The Community Pharmacy England (CPE) has called the recent announcement of six per cent pay rise for the public sector workforce as 'unfair' for the
community pharmacy sector.
On Thursday (13 June), the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) announced that pay scales for most doctors and dentists will increase by at least a
six per cent this year after the government accepted the recommendations from the independent pay review bodies in full.
Responding to the recent announcement Chief Executive Janet Morrison, said: "The public sector workforce pay rise will be welcome news for its recipients given
the huge inflationary pressures and the ongoing impact of the cost-of-living crisis. But for community pharmacy owners - who have faced 30% funding cuts in recent
years and who are struggling to meet their rising wage costs - this feels unfair, and very far from good news.
At Community Pharmacy England we are fully focused on the current financial and operational pressures and fighting hard for a sustainable long-term funding
arrangement.
Balmedie Pharmacy based in Aberdeenshire, Scotland has been purchased by local expanding multiple operator JMF Healthcare.
Balmedie Pharmacy is a well-performing community pharmacy that dispenses an average of 5,255 items per month. It lies completely unopposed in the large Aberdeenshire
village of Balmedie, which is circa eight miles north of Aberdeen City Centre.
The pharmacy has been owned by Brian Arris since 2004 and was recently brought to market to allow him to pursue other pharmacy business opportunities.
Following a confidential sales process with Christie & Co, JMF Healthcare to benefit from new housing developments in this area of Aberdeenshire such as 300 new
homes planned in Balmedie, approved plans for up to 500 new homes in Trump Menie Estate, and 284 new homes planned in Blackdog Village.
Brian Arris, previous owner of Balmedie Pharmacy, comments, "I'm sad to see the business go as the excellent staff have helped grow the pharmacy from scratch since
2004 and we've all put our hearts and souls into providing good pharmaceutical care for the village and surrounding area. I'm confident everyone is left in safe
hands with John at the helm now."
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.
Boots UK's chief pharmacist has been encouraging people to get a flu vaccination by the end of November to help protect themselves, their loved ones and the
NHS this festive season.
Flu cases in the UK are usually highest in the winter months, from December to March. This year, the UK has seen a rise in cases earlier than usual, and therefore
Claire Nevinson, superintendent pharmacist at Boots, reminds people that it is even more important to get protected early to help reduce the risk of spreading the
virus due to increased mixing at Christmas parties and family get togethers.
Approximately 33 million people are eligible for the free NHS flu jab, including those over 50 years of age, pregnant women and those with medical conditions such as
diabetes or heart disease.
The pharmacy multiple says it offers the winter flu jab service, which is suitable for those eligible for the free NHS flu jab as well as privately, adding that it
has already administered over one million flu vaccinations this season.
Ms Nevinson explains: "December is a time to get together with friends and family to celebrate the month's festivities. It's a good idea to plan ahead to ensure you
have your flu jab, and your COVID-19 booster vaccination if you are eligible, if you've not had them already, this the best way to protect yourself and reduce the
risk of passing the viruses to others.
Nasofed Anti Viral Nasal Spray, from EM Pharma, is delighted to welcome Dr Sarah Jarvis as medical adviser for its winter colds and flu consumer awareness
campaign. Sarah is well known as a trusted and reliable source of medical advice through her various media roles as Resident GP on BBC R2's The Jeremey Vine Show,
Good Morning Britain, Channel 5 and ITV News.
Says Paul Walsh, EM Pharma Managing Director: "Dr Sarah will be offering advice on how people can best protect themselves and their families against seasonal and
year-round viruses, including the use of Nasofed anti viral thixotropic nasal spray as an extra layer of protection particularly in situations of increased viral
risk."
Dr Sarah adds: "Viruses continue to affect our daily lives, whether that be year-round viruses or more seasonal viruses such as colds and flu and RSV, all of which
are expected to be particularly prevalent this year. In situations of increased viral risk, a thixotropic nasal spray delivering anti viral ingredients will help
protect you. It's a real step forward in virus prevention, not just for colds and flu, but also year-round viruses."
