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Patient safety should remain a top priority in any healthcare setting. People should always receive the right advice, and pharmacists aren't 'GPs on the cheap.' Staff should be fully trained, and medical equipment should be correctly maintained at all times. In turn, this helps create a safer environment for patients and professionals alike. In this article, we'll discuss some of the factors that can enhance patient safety in healthcare settings. AUTOMATION AND MONITORING Automating processes within a facility can help streamline operations. This has the potential to reduce or eliminate human error that could result in serious injury or death. In addition, automated systems often provide instant alerts when something goes wrong - allowing medical staff to react quickly and appropriately. Automated solutions can help facilities achieve hand hygiene monitoring standards, and it's possible to schedule a demo and see their outcomes. They can reduce staff sick time and HAIs, as well as Joint Commission citations and associated costs. Monitoring helps ensure compliance with safety protocols. It's essential for improving patient safety and gaining data on all aspects of a facility's operations. It also helps organizations track the effectiveness of their protocols and procedures over time. This helps them constantly evaluate and refine their policies, to maximize patient safety benefits. ADEQUATE STAFFING In order to provide quality care, it's essential to have enough staff on hand to meet patient needs and ensure all protocols are being followed. Without this, healthcare providers may struggle to provide prompt, efficient care - which can put patient safety at risk. Adequate staffing levels should be determined by a variety of factors. They include patient numbers, the complexity of care required, and the size and layout of the facility.

The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) has launched a partnership with the charity Marie Curie to develop professional standards in end of life care for community pharmacy. Available for pharmacy teams across the UK, the standards will provide a free, evidence-based framework to help community pharmacies self-assess and continuously improve their end of life and bereavement care for patients and carers. They will enable community pharmacy teams to work together to develop their own practice. RPS is setting up a professional standard steering group which will have community pharmacy experts, experts within the field of palliative and end of life care, lay members, and healthcare professionals who interact with community pharmacy. Elen Jones, director lead for palliative care work at RPS, said: "RPS has a long-term commitment, striving to ensure that people living with life-limiting conditions who are approaching the end of life have timely access to medicines and clinical support from a skilled pharmacy team. "The development of these standards, in partnership with Marie Curie, is a crucial step to support community pharmacy teams to undertake simple quality improvement measures and build upon the care they already provide to this group of patients and carers."

The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) has updated the Professional Standards for Homecare Services to ensure high quality care for patients receiving medicines and associated services in the comfort of their own homes. Originally published in 2013, these standards provide a comprehensive framework to support teams involved in planning, commissioning, and delivering homecare services. The RPS said that these standards were updated to ensure that they align with the needs and expectations of recipients of homecare services, as well as commissioners and providers. Changes were made based on responses received through a consultation process, which was participated by representatives from the National Homecare Medicines Committee, the Association of Pharmacy Technicians, the Pharmacy Forum of Northern Ireland, and the Royal College of Nursing.

The Professional Records Standards Body (PRSB), which develops information standards for health and social care records, has appointed Professor Reecha Sofat as the new Chair. She will assume the role at the end of October 2024, succeeding Professor Maureen Baker CBE, who will step down after seven years as Chair of the PRSB. A Clinical Pharmacologist, Professor Sofat has held many leadership roles across the NHS, academia and scientific societies. Professor Sofat is Breckenridge Chair of Clinical Pharmacology at the University of Liverpool. She practices general internal medicine and is also an Associate Director at the British Heart Foundation (BHF) Data Science Centre (DSC) which is led by Health Data Research UK (HDRUK). With a passion for data science and extensive clinical and research insights, Professor Sofat is focused on embedding research into routine health and social care. She said: "I am passionate about using the rich health data that is already collected across NHS and social care to better understand the causes and consequences of disease and improve health outcomes.

