A recent study presented at the European Congress on Obesity in Venice sheds light on the detrimental effects of obesity on workplace absenteeism and economic
productivity.
The analysis, encompassing data from millions of workers across Europe, reveals a direct correlation between body mass index (BMI) and the likelihood of taking sick
leave.
According to the study, obese individuals are up to twice as likely to take time off work due to health issues compared to those of a healthy weight.
The increased sick notes among obese individuals is attributed to various complications associated with obesity, including joint pain, diabetes, depression, and
heart disease.
In the United Kingdom, where obesity rates are among the highest in Europe, the impact of obesity on workplace absenteeism is particularly pronounced.
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has finally published its response to the 2022 consultation on hub and spoke dispensing.
Considering the consultation evidence and further discussions, the government has expressed its intention to progress the proposals for enabling hub and spoke models
across different legal entities as soon as possible.
This will be achieved by using the enabling powers outlined in Part 2 of the Medicines and Medical Devices Act 2021 (MMDA) to amend the Medicines Act 1968 and the
HMRs.
Furthermore, the DHSC has decided to proceed with the implementation of the two models of hub and spoke dispensing that it consulted on.
The government response to the consultation reads: "Having considered the responses, the government intend to proceed to implement the necessary changes to medicines
legislation to remove the current restrictions that prevent the hub and spoke dispensing models from operating across different legal entities found in section 10 of
the Medicines Act 1968.
Two Indian pharmaceutical companies, Cipla and Glenmark, are pulling back certain products from the American market due to manufacturing concerns, according
to the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA).
A New Jersey-based subsidiary of Cipla is recalling 59,244 packs of Ipratropium Bromide and Albuterol Sulfate Inhalation Solution due to "short fill", news agency
PTI reported, quoting the latest Enforcement Report issued by the US health regulator.
Produced at the company's Indore SEZ plant, this medication is used to manage symptoms associated with lung diseases, such as asthma, chronic bronchitis and
emphysema.
Cipla USA decided to recall the affected lot following complaints of less fill volume in respule and few drops of liquid observed in the intact pouch, the USFDA
said, adding that the drug maker initiated the Class II recall in the US market on March 26 this year.
Hospitals and healthcare providers across the UK have been notified about the shortage of an anti-inflammatory medicine caused by a manufacturing failure.
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) on Friday (3 May) issued a National Patient Safety Alert stating that Erelzi 50mg solution for injection
in pre-filled pen will be out of stock from early May until mid-July 2024.
"The supply issues have been caused by a manufacturing failure resulting in delays in production and the implementation of global allocations," it said.
However, it noted that homecare providers (Alcura, Healthnet and Sciensus) have sufficient stock to supply existing patients until mid/late May 2024.
Although Erelzi 50mg pre-filled syringes (PFS) are still available, they cannot support a full increase in demand, the DHSC warned.
Dental surgery encompasses various medical procedures aimed at altering dentition, involving surgical interventions on the teeth and jaw bones. It encompasses a wide range of dental procedures focusing on the gums and teeth, such as root canals, implants, and wisdom tooth extraction.
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) in recent response to the questions asked by members of the House of Lords addressed the concerning trend
of pharmacy closures in rural areas across the UK.
Led by The Bishop of St Albans, inquiries focused on the number of community pharmacies that had ceased operations over the past five years and the ongoing
financial challenges faced by those remaining in rural regions.
Lord Markham, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Health and Social Care, provided insights into the stark reality confronting rural communities.
Highlighting data as per Guide to applying the Rural Urban Classification to data (2019-2023) Markham illustrated the significant closure rates of rural
pharmacies compared to the limited number of new openings between 2019 and 2023.
The figures revealed a fluctuating trend over the past five years, indicating a dynamic landscape within rural pharmacy provision.
Community pharmacy chain Jardines Pharmacy has partnered with patient relationship management platform Charac to launch a new app designed to digitalise
its services, enhance operational efficiency, and elevate customer satisfaction.