If you're looking for the best probiotic brands, you've come to the right place. In this blog post, we will discuss how to find the right probiotic brands
for your needs. We'll go over factors such as price, quality, and customer reviews to help you make an informed decision. We will also discuss the different types
of probiotics and how to select the right one for you. So whether you're just starting out on your probiotic journey or you're looking for a new brand to try, read
on for our top tips!
HOW TO CHOOSE A PROBIOTIC BRAND?
When choosing a probiotic brand, it's important to consider factors such as price, quality, and customer feedback. Price is often the first factor people consider
when selecting a probiotic brand. However, it's important to remember that cheaper is not always better. Quality should be your main priority - some brands may be
more expensive but offer superior probiotic strains with higher concentrations of beneficial bacteria compared to others. A probiotic should contain at least
10 Billion CFUs (colony-forming units) to be considered effective. The ingredients it should have are lactic acid bacteria, bifidobacteria, and Enterococcus. So
, these probiotics are good for gut health and digestion. In addition, they should consist of bacterial strains that are resistant to stomach acid and bile, as
these can break down beneficial bacteria before they reach the gut.
Digital transformation is sweeping across the healthcare landscape. Fuelled by ambitious government policy, exciting innovation and huge injections of funding,
it's hard for anyone in the sector not to catch a dose of digitisation fever.
But digitisation is not a universal tonic, and it certainly isn't always a 'good thing'. In fact, there's a real danger to digitising healthcare. Such a fundamental
change to the very nature of care delivery is an inevitably high-risk process: sometimes things or people get forgotten, vital processes stall, or new systems fail
to replicate the strengths of those they replace. Take, for instance, the digitisation of pharmacies.
Over recent years, the public's use of online-only pharmacies have boomed: in March it was reported that the number of items dispensed from distance-selling
pharmacies in England, UK quadrupled between 2016 and 2021.
These online providers offer an attractively convenient way for patients to receive their medicines; replacing a trip to a high street pharmacy with a package
delivered straight to their door. On the surface, this digital solution seems perfect not only for young patients with busy schedules, but also for older patients
or for those with restricted mobility who may struggle with in-person collection.
Millions of people take dietary supplements every day, hoping to improve their health in some way. But how much do you know about these supplements? Are they safe? Do they work? And are there any risks associated with taking them?
Here are six important things to know about dietary supplements if you're one of the people who take them.
NOT ALL SUPPLEMENTS ARE REGULATED
Since dietary supplements are not drugs, they do not need to be approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) before they can be sold. This means that some
products may not contain what is stated on their labels or may even include ingredients that could be dangerous. Therefore, it's important to always read labels
and do your research before committing to one.
Furthermore, make sure you purchase your supplements from a reputable source. This means that you should look for companies that have been independently tested and
certified to provide high-quality products.
MAKE SURE THE SUPPLEMENT IS RIGHT FOR YOU
Before taking any dietary supplement, check with your doctor or healthcare professional first. This is especially important if you have a medical condition or are
on medication, as certain supplements may interact in unwanted ways. Just because something is labeled as "natural" doesn't necessarily mean it's good for you or
that you even need to take it. Before taking any supplement, talk to your doctor about whether or not it could be beneficial for you and how much you should take.
An ever-increasing emphasis is being placed on getting and staying fit and mobile, whatever your age, with good reason. Regular aerobic exercise (physical
activity which gets the heart beating faster) helps patients to:
Reduce or maintain body weight
Reduce the risk of heart disease, strokes and diabetes
Control blood sugar (helpful for diabetics)
Maintain mobility and muscle strength, allowing daily activities to be undertaken more easily
Improve mood, physical activity can be beneficial for everyone.
However, injuries sometimes happen during exercise or everyday life. Collectively, injuries to tendons, ligaments and/or skeletal muscle, are referred to as
musculoskeletal soft tissue injuries. Post pandemic pharmacists are now the first port of call for many seeking to self-treat so it is important that information,
advice and a wide range of treatment options are available.
While the precise incidence and prevalence of such disorders are difficult to define, they are known to be the most common rheumatic causes of sickness absences
from work. Indeed, soft tissue complaints account for up to 59 per cent of new patient referrals to rheumatology practice and up to 15 per cent of consultations in
primary care.