NHS England has commissioned the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) to develop guidance that helps community and hospital pharmacy teams across Britain to reduce the impact of pharmacy services, pharmaceutical care and medicines on the environment. The RPS said the Greener Pharmacy Guidance will enable pharmacies to self-assess their impact against the standards, benchmark and improve through evidence-based activities and actions. "I'm delighted our strong commitment to helping pharmacy reduce its environmental impact can now be taken to the next level through developing guidance and accreditation for pharmacy teams," RPS president Professor Claire Anderson said. "Medicines account for 25 per cent of carbon emissions within the NHS and this initiative underscores our commitment to promoting sustainable healthcare and supporting the NHS's goal of achieving 'net zero' emissions by 2040." Peter Morgan, medicines assistant director at NHS England, commented: "Pharmacy staff are involved in the purchasing and dispensing of almost every medicine used in the NHS and the new Greener Pharmacy Guidance and Self-accreditation scheme will provide support for pharmacy professionals by outlining clear actions to deliver more environmentally sustainable pharmacy practices." The RPS said the guidance and digital self-assessment toolkit will integrate with carbon calculator tools to help pharmacy teams to measure their carbon footprint, action plan to reduce use of carbon and improve sustainability.

Ergonomic Wheelchair often spend a lot of time leaning on armrests or a table exactly because they are not being supported with good posture in their chairs. This is a matter of seat angle and back angle, adjusting them according to body shape and degree of upper body balance. Poor seating makes slump, trying to get stable. The optimal posture is more upright, allowing spine to support. Ergonomic chairs are designed to confirm to a person's physical dimensions, allowing them to sit naturally and comfortably for long periods of time, while reducing the risk of pressure ulcers. Ergonomic system (Intelligent s-shaped ergonomic seating) provides efficient pressure relief by spreading weight over a greater area, at the same time provides stabilization and reduced sliding. With their lightweight frames and seats designed to reduce or prevent pressure points, ergonomic wheelchairs provide a comfortable option for mobility impaired users who have the upper body strength to propel themselves, or a caregiver strong enough to do so. Karma S Ergo 115 Wheelchair: This model features our S-Shape Seating System and is our number one best seller for many reasons. At a mere 11.3 kg in weight with detachable foot rest and many features such as removable machine washable and dry-able cushions treated by AEIGIS treated anti-microbial coated seating system. Karma S-Ergo 115 Wheelchair Features: Ergonomic Handrims & S-Shape Ergonomic Seating System Fixed armrest w/ wider concave armpads Swing In & Away Footrests Backrest Pouch attached to the upholstery 24" flat free polyurethane tires, high tread, flat free wheels Seat width: 16"x17" or 18"x17" or 20"x 17" Silver 1/4" Aegis Anti-Bacterial Upholstery, washable Folding backrest / folding seat for easy traveling "Tube-in Center" foot-plate, assures better side leg support High strength, starting weight at only 11.3 kg. (w/o footrests) 7×1" Polyurethane front casters Upholstery: Black breathable mesh bottom & t

Km 2500 Wheelchair is amazingly light and compact transit wheelchair which is ideal for outings and travelers. It folds down to take up virtually no space in the boot of a car and weighs just over 9kg making it easy for anyone to lift into a vehicle. It is built with an ultra-lightweight aircraft-grade aluminum alloy frame with a standard seat width of: 16"" and 18"", it has a foldable frame with dual brake system and 20"" flat-free rear wheels. Ultra-lightweight aircraft-grade aluminum alloy frame Standard seat width: 16"" and 18"" Foldable frame with dual brake system 20"" flat-free rear wheels Attendant cable brake Detachable and washable cushion. KARMA KM 2500 SMALL WHEEL WHEELCHAIR: Karma KM 2500 Small Wheel Wheelchair Specifications: Width 18" Front/Rear Wheels 6" to 14" Seat Width 47cm Seat Depth 40cm Overall Width 66cm Overall Collapsed Width 36cm Armrest Height 21cm Overall Length 90cm Seat Height 47cm Backrest Height 38cm Overall Height 86cm Weight 9.2 k.g. Karma KM 2500 Small Wheel Wheelchair Seat and Back AEGIS Microbe Shield Approved by the FDA, EPA, EU, etc., bonded anti-microbial barrier upholstery protects from odor, staining and deterioration from bacteria, fungus and other microorganisms. It is a shield for your health. Karma KM 2500 Small Wheel Wheelchair Extended Armrest: By simulating the natural position of arms, the extended armrest design is ergonomic and creates bigger seating space. An Ultra lightweight wheelchair (9.2 kg) with a compact design for either attendant assisted or self propelling users. The use of aircraft-grade aluminium alloy and double cross brace provide this model with outstanding strength and durability. Karma Healthcare KM-2500 Premium Wheelchair is amazingly light and compact transit wheelchair which is ideal for outings and travelers. It folds down to take up virtually no space in the boot of a car and weighs just over 9.2 kg making it easy for anyone to lift into a v

