Besins Healthcare has acquired a pharmaceutical manufacturing site in Drogenbos, Belgium to boost the production of hormonal products including Oestrogel.
Currently, the site which is being used as one of two manufacturing sites for their gel products [the other site being in France], is a strategic purchase to allow
Besins Healthcare to increase production of its own products, offering greater efficiencies and greater integration into the company's supply line.
"In the past year, demand for hormone replacement therapy (HRT) treatment in the United Kingdom and Ireland has dramatically increased, resulting in regrettable
disruption to supply of Oestrogel. We are looking at a range of options for increasing supplies of this product in the short, medium and longer term," said Alexandre
Besins, joint CEO for Besins Healthcare.
"Besins strongly believes that by re-integrating our manufacturing capabilities we will have better control over our ability to meet demand and live up to the trust
that HCPs and patients have put in us."
Integration of primary and community care is key to health service improvement - Lords Committee has said in a new report published on 15 December.
The report highlighted the need for better staff training, improved data-sharing, flexible healthcare structures and collaboration across different professions in
the healthcare system to support more integrated care.
Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) England has welcomed the report, and highlighted the important role pharmacy teams can play in improving patient care.
Tase Oputu, Chair of RPS England Pharmacy Board, said: "Pharmacists and pharmacy teams play a vital role in supporting more integrated care, working with
multidisciplinary teams across the health service.
The lessons from Covid crisis applied in the future through collaboration can create a better integration between GP practices, hospitals and community
pharmacies, Pharmacists Defence Association (PDA) has proposed.
Stating that a more integrated healthcare system could enable pharmacists to provide effective and more efficient care to patients, the PDA proposed a model where
at least two pharmacists would be working in each community pharmacy, empowered, and enabled with two-way referral pathways, having more clinical input and full
access to patient records.
"Such an environment could not only help to improve communications between health professionals and increase access to services for patients, but would support
the NHS to operate more effectively."
Hobbs, who joined the company in 2019, navigated it through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, and successfully oversaw the acquisition and integration
of Lexon in 2023. He will retire from the company at the end of September 2024.
"After five years with the company, I am retiring at the end of September to spend time with my wife who was diagnosed with motor neurone disease last year," Hobbs
said.
"I wish to extend my personal thanks to our owners, the Bestway Group, for their kindness and understanding of our situation.
"It has been a privilege to lead the Well Pharmacy, now Bestway Healthcare organisation. The business is resilient for today and fit to prosper in the long term.
When I leave it will be with gratitude and admiration for the 7,500+ people in Bestway Healthcare who are committed to improving the lives of our patients and
customers, thank you all."
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."
At the Future of Britain Conference 2024, the newly appointed Secretary of Health and Social Care, (DHSC) Wes Streeting, stated that "Labour's DNA is in
the NHS".
He also called for a long-term approach to reform the broken health sector and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) to steer the healthcare system
towards sustainability and growth.
Hosted by Tony Blair Institute for Global Change and My Life My Say today, Tuesday, 9, Streeting discussed the plans to fix the healthcare system and role of
Artificial Intelligence (AI) in "making the right choices" by bringing in three essential shifts in the healthcare.
Criticising the previous Conservative administration for leaving "massive burning deck issues" due to constant reshuffling within the Department of Health and
Social Care (DHSC), Streeting lamented that this "instability" and "indecisions" have made comprehensive reform even more pressing.
Drawing inspiration from Chancellor Rachel Reeves' speech on economic growth, Streeting stressed the interconnectedness of health and economic prosperity.
Wes Streeting MP has been appointed Secretary of State for Health and Social Care in the new Labour Government.
The Ilford North MP will now take on the critical role of overseeing the National Health Service (NHS) and implementing Labour's ambitious health agenda.
At the core of the Labour Party's healthcare reform manifesto is enhancing accessibility to primary and community healthcare. This involves implementing a
'Community Pharmacist Prescribing Service,' to empower pharmacists with independent prescribing rights where clinically suitable.
This initiative aims to alleviate the strain on GP practices and enhance service accessibility.
Additionally, the manifesto proposes piloting Neighbourhood Health Centres, to integrate various healthcare services -such as family doctors, district nurses,
and mental health specialists under one roof.
With the upcoming general election on the horizon, Proprietary Association of Greater Britain (PAGB) is leading the charge to integrate self-care into the
core of all political party manifestos.
The aim is to ease strains on the NHS and forge a sustainable healthcare system for the future.
In a significant move, PAGB unveiled a comprehensive general election toolkit on Wednesday, laying out a compelling argument for the prioritisation of self-care
among stakeholders.
The toolkit underscores the importance of public interest, potential NHS cost savings, and the economic advantages of the over-the-counter (OTC) sector.
Aimed at unlocking the full potential of self-care and nurturing an enabling environment for its implementation, PAGB's toolkit advocates for greater integration
of pharmacy services into primary care.
Charac, an NHS-integrated one-stop platform for independent community pharmacies, has secured £1 million strategic investment from the Royal Mail Group,
enabling its time-saving platform to assist more local pharmacies and patients across the UK to easily manage their prescriptions and consultations online.
