Talk of hub and spoke models has been rumbling on for as long as I can remember. The topic has once again hit the headlines as the government announced a
fresh consultation for its proposed changes, calling on all interested parties to submit their views by 8th June.
The argument for hub and spoke is to allow independents to have the same level playing field as the larger groups who have been operating this model for some time.
The government also sees significant efficiency gains in centralisation, arguing this will free pharmacists time away from dispensing to focus on clinical services.
The latest consultation advocates two models being created. In the first model, the dispensed medication is sent back to the spoke. In the second model, the completed
medication can be sent out directly to the patient.
The latter is a new concept which could open up new opportunities in how services are delivered. Pharmacies could effectively outsource the entire dispensing and
delivery to housebound patients and care homes allowing pharmacies to take on new business without having to worry about logistics and geography.
The BAME Pharmacists Network of the Pharmacists' Defence Association has elected three women pharmacists as it's new officials.
Following the network's second set of elections since its launch in April 2020, Sima Hassan has been elected as president, Wai Chan Lau her deputy and Osariemen
Egharevba-Buckman as honorary secretary.
A community pharmacist for over 18 years and an academic, Ms Hassan will take over from outgoing president Elsy Gomez Campos who saw through the work of the network
during a very difficult period in the midst of a global pandemic.
Ms Hassan has been a prominent member of the BAME pharmacist community. She recognises and appreciates the complexities of issues that BAME pharmacists face and the
scope for work that needs to done for wider recognition.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) on Tuesday authorised a Covid-19 vaccine for infants as young as six months, opening the door
for vaccinating the country's youngest children once the UK's Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) agrees.
The regulator authorised the vaccine - made by Pfizer and BioNTech - for children aged six months to four years old, after it was deemed safe and effective based on
an ongoing clinical trial involving 4,526 participants.
Whether the vaccine is eventually deployed in this age group depends on a recommendation from the JCVI, which advises UK health departments on which shots should be
used as part of the national vaccination programme.
The vaccine is tailored for use in this age group - it is a lower dose version than the one used in children aged five to 11 years. It is given as three injections
in the upper arm, with the first two doses given three weeks apart, followed by a third dose administered at least two months after the second dose.
2 cups NutraCleanse
1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
3 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
3/4 c orange juice
3/4 c sugar
1/2 c corn syrup (light or dark)
3 eggs (3 egg whites can be used in place of 3 whole eggs for a lower fat version of recipe)
1 whole washed orange including peel, quartered and seeded
1 1/2 c chopped dried cranberries
Directions:
Combine NutraCleanse, whole wheat flower, baking powder and salt in medium mixing bowl. In blender, combine orange juice, sugar, corn syrup, eggs and whole orange. Blend on high approx.
20 seconds until orange is finely blended into liquid mixture. Add liquid mixture to dry ingredients,and thoroughly combine. Add dried cranberries and spoon batter into lightly sprayed muffin tray. Bake at 400 degrees for approx. 25 minutes or until slightly browned on top and toothpick inserted comes out clean. Makes 12 large muffins. This is a delicious and easy high fiber recipe.
Read more recipes on http://colonnews.com
The country as a whole is facing uncertain and challenging times, and for our profession emerging from the second year of the pandemic, the pressures and
stresses don't look to be easing up. It is undeniable that the wellbeing of those in our pharmacy family has suffered and many face emotional and psychological
challenges in addition to immense workplace pressure.
What do we know about the state of wellbeing within the profession? As the profession's independent charity, it is crucial that Pharmacist Support keeps abreast of
the changing needs of the profession to enable us to meet the needs of those we are here to help. To do this, each year we collaborate with the Royal Pharmaceutical
Society (RPS) to carry out an annual Workforce Wellbeing Survey.
The last survey carried out was in the latter part of 2021 but nothing has changed since. And the results provided stark reading. Of the 1,014 responses received,
many reported living with 'poor' or 'very poor' mental health and wellbeing.
The survey results highlight a continued clear need for mental health and wellbeing support. Within the survey, it was identified that there is a very clear need for
independent assistance, with many saying they feel unable to talk to their employers about their mental health issues. The need for our charity has never been clearer.
The Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee (PSNC) has announced the margin delivery rates will increase from October as the agreed £100m write off is
implemented.
"The baseline margin allowance will remain £800m per year in 2022/23 and 2023/24," said PSNC.
