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The Pharmacists' Defence Association (PDA) has welcomed the government's defeat in the House of Lords on the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Bill. It believes that the proposed Bill, if enacted, would allow the government to dictate minimum levels of service during times of industrial action, enabling employers to name specific employees that they require in work. Those employees could then face losing their jobs if they failed to turn up to work on that day. Trade unions could also be fined if they did not force those named individuals to go to work. PDA director, Paul Day said, "This Bill should be of real concern to pharmacists and other health professionals. The idea of their employer being able to effectively conscript them to work or face the sack does not feel like a positive employment relations environment." The House of Lords has voted for key amendments to the Bill to prevent unions from being required to force workers to comply. This also prevents workers from being forced to work or face the sack and allows for greater consultation and Parliamentary scrutiny on the proposals which the Westminster government is trying to implement. The House of Commons will now be required to vote on the amendments over the next few weeks. Whilst the House of Lords amendments are likely to be defeated, it shows the degree of opposition there is to this Bill.

Steve McCabe, the Labour MP for Birmingham, Selly Oak says a "vicious" NHS contract has been forcing community pharmacies into bankruptcy. Asking his question in parliament during Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday (March 8), McCabe said he has heard Rishi Sunak speak fondly about working in his mother's community pharmacy. The MP asked how would the prime minister feel "if 600 pharmacies close this year because of a vicious NHS contract which takes no account of rising costs and is forcing many into bankruptcy?" The prime minister responded by saying that community pharmacies do fantastic work and that his government was looking at ways in which it could support the sector to do even more. Sunak said: "I praise the work that our community pharmacies do. They are fantastic at being on the frontline of delivering primary care. And as I've said previously the government is exploring ways in which we can support them to do even more.

A reclining wheelchair has a back rest that will recline from almost vertical back almost 90 degrees (almost horizontal). The recline action causes the hips of the user to open up and transform them from a seated position to a position more skin to laying on their back. Recline is a great feature in wheelchairs but not necessarily the most useful. Recline works just like the lazy boy chairs drops the back down toward the floor. This feels good for a short time, but puts pressure on the lower back region after a time. If have ever laid flat in bed for any length of time lower back doesn't have proper support in the curve and will begin to ache after a time of not changing position or elevating upper body. Recline can also create sheer in the very thin skinned individuals. Recline systems provide a change in orientation by opening the seat-to-back angle and, in combination with elevating legrests, open the knee angle as well. Recline systems may include a reduced sheer back that moves down as the seat-to-back angle opens. Sometimes the armrests slide back as the seat-to-back angle opens to help prevent the arms from slipping. Wheelchairs are compact-folding, lightweight wheelchairs which provide comprehensive positioning, for children, teenagers, and young adults who require tilt adjustment for pressure relief, digestion and respiratory assistance. Accessories For Recline Wheelchair: Anti-Tippers: Accessories such as Anti-Tippers are appropriate when a patient is very active and there is a risk of falling. Seat belts: A seat belt will prevent a patient from sliding down or out of a chair. Brake extensions: Brake extensions are recommended for ease of use, particularly with patients who have weak hand strength, Arthritis or similar conditions. Positioning Devices: Cushions, laterals, lap trays, back supports, and many other similar devices can appropriately position a patient in a chair. Down-Side of Reclining: There are a couple of problem

