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In the next 10 years, the incidence of first-time stroke cases in the UK is projected to increase by 60 per cent, costing the government £75bn in healthcare and lost productivity, a charity has suggested. A new manifesto published by the Stroke Association has urged the next UK government to make stroke "the priority", stressing that the next decade is crucial for stroke prevention, treatment and recovery. Currently, stroke is the UK's fourth biggest killer and a leading cause of disability. On a daily basis, 281 individuals experience a stroke. Next year, the cost of stroke in the UK will be £43 billion. The charity predicted that by 2035, there will be 151,000 hospital admissions due to stroke every year, averaging 414 admissions per day, with 42,000 people estimated to die every year. In 2035, the UK is projected to have 2.1 million stroke survivors, imposing a financial burden of £75 billion on the public purse, nearly half the current NHS budget.

Hey there, folks! Ever find yourself caught up in the throes of pain, wondering if there's a better way to handle it? You're not alone. In fact, according to recent stats, a whopping 93% of people worldwide grapple with pain annually. And get this: 1 in 3 folks deal with it every single day. Crazy, right? But here's the kicker: despite pain being such a prevalent issue, many folks aren't tackling it head-on. Yep, you heard that right. There's a whole lot of suffering going on, and not enough proactive pain management happening. So, what's the solution? Well, that's where our Pain Management Webinar swoops in to save the day! Picture this: an hour jam-packed with enlightening insights, carefully curated to arm you and your team with the tools needed to understand, manage, and ease pain in your patients' lives. Diving Deep: What's Inside the Webinar Alright, buckle up because we're about to dive into the juicy details of what this webinar has in store for you. 1. The Evolving Role of Pharmacists First up, we're shedding light on the evolving role of pharmacists in the realm of pain management. Yep, you heard that right. It's not just about doling out pills anymore. Pharmacists are becoming key players in the fight against pain, and we'll show you exactly how. 2. Decoding Pain Assessment Ever struggle to figure out just how much pain your patients are in? We feel you. That's why we're dedicating some time to decode the art of pain assessment. By the time you're done with this segment, you'll be a pro at understanding and quantifying your patients' pain levels. 3. #ListenToPain: A Campaign for Better Conversations And last but certainly not least, we're shining a spotlight on Haleon's #ListenToPain campaign. This bad boy is all about fostering better conversations between you and your patients. Trust us, folks, communication is key when it comes to pain management, and this campaign's got all the tools you need to nail those conversations. Tailored Jus

For the first time, Covid-19 vaccines will be available for purchase from pharmacies in Britain from April 1. As revealed by The Times, Boots is set to launch a private vaccination service next week to ensure that people "remain ready to respond to this constantly evolving and unpredictable virus." Under the NHS national immunization programme (NIP), Covid booster vaccines are only offered to those at high risk, including over-65s or patients with weakened immune systems. From April 1, anyone aged 12 or over can get the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine at 50 Boots stores for £98.95. While it's highly unlikely for healthier young adults to experience severe Covid-19, getting the single-dose vaccine can protect them from discomforting symptoms like coughs and sore throats. A spokesperson for Boots told the publication that their private service is the extension of their existing delivery of Covid-19 vaccinations for the NHS.

In a groundbreaking move, the Department of Education has initiated the first phase of its ambitious childcare expansion plan, offering a lifeline to thousands of working parents of two-year-olds nationwide. Effective from April 1, working parents now have access to 15 hours a week of government-funded childcare, marking the onset of the largest-ever childcare provision expansion in the country's history. This milestone initiative aims to alleviate the financial strain on families and promote workforce participation, with over 150,000 children projected to benefit from government-funded places. By September 2025, the expansion will culminate in working parents gaining access to 30 hours of free childcare, offering substantial annual savings and enabling parents to navigate the delicate balance between work and family commitments. Acknowledging the pivotal role of childcare in supporting families and driving economic growth, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak emphasized the government's commitment to delivering on its promise of expanded childcare provision.

