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A Boots UK branch store in Hinckley town centre closed 'until further notice' as there was 'no pharmacist available' to work on Monday (May 9). A local news report said: "The sign on the door reads: "Unfortunately, we are unable to open until further notice. We are working hard to get this rectified. "We apologise for the inconvenience. Hearing care appointments please wait here to be greeted."" LeicestershireLive reported a patient saying that their appointment for a hearing aid check had been postponed until Tuesday. It added: "The customer was surprised to be told by staff that the store had to close as there was no pharmacist available."

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in the United Kingdom, affecting nearly 50,000 men yearly. Combined with the challenges faced across healthcare during COVID-19, new figures show that prostate cancer accounts for a third of cancers not treated due to the pandemic, with 14,000 'missing patients' believed to have not undergone treatment since April 2020. It is more urgent than ever that men are encouraged to get checked, as any set-backs in diagnosis can reduce the pathways available, in turn affecting health outcomes. Community pharmacy teams play a crucial role in signposting the help available for men who may be concerned about their health. Therefore, it is vital that pharmacy teams have access to the information they need to correctly direct men to seek prostate cancer guidance. By maximising the trusted relationship between patients and their pharmacists, more can be done to identify the warning signs, helping men to get an earlier diagnosis.

Community pharmacies in England could soon be allowed to make cancer referrals to hospitals under new plans to improve early detection of the disease. An NHS pilot scheme, which starts later this year as a pilot in an undisclosed number of places of England, will see community pharmacy staff spotting signs of cancer in people who might not have noticed symptoms. Pharmacy teams will be trained to spot red flags, such as patients with symptoms such as a cough that lasts for three weeks or more, difficulty swallowing or blood in their urine, and send them for scans and checks without needing to see a GP if they think it could be cancer. Amanda Pritchard, the NHS chief executive, will unveil the plans at the NHS Confed Expo conference in Liverpool on Wednesday (June 15), and say: "These plans have the power to truly transform the way we find and treat cancer, and ultimately spare thousands of patients and their families from avoidable pain and loss." The plans include new "roaming liver trucks" - which will be parked near GP surgeries, in town centres and food banks - to encourage people most at risk of getting liver cancer to get "on the spot scans" for diagnosis.

PCCA Limited has issued a recall for its Ketamine 50mg/5ml and 100mg/5ml oral solutions after a small number of bottles have been observed to contain crystalline material. The company said it is recalling impacted batches from patients, pharmacies and hospitals as a precautionary measure. "This recall is being issued as a company-led medicines recall, as this product is only supplied to a small number of customers and the company has traceability of the onward distribution by their customers to patients directly," the MHRA said in an alert. Check the website.

Proper drug storage is essential to ensure the safety of yourself, your family, and those around you. This is especially important if you are taking multiple medications and need to keep track of them all. Knowing how to store drugs correctly can help prevent misuse or accidental ingestion by children or pets. Here are six important guidelines about proper drug storage that everyone should follow: 1. KEEP ALL MEDICATIONS IN THEIR ORIGINAL, LABELED CONTAINERS: Using alternative storage containers can make it difficult to identify medications or keep track of expiration dates. Keeping medications in their original containers also prevents accidental misuse and helps ensure that the correct dosage is taken. In addition, it's important to store all medications out of reach of children and pets. Also, keep medications in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. For example, a medicine cabinet in the bathroom or kitchen is a good option. 2. DISPOSE OF EXPIRED MEDICATIONS: Expired medications can be less effective and even potentially harmful if taken, so it's important to regularly check expiration dates and get rid of any outdated medications. The best way to dispose of old drugs is to take them to a drug collection site. If no such sites are available, mix the medication with something like coffee grounds, put it in an opaque container, and then throw it away in your trash bin. Never flush expired medication down the toilet unless instructed by your pharmacist or healthcare provider! 3. STORE DRUGS IN A COOL, DRY PLACE: Extreme temperatures can cause medications to break down and become ineffective. To avoid this, keep all drugs away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and moisture. A medicine cabinet or drawer in the bathroom is an ideal spot for storing most drugs, but some require special storage conditions (more on that below). Different medications should also be separated from one another to avoid confusion and stored differently. For example, if a

The Serious Shortage Protocol (SSP), for Estradot 50mcg patches will expire at 23.59pm on Friday 24 February 2023. Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has confirmed that sufficient stock of Estradot 50mcg patches are now available to meet normal demand. "After 24th February, any prescriptions for Estradot 50mcg patches must be dispensed in accordance with the prescription, and SSP048 will no longer be valid for use," said DHSC. Top tips for SSP claims by PSNC: Where available, use the claim amend facility on the PMR system to rectify any incorrect EPS claims already submitted this month. For any supplies made in accordance with SSPs, check that the correct number of patient charges are collected and declared on the end of month FP34C submission. NHSBSA advise that contractors must follow the specific endorsement guidance issued with each SSP and endorsements should be clear and unambiguous - NHSBSA processing staff must be able to determine what has been supplied. NHSBSA have published information on common SSP endorsing errors they see when processing claims.