The app allows patients to order repeat prescriptions, access medicine home delivery and book consultations with their pharmacist all in one place, enabling
faster pharmacist-to-patient care.
By incorporating Charac's platform into its business, Jardines is able to boost prescription dispensing efficiency, helping reducing wait times for patients.
Additionally, its delivery feature enables patients to track their orders directly through the app, thereby streamlining the overall patient experience.
The app also minimises administrative and manual tasks for pharmacists, giving them more time to focus on helping patients and delivering the outstanding
customer service.
Patients of Jardines can also use the app to book appointments digitally for Pharmacy First consultations, blood pressure checks, earwax removal, travel
vaccinations, and emergency contraception services.
Santosh Sahu, Founder and CEO of Charac, said: "We are pleased to support Jardines Pharmacy and its patients across England. Our mission is to ensure that
community pharmacies are empowered to digitalise, making care easier and more accessible for patients.
Former superintendent pharmacist and National Pharmacy Association (NPA) director, Phil Galt, has been appointed the new UK managing director for pharmacy
software supplier Cegedim Rx.
The position was previously held by Adam Dennett, who resigned after a successful ten-year tenure to pursue a new career outside healthcare, the company said.
Cegedim Rx, the pharmacy entity of Cegedim Healthcare Solutions UK, announced the new appointment this month (April 5).
Tristan de Foucher, head of European operations for Cegedim Group, said: "Adam has been a force of nature in this business for the past 10 years. Under his
leadership, the team has continuously and successfully invested in and driven product innovation to stay ahead of the ever-changing demands placed upon community
pharmacy."
Galt has over 20 years of experience as a qualified pharmacist and a successful business leader. He has worked extensively in community pharmacy, focusing on
both care delivery and technology implementation.
The Challenges
There cannot be anyone working in or with community pharmacy that either feels or sees the pain that emanates from the current operating climate. Pharmacy
closures; increased workload and operating costs; increased patient and commissioner expectations; and, more fundamentally, an inadequate, undervalued and
poorly structured remuneration and reimbursement contractual framework.
As important as they are, we will not focus on these points here as they are not in the control of pharmacy owners and managers. They are the responsibility
of those organisations that represent them at a national and local level who must deliver a better outcome as difficult as that may be.
However, there are matters which are in the control of pharmacy owners and managers. These include their premises, their team, their systems and processes, their
relationships with other healthcare providers and the broader community, their NHS and private service offer, and how they promote and deliver them to give the best
patient experience.
In order to create the head space to develop and implement a business plan, pharmacy owners and managers must make time to work on their business as well as in it.
Then it requires the capacity and capability within their team to deliver the services and that excellent patient experience.
The National Health Services England (NHSE) is poised to revolutionise diabetes management with the introduction of the 'artificial pancreas', also known
as the Hybrid Closed Loop system, to treat type 1 diabetes. This pioneering initiative, endorsed by the National Institute of Health Care and Excellence (NICE),
represents a global first in healthcare innovation.
With 269,095 individuals grappling with type 1 diabetes in England, the Hybrid Closed Loop system is set to cater to tens of thousands of children and adults across
the nation.
This cutting-edge device operates by seamlessly monitoring blood glucose levels and autonomously adjusting insulin dosage through a pump, by eliminating the need
for regular insulin injections.
Furthermore, it holds the promise of averting life-threatening hypoglycaemic and hyperglycaemia episodes, mitigating significant risks associated with the condition.
To facilitate the identification of beneficiaries, NHSE has allocated a substantial sum of £2.5 million, ensuring that those who could benefit from this innovative
solution receive the necessary support.
Hey there, folks! Ever find yourself caught up in the throes of pain, wondering if there's a better way to handle it? You're not alone. In fact,
according to recent stats, a whopping 93% of people worldwide grapple with pain annually. And get this: 1 in 3 folks deal with it every single day. Crazy, right?