Patients suffering from chronic and episodic migraine attacks are set to benefit from a groundbreaking recommendation by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) regarding a new medication. The atogepant, a first-of-its-kind preventive drug for migraine, offers hope for those grappling with this debilitating condition and can be taken orally. Published as part of the final guidance draft, NICE has greenlit the atogepant, also known as Aquipta and manufactured by AbbVie, as an option for preventing both chronic and episodic migraines in adults. Specifically, this recommendation is for individuals who have experienced at least four migraine days per month and have failed to find relief with at least three previous preventive treatments. With approximately 4.5 million people in the UK affected by various forms of migraine, this new recommendation marks a significant advancement in migraine management as the condition significantly impacts patients' day-to-day activities as well as places a heavy burden on the NHS and the wider economy.

Veoza, a non-hormonal treatment for menopause, has been made available on the high street for the first time in the UK. British pharmacy chain Superdrug on Thursday (1st February) announced the launch of the newly approved menopause medication, expanding its comprehensive portfolio of products and services to support menopausal women. Veoza is a prescription medication that is used to manage vasomotor symptoms, specifically hot flushes and night sweats, which affect up to 80 per cent of women during menopause, as estimated by experts. It is recommended for women who prefer not to or are unable to take hormone replacement. Perimenopausal, menopausal and postmenopausal women, aged 45-65 who are not on Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) or hormonal contraception, and are suffering from moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms, are eligible to take the medication, the retailer said in a release.

In a bid to address the ongoing deficit in staff in the UK's healthcare system, the National Health Service (NHS) has entered into a new workforce agreement with India. According to media reports, the healthcare service plans to hire 2,000 doctors from India on a fast-track basis to alleviate this pressing issue. It is learned that the NHS has set up training centres across many Indian cities such as Mumbai, Bangalore, Nagpur, Delhi, Gurugram, Indore, Mysore, Chennai, and Calicut to provide postgraduate training for the first batch of doctors. Post their training period (which ranges from six to 12 months), these doctors will be deployed at hospitals across Britain. They will also be exempted from the Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) examination that is otherwise mandatory for practising in the country.

All 42 integrated care boards (ICBs) in England have signed memorandums of understanding for the NHS Independent Prescribing Pathfinder programme, the first nationally-funded prescribing service in the country. Anne Joshua, interim deputy director of pharmacy commissioning at NHS England, made the revelation during the 'Chief pharmaceutical officer bi-monthly webinar' held on 7 March 2024, as reported by The Pharmaceutical Journal. In the initial phase of the programme, 210 community pharmacies across all ICBs will trial independent prescribing, ahead of establishing a commissioning framework for the service. Giving an update on the pathfinder programme, Joshua confirmed that 164 of these potential pathfinder sites had registered for the programme as of 29 February 2024. Additionally, she announced the clinical models to be followed by the participating pharmacies and presented a graph showing an overview of the services they will provide.

In our quest for perfect skin, the landscape of dermatology and skin care has evolved dramatically, offering breakthrough treatments and solutions. The pursuit of a blemish-free, radiant complexion is no longer a distant dream, thanks to advancements in medical aesthetics and skincare technology. From non-invasive procedures to tailor-made skincare regimens, individuals now have access to a plethora of options designed to target specific skin concerns. This article explores the cutting-edge treatments that promise to diminish imperfections and reveal flawless skin, transforming not just how we look but also how we feel about ourselves. Botox Injections Botox, or Botulinum toxin, has gained immense popularity for its ability to smooth out wrinkles and fine lines. It works by temporarily paralyzing the facial muscles responsible for creating these imperfections. The procedure involves injecting small amounts of the neurotoxin into targeted areas, such as the forehead, crow's feet, and frown lines between the brows. The effects of Botox typically last for three to four months, making it a popular choice for those seeking quick and noticeable results. The people at sdbotox.com note that it is also a popular preventative treatment for those looking to delay the formation of wrinkles. With consistent use, Botox can actually prevent fine lines and wrinkles from appearing in the first place, making it an attractive option for individuals in their late 20s and early 30s.