"Margin levels in the last two full years (2020/21 and 2021/22), as measured by the Margin Survey of independent pharmacies, were in excess of the baseline allowance,
meaning that an excess was accrued."
As new services have been introduced and take up of these has accelerated, the amount of unallocated funding left in the CPCF is now less than it previously was.
As such, the value of the Transitional Payments will decrease from its current level. Some of the unallocated funding remaining in 2023/24 will be repurposed into
a Flat Payment for all contractors (see details below).
Over the course of the second half of 2022/23, the value of the Transitional Payments will be phased down. This will start in October 2022 with a reduction in payment
levels to approximately 85% of the current level, as shown in the following table:
The pharmacy bodies have expressed a deep concern over Lloyds Pharmacy's announcement on plans to close all pharmacy branches located in Sainsbury's before
the end of 2023.
Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee (PSNC) Chief Executive Janet Morrison said: "This significant shrinkage by the second largest pharmacy chain is an
extremely worrying development and one of the clearest signals yet of just how much all community pharmacies are struggling to make ends meet. We know that many
are at breaking point."
She added: "We understand that LloydsPharmacy will be in touch directly with affected staff and patients at this difficult time. As these pharmacies close, other
pharmacies locally will be braced for even more pressures as they try to cope with increased demand."
"The announcement by LloydsPharmacy will be of concern to staff, patients, the public and the community pharmacy sector alike," Malcolm Harrison, Chief Executive
of the Company Chemists' Association (CCA).
Pharmacists, and other employees, working at pharmacies owned and operated by LloydsPharmacy in Sainsbury's have been told that the group of more than 200 pharmacies
will be closed this year as LloydsPharmacy will be ending their relationship with the supermarket chain.
The Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee (PSNC) has refused to accept the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC)'s decision to get rid of
'transitional payments' from February 2023.
The pharmacy negotiator said that 'any reductions in payments at this point will be impossible for community pharmacy contractors to manage financially.'
"We are also continuing to be clear with officials and ministers that CPCF funding needs an urgent uplift to help businesses to cope with soaring costs being driven
by inflation and the workforce crisis. We put a comprehensive business case to the government for this uplift in the last CPCF negotiations."
The latest 'transitional payments decision' by the Department follows the announcement last year that the value of the these payments would be phased down over the
second half of 2022/23 and will be based on the latest monitoring and analysis of funding delivery.
PSNC says it submitted a fully-costed bid for a 'Pharmacy First' service in its last round of negotiations alongside the case for an uplift to core CPCF funding.
Both of these were refused.
AmerisourceBergen, a leading pharmaceutical solutions organisation announced its intent to change its name to 'Cencora' to better reflect its bold vision and
purpose-driven approach to creating healthier futures.
Steven H. Collis, Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer of AmerisourceBergen said: "Over time, we have established ourselves as a trusted industry partner
that prioritizes innovation, advocates for patient access and advances strategic partnerships across the global pharmaceutical supply chain. To further bolster our
position, we must continue to adapt and evolve within our dynamic industry as we pursue the goal of enhancing health outcomes. Building a unified brand is fundamental
to our identity as a global healthcare company. We believe our new name better reflects who we are today and our impact across pharmaceutical care."
AmerisourceBergen intends to begin operating as Cencora in the second half of calendar year 2023. The change to Cencora is aligned with the organisation's growth
strategy and continued emphasis on innovation. AmerisourceBergen has focused on supporting pharmaceutical advancement and access for patients, manufacturers, and
providers across the global healthcare supply chain.
Novartis on Wednesday (February 1) predicted that core operating income would grow in a "mid single digit" percentage range in 2023 following stagnation last
year, as the Swiss drugmaker prepares to spin off its Sandoz generics business.
Full-year core operating income was broadly flat at $16.7 billion, it said in a statement, coming in slightly below market expectations of $16.8 billion.
Adjusted for overall negative currency effects, group sales in 2022 advanced 4 per cent to $50.5 billion as gains from heart failure drug Entresto and multiple
sclerosis (MS) drug Kesimpta were partly offset by competition from cheap generic copies of established MS drug Gilenya.
Novartis said it was on track to spin off its generics unit Sandoz in the second half of the year as part of its effort to sharpen its focus on its patented
prescription medicines.
