The Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee (PSNC) has reminded community pharmacy contractors that they have two weeks left to claim an Aspiration
payment for the Pharmacy Quality Scheme (PQS) 2022/23.
The window for claiming the payment will close at 11.59pm on 4 November 2022.
"The Aspiration payment is optional; if contractors do not want to claim it, it will not impact on the contractor's ability to claim a PQS payment during the
declaration period. There is also no requirement to have claimed for a previous PQS to claim an Aspiration payment for PQS 2022/23," said PSNC.
The Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee (PSNC) has reminded community pharmacy contractors to start working on the quality criteria if they intend to
meet the Respiratory domain of the Pharmacy Quality Scheme (PQS) 2022/23.
For respiratory domain, community pharmacy contractors must start working towards inhaler waste management; use of a spacer in patients aged 5-15 years; and
personalised asthma action plans, from today (10 October).
Resources are also available to support contractors with meeting the above criteria on the PQS hub page.
PSNC also informed that contractors are also now able to make a claim for an Aspiration payment for the PQS 2022/23 on the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA)
Manage Your Service (MYS) portal.
"The Aspiration payment is optional; if contractors do not want to claim it, it will not impact on the contractor's ability to claim a PQS payment during the
declaration period. There is also no requirement to have claimed for a previous PQS to claim an Aspiration payment for PQS 2022/23.
Pharmacists can dispense Paracetamol 120mg suppositories in accordance with the prescription, as the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has confirmed
that sufficient stocks are available to meet normal demand.
This means the Serious Shortage Protocol - SSP033 - for Paracetamol 120mg suppositories has now expired since 26 August 2022.
Top tips for SSP claims
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.
Any paper prescriptions with SSP claims need to be placed in the red separator provided by the NHSBSA.
Although an SSP cannot be used outside its period of validity, claims can be submitted up to three calendar months after expiry or withdrawal of the SSP to help
manage any owings for other items issued on the same prescription form. For example, for SSP033 Paracetamol 120mg suppositories, which expires at 23.59pm on Friday
26 August 2022, the NHSBSA would continue to look for the "SSP" endorsement on prescriptions for Paracetamol 120mg suppositories that are submitted with the August
batch (submitted by 5 September), September batch (submitted by 5 October) and October batch (submitted by 5 November).
The Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee (PSNC) has advised the pharmacy contractors to check that their PMR systems supports correct and complete
SSP endorsements.
Several tips has been shared by the PSNC with pharmacy contractors after NHSBSA received several electronic EPS SSP claims which did not meet the requirements for
a valid SSP between 1 April 2022 and 31 May 2022.
PSNC has been working with NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) to understand whether claims for HRT SSPs are being submitted correctly and in accordance with
the specific supporting guidance for each SSP.
"For any invalid SSP claims, contractors will continue to receive the usual dispensing fee but will not receive any SSP fee (£5.35). Reimbursement for invalid SSP
claims will also be in accordance with the prescribed product rather than the alternative product or quantity supplied in accordance with an SSP," said PSNC.
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.
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.
When faced with the unfortunate situation of medical malpractice, it's understandable that you may feel overwhelmed and uncertain about the next steps. One
crucial aspect that often gets overlooked in the turmoil is the importance of timely filing a medical malpractice claim. Delaying this process can have significant
negative consequences on your ability to secure justice and compensation. Here's why you shouldn't delay in filing a medical malpractice claim.
A Crucial Step in Seeking Justice
When faced with legal challenges, finding the right lawyer is paramount. Your choice of legal representation can significantly impact the outcome of your case and
your overall experience throughout the legal process. Begin by identifying lawyers with expertise in your specific legal issue, whether it's personal injury, family
law, or business disputes.
Conduct thorough research, read client reviews, and seek recommendations from trusted sources to narrow down your options. Meet with potential attorneys for
consultations to assess their experience, communication style, and commitment to your case. Whether you are looking for a Scranton Medical Malpractice Lawyer or in
any other place, look for a lawyer who not only has the necessary skills and knowledge but also demonstrates empathy, transparency, and a genuine dedication to
advocating for your rights. By investing time and effort into finding the right lawyer, you set the foundation for a strong legal strategy and increase your chances
of a favorable resolution.
Community pharmacy contractors can now submit their December 2021 claims for the Pharmacy Collect service by the end of January 2022.
Considering high demand for Lateral Flow Device (LFD) test kits, the UK Health Security Agency, Department of Health and Social Care, and NHS England and NHS Improvement have agreed to extend the submission deadline "on an exceptional basis."
For December 2021 claims, contractors must make submissions before 11.59pm on January 31, 2022, Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee (PSNC) has informed.
