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It is no secret that hospitals and other healthcare facilities are breeding grounds for bacteria and viruses. In order to protect patients, it is essential that medical staff maintain a high level of hygiene at all times. Unfortunately, many healthcare workers do not take the necessary precautions to keep themselves clean. In this blog post, we will discuss some tips on how to increase the hygiene level of your medical staff. We will also touch on the importance of enforcing strict hand-washing policies and wearing personal protective equipment (PPE). 1) THEY MUST WEAR SCRUB HATS One of the most important things that you can do to increase the hygiene level of your medical staff is to make sure that they are wearing scrub hats. Scrub hats help to keep hair out of patients' wounds and also prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses from the hair to the hands. While it is not mandatory for all medical staff to wear scrub hats, it is strongly encouraged. Also, be sure to provide clean scrub hats for each shift.

The Department of Health has published 'A Guide to Developing the Role of Consultant Pharmacists' in Northern Ireland on Thursday (22 June). The guidance provides direction on supporting a consistent approach to the introduction of senior clinical pharmacy roles within and across HSC organisations. The Chief Pharmaceutical Officer Professor Cathy Harrison said: "There is a recognised need for increased clinical pharmacy and medicines focussed leadership across our HSC." "Consultant Pharmacists have an essential role in healthcare as clinicians and as leaders who make a significant impact to medicines optimisation and clinical governance, providing a vital link between clinical practice and service development by generating and disseminating evidence to drive improvements in care. "I am delighted that this guidance has been published to take forward the strategic development and appointment of the consultant pharmacy workforce in both primary and secondary care and to enable pharmacy to be at the forefront of healthcare in NI".

Pharmacy bodies have urged the Health Select Committee to hold the government to account on pharmacy funding and workforce challenges. In a show of unity, leaders from the sector came together to write a joint letter to the chair of the committee and former health secretary Jeremy Hunt and bring to his attention how financial pressures worsened by nearly a decade of a real-term decrease in funding have made the sector virtually untenable. The Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee (PSNC)'s recently published 'Pharmacy Pressures Survey' confirms how this has had an impact on pharmacy contractors, their teams as well as patients. The survey found that 91 per cent of pharmacies are experiencing staff shortages. At the same time, demand for community pharmacists has risen - nine in ten pharmacy teams reported a significant increase in phone calls from patients about prescriptions, and 86 per cent reported a rise in requests for healthcare advice. The letter to Jeremy Hunt is signed on behalf of the four chief executives of the PSNC, the Association of Independent Multiple Pharmacies (AIMp), the Company Chemists' Association (CCA) and the National Pharmacy Association (NPA).

Pharma giant, Pfizer has announced plans to cut 500 jobs at its Sandwich site in Kent, England as part of its ongoing $3.5 billion cost-cutting drive. The company is also planning to shut its Pharmaceutical Sciences Small Molecule (PSSM) capabilities at the site, a spokesperson of the company told FiercePharma. However, the Sandwich site will remain open and other functions will continue with "a different size," the spokesperson added. Currently, around 940 people are employed at the site, which is the location where Pfizer scientists first discovered Viagra. "We are proud of our heritage of breakthrough science in the UK and we will retain a scientific presence in the U.K. including at our Discovery Park location in Sandwich," Pfizer's spokesperson confirmed in an email to FiercePharma.

MP Steve Brine, the chair of the health and care committee, said that the healthcare in the UK "doesn't work without pharmacy". The inquiry focuses on addressing current issues, particularly around the "funding model, digital infrastructure and workforce recruitment, training and retention." Brine said at the Sigma annual conference on Sunday, that he wants to "focus on the sector", and "drill down into some of the challenges and potential" that lies ahead. "The Health and Social Care Committee, we think about much of our work through the lens of pharmacy, what role it plays, the quality of care that it delivers, and the potential for it to do more," said Brine. He further said that he wants to "build on the groundwork" and to "cover as many of the different pharmacy services within the pharmacy sector as we can, so pharmacy in our communities, in hospitals and general practice".

Long waiting times for National Health Service (NHS) care are leaving people too sick to work in the UK, which is affecting the country's economy. One in three people missed work in 2022 due to delays in accessing NHS care, revealed a new survey by Pollsters Savanta. The market research consultancy surveyed 2,235 people in the UK this month on behalf of the Liberal Democrats. According to the survey results, 19 per cent of the participants could not go to work as they were waiting for a GP appointment. While 15 per cent of the respondents had to take a long period off work while they waited for treatment or surgery, 12 per cent missed work as they waited for emergency dental treatments. Overall, 36 per cent of those surveyed had missed at least some work because of difficulty getting NHS care.

The NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme, which was introduced in England in 2016, is helping hundreds of thousands of people to lead healthier lives. People with pre-diabetes are being identified and offered a nine-month behaviour change programme that supports healthier diet and exercise choices to reduce their risk of developing diabetes. A study funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) has found a significant reduction in diabetes risk among patients who had been referred to the NHS programme. Three years after their referral, the participants were 20 per cent less likely to have type 2 diabetes than a similar person who was not included in the programme, the evaluation revealed.

Pharmacy leaders have called for reassurance that the workforce plan, expected by April 2023, will cover the entirety of the pharmacy workforce across the health service, including in community pharmacies. A joint letter has been signed by representatives from 14 pharmacy organisations which highlights that with continued pressures on services, it is more important than ever to support the pharmacy workforce so that the staff needed to deliver patient care now and into the future can be recruited, trained and retained. Mark Koziol, Pharmacists' Defence Association (PDA) Chairman said: "Our pharmacist members practise across the entire health system and have the potential to do far more to help patients and improve public health, but they can only do so safely if they are in appropriately staffed workplaces. This is a workforce issue, so it is important that the Government works with representatives of the pharmacist workforce, and of their employers, to get a suitably agreed plan in place." Thorrun Govind, English Pharmacy Board Chair, Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS), said: "It will be crucial to use the skills of all our health professions to support the NHS recovery, reduce health inequalities, manage the growing cost of long-term conditions, and deliver best value from medicines.

The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) has welcomed the new research guidance published by NHS England for the integrated care systems. The guidance is said to reflect the benefits of delivering research, for patients, staff and healthcare system performance, including the economic benefits for the NHS. Jennifer Harris, ABPI's Director of Research Policy, said: "This guidance is clear on what good research practice looks like and it's great to see it out and available for the NHS to use. "A research-active NHS delivers huge value to patients, staff and the system itself. We hope that putting this guidance into action will help Integrated Care Systems realise the huge benefits that research can offer, and help make the UK once again a destination of choice for developing the medical breakthroughs people need."

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.

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), led by Victoria Atkins MP and Maria Caulfield MP, has unveiled proposed updates to the NHS Constitution for England, aiming to fortify the principles of privacy, dignity, and safety for all patients. Martha's rule was prompted by a campaign led by the parents of 13-year-old Martha Mills who tragically succumbed to sepsis after staff at King's College Hospital failed to escalate her care to intensive care, despite her family's pleas regarding her worsening condition in 2021. Under the new guidance is the introduction of Martha's Rule, empowering patients to request intimate care from someone of the same biological sex ensuring that the distinct needs of men and women are recognized and addressed. Patients and their loved ones can exercise the right to "access to a rapid review from outside the care team if the patient is deteriorating." The consultation on the proposed updates is set to run for eight weeks, inviting feedback from patients, healthcare professionals, and stakeholders for a review

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has unveiled proposed updates to the NHS Constitution for England, signalling a significant step forward in prioritizing patient privacy, dignity, and safety. At the heart of these reforms lies Martha's Rule, a testament to the power of grassroots advocacy and the enduring legacy of 13-year-old Martha Mills. Martha's Rule, born from the tragic loss of Martha Mills due to a failure in escalating her care, stands as a beacon of hope for future patients and their families. Prompted by Martha's parents' tireless campaign, this rule empowers patients to request intimate care from providers of the same biological sex, ensuring that individual needs are recognized and respected. Additionally, it guarantees the right to a rapid review from an external care team when a patient's condition deteriorates, offering a lifeline in moments of crisis.

The UK government on Thursday (8 May) launched a new plan to tackle antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a global issue that makes infections difficult or impossible to treat. This is the second phase of a series of 5-year national action plans, aimed at supporting the government's 20-year vision to contain and control AMR by 2040. With the launch of this new national action plan, the UK commits to reducing its use of antimicrobials - such as antibiotics, antifungals and antivirals - in humans and animals. Additionally, it aims to strengthen surveillance of drug-resistant infections before they emerge and incentivise industry to develop the next generation of treatments. There are also plans to expand initiatives such as the world-first 'subscription model' for antimicrobials, launched in 2019 as a pilot.

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on understanding and managing musculoskeletal pain. This type of discomfort, often arising from an injury to the body's muscles, joints, tendons, ligaments, or nerves, can lead to significant functional impairment and reduced quality of life. In the following sections, we'll delve into the causes, diagnosis, and various treatment options for musculoskeletal pain, equipping you with the knowledge you need to manage and alleviate your symptoms effectively. Consult a Medical Professional While this guide offers a general understanding of musculoskeletal pain, it is critical to consult with a healthcare professional for any pain or discomfort you may be experiencing. Health practitioners can offer a proper diagnosis and develop a personalized treatment plan that considers your specific symptoms, condition, and overall health. For example, the best physical therapists can suggest a variety of exercises and stretches to help strengthen muscles and alleviate pain. Some pain may require surgery, while others can be managed with medication or physical therapy. Your medical provider will work with you to find the most effective treatment plan.