Working conditions in pharmacies have worsened in 2021, the annual Safer Pharmacies Survey conducted by the Pharmacists' Defence Association (PDA) revealed, highlighting the challenging and unsafe environments that some pharmacists are working in. The survey asks pharmacists across all areas of practice about their experiences of key safety measures in the workplace. Since the launch of the Safer Pharmacies Charter in 2017, PDA's annual surveys have monitored their feedback against the Charter's commitments, which covers seven basic areas as standard practice for pharmacy work. The commitments are No Self-Checking, Safe Staffing, Access to a Pharmacist, Adequate Rest, Respect for Professional Judgment, Raising Concerns and Physical Safety. The survey revealed that eight out of 10 feel unsafe at work as violence and abuse still remain areas of concerns in pharmacy.

NHS moves a step ahead towards its efforts to address covid-19 backlogs by opening a new 'planned care' hospital in Berkshire dedicated to non-emergency treatment. Heatherwood Hospital in Ascot, part of Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust, will focus on cutting waits for routine care with staff prioritising patients who have been waiting longest, including for orthopaedic and ophthalmology services. The hospital houses six operating theatres, 48 inpatient beds and 22 day-case cubicles and provides surgical, diagnostic and outpatient care, and will treat patients across Berkshire, Hampshire and Surrey. There will also be a range of outpatient services under the same roof including gynaecology, urology and cardiology services. These will be supported by services offering patients endoscopy, physiotherapy, phlebotomy and radiology checks and treatments.

The Medicine and Healthcare Product Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has recalled all pholcodine-containing medicines from the UK pharmacy due to concerns of its potential to cause a severe allergic reaction in some people having general anaesthesia for surgery. The decision was made following the conclusion of a review of post-marketing safety data by the MHRA. The Commission on Human Medicines (CHM) has considered the evidence of an increased risk of the very rare event of anaphylaxis when exposed to neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBA) and advised that pholcodine-containing medicines should be withdrawn. MHRA has advised pharmacists to consider recommending appropriate treatment alternatives for patients who present with a new dry cough or who are currently taking pholcodine. Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) President Professor Claire Anderson said: "If you are taking a cough medicine (including tablets and syrups), check the packaging, label or Patient Information Leaflet to see if pholcodine is a listed ingredient - if it is, and you have any questions, you can talk to your pharmacist who can suggest a different medicine suitable for you.

The Pharmacists Defence Association (PDA) has welcomed the government's action of publishing 'AI Regulation White Paper' which will regulate the artificial intelligence (AI) system used in pharmacy on Wednesday (29 March). The Association had raised concerns about the risk of patient harm due to inappropriate use of so-called AI to include that seen in some of the pharmacy systems undertaking clinical checks. For some time, it has been receiving concerns from practicing pharmacists describing examples of the potentially detrimental impact of automation and online pharmacy provision on patient safety and pharmacy practice. As a result, it raised these concerns with regulators, Chief Pharmaceutical Officers, and parliamentarians in all four nations of the UK to urge action. It said: "This is required not only to protect patients, but also the frontline pharmacists who could be blamed for potential harm caused by inappropriate use of so called 'AI' systems implemented by their employer." The PDA therefore, welcomes the announcement from the UK government that they intend to strengthen regulation of such technology, empowering existing regulators to come up with tailored, context-specific approaches that suit the way AI is actually being used in their sectors; this will include pharmacy.