Drugmakers GSK, Pfizer, Sanofi and Boehringer Ingelheim on Tuesday were spared thousands of US lawsuits claiming that the heartburn drug Zantac caused cancer,
as a judge found the claims were not backed by sound science.
The ruling by US District Judge Robin Rosenberg in West Palm Beach, Florida, knocks out about 50,000 claims in federal court, though it does not directly affect tens
of thousands of similar cases pending in state courts around the country.
"We are extremely surprised by this miscarriage of justice," and "fully expect" the ruling will be reversed on appeal, lawyers for the plaintiffs said in a joint
statement.
A Sanofi spokesperson said the decision "significantly decreases the scope of the litigation potentially by over 50 per cent," with the remaining litigation being
only in state court.
A spokesperson for GSK said the company welcomed the decision and Pfizer said it was pleased by the outcome.
Privately-held German drugmaker Boehringer said in a statement that it looked forward to "continuing our vigorous defense of the remaining cases in state courts."
Personal injury law, being a set of legal provisions and procedures, can often be difficult to understand; however, knowing the fundamentals is an entirely
different game and can greatly impact your claim. If you have a small wound or a car accident, understanding your rights as the victim as well as the best course
of action to take is essential. This is what you should know if you want to protect yourself.
Documentation About Injury
The documentation process is very crucial in ensuring that you win a personal injury case. This consists of maintaining receipts for medical expenses, treatment
receipts, and any communication made to do with your injury. You can also use photographs as proof, such as pictures of your injuries, the site of the accident,
or the extent of the property damage. Additional information in the form of specifications on how the injury has impacted your daily life, employment, and even
mental health enhances the application. This kind of evidence can go a long way in pressuring an insurance company or a judge to take your injuries seriously.
Every piece of documentation related to the injury is important, but it is critical to have help on how to format it while filing for the claim. A personal injury
attorney must be hired as soon as possible because they play a major role in determining the results of the case. It is always recommended to consult with an
attorney who has extensive experience handling these types of claims, as it is critical to adhere to all legal guidelines and procedures. Not only can they
explain the general legal proceedings to you but they can also do all the negotiations with insurance companies for you and even defend you in court if required
to do so.
It might be actresses such as Suzanne Sommers and Jane Fonda, or models such as Christie Brinkley or Kathy Ireland. It seems that a number of celebrities today offer their own weight loss programs. The programs are appealing because we see these various svelte celebrities and we want to have bodies just like them. The celebrities are also highly likable, so we have a predisposition to be accepting of their products.
However, did you ever stop to think whether these celebrities have any nutritional training? Do they have medical training? Is the information that they offer nutritionally sound? Or is it just a good sales pitch?
Nutrition experts Annette B. Natow and Jo-Ann Heslin, authors of the book Get Skinny the Smart Way, say that consumers should be leery of celebrity-inspired diet books. They point out that such books are often based upon nutritional fiction and that, while the diets outlined in these books may result in short-term weight loss, they can be far from healthy in the long run. Therefore, you might consider passing up the celebrity diet books and opting for those written by nutritional experts instead.
But celebrities aren't the only ones preaching fad diets. For instance, there's the so-called grapefruit diet which recommends consuming a grapefruit prior to each meal. Another fad is the cabbage soup diet, which requires you to consume all the cabbage soup you can handle. Other fads call for eating all the eggs you can…consuming only raw foods…or fasting every other day. Such diets are not only based on nutritional misinformation-they can also be dangerous.
For instance, let's take a closer look at the cabbage soup diet. No major health organization has endorsed it. Moreover, the American Heart Association disapproves of it, noting that it can actually harm you. Promoters of this diet say that you can lose as much as 15 pounds a week by following it-what they don't say is that mos
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More than 6,000 pharmacy contractors who declared their October 2021 FP34C submission figures by November 5, will have received earlier advance payments on November 11.
The contractors had submitted their claims through the Manage Your Service (MYS) portal.
All contractors who received payments under the system would have got a letter from the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) regarding these payments,PSNC stated.
Approximate 3,000 contractors submitted claims after November 5, and will receive payments as per the normal payment timetable on December 1, it said.
The negotiator encouraged contractors to benefit from earlier advance payments by submitting their monthly declaration through the MYS portal by the 5th of the month.
The High Court has dismissed the British Generic Manufacturers Association (BGMA)'s claim on being excluded from ongoing negotiations between the government
and industry to agree a new Voluntary Scheme for medicine pricing and access (VPAS).
The association had sought a judicial review of the Department of Health and Social Care's (DHSC) decision to negotiate a new Voluntary Scheme for branded medicines
with the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) in April.
Commenting on the result of the case, Richard Torbett, Chief Executive of the ABPI said: "For over 60 years the ABPI has acted as the representative industry body
for negotiations on the Voluntary Scheme for branded medicines - a responsibility we take extremely seriously - and one which has been reaffirmed by today's
judgment.