The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) has launched a new draft 'Equality Guidance' for pharmacies to tackle discrimination and make sure that everyone can access safe and effective person-centred pharmacy care. GPhC's consultation is seeking views on "the structure and language of the guidance, if anything is missing and the impacts on patients and members of the public, pharmacy staff, pharmacy owners, and individuals or groups sharing any of the protected characteristics." The regulator said the draft guidance is designed to support pharmacy owners to: demonstrate that they are meeting our standards for registered pharmacies fulfil their legal and regulatory duties in relation to equality help protect the rights of individuals advance equal opportunities for staff, patients and the wider public help improve the experience and healthcare outcomes of patients and members of the public.

Ergonomic wheelchair series provides users with a large selection of ultra lightweight wheelchairs that can help improve your life. This series has features that include a high strength lightweight frame, foldable and easy to store, breathable anti-bacterial, anti-staining, removable and machine washable cushion. Also includes the exclusive S-Shape Seating System, which provides increased stability, better weight distribution and lowers the risk of pressure sores and spinal injury. The patented S-Shape Seating System that comes with every wheelchair model in this series provides an ergonomic seating frame that conforms and flexes to the shape of your body. Feature Ultra-Lightweight Frame & Riggings Ergonomic S-Shape Seat Frame Ergonomic grip built into the wheels you propel yourself in Relieves pressure throughout your body T6 Aircraft Grade Aluminum Fusion of form and function at its best with modern stylish designs and options Tube In Center designed footrests protects legs from impacts Extra wide and ergonomic concave arm pads and foldable backrest S Ergo 115 Wheelchair Wheelchairs provide variable mobility to people with various physical disabilities. There are four major types of wheelchairs: indoor, outdoor, combined and special. Ergonomics, or design of equipment to prevent injury, considers all physical and anatomical limitations of the users.A complete assessment may prevent future injury, and improve mobility. Seat Width The width of the wheelchair seat is based on the users' widest point, usually the hips or thighs. If shoulders are wide, consider the shoulder width when choosing a seat width. A too-wide seat leads to difficulty in mobility, inadequate support and discomfort. A narrow seat contributes to pressure sores, inadequate support and discomfort. It is important to have an exact measurement of the seat width for optimal mobility and environmental accessibility. Seat Depth The seat depth is measured from the back of th