Tynor Functional Knee Support is specially designed to support knees which are injured or not working properly due to old age. It stabilizes knees during rotational and anteroposterior forces and cures the ligamentous knee injuries. It provides support to the knees by wrapping around them and thus facilitates their compression. It provides flexibility and easy movement of the knee. It is made of soft, durable fabric which can be stretched in four ways. It mimics the natural knee joint. It can bear the load and shock exerted on it from the external forces leaving the knee totally free from pressure. It contains no buckling or vaso constriction which might hinder comfort. It ensures the proper circulation of blood. It compresses the patellar region and hold it in right position and thus can be used for patellofemoral diseases. It is easy to maintain. Tynor Functional Knee Support Functional knee Support is an anterior opening device, which offers the advantage of controlled compression around the knee and a rigid lateral support and immobilization. It allows normal flexion and free movement of the knee joint. Anterio Open able Easy application Controlled compression. Perfect lateral splinting. Anatomical design. Tynor Functional Knee Support Features Bi axial heavy duty aluminum hinge Mimics the natural knee joint Ensures full weight bearing. Allows free flexion movement Four way stretchable fabric Controlled and comfortable compression No buckling No vaso constriction Enhanced comfort Open patella design Release patellar pressure Hold the patella in position Can be used for Patellofemoral diseases Wrap design with anterior closing Easy application and removal on swollen or asymmetric knees Easy application and removal for weak or geriatric patients. Allows customized compression Offers flexibility in sizing Ergonomic design Anti tourniquet effect - ensures no constriction to blood flow Better grip of the product to the bo

There has been extensive national media coverage today (August 11) on how medicine shortages have forced patients to visit multiple pharmacies to get their prescriptions filled or return to their GP to be prescribed alternative drugs. These media reports have been based on a survey involving more than 1,500 pharmacists in the UK, in which over a half of those polled said that their patients' health had been put at risk in the last six months. In response to a query from Pharmacy Business, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) said it monitors the medicines supply chain closely to prevent any shortages and acts swiftly when any issue arises. A DHSC spokesperson told Pharmacy Business: "We take patient safety extremely seriously and we routinely share information about medicine supply issues directly with the NHS so they can put plans in place to reduce the risk of any shortage impacting patients, including offering alternative medication.

Over the last few years, we've seen the aftermath of Covid-19, with the demand for consumer health products being unprecedented and unpredictable, placing pressure on supply chains and labour market. In turn, the industry has experienced acute shortages across the healthcare sector, placing huge pressure on pharmacists, doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. Europe has an estimated shortage of around 50,000 public-sector doctors[1], which is set to increase in the coming years. While this shortage stems from several complex problems, there is a hidden force that could play a key part in helping to alleviate this burden. That force is the potential of self-care. Encouragingly, last month the UK government recognised the unique role that self-care can play through the introduction of its Delivery plan for recovering access to primary care. Through this, it has pledged to empower patients to manage their own health through several commitments, including improving accessibility to online tools and reclassifying medicines to make formerly prescribed options available over the counter.

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has published the full text of the 2024 voluntary scheme for branded medicines pricing, access and growth (VPAG). The 2024 VPAG agreement text sets out the detailed terms of the agreement reached between DHSC, NHS England and the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) to support patient access to medicines, the financial sustainability of the NHS and the UK life sciences sector. The new voluntary scheme will come into force on 1 January 2024, following expiry of the 2019 Voluntary Scheme and shall remain in force for a period of five years, until 31 December 2028. Manufacturers or suppliers of branded medicines to the NHS have been given time till 15 January 2024 to decide whether to join the new 2024 Voluntary Scheme, or default to the updated Statutory Scheme.

The pharmacy regulator can hold hearings and meetings either remotely or in-person in future as the Council of the GPhC has agreed to a change in its rules. The rules are expected to come into force on 1 October 2022. Until the rules and new policy and guidance come into force, the GPhC will continue to only hold remote hearings with the consent of the person concerned and/or their legal representative. Following positive feedback from those taking part in remote hearings, the GPhC consulted on a proposed permanent change to its rules so it could continue to hold hearings remotely in the future, when it is fair and appropriate to do so. The proposal to continue remote hearings, including fitness to practise hearings, received wide support with 78 per cent of respondents agreeing. "During the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown and restrictions we had to hold many meetings and hearings remotely by videolink. As such we were granted - along with other regulators - a temporary provision to enable us to do this and carry out our statutory role," Duncan Rudkin, chief executive of the GPHC, said.

