In continuation of the NHS Covid vaccine programme, Covid jabs for five and six-year olds will be available at the local vaccination centres or community pharmacies outside of school hours.
Following the recent JCVI guidance that recommended all children between 5 and 11 would benefit from a non-urgent offer of the COVID vaccine, the NHS will send
invitations to one million families with five and six-year-olds this week.
"Invitations being sent to families this week will set out how easy and convenient it is to take up the offer of a vaccine as part of the NHS COVID vaccination
programme by booking through the National Booking Service, or visiting their nearest walk-in site," NHS said.
Between April 25 and May 1, there are already more than 33,500 children aged five to 11 booked in for their dose of the life-saving vaccine, with a further 50,000 slots still available.
Dr Nikki Kanani, GP and Deputy Lead for the NHS COVID-19 vaccination programme, said: "It is great to see so many families already booked in for their children to receive their Covid vaccine this week, helping to protect themselves against potential future waves of the virus.
Wales has begun the rolled-out of a community pharmacy prescribing service as part of reforms agreed by the Welsh health minister last December.
Eluned Morgan approved wide-ranging changes following re-negotiation of the Community Pharmacy Contractual Framework with Community Pharmacy Wales, the
representative body for community pharmacies in Wales.
The roll out will allow appropriately trained community pharmacists to treat an extended range of conditions that currently require people to visit their GP.
Initially pharmacist prescribers will be able to prescribe medicines, including antibiotics for acute illnesses like urinary tract and upper respiratory tract infections, and also prescribe routine contraception.
The first of its kind in the UK, the service is being rolled out progressively across Wales, building on local schemes which are already in place.
Backed by a £22.5 million of government funding, community vaccine champions will tap into their local networks and encourage people in their communities to get vaccinated against the Covid-19.
The funding, allocated today (January 13) to 60 councils, will help deliver bespoke projects in these regions, including:
In Derby and Newham roving vaccinators and a vaccine bus will visit workplaces, places of worship and local highstreets.Videos shared on social media featuring local sporting stars, TV actors, local community and faith leaders and local NHS staff in Southampton.Developing a community transport to support access to vaccination sites/pop-ups and considering 'Grab a Jab' taxis scheme.As per NHS statistics, over 4.6 million people aged 18 and above remained unvaccinated in the 60 councils, selected to be a part of the Community Vaccine Champions programme.
Vaccines minister Maggie Throup said: "Thanks to the pace and scale of our Covid-19 vaccination programme, we are in a much better position than this time last year."
To increase efficiency savings, digital men's health provider Numan has joined forces with Invatech Health to deploy the health tech company's cutting-edge software Titan.
Launched in early 2019, Numan provides medication for 175,000 patients via its Cardiff-based fulfilment operation. A team of its clinicians create personalised treatment plans for the most common male health concerns.
In a statement, Invatech said its Titan software could deliver 20 per cent efficiency savings for Numan whilst supporting the company's ambitious growth plans with improved safety and scalability in processing medications. The new partnership also comes alongside 100 new contracts with community pharmacies around the UK.
Andrew Caple, director of Pharmacy Operations at of Numan, said: "Our findings show that three quarters of men will not visit a doctor when they have a health concern, and we therefore recognise that the online market provides a great opportunity to tackle these problems.
NHS cancer check has set a new record, despite pressures on hospitals due to Covid-19, the number of people being treated for the cancer remained higher than
before the pandemic, revealed NHS.
Over the last 12 months almost three million people were referred for cancer checks which is up by over a tenth on the 2.4 million people referred before the
pandemic.
"Even at the peak of the Omicron wave, referrals for suspected cancer were at 116 per cent of pre-pandemic levels with around 11,000 people getting checked every
day over the last year," said NHS.
In order to meet increasing demand for cancer checks, NHS services across the country are expanding their diagnostic capabilities through one stop shops for tests,
mobile clinics and cancer symptom hotlines, ensuring people are diagnosed and treated as early as possible to give them a much better chance of beating the disease.
More than 30,000 people every month are being invited for lung cancer checks through NHS mobile trucks visiting at risk communities across the country, as part of
the biggest programme to improve early lung cancer diagnosis in health service history.
A leading pharmacist and member of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) Scottish Pharmacy Board has been chosen to share her experiences of working in a community pharmacy in Scotland.
Catriona Sinclair FRPharmS will speak at a roundtable entitled 'International Experiences in Professional Pharmaceutical Health Services' in Madrid on Thursday
(May 5).
Catriona, who owns and runs a pharmacy in the Highlands, is expected to give her take on community pharmacies' significant contribution towards achieving improved
health outcomes and reducing health inequalities for local populations in Scotland.
As an active independent prescriber, she is at the cutting edge of the profession in Scotland.
Speaking ahead of her visit to Madrid, Catriona said: "I'm honoured to have the opportunity to collaborate with pharmacists from across Europe, and to share my
experiences of working as a community pharmacist in Scotland.
