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.
Healthcare reform emerged as a cornerstone of the Labour Party's manifesto leading up to the recent general election. A standout pledge was the establishment
of a Community Pharmacist Prescribing Service, aimed at granting pharmacists independent prescribing rights where clinically suitable. This initiative is seen as a
positive step in addressing critical challenges within the National Health Service (NHS).
Numark Chairman Harry McQuillan praised Labour's recognition of pharmacists' role in patient care through expanded prescribing rights.
"Let's be honest, pharmacists are an underutilised resource within the healthcare system. We possess extensive training and expertise, yet our full potential
hasn't always been acknowledged.
"By harnessing pharmacists expanded prescribing rights, Labour is acknowledging our significant role in patient care. This initiative aims to recognise our skills
and enhance patient care, ensuring quicker access to necessary treatments," he said.
However, he pointed out that the concept requires further exploration, as the rights to prescribe are already granted through the recent change to undergraduate
training that incorporates prescribing.
Whether it's the effects of the coronavirus pandemic and those suffering with long Covid, or the financial pressures of rising living costs, these hard times
can affect absolutely anyone's mental health.
Mental health problems have worsened across all age-groups in the last few years, from lack of social interaction, unexpected bereavements or the significant impact
of a physical injury or long-term illness taking its toll on mental wellbeing - these challenging experiences and situations that we face throughout life leave a
big strain on the population.
Ultimately, there is an urgent need to reduce rising levels of mental ill-health in our society. As a pharmacist with 25 years' experience in healthcare, I feel I
have an obligation to my patients to support them with their healthcare needs, and mental health should be treated just the same as physical health.
Despite efforts to improve NHS mental health services, patients may still not be receiving the appropriate immediate care as they are often provided with online
counselling or an App for long-term support (online support introduced since the pandemic).
Community pharmacists are in a unique position to be advocates for patients with mental illness as they are the healthcare professionals' patients see most often.
This is a good opportunity for pharmacists to speak to patients face-to-face and give them advice in a more practical way rather than potentially waiting weeks for
an GP appointment.
The UK must act swiftly to fend off competition if it wants to build the world's leading life sciences sciences hub, a new report suggests.
A year on from the launch of the government's life science vision, the report commissioned by the the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry said
although achieving the ambition remained feasible, the UK would need an attractive business environment because its competitor countries were becoming more adept
at attracting investment.
To achieve the ambition of the vision, the PwC-produced report suggested raising pharmaceutical R&D investment in the UK to build a 'stronger manufacturing and
research infrastructure', alongside better investment in, access to and uptake of innovative medicines.
It said the UK would also need to adopt a renewed approach to the priority healthcare challenges identified in the government's 'Life Science Vision', which would
mean cutting the overall burden on health of dementia, cancer, cardiovascular and respiratory disease and mental health.
The report quantified the size of the prize if the vision was implemented in full and the UK could emulate the successes of leading EU countries, which included:
£68 billion in additional GDP over 30 years, owing to increased R&D investment
£16.3 billion additional annual GDP from increased pharmaceutical exports
Supporting 85,000 additional jobs
Up to 40 per cent decrease in disease burden across the whole UK - for areas like cardiovascular disease, mental health conditions and Cancer.
Reduced variation in speed of access to new medicines within three months of licensing for all NHS patients.
Sensodyne, the No.1 dentist recommended toothpaste brand for sensitive teeth is relaunching its Sensitivity & Gum range with an improved formula and
revitalised packaging. Available in two variants - Mint and Whitening - the range's dual action formula is clinically proven to protect sensitive teeth and improve
gum health.
Based on a sample survey from across the GB, of those that suffer from gum conditions, 71% claim to also have sensitive teeth[1]. Figures in 2022 showed that 90% of
dental practices were unable to take on new adult NHS patients[2], making it challenging for adults to get support or advice from their dentist on these concerns.
This shows a clear market need for a multi-purpose product which offers dual action to for sensitive teeth and gum problems.
The relaunched Sensitivity & Gum range features a new Micro Foam formula which targets and removes plaque bacteria. With twice daily brushing, the formulation reaches
the areas in between the teeth and along the gumline. It also builds a protective layer over sensitive areas of the teeth for daily repair, and the mint flavour
gives a soothing sensation. For consumers looking for whitening benefits, the Sensitivity & Gum Whitening formulation not only helps protect sensitive teeth but
helps to remove stains for whiter looking teeth resulting in a healthy and confident smile.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has approved a second "bivalent" vaccine as a Covid-19 booster.
The updated booster vaccine made by Pfizer/BioNTech, targeting two coronavirus variants, has been approved for use in individuals aged 12 years and above.
In each dose of the booster vaccine, 'Comirnaty bivalent Original/Omicron', half of the vaccine (15 micrograms) targets the original virus strain and the other
half (15 micrograms) targets Omicron (BA.1).
Dr June Raine, MHRA chief executive said: "I am pleased to announce that we now have a second approved vaccine for the UK Autumn booster programme. The clinical
trial of the Pfizer/BioNTech bivalent vaccine showed a strong immune response against the Omicron BA.1 variant as well as the original strain.