Ergonomic chairs are designed to confirm to a person's physical dimensions, allowing them to sit naturally and comfortably for long periods of time, while reducing the risk of pressure ulcers. Karma Wheelchair KM 7501: Karma Healthcare KM 7501 Pediatric Wheelchair is a manual wheelchair for children. It's ergonomically antelope horn-shaped handle makes it easy to steer and push the chair, and vertical footrest allow legs to be placed in the correct position. One-piece footplate increases stability. The wheelchair has a great look with a bright color and modern style. Karma Healthcare Wheelchair KM 7501 Features: Karma Healthcare Wheelchair KM-7501 Paediatric Wheelchair offers here-we-go handle Caring footrest Seat width: 11" or 13.5" Ultra lightweight and compact Outward extended front wheels 6" solid caster and 14" solid rear wheel Maximum user weight: 60Kg One Year Warranty Karma Wheelchair KM 7501 Measurements: Width 11" And 13.5" Front/Rear Wheels 6" to 14" 6" to 14" Seat Width 28cm 34cm Seat Depth 30cm 30cm Overall Width 45cm 51cm Overall Collapsed Width 34cm 34cm Armrest Height 18cm 18cm Overall Length 70W 70W Seat Height 39cm 39cm Backrest Height 36cm 36cm Overall Height 102cm 102cm Weight 9.3kg 9.3kg Ergo Wheelchair features an ergonomic "S" shaped seat that provides the perfect shape to fit the human body to relieve pressure, increase stabilization, weight distribution and lower the risk of pressure sores and scoliosis. Karma S Ergo 105 Wheelchair Karma S Ergo 105 Wheelchair Features: High strength, weighs only 12.2 kg. (w/ footrests) ¼" thick removable Aegis Anti-Bacterial Upholstery, machine washable / dryable "Tube-in Center" footplate, assures better side leg support Fixed Footrests Pouch for carrying small items attached to upholstery behind backrest 7"x1" Polyurethane front caster 24' Rear polyurethane, high profile, flat free wheels S-Style Ergonomic Seat Folding backrest/ folding seat for tra

The UK government will lay legislation today (13 December 2023) to allow the General Medical Council (GMC) to begin the process of regulating medical associates to expand their roles in the NHS. This will support plans to reduce pressure on doctors and GPs and improve access for patients, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) said. Physician associates (PAs) and anaesthesia associates (AAs) will have the same levels of regulatory oversight and accountability as doctors and other regulated healthcare professionals once the regulations come into force, which is expected at the end of 2024. The GMC will design and deliver detailed regulatory processes for registration, education, standards and fitness to practise for both professions.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has been accepted as a full member of three international work-sharing partnerships. Through these partnerships the agency said it will play vital international role in making sure medicines and medical devices are regulated safely and efficiently worldwide, Two of these, the International Medical Device Regulatory Forum (IMDRF) and the International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH) are focused on improving the harmonisation and convergence of medicines and medical devices regulation globally. The partnerships will also help the MHRA to share expertise with other leading organisations, support the development of regulatory guidelines and drive greater harmonisation of regulation around the world. This will help deliver timely access to innovative medical products not just in the UK but globally.

Selection of portable travel wheelchairs, utilizing small caster wheel and lightweight materials, can tip the scale at as little as 13 lbs! Like transport chairs, travel chairs are geared towards storability and portability, but they're even more convenient for those on-the-go. These chairs feature four smaller wheels, rather than the large rear-mounted wheels that characterize standard wheelchairs, and their design ensures that they're always foldable and convenient to carry. Whether it's a family vacation, or a good ol' fashioned road trip, these lightweight wheelchairs are best bet. Lightweight travel wheelchairs give the most independence of movement with the least amount of effort. This type of wheelchair is recommended for someone who cannot self-propel in a standard wheelchair. The weight of this type wheelchair ranges from 28-34 pounds. Lightweight wheelchair is for the highly active individual as they are more easily maneuverable and durable. This type wheelchair weighs in as low as 14 pounds. This helps with ease of use and transport. Travel wheelchair assists people to become more mobile and independent. There are many different types of wheelchairs that are used for various reasons. It is important to understand the limitations and safe operation of whatever wheelchair choose or need. The travel chair seat size (width and depth), seat-to-floor height, footrests/leg rests, front caster outriggers, adjustable backrests, controls, and many other features can be customized on, or added to, many basic models, while some users, often those with specialised needs, may have wheelchairs custom-built. A single-arm drive enables the user to turn either left or right while the two-armed drive enables user to move forward or backward on a straight line. Another type of wheelchair commonly used is a lever-drive wheelchair. This type of chair enables the user to move forward by pumping the lever back and forth. Travel Wheelchairs are usually designed fo