a continued increase in cases of whooping cough (pertussis) across England since the start of this year. According to new data published by the agency on Thursday (7 March), 553 new cases of whooping cough were confirmed in January alone, compared with 858 cases for the whole of last year (2023). The country is witnessing a surge in whooping cough cases after a prolonged period of low case numbers, attributed to restrictions and reduced social interaction during the COVID-19 pandemic. England recorded the highest number of whooping cough cases in 2016, recording 5,949 cases. As the ongoing rise coincides with a steady decline in the vaccination rates among pregnant women and children, UKHSA has strongly encouraged mums-to-be to get the maternal pertussis vaccine so that their young baby is protected against this serious disease.

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on understanding and managing musculoskeletal pain. This type of discomfort, often arising from an injury to the body's muscles, joints, tendons, ligaments, or nerves, can lead to significant functional impairment and reduced quality of life. In the following sections, we'll delve into the causes, diagnosis, and various treatment options for musculoskeletal pain, equipping you with the knowledge you need to manage and alleviate your symptoms effectively. Consult a Medical Professional While this guide offers a general understanding of musculoskeletal pain, it is critical to consult with a healthcare professional for any pain or discomfort you may be experiencing. Health practitioners can offer a proper diagnosis and develop a personalized treatment plan that considers your specific symptoms, condition, and overall health. For example, the best physical therapists can suggest a variety of exercises and stretches to help strengthen muscles and alleviate pain. Some pain may require surgery, while others can be managed with medication or physical therapy. Your medical provider will work with you to find the most effective treatment plan.

The latest findings from the National Cancer Patient Experience Survey 2022 by QualityWatch, a joint programme with the Nuffield Trust and the Health Foundation shed light on concerning disparities faced by ethnic minority communities in the UK healthcare system. Despite strides in cancer care, the survey highlights persistent challenges in easy and equitable access to timely diagnosis and quality communication, particularly for individuals from Mixed, Black, or Asian backgrounds. Key insights from the survey underscored that individuals from ethnic minority groups often require a higher number of interactions with healthcare professionals before receiving a cancer diagnosis. Notably, one in three people from Mixed, Black, or Asian ethnicities needed three or more visits to a GP practice, compared to the average of one in five across the population. These delays in diagnosis can have significant implications for treatment outcomes and overall patient experience. Moreover, the survey revealed concerning trends regarding the quality of communication following a cancer diagnosis among ethnic minority patients.

With 118 new cases confirmed by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), the total number of measles cases reported in England since 1 October 2023 has gone up to 465. According to the latest data published by the agency, West Midlands continues to see a disproportionately high rate of infections, with a sharp rise in case numbers over the last six weeks, mainly driven by cases in Birmingham. In England, there were 17 laboratory-confirmed measles cases in October, 42 in November, 161 in December, 240 in January 2024. Five more cases were confirmed last week, according to the measles statistics updated by UKHSA on 8 February. More than 70 per cent (329 of 465) of total confirmed cases were reported from the West Midlands, 13 per cent (62 of 465) from London, seven per cent (32 of 465) in Yorkshire and The Humber, and the remaining cases from other regions of England.

In many rural areas and underserved neighborhoods, a critical issue is quietly emerging. Although often overlooked, its effects are extensive and significant. Countless individuals in these communities do not have sufficient access to dental care, confronting a harsh reality where a minor toothache can develop into a severe problem. This situation impacts more than just oral health; it also affects general well-being, job prospects, and even self-confidence. Recent studies reveal a startling picture of dental health disparities in these areas. Studies show that individuals residing in rural areas face a higher risk of tooth loss due to untreated decay and gum disease when compared to those living in urban areas with better access to dental care. Children miss school and adults miss work due to preventable dental problems. These statistics paint a bleak portrait of a healthcare gap that demands our immediate attention. Good dental health is not a luxury; it's a fundamental component of a healthy life. It contributes to our overall well-being, playing a role in preventing chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease. The consequences of neglecting oral health can be devastating, leading to pain, infection, and even systemic health issues.

It has been discovered that chemicals and preservatives used in the preservation of canned meat, fish and even fruits, like apples, to give them longer shelf life are toxic to the body and help fibroid growth in women. Also, it has equally been revealed by fertility experts that fertility boosting medications or anything that is high in estrogen will cause fibroid to grow.

"Advances in scientific research have deepened our understanding of the intricate relationship between genetics and cancer. The field of oncogenetics has emerged, shedding light on how genetic factors influence cancer development, progression and response to treatment..." Learn More Here:https://dr-sanjoy-mandal.blogspot.com/2023/06/exploring-role-of-genetics-in-cancer.html