Analysts have welcomed a programme unveiled in 2022 to trim costs and cut 8,000 jobs and plans to focus on fewer therapy areas and drug technologies. But the market
has been underwhelmed by prospects for medium-term growth from new drugs.
Health authorities in India have said that Biological E's Covid-19 vaccine Corbevax can be administered as a booster dose in people who have taken the
country's other two main shots, Covaxin and AstraZeneca's Covishield, from Friday (Aug 12).
Corbevax will be available to over 18s as precautionary booster six months after a second dose, the health ministry said in an August 8 letter to state authorities.
Covishield is produced for the Indian market by the Serum Institute of India under licence from AstraZeneca, while Bharat Biotech makes Covaxin.
India has so far administered more than 2 billion Covid vaccine shots, including 113 million boosters, all of which have so far been of the same vaccine as the
recipient's first two doses. The government says about 89 per cent of Indians above the age of 12 have had two doses.
Alitam has announced that it has merged with clinical skills training provider MHRx to upskill UK pharmacists so that its chain of community pharmacies in the
UK can diagnose and treat minor medical ailments "quickly and safely".
This is a second merger deal announced by the group that has 100-plus pharmacies, just days after its merger with Pharmadoctor to "radically transform the UK and
Ireland's community pharmacy sector" into a truly preventative healthcare system.
Following the merger with MHRx, Alitam will now be providing a career development platform for its pharmacy teams, which also include nurses and other healthcare
professionals.
MHRx's training incorporates every aspect of general practice alongside relevant topics including making appropriate patient consultation records in line with NHS
guidelines.
This, Alitam believes, will allow community pharmacies to carry out formal diagnoses, formulate differential diagnosis plans, and perform full clinical examinations.
According to the founder and CEO Feisal Nahaboo, mergers such as these will lead to "a healthcare revolution predicated on building the world's first truly
preventative healthcare model".
It's no secret that the world of work can be dangerous. Every day, workers are injured on the job, and in some cases, these injuries can be quite serious. If
you're unfortunate enough to find yourself in this situation, it's important to know what steps to take to get the medical care you need.
There are several ways to get proper medical aid if you're injured at work, and each option has its own set of benefits and drawbacks.
HEALTH INSURANCE
If your employer offers health insurance, this will likely be your first port of call when seeking medical care after a workplace injury. The main benefit of using
your employer's insurance is that it will usually cover the majority of your medical expenses.
However, there are some drawbacks to this option. First, your employer's insurance may only cover treatment from specific doctors or hospitals. This can make it
difficult to get the care you need on time. Second, your employer's insurance may not cover all of the costs associated with your injury, leaving you with a hefty
bill.
Very often, workers consider obtaining private insurance, especially if they're working as ex-pats or freelancers. It is good to note that in these cases, private
insurance would then be used in combination with their employer's insurance, giving them a greater degree of coverage. However, even if you're only insuring yourself,
this insurance can be beneficial because you'll be able to choose your doctor, and you may have a greater range of coverage.
If you have asthma, it's important to know when you should see a doctor about an asthma flare-up. A flare-up is a sudden increase in your symptoms, which can
include coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. Flare-ups can be mild or severe, and they can occur at any time. If you're not sure whether
you're having a flare-up, here are six obvious signs that it might be time to see a doctor.
1. YOU'RE USING YOUR INHALER MORE THAN USUAL
If you have asthma, you likely have a rescue inhaler that you use when you're having symptoms. This inhaler contains a medication that can quickly relieve your
symptoms. If you find that you're using your rescue inhaler more often than usual, it could be a sign that your asthma is getting worse and you need to see a doctor.
By seeking a doctor near me online, you can find a reputable physician who will accurately diagnose and treat your asthma. Always look for a second opinion, as one
doctor's opinion might differ from others. For example, some doctors might recommend that you use a daily inhaler, while others might only recommend using it when
you're having symptoms.
In recent years, there has been an increased focus on the importance of health. People are looking for ways to improve their health and live a longer, more
productive life. There are many different places that people can go to work on their health, but some are better than others. Here is a list of the top six places
to work on your health.
1) MEDICAL SPA
A medical spa is a place where people can go to improve their health. medical spas offer a variety of services, including skin care, laser hair removal, and body
contouring. They also offer a variety of medical treatments, such as laser surgery and Botox injections.
