An off licence has had its licence suspended after a team from Ealing Council found unmarked illegal items on the premises.
Harcharan Singh claimed he was allowing locals to store their medicines at his shop, King Quality Foods, while they visited the nearby temple.
Singh's representative, Surendra Panchal, told the panel about the reasons which baffled the chair of the licensing sub-committee, Cllr Anthony Kelly.
Cllr Kelly did not comprehend how a package of drugs would be difficult to fit in someone's bag, pocket, or car.
The officials found drugs including high blood pressure and diabetes medication at the store.
Increased demand and shortages of lateral flow tests are pushing staff at pharmacies to bear the brunt from frustrated customers who are unable to get their free lateral flow tests, Daily Mail reported.
Some Britons claimed that they have been unable to get lateral flow tests at their local pharmacies for up to a fortnight while some pharmacies were forced to put up sign warning stating they have run out of free tests.
Given the patchy supply of test kits, pharmacy bosses warned that staff are facing 'unfair' and 'abusive' behaviour by customers, the newspaper reported.Dr Leyla Hannbeck, chief executive of the Association of Independent Multiple Pharmacies (AIMP), told the newspaper: "Up until yesterday the supply to pharmacies was still patchy. The past few days the situation has not improved.
"Pharmacies are having to put up with a lot of abuse and aggressive behaviours by members of the public because of this situation which is unfair.
"The demand is still very high now because the governments guidelines put a lot of emphasis on testing as a key out of self isolation, so naturally as Omicron cases are high people are reliant on tests to get on with daily life."
The Pharmacists' Defence Association has helped its members to secure around £196,000 last year from employers who treated pharmacists badly or breached their
rights in some way.
The association strives to help members to resolve workplace disputes quickly, locally, and amicably, however some cases need escalation into the legal system, it said.
It helps pharmacists to understand and exercise their rights in case unfair treatment occurs to them.
Though no employee expects to be treated badly, this is the reality for some pharmacists, the PDA stated.
The Pharmacists' Defence Association (PDA) has called for a mandatory training for those who wish to sign fit notes.
The union said it will be seeking urgent clarification around the rollout of guidance and timescales of when this will be available to PDA members working in
primary care and hospitals, who will be at the forefront of the implementation.
"As with any activity, regulated health professionals will be expected to ensure they have received adequate training and guidance before taking on new elements
of practice and to ensure they are acting within the limits of their professional competency," said the association.
It also highlighted that completing a fit note may have an impact on the income received by the patient and therefore the consequences of supplying the document
could mean a direct financial consequence for them, such as eligibility for sick pay or insurance claims, as well as a health outcome.
The PDA expects the mandatory training to cover any factors which will need to be considered in this regard so that pharmacists understand any limitations on when,
how, and for who they might complete the fit notes.
Smoking increases the risk of developing schizophrenia and depression, a report by academics from the University of Bristol published on 20 June claims.
It says smoking raises the risk of developing schizophrenia by between 53 per cent and 127 per cent and the risk of developing depression by from 54 per cent to
132 per cent.
The authors of the report say more research is needed to identify why this is the case and that more evidence is needed to understand its impact on other mental
health conditions such as anxiety or bipolar disorder.
The evidence, presented at the Royal College of Psychiatrist's international congress, has been shared with the government which is currently developing a new
Tobacco Control Plan for publication later this year.
Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) said: "Rates of smoking are much higher among people with mental health conditions than those without, and among England's six
million smokers there are an estimated 230k smokers with severe mental illness (e.g., schizophrenia and bi-polar disorder) and 1.6 million with depression
and anxiety."
If your loved one is suffering from anxiety, you'll likely be aware of how damaging the condition can be. Anxiety comes in many forms and can be triggered by
an array of factors, but there are some simple steps to take if you want to improve the wellbeing of your family member - how can you best go about supporting a
loved one with anxiety?
What is anxiety? - Anxiety is mental state in which we feel highly worried, nervous, uneasy, or uncomfortable. While it's normal to feel anxious in certain situations
and at notable points in our lives (this is linked to the 'fight or flight' instinct), it's important to address the problem if you feel that your anxiety is
impacting your quality of life.
What are the five major forms of anxiety? - The 5 most common forms of anxiety as diagnosed by medical professionals include generalised anxiety disorder,
obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and social phobia, also known as anxiety disorder.
What causes anxiety problems? - Anxiety can be caused by a wide range of factors. We're more likely to become anxious when we're overworked, stressed, depressed,
under financial pressure or physically or mentally unwell. It's also common to become anxious after traumatic events such as having to make medical negligence claim
after sustaining a surgical based injury, losing a home or the death of a loved one.
The Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee (PSNC) has urged pharmacy contractors to use Manage Your Service (MYS) portal only for all monthly FP34C
submissions.