Bivalent vaccines are helping us to meet the challenge of an ever-evolving virus, to help protect people against Covid-19 variants. We have in place a comprehensive
safety surveillance strategy for all UK-approved Covid-19 vaccines, and this will include the updated booster we approved today."
Online vape store GoSmokeFree analysed data from NHS Stop Smoking Service in England from April to September 2023 to determine the number of individuals
in each of the nine UK regions who reported successfully quitting smoking after setting a quit date.
The findings showed that the South East has the highest number of successful quitters, with 1,226 smokers per 100,000 reporting to have given it up.
The Isle of Wight is the most successful area to quit smoking in the South East with 3,124 people quitting per 100,000 smokers.
Of the 4,294 individuals who set a quit date in this region, 803 admitted to not being able to achieve their target.
A spokesperson from the online retailer noted that overcoming nicotine withdrawals and mental challenges can be exceptionally difficult when attempting to quit
smoking.
The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) has issued a challenge to all political parties to outline detailed plans aimed at maximising
the industry's role in driving UK health and economic prosperity.
In 2022, the pharmaceutical sector invested £9 billion in UK research and development, generating £16.4 billion in economic value and sustaining 126,000 high-skilled
jobs nationwide.
Ahead of the 2024 general elections, ABPI's Manifesto for Investment, Health, and Growth outlines a strategic framework to enhance patient care within the NHS.
It includes expanding access to new medicines through clinical trials and bolstering domestic manufacturing capabilities.
It also includes creating additional high-skilled employment opportunities across the UK.
As per the association, the potential impact of these initiatives is substantial.
Drug addiction poses a serious challenge since it impacts one's physical and mental health. However, the good news is that individuals who complete a drug
rehabilitation program can overcome this problem. If you are interested in providing rehab services, there are a couple of things you should know. Read on to
learn how to operate a rehabilitation clinic flawlessly.
KNOW THE NEEDS OF YOUR CLIENTS
The main purpose of drug rehab is to help different people overcome addictions. It is designed to heal the body and mind from the negative effects of addiction.
It also teaches the affected individuals to learn to live without using substances. Therefore, your first step is to conduct a comprehensive assessment of each
client to formulate a personalized treatment plan. Everyone has unique needs in their recovery journey.
Your rehab program can start with detox which is designed to rid the body of substances, although it does not treat addiction. The person affected undergoes
different therapies during treatment. Therapy helps them deal with the issues that cause substance abuse and teach them healthier ways of life. Various therapies
will be applied throughout the entire treatment process. Therefore, you must choose a suitable therapy for each individual. For instance, motivational interviewing
and cognitive behavioral therapy are the most common.
Bipolar disorder can be a very challenging mental illness to deal with. It is characterized by severe mood swings, from manic highs to depressive lows. Many
people with bipolar disorder struggle to live normal, productive lives. However, there are various treatments available that can help manage the symptoms of this
condition and improve quality of life. In this article, we will discuss the different treatments for bipolar disorder and how to properly deal with the symptoms.
MEDICATIONS
One of the most common treatments for bipolar disorder is medication. There are a variety of different medications that can be used to treat the symptoms of bipolar
disorder. The type of medication that is prescribed will depend on the individual's specific situation. Some common medications that are used to treat bipolar
disorder include mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and antidepressants. However, it is important to note that these are serious medications and should only be taken
under the supervision of a qualified mental health professional. So, never attempt to take these medications on your own.
Are you worried about your immunity and want to strengthen your immune system? Taking care of your health and the health of your family, children, and parents
is never exaggerated and unfounded. The organism must at all times have immunity that will allow it to cope with the greatest challenges.
There are things you can't influence. However, those things that you can influence to fight the virus more effectively, such as strengthening immunity, you must
take seriously and take full advantage of this opportunity. That is why we are here to give you some great tips on how to successfully strengthen your immunity
and improve your health.
HEALTHY DIET
A healthy diet is very important for a healthy life. If you have used certain healthy habits in your life for the sake of feeling better in the body while not
paying attention to what you eat, then you have probably seen that the lack of proper nutrition won't compensate for anything.
A strong immunity can be achieved with a varied and balanced diet. Avoiding bad eating habits can be one of the key factors in boosting your immunity.
If you want to boost your immunity, include garlic in your meals. Its antibacterial properties are well-known, and it can be included in natural antibiotics.
Citrus fruits are also great for boosting immunity. Lemon, grapefruit, mandarin, and orange contain plenty of vitamin C and flavonoids, which are considered natural
guardians of the immune system.
Extending its support for the Prescription Charges Coalition (PCC), the Pharmacists' Defence Association (PDA) is asking pharmacists in England to share their
experiences of patients denying prescriptions due to financial issues.
PDA members who have practiced in the country within the last 12 months are asked to complete the Prescription Charges Coalition survey by Sunday 28 January.
The PCC is an alliance of more than 50 organisations campaigning to abolish unfair prescription charges for people with long-term conditions in England.
All members of the coalition, including PDA and Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS), understand that if patients do not receive their prescribed medicines due to the
cost, their health may deteriorate, and this can increase costs for the National Health Service (NHS).
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