Asbestos poisoning is a serious health concern that can have long-lasting effects on your well-being. Exposure to asbestos fibers can lead to various health issues, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. If you suspect that you've been exposed to asbestos or are experiencing symptoms related to asbestos poisoning, it's crucial to take immediate action. 1. Recognize the Symptoms The first step in dealing with asbestos poisoning is to recognize the symptoms. Common signs of asbestos exposure include shortness of breath, persistent coughing, chest pain, and fatigue. Additionally, you may experience respiratory issues such as wheezing or difficulty breathing. Exploring the use of asbestos at Honeywell in Massachusetts can help you get a better understanding of the potential risks associated with asbestos exposure and the importance of taking proactive measures to protect yourself and your loved ones from its harmful effects. It's essential to pay attention to any changes in your health and seek medical attention if you suspect asbestos exposure.

The Pharmacists' Defence Association (PDA) has submitted evidence to the NHS Pay Review Body (PRB), emphasising on the recruitment and retention of NHS pharmacists. It has urged the PRB to help the NHS achieve two important objectives - ensuring that pharmacists can achieve well-rewarded and the service is viewed as an a ppealing alternative by student pharmacists. The PDA suggested that for the NHS to remain competitive, the PRB should focus its pay approach on employees within Bands 5-8 this year. It recognised that the last recommendation from the PRB was a "flat rate increase" and it left those working in the above-mentioned bands feeling "unhappy", which led to the CSP taking strike action over pay for the first time in their history.

Independent pharmacy chain, Peak Pharmacy, has sold two of its smaller branches - one in Little Eaton, Derbyshire, and the other in Burton-on-Trent, Staffordshire. Founded in 1981 by Peter and Jane Cattee, Peak Pharmacy has over 150 pharmacies across the UK. The pair of Midlands pharmacies dispense an average of circa 2,800 items per month, according to specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co, which announced the sale. The pharmacy in Burton-on-Trent has been acquired by a local first-time buyer, Mohammed Wasim Gul, while the pharmacy in Little Eaton has been purchased by Amul Telrandhe, who is also the owner of Derwent Pharmacy in Derby.

Indian multinational pharmaceutical company, Dr. Reddy's Laboratories has made its entry into the UK consumer health market with the launch of an over-the-counter allergy medication. Histallay (Fexofenadine Hydrochloride 120 mg tablets) is the company's first general sale list (GSL) product introduced in the UK market. Previously classified as a Prescription Only Medicine (POM), Dr. Reddy's Fexofenadine 120 mg is now available without prescription, under the brand name 'Histallay'. This allows people with allergic seasonal rhinitis (hay fever) to get direct access to the product via retail outlets such as pharmacies and supermarkets in the UK.

Pfizer on Thursday said a single dose of its new respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine Abrysvo maintained its ability to protect against the illness through a second year of respiratory disease season. The company said in a press release that the vaccine's efficacy against RSV-associated lower respiratory tract disease with three or more symptoms was 77.8 per cent through season two, compared with efficacy of 88.9 per cent after the first RSV season, which led to the shot's US approval. The data is from a late-stage trial of more than 37,000 participants being conducted in both the Northern and Southern hemispheres. Cumulative efficacy over both seasons after around 16.4 months of disease surveillance was 81.5 per cent, Pfizer said. The data is similar to the efficacy of GSK's rival RSV shot Arexvy over two seasons, which was released in June.