Turning 21 is a significant milestone in a person's life, marking the transition into full-fledged adulthood. It's the age when responsibilities and
possibilities both expand, opening the door to a world of new experiences and opportunities. Now that you've reached this exciting age, you're likely
wondering what unique and exciting things you can do.
Luckily for you, the list is extensive and varied. From exploring the world of wines to finding your own path in the professional world, let's dive into this
thrilling journey of discovery together. Whether you're an adventurous spirit or a contemplative soul, there's something here for everyone. So buckle up, as we
unfold the multitude of options that await you now that you're 21!
Venturing into the World of Wines
For many, turning 21 means being able to legally drink alcohol. If you're a wine enthusiast, then you'll be thrilled to know that there are several ways to
explore the world of wines. You can take a trip to a local vineyard and sample different varieties or join a wine club for exclusive access to rare bottles and
sommelier-led tastings. You can also visit a winery and go on guided tours and pairings to learn more about the production process. No matter which route you
choose, you're sure to gain an appreciation for this age-old beverage and its many nuances.
Many cities and towns offer wine festivals throughout the year, where you can sample different wines and mingle with fellow enthusiasts. If you're feeling
particularly ambitious, you can even take a viticulture class to learn more about how grapes are cultivated and what qualities make up a good bottle of wine.
The National Pharmacy Association has announced the theme for this year's 'Ask Your Pharmacist Week' campaign - 'Meet Your Local Pharmacy Team'. The campaign,
scheduled for October 30 to November 6, seeks to enhance awareness of pharmacy services and initiate dialogues with local stakeholders, highlighting the role and
advantages of community pharmacy, the NPA said in a statement.
NPA has organised an array of promotional activities, spanning window displays, social media engagements, partnerships with patient groups, radio and TV interviews,
and visits to pharmacies by local dignitaries and politicians during the week.
"AYP Week 2023 will acquaint individuals with the pharmacist's skill set and the broader community pharmacy workforce, showcasing their collaborative efforts in
delivering a secure and efficient service, encompassing NHS clinical care," said Stephen Fishwick, NPA's Head of Communications. "As always, the NPA will furnish
campaign resources for our members and other participants interested in engaging with this enduring initiative."
The Hyderabad Police are actively searching for UK-based pharmacist M. Ajith Kumar, who is suspected of involvement in a plot to poison his estranged wife's
family in Hyderabad by contaminating their spices with arsenic. While the accused allegedly succeeded in fatally poisoning his mother-in-law through a slow method,
timely arsenic testing saved the lives of others.
In late June, a newlywed woman in her 30s visited a Guntur-based doctor, complaining of intense burning, tingling, and numbness in her hands and feet. The
neurologist's keen observation foiled the alleged sinister plot of Ajith Kumar, suspected of using his chemical expertise to harm his wife and her family.
Presently, the police are actively searching for M. Ajith Kumar, who is currently in London, in connection with the murder plot. Furthermore, the Hyderabad police
have apprehended six individuals from the city who were complicit in his nefarious scheme.
The investigation gathered key information from arrested suspects, including D. Vinod Kumar, a UK-based IT professional from Andhra Pradesh. Vinod Kumar's involvement
in UK software projects provided by Ajith Kumar generated a substantial monthly income, leading him to assist Ajith in his plot against his estranged wife's family.
In the parliamentary drop-in-event hosted by Community Pharmacy England last week, Members of Parliament (MPs) questioned the Health Secretary on the rising
issue of medicines supply.
"Eighteen community pharmacists in my constituency are reporting challenges on medicine supplies. What more is the Minister going to do to get a grip of this
situation?", Mike Amesbury MP for Weaver Vale, who was present at the event last week, asked the Health Secretary.
In his response, the Health Secretary, Steve Barclay MP said: "We have a long-standing team in the Department focused on medical supplies, which are a continual
issue; as a matter of routine business, there are often challenges in that area."
The Shadow Pharmacy Minister, Karin Smyth MP, also asked: "People across the country rely on local, accessible pharmacies, but whether it is high street closures
or supply problems leading to the absurd situation where women are phoning or visiting multiple pharmacies for a prescribed dose of hormone replacement therapy and
other drugs…They have repeatedly announced plans to expand the role of community pharmacies but have failed to update legislation that could possibly help. … Why
will they not do so?
Approximately 25 million GP appointments and 5 million A&E visits are utilised each year for self-treatable illnesses. If these individuals chose to self-treat
using over-the-counter (OTC) medications, the potential savings for NHS could amount to at least £1.7 billion annually, according to a research commissioned by
Proprietary Association of Great Britain.
The study, conducted by analysts at Frontier Economics, revealed that embracing self-care could bring an additional economic benefit of £350 million annually, as
employees would avoid unnecessary time off from work for medical appointments.
Apart from the savings resulting from the increased OTC medicine use, the report emphasises the potential benefits of reclassifying more prescription-only
medications (POMs). A mere 5 per cent reduction in NHS prescribing levels and spending could lead to an annual cost-saving of £1.4 billion, encompassing both
prescription costs and GP appointments, it said.
"This substantial amount could greatly alleviate financial pressures on the NHS and offer essential resources for recruiting and training much-needed healthcare
professionals."