QuickBooks Online offers convenient credit card processing for businesses, but navigating the associated fees can be confusing. Understanding the fee structure, influencing factors, and minimization strategies empowers you to make informed choices about using Quickbooks Online Credit Card. The optimal choice depends on your unique transaction volume, processing methods, budget, and industry risks. Consider exploring alternative processors, comparing features, and evaluating customer reviews before committing. Standard Payment Fees: QuickBooks charges per-transaction fees based on processing methods and card networks: Invoicing & Quick Requests: 2.99% for Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express. Card Reader (swiped): 2.5% for the same cards. Keyed-in Payments: 3.5% for manual card entry (generally the highest rate). Digital Wallets: Same rates as invoices for Apple Pay and Google Pay. Additional Fees: Instant Deposits: 1.75% on top of standard rates for faster access to funds (ideal for cash flow needs). Payment Dispute Protection: 0.99% - 1.99% for added security against chargebacks (useful for high-risk industries).

QuickBooks Payments. Remember, the optimal choice depends on your unique transaction volume, processing methods, budget, and industry risks.QuickBooks Payments for your business. Remember, the optimal choice depends on your unique transaction volume, processing methods, and budget considerations. By following these suggestions, you can still provide valuable information about QuickBooks credit card processing fees within the limitations of the request. Focus on specific aspects: Detailed breakdown of each fee type: Explain the nuances of standard fees, additional fees like instant deposits and dispute protection, and potential hidden charges. Strategies for high-volume businesses: Discuss tiered pricing structures, negotiating custom rates, and exploring alternative processors for significant transaction volumes. Impact on different industries: Analyze how fee structures vary for specific industries like restaurants, e-commerce, or professional services. Legal considerations for passing fees to customers: Provide insights into local regulations and best practices for transparently adding processing fees to invoices.

QuickBooks simplifies accepting credit cards in your business, but understanding the associated fees is crucial for informed financial decisions. This guide provides an overview of QuickBooks credit card Online and Desktop fee structures, highlighting key considerations and strategies for minimizing costs. QuickBooks Online: Standard Fees: Invoicing & Quick Requests: 2.99% per transaction for major cards. Card Reader (swiped): 2.5%. Keyed-in Payments: 3.5%. Digital Wallets: Same as invoices. Additional Fees: Instant Deposits: 1.75% on top of standard fees. Payment Dispute Protection: 0.99% - 1.99%. Minimizing Costs: Encourage swiped payments. Limit keyed-in entries. Explore higher-volume tiers for discounts. Compared with other processors. Consider passing fees to customers (legally). Additional Considerations: Interchange Fees: These fees set by card networks are not controlled by QuickBooks and can vary by card type and industry. Statement Fees: Some merchant service providers charge monthly statement fees. Chargeback Fees: Fees incurred if a customer disputes a transaction. Integration: Consider how the processing solution integrates with your accounting software. Security: Choose a processor with robust security measures. Customer Support: Reliable support is crucial for resolving issues.

QuickBooks simplifies accepting Quickbooks Credit Cards in your business, but understanding the associated fees is crucial for informed financial decisions.The optimal choice depends on your unique transaction volume, processing methods, budget, and industry risks. Consider exploring alternative processors, comparing features, and evaluating customer reviews before committing. Strategies to Minimize Costs: Embrace Swiped Payments: Encourage customers to use chip cards whenever possible. Limit Keyed-in Entries: Reserve this for sensitive information or high-value payments. Consider Higher-Volume Tiers: If your business scales, explore volume discounts. Compare Processing Providers: Research alternatives for potentially competitive rates. Pass Fees to Customers (Legally): In some regions, you can transparently add a processing fee to invoices. QuickBooks charges fees based on: Service: Are you using QuickBooks Online or Desktop? Processing method: Are you accepting payments through invoices, swiped transactions, keyed-in entries, or digital wallets? Additional services: Are you using features like Instant Deposits or Payment Dispute Protection? Card network: Are you processing Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or American Express?

In the next 10 years, the incidence of first-time stroke cases in the UK is projected to increase by 60 per cent, costing the government £75bn in healthcare and lost productivity, a charity has suggested. A new manifesto published by the Stroke Association has urged the next UK government to make stroke "the priority", stressing that the next decade is crucial for stroke prevention, treatment and recovery. Currently, stroke is the UK's fourth biggest killer and a leading cause of disability. On a daily basis, 281 individuals experience a stroke. Next year, the cost of stroke in the UK will be £43 billion. The charity predicted that by 2035, there will be 151,000 hospital admissions due to stroke every year, averaging 414 admissions per day, with 42,000 people estimated to die every year. In 2035, the UK is projected to have 2.1 million stroke survivors, imposing a financial burden of £75 billion on the public purse, nearly half the current NHS budget.