But here's the kicker: despite pain being such a prevalent issue, many folks aren't tackling it head-on. Yep, you heard that right. There's a whole lot of
suffering going on, and not enough proactive pain management happening.
So, what's the solution? Well, that's where our Pain Management Webinar swoops in to save the day! Picture this: an hour jam-packed with enlightening insights,
carefully curated to arm you and your team with the tools needed to understand, manage, and ease pain in your patients' lives.
Diving Deep: What's Inside the Webinar
Alright, buckle up because we're about to dive into the juicy details of what this webinar has in store for you.
1. The Evolving Role of Pharmacists
First up, we're shedding light on the evolving role of pharmacists in the realm of pain management. Yep, you heard that right. It's not just about doling out
pills anymore. Pharmacists are becoming key players in the fight against pain, and we'll show you exactly how.
2. Decoding Pain Assessment
Ever struggle to figure out just how much pain your patients are in? We feel you. That's why we're dedicating some time to decode the art of pain assessment. By
the time you're done with this segment, you'll be a pro at understanding and quantifying your patients' pain levels.
3. #ListenToPain: A Campaign for Better Conversations
And last but certainly not least, we're shining a spotlight on Haleon's #ListenToPain campaign. This bad boy is all about fostering better conversations between
you and your patients. Trust us, folks, communication is key when it comes to pain management, and this campaign's got all the tools you need to nail those
conversations.
Tailored Jus
The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) has raised concerns over the upcoming increase in the National Living Wage, saying it will make things even worse
for local pharmacies already facing nearly a decade of cuts in real terms.
Scheduled to go up from £10.42 to £11.44 per hour starting April, the National Living Wage rise is expected to put a lot of financial pressure on many pharmacies.
The NPA says "it will cost them over £10,000 in salary bills, and for some, even more, without getting more from the NHS funds. and has asked the government to
deal with the ongoing problem of underfunding for community pharmacies.
The association has warned that without additional funds, pharmacies could face staff layoffs or reduced services to cover the increased wages, calling for
a "comprehensive new funding deal to prevent further closures of vital local services, which have been shutting at the rate of eight a week."
A recent study, conducted by CBD experts at Brown's CBD, unveiled Dundee as the UK's leading CBD hotspot, with an average monthly search volume
of 530.29 per 100,000 residents, sparking a surge of interest in natural wellness solutions.
New research analysed search volume data across UK cities for CBD-related terms, reflecting a staggering 1100% increase in searches for 'what is CBD' over
the last decade.
Following Dundee, Brighton secures the second spot in the rankings with an average monthly search volume of 530.08 per 100,000 residents for CBD related
terms, closely trailed by St. Albans in third place.
Other notable cities making the top ranks include Gloucester, Hereford, and Bath, indicating a widespread curiosity about CBD products and their purported
health benefits.
In our quest for perfect skin, the landscape of dermatology and skin care has evolved dramatically, offering breakthrough treatments and solutions.
The pursuit of a blemish-free, radiant complexion is no longer a distant dream, thanks to advancements in medical aesthetics and skincare technology. From
non-invasive procedures to tailor-made skincare regimens, individuals now have access to a plethora of options designed to target specific skin concerns.
This article explores the cutting-edge treatments that promise to diminish imperfections and reveal flawless skin, transforming not just how we look but also
how we feel about ourselves.
Botox Injections
Botox, or Botulinum toxin, has gained immense popularity for its ability to smooth out wrinkles and fine lines. It works by temporarily paralyzing the facial
muscles responsible for creating these imperfections. The procedure involves injecting small amounts of the neurotoxin into targeted areas, such as the
forehead, crow's feet, and frown lines between the brows.