Organic Turmeric powder has long been used as a natural beauty agent as it is used to make a paste and face masks for treating various skin issues till now. As per the latest research, turmeric Soap helps banish dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Also, a study published in the journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology affirms that topical turmeric curcumin extract in a moisturizing cream and soap formula reduces the appearance of facial spots, fine lines, aging, and wrinkles on human facial skin. Also, it was found that hyperpigmentation can be reduced by 14-15% within four to five weeks of turmeric-based skincare products. Being a natural ingredient, turmeric soap is safe for all skin types and is even recommended for people with skin conditions. So let's further explain why this is so good for you. Naturally, turmeric is rich in antioxidants and antibacterial properties. The antibacterial and antioxidant content in turmeric battle acne, whereas the mighty antioxidant makes the skin tone clear. And the same properties go for turmeric used in soaps. Is turmeric soap good for your face? Yes, turmeric soap is virtually good for your face because modern dermatologists have explored its positive and healthy effects on the skin. On the other hand, it is becoming famous because of its beneficial impacts on the skin. Turmeric soap benefits for skin Backed by clinically proven research, this skin-healthy soap has the following benefits: 1. Antiseptic, Anti-bacterial & Anti-inflammatory Soap Turmeric is a known herb that treats acne. This is because it boasts natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory qualities that prevent clogged pores and stop the growth of acne-causing bacteria while reducing redness and inflammation. As an anti-inflammatory agent, it can help calm the skin and prevent long-term acne scars. Anti-bacterial content in turmeric arrest acne breakout and prevents further infection both for skin as well as oral health. You must add this soap to your ski

The aging process can bring with it physical, emotional, and financial changes that can impact elderly parents. As children of aging parents, it is important to be aware of their changing needs and help them adjust to these changes. With the right support, elderly parents can maintain a high quality of life in their senior years. Here are some suggestions on how to help older parents. 1. NURSING SERVICES Nursing services can help aging parents manage their physical needs and provide peace of mind for them and their families. They can help with personal care, assist with medication management, and provide guidance on diet and exercise. Additionally, getting home care nursing services can also provide elderly parents with a sense of companionship and reduce their risk of social isolation. If your parent is in need of nursing services, be sure to research options in your area and look for an experienced provider who will treat them with respect. It's also a good idea to visit them regularly and check in with the nurse to ensure that your parent is receiving quality care

Our Totton branch has an incredibly high volume of original pack dispensing, roughly 45,000 items. As we became busier and busier in the dispensary we were finding that our pharmacists, dispensers and other technicians simply didn't have capacity to deliver the services that we needed them to. We all know there is a real emphasis right now on pharmacies doing more services and we knew we had to change the way we operate to survive. So we decided it was time to look into a sound automation solution for our medication dispensing process, one that would allow us to free up the time of the pharmacists and the rest of the team so they could better support patients. After a lot of research we invested in Centred Solutions FLOWRx Hub and InStore solutions which were installed late last year. It provides us with the whole package and has automated our entire dispensing process from picking to packing and labeling to checking. Our situation was quite unique as we bought the system initially for our existing high-volume pharmacy in Totton so the hub and the spoke are actually on the same site. People wouldn't usually look at a hub and spoke solution for that kind of set up but it has allowed us to significantly free up time in store for more services. What it has also done is allow us to look at other opportunities to grow and expand. The pharmacy landscape is changing and there are lots of opportunities coming up. We have found that having your technology and the right infrastructure in place to support your existing footprint before you expand is the ideal way to grow in a safe and controlled way. We never thought that five years ago we would buy another pharmacy, yet we have already bought one and are now in the process of buying two more. I'm not worried about the increase in volume this expansion will bring because I know our technology is going to be able to support it. The pharmacies we are buying are struggling but having our solution already in place m

NHS England has expanded its national bowel screening programme to people aged 54 so that cancers can be detected at an earlier stage when they are easier to treat. As part of the expansion, the health service would be sending a home-testing kit for bowel cancer, known as the Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT), to thousands more people in the North West. Those who are eligible (aged 54 and over) will now automatically receive the kit every two years by post, enabling them to self-check for blood in stool samples, which can be a sign of bowel cancer. With the expansion of the NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme to people aged 54 years, an additional 830,000 people in England will now be eligible for the screening test.

It isn't the hardest thing to find the right physiotherapist to treat you, but like many other professions, especially in health, physiotherapy has a number of different areas of expertise that are governed by strict and high standards of service. Physiotherapists have to be well educated and officially registered in order to practice. Identifying which therapist is able to provide the treatment for your specific needs and requires more than just picking up a phone book, or selecting the first site that pops up on google. Here's a list of what to look for when selecting a therapist as well as when to look for one. What to Look for Check their qualifications As is the case with any healthcare practitioner, it is important that your physiotherapist is fully qualified and accredited. It is required by law that they complete a degree at an approved educational institution, and are registered with the Physiotherapy Board. The board is responsible for keeping professional standards up to where they need to be, and for making sure that the Code of Practice is upheld.