Medical spas offer a number of benefits to their patients. First, they offer a wide variety of services that can help people improve their health. Second, they offer
a number of medical treatments that can help people address specific health concerns. Third, they offer a relaxing environment where people can come to improve their
health and wellbeing. No matter if you're looking for a medical spa in Alexandria, VA, New York, or any other state, they can be a great place to work on your health.
Plus, if you're looking for a place to get health insurance, they can also help you with that.
Working in an office environment can be hazardous to your health. From sitting on a chair all day to exposure to harmful chemicals, many potential health
hazards can occur in the workplace.
While some health hazards are out of your control, there are many things you can do to help prevent them. Here are seven efficient ways to prevent health hazards
at the workplace:
1. TAKE HEALTH AND SAFETY TRAINING
Health and safety training is an efficient way to prevent health hazards at the workplace for several reasons. First, it helps employees to be aware of potential
hazards in their work environment. This knowledge can then be used to take steps to avoid or control these hazards. Second, health and safety training provides
employees with the skills and knowledge necessary to identify and report potential health hazards, especially those working in medical laboratories with frequent
exposure to blood, chemicals, and other pathogens. This can help to ensure that any problems are quickly addressed and corrected. Finally, health and safety
training helps to create a culture of safety in the workplace. This safety culture can encourage employees to take personal responsibility for their own health and
safety, as well as the health and safety of their coworkers.
Arctic Blast is a dietary supplement in the form of drops and is liquid in consistency that helps in alleviating joint & muscle pains and insomnia along with other added benefits.
After purchasing Arctic Blast, you will only need to wait as little as 54 seconds before applying Arctic Blast to your skin and seeing its effects.
The NHS has secured a deal for 'Pembrolizumab' to treat women with triple-negative breast cancer.
Up to 1,600 women a year affected by high risk triple-negative breast cancer are set to benefit from the confidential deal struck by the NHS and the Merck Sharp
and Dohme's (MSD), manufacturer of Pembrolizumab.
Triple-negative breast cancer affects around 8,000 women a year - accounting for 15% of all breast cancer cases.
This will be the 25th breast cancer treatment fast-tracked to patients through funding from the Cancer Drugs Fund and the second treatment for triple negative breast
cancer to be introduced this year on the NHS.
NHS chief executive, Amanda Pritchard, said: "This is a hugely significant moment for women - the NHS has struck a new deal to roll out a potentially life-saving
drug for patients suffering with the most aggressive form of breast cancer that has been traditionally very difficult to treat.
The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) has re-elected Andrew Carruthers as chair of RPS Scotland Pharmacy Board.
Andrew is a Medicines Governance pharmacist within NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, where he has a clinical commitment to Care of the Elderly. Prior to becoming a
pharmacist, he studied Pharmacology at the University of Glasgow, and maintains a keen interest in pharmacokinetics and research.
In his address for the position, he said: "In my second term I want to continue to support and drive the introduction of RPS Ambassadors and the creation of an
online RPS community."
"As a previous RPS local coordinator, I've seen first-hand that RPS Local events are a great forum to formally support the training and development of local
pharmacists. With input from our members and RPS staff we could share learning, inspire, and enable development, and build a supportive online community for the
profession."
He was the RPS Local Co-ordinator for Greater Glasgow and Clyde for 3 years, then he co-opted on to the Scottish Pharmacy Board (SPB) in 2018 and have been an
active and effective member of the board. He was re-elected to the board in 2021 and he stood and was elected as Chair.
Walgreens Boots Alliance on Tuesday (June 28) scrapped the plan to sell its UK high street pharmacy chain saying no third party was able to make an adequate
offer due to the turmoil in global financial markets.
Walgreens' move to call off the sale comes as private equity bidders Apollo Global and TDR faced headwinds in raising financing for the deal, as banks were wary
of underwriting large chunks of the financing due to tough market conditions.
Boots was initially valued at as much as £8bn with the auction process being led by Goldman Sachs.
Global economic uncertainty and rising inflation have triggered a spike in interest rates as central banks have rushed to take action in the most widespread
tightening of monetary policy for more than two decades, making deal financing costlier and harder to access.
Walgreens had put its Boots UK business up for sale after announcing a strategic review in January as the second-largest US pharmacy chain renewed its focus on
domestic healthcare.
The company said the decision to retain Boots and No7 Beauty Company was also underpinned by their ongoing strong performance.