Men can now have their blood pressure checked while visiting a barbershop. The NHS is extending its blood pressure screening services to different local
venues, including barbershops, mosques, and pharmacies. This initiative aims to address the increasing risk of strokes and heart attacks among men.
NHS staff's life-saving actions coincide with recent data indicating that high street pharmacies administered 149,865 blood pressure checks to individuals over
40 in May 2023. This marked a notable increase from the previous year's count of 58,345 in May 2022, the NHS said. "More than 1,300 heart attacks and strokes
could be prevented this year thanks to the high street checks."
"The total number of blood pressure checks delivered by pharmacy teams in the year to March was more than 1 million (1,053,278)," the NHS added.
Furthermore, the government has committed £645 million for a range of added pharmaceutical services. This includes a target of conducting 2.5 million extra blood
pressure checks annually at community pharmacies. This effort is estimated to avert over 1,350 cardiovascular events per year - equivalent to averting 113 heart
attacks and strokes each month.
The Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee (PSNC) will launch a new influencing campaign to build wider political support for community pharmacies
this week.
The campaign aims to ensure that MPs and Peers across Parliament understand the risks to pharmacy services that the current pressures on the sector are causing.
In a Parliamentary event held today (Tuesday 15 November) MPs and Peers heard from PSNC, LPC and other pharmacy bodies about the current situation.
PSNC briefed them on the urgent need for action to address the pressures on the sector.
The committee will be working with LPCs and contractors to organise a series of pharmacy visits for key Parliamentarians including Minsters, Committee and APPG
Members.
This is happening alongside work to develop a new vision and strategy for the community pharmacy sector, all of which is part of PSNC's strategy to lay the
ground for future CPCF negotiations.
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Johnson & Johnson said on Wednesday (January 18) that it was pulling the plug on a late-stage global trial of an HIV vaccine after the shot was found ineffective
at preventing infections.
The failure of the trial marks yet another setback in the search for a vaccine against a virus known to mutate rapidly and find unique ways to evade the immune
system, and comes more than a year after another of J&J's HIV vaccine failed a study.
"It's not the outcome we had hoped for, unfortunately," said a spokesperson for the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, a J&J partner in the trial.
"The development of a safe and effective HIV vaccine has been a considerable scientific challenge, but we will learn from this study and continue forward."
The trial involved administering two different types of a shot, which uses a cold-causing virus to deliver the genetic code of HIV, spread over four vaccination
visits in a year. J&J used similar technology for its COVID-19 vaccine.
The study, which began in 2019, was conducted at over 50 sites and included about 3,900 gay men and transgender people - groups that are considered vulnerable to
the infection.
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The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) has revealed it has received 25 whistleblowing disclosures between April 2021 and March 2022.
The pharmacy regulator said, in its annual report, that it has concluded enquiries on 22 disclosures so far with a further three still under review.
"We also concluded two qualifying disclosures that were raised during the previous reporting period," it said, adding: "The action GPhC took included a full
investigation through established fitness to practise processes and follow-up action through its inspection network.
"The former can result in any available outcome throughout the fitness to practise process. The latter can include guidance, a follow-up visit or an unexpected
inspection."
12 concerns were investigated and concluded with no further action. Three were signposted to another organisation. The remaining seven cases were concluded by
sharing information with inspection colleagues for follow up action.
Of the two concerns from the previous reporting period, one was concluded with no further action and the other remains under investigation.
There are many reasons why people choose to go vegan. For some, it's a matter of ethics, while others believe that veganism is the healthiest way to live.
Whatever the reason, there are many benefits to be had by making the switch to a vegan lifestyle. Here are six of the most important ones:
1. YOU'LL LOSE WEIGHT
If you're carrying around a few extra pounds, going vegan is a great way to shed them. A vegan diet is naturally lower in calories than one that includes meat and
dairy, so you'll likely find yourself eating less without even trying. And since plant-based foods are typically packed with fiber, you'll feel full and satisfied
after meals, without the need to overeat. You can do some research if you visitwww.veganfitguide.com or by reading various online resources. Keep in mind that you
may not lose weight immediately, as your body will need time to adjust to the new way of eating. But once it does, the pounds should start coming off.
Additionally, since a vegan diet is typically rich in nutrient-dense foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, you're likely to get all the vitamins and
minerals you need, without having to take supplements.
The future of community pharmacies is in danger. With some 639 local pharmacies closing in England since 2016, action is clearly needed to ensure their
longevity and maintain their rightful place on the high street.
With increasing pressure on the NHS, which is suffering from healthcare backlogs and long waiting lists following the harsh impact of the pandemic, pharmacies
have an opportunity to create a more substantial contribution within the healthcare industry.
To ensure that pharmacies are able to embrace this opportunity, they need to be equipped with the necessary tools to enable them to meet the needs of an increasingly
digital population.
One way of doing this is to support pharmacies online, by providing them with a means to connect to patients via mobile, tablet or desktop. In turn, the UK population
needs to be more aware of the services that can be provided by a pharmacist - many of which would save them from visiting a GP.
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