To secure access to earlier advance payments on 11 April 2022, the committee has advised pharmacy contractors to submit their claims for NHS pharmaceutical services
delivered in March 2022 no later than 5 April 2022.
PSNC said: "The Manage Your Service (MYS) portal is now the ONLY route available to contractors for all monthly FP34C submissions. From March 2022, contractors will
no longer receive the paper FP34C submission document through the post. However, the NHSBSA will continue to post out red separators for contractors to submit
relevant forms each month.
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 new Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) prescription pre-payment certificate (PPC) has witnessed more than 37,000 purchases both via online website and
in-person in pharmacies since its launch on Saturday (1 April).
As of 12pm today (4 April), 37,240 HRT PPCs have been bought online and 501 in-pharmacy, totalling 37,741 certificates.
Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) estimated women have saved over £1.13 million in prescription charges for the year, with the average person saving £30
for a year's supply.
The new prescription pre-payment certificate is also predicted to enable around 400,000 women to have cheaper access to menopause support.
On the launch of the scheme on Saturday, the huge demand for the much-anticipated certificate meant some patients were unable to access the website on the morning
of 1 April.
"The NHS Business Service Authority has ensured that the site has been working, allowing thousands of women to continue to successfully purchase a prescription for
a year's worth of hormone replacement therapy products which help treat the menopause," said DHSC.
Minister for Women's Health Strategy, Maria Caulfield said: "Over 37,700 women have come forward to claim cheaper HRT this weekend alone, showing what happens when we
listen to what women want.
At the European Conference of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases (ECCMID) this year in Copenhagen, Denmark, data on a test that may detect HIV,
hepatitis B, and hepatitis C from a single drop of blood are being presented.
Hepatitis B or C claim the lives of over a million people each year. Every year, 1.5 million individuals contract HIV, and 650,000 people pass away from HIV-related
causes.
The World Health Organisation has made the elimination of all three viruses by 2030 one of its global health strategies but new tests are necessary if case numbers
are to be reduced.
The most common test for hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV involves taking a blood sample from a vein using a needle. While this method works extremely well, there
is a potentially large reservoir of the three conditions in places where this method is not suitable.
This could be prisons, drug rehabilitation centres and homeless shelters, where the taking of venous blood samples isn't always suitable or countries in which the
shipping and refrigerated storage of blood samples can be challenging.
Alternatives include dried blood spot tests, in which a single spot of blood is tested for nucleic acid from the three viruses.
Brits are increasing relying on over-the-counter (OTC) medicines to prevent or treat common ailments, as the 'care at home trend' has become prominent
amongst UK households following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Almost three-quarters of Brits (71 per cent) now choose to treat minor ailments at home rather than visit their GP or pharmacist, according to new research.
The self-care message promoted by the government and NHS during the pandemic has led to a new generation of consumers who continue to take control of their own
health and treat minor ailments themselves.
Additionally, the research, commissioned by Lanes Health, revealed that public awareness about preventative treatment has increased, with 70 per cent of Brits
claiming that they do their best to prevent the spread of common illnesses since the pandemic.
The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) has urged the NHS to take urgent action to prevent faults in the IT system underpinning the government's flagship
programme.
The NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) recently confirmed that the issue in the Manage Your Service (MYS) portal had been resolved, and consequently, the
deadline for submission of claims for February Pharmacy First consultations was extended until 15 March 2024.
However, NPA members said that they are still facing problems, with the portal recording fewer consultations than entered by pharmacies, potentially leaving
them out of pocket by thousands of pounds.
Paul Rees, chief executive of the NPA, highlighted the significant achievement of pharmacies in delivering tens of thousands of consultations in the first month
of the Pharmacy First programme, stating that this accomplishment is "a testament to their skill and dedication."
Covid-19 vaccine maker Novavax on Wednesday said it expects revenue this year to be flat or lower as it works to improve its commercial performance and
pick up market share from much larger rivals, Pfizer and Moderna.
The company posted a larger-than-expected fourth-quarter loss as revenue lagged analysts' estimates.
Chief executive John Jacobs said Novavax claimed just a low-single-digit percentage market share in the US during the most recent vaccination campaign, as demand
for Covid vaccines was smaller than hoped and the company got its protein-based shot to market later than its messenger RNA-based rivals.
"We were disappointed with that US performance," Jacobs said in an interview.
He said the company's sales force was not targeted enough toward retail pharmacy chains, and that its 5-dose vials were not as convenient for use as rivals'
pre-filled syringes.
To maximise the benefits of the Pharmacy First service for patients, the NHS, and community pharmacies, Community Pharmacy England (CPE) has advised the
community pharmacists to to establish a robust relationship between community pharmacies and local general practices.
