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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.

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.

Patients want to be active partners in their healthcare decisions - and eye care is no exception. Patient education is vital for understanding diagnoses, treatment options, and the importance of preventative care. When patients understand what's happening with their health, they're far more likely to follow their treatment plan and see good results. Here's a deeper look at why patient education matters. Patient-Centered Care: The Key to Success The Institute of Medicine emphasizes the importance of patient-centered care. This means involving patients in decision-making and providing them with the necessary education for informed choices. This approach is even more crucial in eye care, where conditions can lead to irreversible blindness. The Need for Patient Education Research shows that many patients crave educational materials from their eye care providers, but many don't receive them. This leaves patients searching for information on their own, potentially turning to unreliable sources. Clear, accessible patient education is vital in ensuring understanding and treatment adherence.For instance, patient education is crucial in preventing diseases like glaucoma. The more informed patients are, the more chances they will discover early signs of disease by taking OCT test for glaucoma.

Join the fight against pain! Globally, 93% face it yearly, with 1 in 3 enduring daily agony. But we're not fighting smart. Enter our Pain Management Webinar! In just an hour, gain tools to tackle pain head-on. Here's what's inside: Pharmacists' New Role: Beyond pills. Mastering Pain Assessment: Quantify patient pain. #ListenToPain: Better patient talks. Tailored for GB pharmacists handling acute and chronic pain. Don't miss this chance to make a real impact. Secure your spot now for invaluable insights!

The incredible consequences that drug misuse has imposed on humans in the last few years make it one of the most pressing issues facing such nations. A person who is addicted to drugs or alcohol often turns to these substances as a crutch while they're going through tough times. Taking the drug regularly becomes habitual since it provides short-term relief without permanently resolving the issue. An important part of becoming sober is learning to substitute better routines for the addict's old, harmful ones. These self-care routines and healthy habits are much better ways to deal with stress. Here we will explain how healthy behavior throughout addiction recovery is simply one of many methods to adapt to life after treatment. Physical Activity Scientific studies have shown that physical activity increases levels of two hormones. dopamine and serotonin, which are linked to better mood. A more positive outlook, restful sleep, and enhanced general health are all possible outcomes of these hormones. In the early stages of your rehabilitation, it is wise to start an exercise regimen that you have never done before. You may find new sober friends and interactions, as well as inspiration to improve your physical health, by connecting with other people who share your interests in physical activity. In the early stages of recovery, having sober friends may be really helpful since it allows you to connect with those who understand what you're going through. Friendships formed in early recovery often continue long after the addict has left the program, according to many people in recovery.

We all know that pain is a universal experience. The management of pain remains a significant challenge worldwide. The ever-growing statistics reveal the importance of pain. There persists concern about inertia in both acknowledging and effectively treating it. According to the Global Pain Index, a comprehensive social study conducted with 19,000 consumers in 2020, a staggering 93% of the world's population experiences pain within a year, with 1 in 3 individuals grappling with it daily.

Explore the innovations in mental health care through our online cme live webinar. Intended for Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Primary Care physicians and nurses. where we explore the forefront of advanced therapies and integrative approaches in mental health treatment. This event, scheduled for May 09, 2024, brings together experts and pioneers in the field to share insights on groundbreaking strategies.

Covid-19 vaccine maker Novavax on Wednesday said it expects revenue this year to be flat or lower as it works to improve its commercial performance and pick up market share from much larger rivals, Pfizer and Moderna. The company posted a larger-than-expected fourth-quarter loss as revenue lagged analysts' estimates. Chief executive John Jacobs said Novavax claimed just a low-single-digit percentage market share in the US during the most recent vaccination campaign, as demand for Covid vaccines was smaller than hoped and the company got its protein-based shot to market later than its messenger RNA-based rivals. "We were disappointed with that US performance," Jacobs said in an interview. He said the company's sales force was not targeted enough toward retail pharmacy chains, and that its 5-dose vials were not as convenient for use as rivals' pre-filled syringes.

Consumer healthcare group Haleon on Thursday announced that it has entered into a binding agreement for the sale of the ChapStick brand to Suave Brands Company, a company owned by American private equity firm Yellow Wood Partners. The British consumer healthcare company has agreed to sell its lip balm brand to Suave for about $430 million in cash and a minority interest in the buyer, valued at around $80 million. Haleon, which was spun off from the GSK Group in July 2022, said that cash proceeds from the sale would be used to pay down debt. ChapStick generated £112 million ($142.5 million) in revenue in 2023, said Haleon, adding that the sale is likely to close in the second quarter of 2024. Brian McNamara, Chief Executive Officer, Haleon, said: "Today's announcement is consistent with Haleon being proactive in managing our portfolio, and being rigorous and disciplined where there are opportunities for divestment. "While ChapStick is a great brand, much loved by consumers around the world, it is not a core focus for Haleon.