The Pharmacists' Defence Association raised concerns over the practice of firing and rehiring employees, which often leads to denial of individuals' rights to redundancy, forcing them to face cuts to their terms and conditions. It noted that some employers may use the 'fire and rehire' practice to force staff to accept lower wages, different hours, or other changes in working conditions. It cited an example of a lawsuit in which Tesco lost a High Court battle when Usdaw won a case to protect workers from unfair tactics. The PDA said although the trade union won the case, the practice of firing and rehiring can still be legal in some circumstances. However, it believes the practice is both immoral and unethical.

Chiesi Farmaceutici, the international, research-focused biopharmaceuticals and healthcare group has acquired Amryt Pharma, a global biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing novel treatments for rare diseases. More than 300 million people worldwide are affected by rare diseases, including those who are living with ultra-rare metabolic and dermatologic conditions who still have no approved treatment. The acquisition reinforces Chiesi's commitment to deliver innovative treatments to patients with highly unmet medical needs. As a benefit corporation and a B Corp, Chiesi strives to create a world where it is common to have a therapy for all diseases and acts as a force for good, for society and the planet. Chiesi's Head of Chiesi Global Rare diseases Giacomo Chiesi commented: "We are excited to add the Amryt family to our company in this acquisition that demonstrates our commitment to rare diseases and aligns with our growth strategy through partnerships beyond internal research and development." Chiesi's new CEO Giuseppe Accogli said: "By joining forces and expertise we will be able to grow our capabilities and further strengthen our position to provide a positive impact on patients living with rare diseases." With regard to the financing of the deal, cash consideration has been partially financed through a EUR 700m syndicated loan led by BNP Paribas and Crédit Agricole as Global Coordinators and ESG Structuring Banks, acting alongside BPER and Deutsche Bank as Mandated Lead Arrangers. Crédit Agricole is Loan Agent too. Lenders have been advised by Clifford Chance, while Baker and McKenzie has assisted Chiesi Farmaceutici.

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 severity of the ADHD medication shortage in the UK has been exposed as former Hollywood extra Lee Cato revealed that he was forced to quit his job but hasn't been able to access his medicine. A resident of Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, Lee had worked as a film extra in big movies like 'Thor' and 'Edge of Tomorrow'. The 48-year-old told Mirror that he has been taking Concerta for years to manage ADHD symptoms, but he hasn't been able to get the drug or any alternatives for over a month. He said that he first experienced shortages of the medicine in December 2023 but was initially able to take Delmosart, which he took to maintain focus despite experiencing its side effects such as headaches, nausea, tooth erosion, and a dry mouth. But now, he can't get access to any of these ADHD drugs as "they're completely out-of-stock and it's been over a month now." His chemist also tried to get hold of his medication but failed.

Nigerian air force killed at least 52 people and injured 120 people in an air strike on a refugee camp in the northeast of the country Tuesday.

The concept of power assistance for a Wheelchair 4 Wheel is relatively new, and represents a viable alternative for individuals who are unable to generate sufficient propulsion force to use a Wheelchair 4 Wheel, but do not wish to use a traditional powered mobility device. In a power assisted manual wheelchair, the traditional rear wheel hubs are replaced with motorized hubs that serve to magnify or reduce (i.e., brake) the propulsive force applied to the rear wheel push rims by the user.

A lightweight travel wheelchair, often abbreviated to just "chair", is a chair with wheels, used by people for whom walking is difficult or impossible due to illness, injury, or disability. lightweight travel wheelchair come in a wide variety of formats to meet the specific needs of their users. They may include specialized seating adaptions, individualized controls, and may be specific to particular activities, as seen with sports wheelchairs and beach wheelchairs. The most widely recognised distinction is between powered wheelchairs , where propulsion is provided by batteries and electric motors, and manually propelled wheelchairs, where the propulsive force is provided either by the wheelchair user/occupant pushing the wheelchair by hand or by an attendant pushing from the rear ("attendant propelled").