The company said this new money will enable it to leverage strong levels of trust that pharmacists enjoy within the communities they serve in and will ensure
pharmacies remain a cornerstone of vibrant high streets and an invaluable provider of frontline healthcare products and services, including vitally needed
consultations.
Charac says it is aiming to sign up over 1,000 UK pharmacies in the next 12 months by expanding its geographic footprint beyond current cities, including London,
Manchester and Birmingham, and targeting small multiple and independent pharmacies, accounting for almost 40 per cent of the UK's community pharmacy network.
The announcement also sees the addition of Stefan Kulik, a managing director at Royal Mail, to the Charac board. Stefan is responsible for leading Royal Mail's
expansion into the healthcare industry and brings a breadth of experience, having previously worked in healthcare with companies including Johnson & Johnson.
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) announced on Monday (November 22) that it would integrate NHS Digital, NHSX and Health Education England into NHS England and Improvement (NHSE&I) as part of major workforce planning and technology reforms.
The merger is part of the government's long-term strategy for the recruitment, training and retention of healthcare staff coupled with a digital transformation of
working practices.
The overhaul is based on recommendations made by NHS Digital chair Laura Wade-Gery who led a government-commissioned review to improve patient care, centralise the NHS workforce and accelerate digital delivery.
Commenting on her recommendations, Wade-Gery, said: "In the rest of our lives, digital has really changed how we live and we must now make this true in healthcare.
The goal of my review is to equip the national centre with the right capability to support Integrated Care Systems to deliver better citizen health. We need to have
the culture, operating model, skills, capabilities and processes to put data, digital and technology at the heart of how we transform health services."
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has published a new diagnostic guidance to enhance CYP2C19 genotype testing to guide clopidogrel
use for patients who have suffered an ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack.
Published in July, the diagnostic guidance also emphasised the vital role of pharmacists and pharmacies in the implementation of CYP2C19 genotype testing used to
guide prescribed antiplatelet medication.
According to the NICE guidance, pharmacists with their expertise in pharmacogenomics and patient medication management, will be integral in interpreting test
results and recommending appropriate antiplatelet therapy.
It also highlighted the need for close collaboration with other healthcare professionals to ensure effective implementation across various care settings for stroke
patients.
The diagnostics advisory committee, a standing advisory committee of NICE, agreed that it should be possible to gather samples for genotype testing at a location
that is convenient for the person having the test and highlighted the role of pharmacies as accessible locations for CYP2C19 genotype testing.The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has published a new diagnostic guidance to enhance CYP2C19 genotype testing to guide clopidogrel
use for patients who have suffered an ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack.
Published in July, the diagnostic guidance also emphasised the vital role of pharmacists and pharmacies in the implementation of CYP2C19 genotype testing used to
guide prescribed antiplatelet medication.
According to the NICE guidance, pharmacists with their expertise in pharmacogenomics and patient medication management, will be integral in interpreting test
results and recommending appropriate antiplatelet therapy.
It also highlighted the need for close collaboration with other healthcare professionals to ensure effective implementation across various care settings for stroke
patients.
The d
The business landscape worldwide is undergoing a significant transformation, shifting from a sole focus on profitability to incorporating a broader spectrum
of considerations. Today, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria are integral to business operations, reflecting a commitment to sustainable and
ethical practices alongside financial growth.
ESG stands for three interconnected pillars: Environmental, focusing on reducing a company's ecological footprint; Social, addressing the impact on employees,
diversity, equity, inclusion, and the broader community; and Governance, which ensures responsible management practices, ethical behavior, and compliance with
regulations.
This holistic approach is becoming a critical foundation for long-term success in various industries, including healthcare. For the UK healthcare and pharmacy
sectors, integrating ESG not only aligns with global sustainability goals but also offers substantial benefits. This article delves into the specific implications
of ESG for UK pharmacies, highlighting how they can leverage these practices to foster both community well-being and business success.
After struggling with COVID, Hemant Petal is back to good health, and now he is on a mission to reduce "health inequalities".
Speaking at the SIGMA Conference 2023, he spoke about his new role as Clinical Lead, Health Inequalities and Population Health Management, SE Essex Alliance,
Essex ICB.
"So, my new role is outside pharmacy, nothing to do with pharmacy. But it is important, I feel that I share some of my insights about the work that I'm doing that
might benefit you," he said.
Elaborating on the role of integrated care boards (ICBs), he said that they are designed to enhance coordination and collaboration across different healthcare
providers and settings.
The representatives from hospitals, community services, retail and social care meet on a monthly basis to "look at where there are issues to be resolved, perhaps
what can be done to improve the healthcare services."
In a delightful announcement, the University of Brighton has honoured NHS England's Chief Pharmaceutical Officer, David Webb with its prestigious Doctor
of Science honorary degree
Webb's award is a highlight of the university's graduation ceremony which celebrated the graduation of over 3,400 undergraduate and postgraduate students from 92
countries at the Brighton Centre this week.