The effects of Botox typically last for three to four months, making it a popular choice for those seeking quick and noticeable results. The people at sdbotox.com
note that it is also a popular preventative treatment for those looking to delay the formation of wrinkles. With consistent use, Botox can actually prevent fine
lines and wrinkles from appearing in the first place, making it an attractive option for individuals in their late 20s and early 30s.
The latest formulation of XGEVA (denosumab) is now available to patients in the UK, offering a more convenient treatment option for bone metastasis.
It is the first product to be authorised by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) via the new International Recognition Procedure (IRP).
Denosumab (XGEVA) is used to prevent serious bone-related complications resulting from bone metastasis in adults and to treat giant cell tumour of bone in both
adults and adolescents.
The medicine was authorised on 29 February 2024 as a 120 mg solution for injection in a prefilled syringe. In contrast to the current vial presentation, this
simplifies the administration process, reducing the volume of liquid injected and lowering the risk of dosing errors.
The product was authorised in 30 days by the MHRA, thanks to the new IRP that facilitated a rapid approval process.
The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) on Wednesday announced that it is spearheading a new project, which aims to delve into the root causes of the
growing challenge of medicines shortages across the United Kingdom and provide solutions to mitigate its impact on patients and pharmacy practice.
A newly formed advisory group, chaired by RPS Fellow Dr. Bruce Warner, is set to convene later this month. The group will have experts from primary and secondary
care, patient advocacy groups, the pharmaceutical industry, suppliers, regulatory bodies, governmental representatives, and NHS officials.
The group aims to formulate a robust report to provide expert thought leadership and support for the wider debate on UK policy. Their work will be informed by a
thorough literature review, stakeholder interviews, online RPS member events, and patient stories.
LloydsPharmacy Clinical Homecare, a leading provider of home healthcare services in the UK, on Monday announced the appointment of Paul Adams as the
company's new Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
Before assuming his role at LPCH at the end of last year, Adams was leading transformation efforts at DD Group, formerly known as Dental Directory.
With a career spanning over two decades, Adams has held influential positions at Diageo, Smith+Nephew, and served as a CEO for various Private Equity companies.
He has also co-authored "The Little Black Book of Change."
Adams will lead the LPCH's mission to pioneer the delivery of specialist clinical treatment therapies to patients, thereby enhancing patient outcomes within
homecare and community settings while improving accessibility.
Community Pharmacy England (CPE), the Company Chemists' Association (CCA), the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) and the National Pharmacy Association
(NPA) on Tuesday (5 March) released a joint manifesto for community pharmacy in anticipation of the upcoming general election expected later this year.
The manifesto has been designed for widespread use within the community pharmacy sector to facilitate engagement with political parties and parliamentary candidates.
In their #VotePharmacy manifesto, the pharmacy bodies have highlighted a robust six-point plan to unleash the potential of pharmacy.
Election candidates are urged to express their support in six key areas, which include:
Filling the funding gap and committing to long-term sustainable funding to empower pharmacies to deliver more NHS care.
Enhancing the community pharmacy workforce to ensure they can meet the evolving needs of patients.
Opella Healthcare, trading as Sanofi Consumer Healthcare, said it has entered into a dual partnership agreement with Alliance Healthcare and Phoenix
Healthcare Distribution for the wholesale supply of its products to UK pharmacies.
In effect from the start of February, the new dual partnership will ensure Sanofi Consumer Healthcare 'continues to provide its customers with exceptional
customer service', the company said, adding that the increased efficiency will facilitate improved service levels and stock availability of Cialis Together,
Allevia, Buscopan, Dulcolax and Phenergan to community pharmacies in the UK.
"At Sanofi Consumer Healthcare we are committed to supporting the self-care agenda in the UK," Nick Linton, head of UK country operations, commented.
"Making healthcare as simple as it should be to bring health and wellbeing to all is a key priority for us in 2024 and beyond. Our new wholesale model reflects our
deep commitment to working as efficiently as possible in close partnership with pharmacists to shape a healthier future."