Ankle injuries are very common with an estimated incidence of one per 100,000 population per day. They account for about one in five of all sports related injuries.
The majority of ankle injuries are moderate ligament sprains. With appropriate treatment the majority of patients should be able to return to normal activities
within a few weeks.
What skills does a pharmacist need these days? You'd think it would be sufficient to have a good understanding of pharmacy and the ability to offer a great
patient service. Whilst this is true of course, the reality of the day to day role demands skills which most pharmacists have not been trained for as part of their
formal qualification.
At the very least, pharmacists find themselves responsible for running the pharmacy, managing people, managing processes and dealing with issues relating to customers,
suppliers, surgeries, regulators and stakeholders. Even the most junior pharmacists quickly find themselves being accountable for the financial performance of their
department and having to work within budgets or deliver on targets.
Remarkably, despite the apparent lack of any formal training in these areas, pharmacists have been able to adapt and meet the challenges of whatever their job has
thrown at them.
Many pharmacists go even further, bringing out their inner entrepreneurial spirit to set up their own business. There are now over 6,000 pharmacy businesses owned by
independent pharmacists, with this segment growing.
Whilst pharmacists have historically adapted to their environments and picked up the necessary business skills, the rapidly changing landscape of pharmacy will
require pharmacists to establish new skills to help ensure their businesses survive and thrive.
Maintaining good dental health is important for everyone. Not only does it help you look and feel your best, but it's also essential for your overall health.
Poor dental hygiene can lead to a variety of health problems, including heart disease, stroke, and even diabetes.
That's why it's so important to make sure you are taking care of your teeth and gums properly. But with so many different dental treatments and products available
today, how do you know which ones are right for you? Here are some helpful tips to follow:
UNDERSTAND DIFFERENT DENTAL TREATMENT CATEGORIES
There are three main types of dental treatments: preventive, restorative, and cosmetic. Preventive treatments include things like brushing and flossing your teeth
every day, getting regular checkups, and using mouthwash. Restorative treatments involve repairing the damage that's already been done to your teeth. Cosmetic
treatments improve the appearance of your teeth without necessarily fixing any damage.
Which type of treatment is right for you depends on your individual needs. If you have a lot of cavities, for example, you may need restorative treatment. If you
have crooked teeth, you may need cosmetic treatment. And if you just want to make sure your teeth stay healthy overall, preventive treatment may be the best option
for you.
Over the past two years, the Covid pandemic has resulted in a backlog of elective care within the NHS, with record numbers of patients on waiting lists
across the UK. Despite efforts to catch up after the first wave, subsequent waves have put further strain on an already stretched NHS system.
This has had a tremendous impact on many patients waiting for routine dermatology appointments and, while every effort has been made to see patients with suspected
serious skin cancers within two weeks, this target is not always achieved.
With rising waiting times, pharmacists are increasingly the first port of call for patients suffering with a broad range of skin problems. From acne and rosacea,
eczema or psoriasis, to changing skin lesions or simple insect bites, pharmacists can give helpful advice, allowing some customers to find quick relief to their
skin complaint in mild cases, while directing others to see their GP without delay.
Below is some practical advice that pharmacists can give to their customers with commonly encountered skin complaints.
Acne
Acne is a common skin condition that not only affects teenagers but adults too. It is estimated that up to 40 per cent of women continue to suffer with acne into
their adult years. Acne has been linked to an increased incidence of depression, anxiety and even suicidal ideation.
Patients have reported feeling overlooked and often dismissed in their concerns by health care professionals.
Unfortunately, these issues have been further compounded by delays in being seen and treated due to the ongoing Covid pandemic. Pharmacists are well placed to help
acne patients choose the right skincare. This should consist of lightweight products, such as gel or milky cleansers, with moisturisers in serum, lotion or light
cream preparations. Some acne suitable products are further labelled as non-comedogenic.
Oil-based or occlusive preparations are best avoided. There are many good quality, non-comedogenic sun blocks suited
Britain has become the first country to approve a Codiv-19 vaccine that targets both the original and Omicron variant of the virus.