The news comes after several reports highlighted issues regarding GP referrals for the seven minor ailment conditions under the Pharmacy First services.
According to the reports, many pharmacists claimed that "many GPs in England are not sending patients to them to be treated - and that some are refusing to
participate at all in the "groundbreaking" Pharmacy First scheme".
In response to foster better relationship with the GPs, CPE has said that strong local collaborations will enable general practice teams to confidently refer
patients to the Pharmacy First and other community pharmacy services where appropriate.
Moreover, the organisation emphasised implementation of long-term changes in practice will take time. The current focus on integrating GP referrals to Pharmacy
First will likely require sustained effort over several months or longer.
The Pharmacists' Defence Association (PDA) is advising locum pharmacists to take screenshots of online agreements due to an increasing number of reports
where community pharmacy businesses are unilaterally amending agreed-upon terms after a contract has been confirmed.
The PDA highlighted one recent case where a locum was informed at short notice by the community pharmacy business that they would no longer pay the agreed hourly
rate.
The business then re-advertised the shift, falsely claiming that the booked locum was unwell.
Unable to secure a locum at the new rate before the shift, the pharmacy closed, leaving patients and the local community without access to services.
In such circumstances, the PDA advises affected locums to notify the relevant health boards or Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) of such breaches of NHS terms of
service.
On June 3, Synnovis, a pathology laboratory serving several NHS organisations in South East London, was targeted by a ransomware attack.
This cyber incident has disrupted vital blood testing services, crucial for a range of medical treatments, and raised significant concerns over data security.
NHS England confirmed that a cybercriminal group, Qilin, published data online, claiming it was stolen from Synnovis.
The National Crime Agency (NCA) and the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) are currently working to authenticate the data and understand its contents.
A helpline has been established to address patient concerns, and NHS England urges patients to attend their appointments unless otherwise directed.
The attack has rendered some of the NHS's blood testing systems inoperable, causing substantial disruption to medical services in South East London.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reiterated its concerns about tobacco companies' continued targeting of young people through various channels such as
social media, sports, and music festivals, as well as the introduction of flavored products.
In a joint report with industry watchdog STOP released on Thursday, the WHO accused these companies of attempting to ensnare a new generation in nicotine addiction.
While facing stricter regulations on traditional cigarettes, major tobacco firms and newcomers have turned to alternatives like vapes, arguing they are intended for
adult smokers.
However, the WHO and STOP highlighted in their report that these products often appeal to youth, with their attractive designs and fruity flavors making them more
appealing to children than to adults in many countries.
Released on Monday morning, the election manifesto shared by the Liberal Democrats pledges to "strengthen patients' rights" by tackling public health
inequalities and providing early access to community services.
The Liberal Democrats Party's manifesto promises to address the issues at both the "front and back doors" of the National Health Service (NHS), which the party
claims has been plunged into crisis by the Conservatives.
Pledging to invest in public health and early access to community services, the party aims to "work towards a fairer and more sustainable long-term funding model
for pharmacies and build on the Pharmacy First approach to give patients more accessible routine services and ease the pressure on GPs."
The pledge also includes making prescriptions for people with chronic mental health conditions free on the NHS, as part of a wider commitment to review the entire
schedule of exemptions for prescription charges.
Cervical screening is one of the best ways to protect women from cervical cancer, which claims nearly two lives daily in England, according to NHS England.
Therefore, all women and those with a cervix between the ages of 25 and 64 are encouraged to attend cervical screening when invited.
Sadly, 3 in 10 of those eligible for cervical screening do not take up the potentially life-saving offer, as revealed by the NHS Cervical Screening Programme,
England 2022-2023 annual report.
Pharmacist Thorrun Govind, also a Healthcare Lawyer (Brabners LLP), underscores the significant role pharmacists and pharmacy teams can play in promoting cervical
cancer screening.
The former Chair of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) in England told Pharmacy Business: "Pharmacists and pharmacy teams are a trusted part of the local
community. They therefore have a key part in promoting cervical cancer screening."
To combat 14 years of Tory neglect, Labour Party under the leadership of Keir Starmer has revealed plan to create "healthiest generation of children", ahead
of the general elections.
The broader mission includes shifting NHS focus towards prevention to improve healthy life expectancy and reduce regional health disparities within a decade.
Proposing a Child Health Action Plan aimed at fostering the healthiest generation of children ever, the party has plans to ban the sale of highly caffeinated
energy drinks to under-16s.
Addressing concerns from health and education experts about inadequate labeling, drinks with more than 150mg of caffeine per liter will be restricted from retail
and online sales to minors, with enforcement through trading standards.
Labour leader underscores the significance of children's health as a national wellbeing indicator.
He criticises the current government for its short-term approach, which he claims has led to deteriorating health among the nation's children.