Britain's antitrust regulator, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) on Wednesday announced that it is investigating the acquisition of LloydsDirect by Pharmacy2U last year, and has launched its first phase of the merger inquiry. The completed deal between two of the UK's foremost online pharmacies was announced in a joint statement issued on 9 October, confirming that they would operate as Pharmacy2U. Commenting on the purchase, Kevin Heath, CEO of Pharmacy2U, then said: "Combining the best of both of our businesses, we can provide patients with greater access and convenience." The regulator is considering "whether it is or may be the case that this merger has resulted in the creation of a relevant merger situation under the merger provisions of the Enterprise Act 2002 and, if so, whether the creation of that situation has resulted, or may be expected to result, in a substantial lessening of competition within any market or markets in the United Kingdom for goods or services."

Over a century-year-old Boots pharmacy in St James's Street, Brighton shut its doors permanently on Saturday (20 January) leaving the communities disappointed. The branch in Kemp Town, which was opened to the public for the first time in 1914, was supposed to close on November 19 last year but continued trading into the new year, The Argus reported. Locals are not happy with the retailer's decision to close the store as some say it used to be "always busy with prescriptions and people buying things." Another person recalled that Boots had earlier closed two pharmacies, one on Lewes Road, Brighton, and another on Church Road, Hove. The American-owned health and wellbeing chain is in the process of closing more UK branches in the coming months as it's targeting to reduce its store portfolio to 1,900 from 2,200.

The only way to overcome the challenges facing the medicines supply chain in the UK is through close cooperation - the government, pharmacies, and the industry all working together in tandem - said Andrew Stephenson, Minister for Health and Social Care. The MP for Pendle, Lancashire made the statement while addressing the Healthcare Distribution Association's (HDA) Annual Conference at the Institute of Directors in Pall Mall, London on Thursday (25 January), where over 130 leaders from the pharma industry gathered. As the keynote speaker, Stephenson acknowledged the crucial role wholesalers, manufacturers, and retail pharmacy chains, play in the wellbeing of the nation. He said: "In the first few months that I've been in this job, it's become immediately obvious to me just how important this sector is and just how important the work that all of you do is for our country."

The Scottish government has appointed Christina McKelvie MSP as the new Minister for Drugs and Alcohol policy, following the resignation of Elena Whitham MSP due to health reasons. In a letter to the First Minister, Whitham said she was receiving treatment for post-traumatic stress, which had "greatly" affected her wellbeing. Commenting on the news, Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) Scotland thanked Whitham for supporting them, particularly for her "efforts to bring in a new national service to provide emergency access to supplies of naloxone." RPS Scotland has continuously advocated for the accessibility of naloxone through all community pharmacies (for supply to people who use drugs, family, healthcare professionals and carers), and to make it available in all clinical settings for use in emergencies. It was also the top recommendation of their policy on Pharmacy's role in reducing harm and preventing drug deaths.

The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) has called for action on differential degree awarding and registration assessment attainment gaps for Black trainees in initial pharmacy education and training. According to a new report published by the RPS on Tuesday (6 February), there's a pharmacy degree awarding gap of eight per cent and a registration assessment attainment gap of over 22 per cent between Black and White trainees. The variation in pharmacy attainment for Black trainees was first recorded by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) in 2013, and the Pharmaceutical Journal has been tracking the awarding gap at undergraduate level. Even after a decade, significant differences exist in the awarding and attainment gaps for Black students and trainees compared to their White counterparts, the report said.

Thanks to increasing environmental awareness among people worldwide, there's a growing commitment to sustainable practices across industries. The healthcare sector, including pharmacies, is no exception. Recognising the fact that 'climate crisis is a health crisis', 124 countries signed a new Declaration on Climate and Health at the first-ever Health Day at the United Nations climate change conference, COP28 Dubai, which was held on 3 December 2023. The declaration acknowledged the need to prepare healthcare systems to cope with climate change and accelerate actions to protect communities. Welcoming the declaration, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General, World Health Organization (WHO) emphasized the need to build "climate-resilient and low-carbon" health systems to protect the health of both the planet and people. Pharmacies play a crucial role in providing essential medications and healthcare services to the community, but their operations can have environmental implications.