Medicines regulator MHRA approved the so-called bivalent vaccine made by US drug company Moderna as a booster for adults.
The agency's decision was based on clinical trial data that showed the booster triggered "a strong immune response" against both Omicron (BA.1) and the original
2020 virus, it said.
The MHRA also cited an exploratory analysis in which the shot was also found to generate a good immune response against the currently dominant Omicron offshoots BA.4
and BA.5.
"The first generation of Covid-19 vaccines being used in the UK continue to provide important protection against the disease and save lives," MHRA chief executive
June Raine said in a statement.
"What this bivalent vaccine gives us is a sharpened tool in our armoury to help protect us against this disease as the virus continues to evolve."
Global consumer healthcare company Haleon has launched a new centre of excellence for a global leader in consumer health which will bring together world leading
academics in human behaviour and frontline healthcare professionals including community pharmacists.
Unveiled at the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) Congress in 'sunny' Seville, Spain on September 20, the Centre will operate as a community of healthcare
professionals and specialists in behavioural science, health psychology and the social sciences to solve some of the most pressing everyday health challenges.
Named the Centre for Human Sciences (CHS) the initiative will be the first major programme for healthcare professionals since the Haleon's launch on July 18 as an
independent, global leader in consumer health.
The Centre's mission is to support practising health professionals - pharmacists, pharmacy assistants and dental professionals - in serving their patients and
communities. Combining science with deep human understanding, CHS will bring expertise in physiology together with human sciences to deliver real world-solutions
and tangible interventions, resulting in measurable improvements in health outcomes through sustained behavioural change.
The Centre is facilitated by Robert Horne, professor of Behavioural Medicine at UCL School of Pharmacy, who started his career as a practising pharmacist but later
chose to become a behavioural scientist when he saw an opportunity to address issues around psycho-social factors that acted as a hindrance in pharmacy practice.
Speaking to me in an exclusive three-way conversation alongside Tess Player, the global head of healthcare professional & health influencer marketing at Haleon, on
the sidelines of the FIP Congress 2022, Prof Horne expanded on what the Centre was all about and how it would work.
"We've got some good ideas, but it's not a pre-filled prescription that we're going to deliver at scale from the start. What Haleon is t
It's no secret that the world of work can be dangerous. Every day, workers are injured on the job, and in some cases, these injuries can be quite serious. If
you're unfortunate enough to find yourself in this situation, it's important to know what steps to take to get the medical care you need.
There are several ways to get proper medical aid if you're injured at work, and each option has its own set of benefits and drawbacks.
HEALTH INSURANCE
If your employer offers health insurance, this will likely be your first port of call when seeking medical care after a workplace injury. The main benefit of using
your employer's insurance is that it will usually cover the majority of your medical expenses.
However, there are some drawbacks to this option. First, your employer's insurance may only cover treatment from specific doctors or hospitals. This can make it
difficult to get the care you need on time. Second, your employer's insurance may not cover all of the costs associated with your injury, leaving you with a hefty
bill.
Very often, workers consider obtaining private insurance, especially if they're working as ex-pats or freelancers. It is good to note that in these cases, private
insurance would then be used in combination with their employer's insurance, giving them a greater degree of coverage. However, even if you're only insuring yourself,
this insurance can be beneficial because you'll be able to choose your doctor, and you may have a greater range of coverage.
The message of Diwali - a festival of new beginnings and the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness - seems to take on new layers of meaning every
year.
At the height of the Covid pandemic, it brought to mind the importance of togetherness, as we all struggled through lockdowns and missed the human contact that is
so important to us all.
In 2022, sadly, it feels like there's a lot of darkness in the world. Diwali is so full of hope for the future and we certainly need some of that that right now. In
troubled times, both in the UK and across the globe, Diwali provides an opportunity to reflect and hope for better times ahead.
In their own way, pharmacies bring light to the communities they serve - giving help and reassurance to many vulnerable people. As chair of the NPA it is truly a
privilege to support pharmacy teams to deliver this vital work all year round. Diwali is a family feast - at the NPA we like to think of ourselves as the family
of family-owned pharmacies.