Manual wheelchair has two types: one with a collapsible frame and the other with a frame that is rigid. The one with a collapsible frame is called the folding wheelchair and it is easier to transport and store than the rigid-framed wheelchair. Because it has reinforcing struts as well as folding and locking mechanisms, the first is relatively heavier than the second. A car can be used to transport a folding wheelchair. It can be placed in the car's trunk instead of having to provide for special moving arrangements or use a bigger vehicle such as a van. The wheelchair that folds usually has an x-frame that makes it possible to fold it sideways. When not in use, it can be kept in a small area of space. When navigating on an uneven surface, the four wheels of the folding wheelchair remain on the ground because its flexible frame of the chair yields and bends to make up for the unevenness of the terrain. This makes it more stable on the uneven surface than the rigid framed chair. On the other hand, it is less stable on a hard floor surface. While making it easy to fold and transport the chair, the parts of the folding chair that can be removed and adjusted can get lost or worn down more easily. The requirement for more frequent repair and replacement of these parts makes the chair that can be folded more expensive to maintain. The wheelchair with a rigid frame can be kept in good condition more economically. The moving parts of the folding wheelchair make the chair's frame more flexible. This flexibility absorbs a significant portion of the force exerted to propel the chair. Thus, it is harder to control and push. Its relatively heavier weight adds to this difficulty, requiring more effort, as well as greater strength and dexterity, to propel and maneuver the wheelchair when compared to the rigid wheelchair. There are certain activities that are not appropriate for the user of a chair that can be folded to engage in. The desirable features of the folding

Sports: Don't just assume that because someone is in a wheelchair they can't play sports. In fact, many people in wheelchairs still use sports as an outlet. For example, many wheelchair users love to play basketball, pool, bowling, swim & lift weights. Videogames: Video games are a great outlet for those in a wheelchair. Especially for those who are unable or unwilling to play sports, video games can give wheelchair users a chance to scratch their competitive itch. Specifically, the Nintendo Wii is excellent! Camping: Everybody loves the outdoors, and wheelchair users are no exception. Most campsites have wheelchair accessible spots just make sure you call ahead. Possible fun activities include fishing, hiking (if there are accessible trails) and swimming. Art: Wheelchair users have a unique vantage point of the world, and it can often lead to great photography. Likewise, many people in wheelchairs are forced to adapt their other senses, and many develop unique artistic talents in the areas of painting, drawing and music. Traveling: If you took a poll of wheelchair users, a majority would likely mention traveling as their favorite activity. Depending on where you are traveling, make sure you plan ahead and do research on possible.

Tynor Leg Traction Brace is basically designed to provide traction to the leg. It works well even on the weak or geriatric skin. It ensures proper compression of the leg and provides traction. It is made of three layered polyurethane fabric which makes it soft and comfortable to use. The innermost layer gives the required friction for faster recovery. It is augmented with hook and loop closures to make it convenient to put on and remove. It does not require any adhesion. It provides cushion like support to the leg and relieves it from pain. It also prevents the bone from getting fractured and any muscle pull. It does not cause any peeling of skin and any rash or allergy on skin. It distributes the pressure exerted on the leg evenly. Tynor Leg Traction Brace Leg traction brace is a traction halter applied to the leg for below knee traction. It offers a distinct advantage of a very large holding surface area, ease of application and removal, reuse and patient comfort. Easy application & removal. Can be used for geriatric/ weak skin. Ideal for sensitive skins. Easy monitoring. Distributes pressure evenly. Tynor Leg Traction Brace Features Three-layered PU bonded fabric offers: Soft feel and plush looks through the top layer. Comfortable cushioning through the middle Polyurethane layer. Inner layer provides good frictional characteristics. Multiple hook loop closures Ensure controlled compression. Easy application and removal No loosening, less monitoring Large skin contact area Ensures no vaso-constriction. Eliminates need of an adhesive. Convenient and quick to apply Ensures no skin peeling. Ideal for weak or geriatric skins Tynor Rib Belt Rib belt is applied to the thoracic and upper abdominal region to compress and bind the rib cage during rib fractures and postoperative care, while allowing sufficient flexibility for comfortable breathing. Extra porous. With splinting pad. No buckling or rolling over. Controlled compression