The accolade recognises Webb's transformative work in the pharmacy services within the NHS, highlighting the profound impact his contributions have had on delivery
of healthcare across the UK.
Under Webb's leadership, significant advancements have been made in integrating pharmacy into NHS care pathways, improving patient outcomes, and enhancing the role
of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in the healthcare system.
Webb expressed his honour stating, "I am delighted to receive the honorary award of Doctor of Science from the University of Brighton in recognition of both my
contribution to pharmacy in the NHS"
Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians are set to receive up to £15.9 million over the next four years which will help them thrive in multidisciplinary healthcare teams and enable expansion of frontline staff in primary and community care.
The funding, which is part of the Pharmacy Integration Programme allocation, will improve registered pharmacy professionals' skills, through a range of training
and development opportunities.
The programme is a part of education reform for pharmacy professionals and will allow them to identify career pathways.
Health Education England and NHS England will work in partnership to develop "a formal portfolio recognition process to identify the existing skills, training and experience gained by pharmacists working in primary care, allowing them to work more flexibly and better support GP services", HEE said in a statement today (November 8).
The Pharmacists' Defence Association (PDA) has raised the issue faced by the pharmacy students on returning to in-person assessments while urging the
universities to take an empathetic approach in transition of online to in-person exams.
It was highlighted by the association that many student members were apprehensive about the return to in-person assessments. This is due to their continuing worry of Covid-19 transmissions and anxiety caused by changing exam formats and procedures.
However, with the ease of Covid restrictions, now pharmacy schools are able to decide how exams are conducted but the PDA believes that they should communicate the
process to students in advance.
"A return to normal university life is considered to be beneficial to student health and well-being. In-person exams are an important part of preparing for students' future trainee assessment examinations, GPhC accreditation for pharmacy schools, and ensuring the integrity of exam results. As future healthcare professionals, face-to-face interaction is also an integral part of the role," said the PDA.
The Independent Pharmacies Association (IPA), in collaboration with the Association of Optometrists (AOP), the British Dental Association (BDA) and the
NHS Confederation has written to health secretary Wes Streeting, urging him to ensure sustainable investment in primary care to strengthen the NHS and better
serve patients.
In their letter, the group congratulated Streeting on his recent appointment as Secretary of State for Health and Social Care and requested a meeting to provide
their joint constructive input towards improving health outcomes.
They expressed concern that recent administrations have failed to follow through on promises to properly integrate and fund primary care, leading to deteriorating
health outcomes.
"Our collective experience is that our National Health Service (NHS), and health outcomes generally, have suffered at the hands of recent administrations that have
talked much about the importance of properly integrating and funding primary care but not followed through with action," they wrote.
The associations emphasised the need to transition the NHS to a Neighbourhood Health Service, where more care is delivered within local communities to identify
problems earlier.
In a bid to amplify the role of pharmacists in clinical services and vaccination programs, the Pharmacists' Defence Association (PDA) has embarked on a
groundbreaking collaboration with Aston University.
This initiative, funded by Innovate UK Business Connect, aims to explore the feasibility and impact of integrating additional healthcare interventions within
community pharmacies.
"The Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) research project represents an exciting opportunity to advance the role of pharmacists in patient care," remarked
Alison Jones, Director of Policy at PDA.
"This project will be an important part of that evolution, supporting individual pharmacists to have more opportunities to practice and so develop more fulfilling
careers."
Led by the PDA and Aston University, the project will commence imminently, focusing on the Priory Community Pharmacy in Dudley.
The 14th Community Pharmacy Conference by Sigma Pharmaceuticals has been timely, prime minister Rishi Sunak said, noting that it coincided with the launch
of Pharmacy First, a new initiative that enables patients to receive treatments for seven common conditions directly from a pharmacist without the need for a GP
appointment or prescription.
"We are all grateful for the tremendous contributions that pharmacists make to our NHS. The fantastic work you do is critical to the success of Pharmacy First and
many other initiatives," Sunak said in a written message.
The conference was organised from 25-29 February at Sun City in Johannesburg, South Africa, under the theme 'community pharmacy in an integrated NHS'.
In a recorded video address to the Sigma Conference, shadow health secretary Wes Streeting said community pharmacies are 'critical' to the Labour party's mission to
make the NHS 'fit for the future'.
"You should be playing a much more significant role. Labour's reform agenda will get pharmacists working to the top of their licence. We want community pharmacists
to play a greater role in healthcare, with more focus on their expertise in prescribing and medicines management," he said.
"Only around half of ICSs have a Chief Pharmacist," indicating a significant gap in leadership that hampers the pharmacy sector's ability to influence
critical healthcare decision, a report on medicine optimisation by the Public Policy Projects (PPP) highlights.
In PPP's latest report, a notable concern highlighted is the inadequate representation of pharmacy leadership within Integrated Care Systems (ICSs) despite the
role of pharmacy being "central in the delivery of system priorities, with pivotal roles in improving population health and tackling inequalities".
In recent years, the role of pharmacy within the NHS has evolved significantly with recent developments including Pharmacy First Services and legislative
amendments that allows pharmacy technicians under PGDs to administer and supply medicines.