If you have recently been diagnosed with hearing loss, you may be feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. You are not alone - millions of people
around the world are living with hearing loss. The good news is that there are many resources available to help you learn how to manage your condition and live a
full life. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the most common issues that people with hearing loss face and provide tips on how to handle them.
HANDLING ISSUES FROM HEARING LOSS - HOW TO DO IT PROPERLY
Hearing loss is certainly a difficult obstacle to face in life, but it doesn't have to stop you from living a full and rich life. Of course, hearing loss comes with
its own set of unique challenges, but there are ways to manage them. From learning what hearing aids are the best for you to communicate with loved ones, to the
different types of therapies available, we're here to help you find the answers you need. Generally speaking, there are four main issues that people with hearing
loss face; Isolation, communication difficulties, feeling overwhelmed and frustrated, and depression. Unfortunately, each of these "consequences" will likely get
worse if hearing loss is not managed early on. Here are some tips on how to handle each one:
The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) has accepted AbbVie's RINVOQ (upadacitinib) for use within NHS Scotland for the treatment of adult patients with
moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis (UC).
Upadacitinib offers an additional treatment choice in the therapeutic class of janus kinase inhibitors.
"Daily life with ulcerative colitis is difficult due to the debilitating and unpredictable nature of its symptoms", said Dr Jonathan Macdonald, Consultant
Gastroenterologist at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.
"Clinical trials have shown that upadacitinib as a once daily pill controls symptoms in eight weeks for many patients and provided sustained responses at one year.
The SMC's decision is good news for people with ulcerative colitis in Scotland as it provides an additional treatment option to help them gain control of their
condition."
The SMC decision is based on data from the induction studies U-ACHIEVE and U-ACCOMPLISH, as well as the Phase 3 U-ACHIEVE maintenance study, which demonstrated the
efficacy of upadacitinib versus placebo in its ability to achieve clinical remission. The SMC's decision follows the granting of Marketing Authorisation for
upadacitinib in UC in July 2022.
Being accepted and appearing attractive has always been among the most coveted goals in the world, which has given rise to the multibillion-dollar cosmetic
and beauty industry. Fairy stories have been written about everlasting charm, and battles have been waged over attaining beauty. For the most part throughout history,
people have continuously sought ways to improve their features using natural materials, and as technology advanced, they began to use technical methods like light
therapy to accomplish the same goal.
Chains of cosmetic clinics have sprouted up as a result of advances in technology and cosmetic materials, providing a variety of techniques to slow down the aging
process or improve our appearance. So how can you set up your own beauty treatment and plastic surgery clinic to take advantage of this rapidly expanding market?
Here are some pieces of advice!
FIND QUALITY EQUIPMENT
Your success depends on securing the greatest tools available for skin care and plastic surgery. Good quality equipment is a complete solution for distinguishing
yourself from the competition. The initial step would be to locate different vendors. Using criteria like the cost of the equipment and replacement parts, the
vendor's training, the company's reputation, the after-sales services, yearly maintenance, system performance, warranty, and extended warranties, you may narrow
down your list of recommended suppliers. When selecting the appropriate medical supplies and equipment for your clinic, keep your budget in mind.
The opinions of pharmacists on the ketogenic diet can vary greatly. Some believe that it is a potentially effective and safe way to lose weight, while others
are more skeptical about its ability to promote sustainable health benefits over the long term. Ultimately, the success of the ketogenic diet will depend on each
individual's unique circumstances and personal goals, so it is important to consult with a medical professional before making any major changes to your diet or
lifestyle.
1. KETO DIET IS CONSIDERED A GOOD WAY TO LOSE WEIGHT
Some people find that the ketogenic diet can boost their energy levels and help them lose weight quickly, while others feel that they are more easily able to stick
to this diet as it allows them to eat a wider variety of foods. Many people find that the ketogenic way of eating prevents cravings and helps them avoid unhealthy
food choices, which can be an important factor in weight loss success. So if you are starting your ketogenic diet journey, it is important to seek out the advice of
a medical professional who can help you create an individualized plan that will support your specific goals. It's also important to track your progress regularly
and monitor how you are feeling so that you can make any necessary adjustments along the way.