The King's condition is "benign" and he will be treated in the hospital next week for a "corrective procedure", Buckingham Palace said a statement released on Wednesday. "In common with thousands of men each year, the King has sought treatment for an enlarged prostate," the Palace said. Because of the upcoming surgery, Charles had to postpone all meetings and events planned for this week. The Palace informed that the King's public engagements will be "postponed for a short period of recuperation." Charles, 75, wanted to share the details of his diagnosis to encourage more men who may be experiencing symptoms to get their conditions checked.

Troubleshooting Quickbooks Error 6130 in QuickBooks can be bewildering and disrupt your workflow. Because understanding its causes and potential solutions can equip you to tackle it effectively.Then the Quickbooks Error 6130 typically manifests as a message like "QuickBooks has encountered a problem and needs to close. We are sorry for the inconvenience." This indicates an issue preventing QuickBooks from opening or accessing your company file. Resolving the Error: Here are some steps you can take to address Error 6130: 1. Repair the Company File: Use the QuickBooks File Doctor tool to scan and repair potential damage within your company file. 2. Verify Network Connectivity: Ensure a stable internet connection if you're accessing QuickBooks on a network. Troubleshoot network issues or consult your network administrator if needed. 3. Check File Location: Double-check that your company file is located in its original default location. If moved, relocate it back or update the file path within QuickBooks settings. 4. Update QuickBooks: Download and install the latest version of QuickBooks to benefit from compatibility improvements and bug fixes. 5. Run the QuickBooks Tool Hub: Utilize the free QuickBooks Tool Hub's "File Doctor" and "Network Diagnosis" tools for more advanced troubleshooting.

Community pharmacy chain Jardines Pharmacy has partnered with patient relationship management platform Charac to launch a new app designed to digitalise its services, enhance operational efficiency, and elevate customer satisfaction. The app allows patients to order repeat prescriptions, access medicine home delivery and book consultations with their pharmacist all in one place, enabling faster pharmacist-to-patient care. By incorporating Charac's platform into its business, Jardines is able to boost prescription dispensing efficiency, helping reducing wait times for patients. Additionally, its delivery feature enables patients to track their orders directly through the app, thereby streamlining the overall patient experience. The app also minimises administrative and manual tasks for pharmacists, giving them more time to focus on helping patients and delivering the outstanding customer service. Patients of Jardines can also use the app to book appointments digitally for Pharmacy First consultations, blood pressure checks, earwax removal, travel vaccinations, and emergency contraception services. Santosh Sahu, Founder and CEO of Charac, said: "We are pleased to support Jardines Pharmacy and its patients across England. Our mission is to ensure that community pharmacies are empowered to digitalise, making care easier and more accessible for patients.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has launched a campaign to caution people with food allergies about the risk of products labelled as 'vegan'. People who have an allergy to milk, eggs, fish and crustaceans or molluscs are encouraged to always check for a precautionary allergen statement such as 'may contain' on products labelled 'vegan' before consuming the food. The launch of the campaign comes in the wake of recent research findings by the FSA that 62 per cent of individuals with reactions to animal-based products or who buy for someone with allergies were confident that products labelled 'vegan' are safe to eat. This is "incorrect" and may put them at risk, the agency said. The FSA study found that 54 per cent of people who experience reactions to animal-based products and 53 per cent of those purchasing for someone with a food hypersensitivity to animal-origin products have used vegan labelling to determine the safety of packaged food on at least some occasions.

Pharmacy owners can make their claims for February Pharmacy First consultations until 5pm on Friday 15 March 2024, the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) announced on Monday. The deadline for Pharmacy First submission was extended following a technical issue in the NHSBSA Manage Your Service (MYS) portal, which led to the claims appearing incorrectly in the portal. The NHSBSA has been working with suppliers and NHS England to investigate and address the problem. While the problem has been resolved, the NHSBSA has advised pharmacy owners to check their submissions carefully before submitting. If any issues persist, they are advised to contact their Pharmacy First IT system supplier helpdesk to escalate the matter and not to confirm their claims in MYS until the issue has been resolved. Pharmacy owners are informed that the extended deadline is for February only and it includes any consultations completed on 31 January 2024.