"While we were disappointed that the BGMA decided to take this action - we recognise their decision was driven by the extreme challenge placed on all parts of the
industry from the surge in the branded medicine payment rates.
"The solution to these problems must be a completely new and sustainable approach to medicines provision in the UK which rapidly brings industry revenue payments in
line with comparator countries to unlock investment and growth."
Health authorities in India have launched an inquiry into an allegation that a local pharmaceutical regulator, in return for a bribe, helped switch samples of
cough syrups that the World Health Organization (WHO) had linked to the deaths of children in Gambia before the samples were tested at an Indian laboratory,
according to two government officials and documents reviewed by the Reuters news agency.
In an April 29 letter to the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) in Haryana state reviewed by the news agency, a lawyer named Yashpal accused the state's drug controller,
Manmohan Taneja, of taking a bribe of 50 million rupees (£481,600 approx.) from local manufacturer Maiden Pharmaceuticals to help it switch the samples before an
Indian government laboratory tested them. Maiden's factory is based in Haryana state.
Reuters points out that it was unable to independently establish that any bribes were paid.
Taneja did not respond to phone calls, messages or emails seeking comment. Maiden did not respond to requests for comment. The WHO said it had no knowledge of the
allegation.
Yashpal - who like some Indians uses only one name - did not say in the letter where he got the information, or provide evidence for his claim about the syrups made
by Maiden.
Reuters was unable to independently establish that any bribes were paid.
The Pharmacists' Defence Association has called on the Scottish government to end unnecessary pharmacy closures and introduce emergency regulations to force
companies that operate Scotland's pharmacies to open on the days and hours they have agreed.
It is concerned that decisions made by some health boards in Scotland have now allowed pharmacy owners to close their pharmacies on Saturdays.
The PDA is worried that a pharmacy closure could have negative impact on patients and other parts of the NHS, including neighbouring pharmacies, addiction and mental
health services, and minor injury and A&E units.
The association claims that there are record numbers of registered pharmacists who are available to work and therefore a decision to close a pharmacy over staff
shortages is misleading.
"The business owners may claim there is a shortage of pharmacists, but when they actively cancel agreed hours of work it does not suggest there is a shortfall of
workers," said the PDA, adding: "These business decisions often include closing their pharmacies at very short notice, even when pharmacists are available and willing
to work."
Members of the Pharmacists' Defence Association (PDA) who have benefits in the Boots Pension Scheme have sought support from their union following the recent
communications from the trustees about the removal of the option to retire at 60 without a reduced pension.
The company claimed that retirement between 60-65 years old without a reduced pension was a discretionary benefit, and it has ended with the buy-in deal with Legal
and General.
However, PDA members believe there is insufficient evidence to fully support this claim, and therefore they are questioning whether this option should have been
secured as part of the buy in and not ended with immediate effect.
PDA Union national officer, Paul Moloney said: "Instead, we believe benefit statements issued to members, at the very least are contradictory, and clearly state
that a full pension will be payable from a member's 60th birthday, with no reference to this benefit being discretionary and therefore subject to a regular
review by the trustees. Instead, the benefit statements give the impression that an unreduced pension from 60 is a right with no indication that retirement plans
should not be based on the benefit statements."
Suffering a brain injury is no easy thing. The plurality of potential symptoms meets with the potential long-term effects to create a poor prognosis for many
unfortunate enough to experience them. But new technological leaps could pave the way to a better quality of life.
What is a Brain Injury?
The above question might seem a simple one, with a simple answer. But brain injuries are by no means simple, and by no means simply defined. There are two major
categories under which a brain injury can fall: hypoxic and traumatic. Of civil brain injury claims in the UK, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are the most
common - with 95% of claims revolving around some form of traumatic injury or incident.
TBIs are brain injuries suffered as a result of a specific or direct injury. The brain is damaged through direct contact or the transfer of force. A direct strike
to the head is in an assault or a serious fall might compromise the cranium, sending shockwaves of energy through the brain and potentially crushing the skull into
the cranial cavity. Alternatively, a car accident or sudden stop might see the brain bashed against the occipital bone, causing internal trauma and intracranial
hypertension.
Hypoxic brain injuries refer specifically to injuries caused as a result of loss of blood or oxygen to the head. These injuries reflect birth injuries that might
lead to cerebral palsy, or serious medical events that might alter the brain's response to stimuli.
How are Brain Injuries Diagnosed and Treated?
While the potential causes of a brain injury are plain to see, diagnosing a brain injury is not as straightforward. There are immediate symptoms that can indicate
brain injury, such as the 'fencing response' which can indicate a severe rotational brain injury. Conscious patients might also exhibit difficulty speaking,
remembering key pieces of information or responding to any stimuli.