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The NHS Confederation and the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) has published a report that demonstrated the importance of the collaboration between industry and the NHS to improve patient outcomes across the UK. Analysis from the report has shown a significant variation in access to innovative medicines for patients across the UK and showed that uptake of new treatments in these areas continues to be below the average of similar countries in Europe. The report, 'Transforming Lives, Improving Health Outcomes', has highlighted four initiatives where effective partnerships between the NHS, patient organisations and industry have helped to tackle unwarranted variation in the uptake of innovative medicines. Transforming Lives, Improving Health Outcomes also called for a systemwide secondary prevention strategy covering all parts of the health system creating a barrier to wider and consistent uptake of innovative medicine. It also noted that newly created Integrated Care Systems have the potential to improve preventative treatment. The report data also showed a 51% variation of uptake of three types of medicines related to diabetes between NHS Trusts in England.

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and NHS England last month issued a "safety critical" national patient safety alert, warning about the UK-wide shortage of a life-saving drug used to treat patients with chronic breathing issues. NHS trusts, health authorities, ambulance services, GP practices, private healthcare providers, and community pharmacy contractors were informed that salbutamol 2.5mg and 5mg nebuliser liquid unit dose vials are in short supply, with the latter likely to remain "out of stock" until mid-April 2024. As per the alert, the shortage of the drug resulted from a combination of manufacturing issues, leading to heightened demand for alternative suppliers. It was mentioned that while terbutaline, salbutamol with ipratropium, and ipratropium nebuliser liquids remained available, they could't meet the increased demand.

Thousands of cancer patients in England are set to gain fast-tracked access to personalised cancer vaccine trials through a new National Health Service(NHS) initiative, the Cancer Vaccine Launch Pad. This groundbreaking service aims to find new life-saving treatments by matching eligible patients with clinical trials across the country. The first patient to receive a personalised vaccine for bowel cancer is Elliot Phebve, a 55-year-old lecturer, treated at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust. Phebve, diagnosed through a routine health check, underwent surgery and chemotherapy before joining the trial. Sponsored by German biotech company BioNTech SE, the colorectal cancer vaccine trial is one of several taking place across NHS trusts.

Haleon is enhancing its research and development (R&D) capabilities and accelerating its new product innovation pipeline with a $54 million (£43.49 million) investment in its global R&D centre of excellence in Richmond, Virginia, USA. This investment is in addition to the company's annual R&D budget of approximately £300 million. The Richmond site, one of Haleon's three global R&D centres of excellence, alongside facilities in Weybridge, UK, and Suzhou, China, provides the global scale necessary for the company to deliver disruptive and locally relevant brand innovations across over 170 markets worldwide. The upgraded facility will feature new, state-of-the-art laboratories designed to enable development of innovations across ingredients, formulations, flavours, formats and packaging for Haleon's Over-the-Counter (OTC) and Vitamins, Minerals and Supplements (VMS) categories. Franck Riot, Haleon's chief R&D officer, emphasised the critical role of R&D in the company's success, stating, "R&D is the cornerstone of our business and the innovation engine behind our category-leading brands." "Consumers trust our products because they trust our science - so investing in R&D is vital for driving consumer preference for our brands."

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has on Friday approved leniolisib phosphate (Joenja) to treat a rare immune disease known as activated phosphoinositide 3-kinase delta syndrome or APDS in adults and adolescents aged 12-years-old and older who weigh 45kg or more. The medicine was approved via a fast-track approval process for medicines, known as the International Recognition Procedure (IRP), which allows the MHRA to consider the expertise and decision-making of trusted regulatory partners for the benefit of UK patients. The decision follows an approval for the drug by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This is the first time the MHRA has approved a new medicine following FDA approval. The MHRA said it considered the assessment made by the US regulator as part of its own review, facilitating a rapid approval process. APDS is an inherited disorder where the patient is unable to fight infections because the immune system does not work properly. The main symptoms usually occur in the first two years of life and include repeated lung infections and a failure to grow and develop normally.

A daily medication for high blood pressure could be replaced by an injection twice a year, if Queen Mary University and Barts Health NHS Trust succeed in their trail to investigate if an injection-based drug - Zilebesiran - could inhibit the production of a protein called angiotensinogen (AGT). Scientists are to trial a world-first drug to treat high blood pressure that can be given by injection twice a year. Professor Sir Nilesh Samani, medical director, British Heart Foundation, said: "This exciting trial could lead to good news for the millions of people across the UK with high blood pressure, many of whom need to take daily medication to lower their risk of heart attacks and strokes. "The study will determine whether an injection given twice a year lowers blood pressure sufficiently over a prolonged period. "If this proves to be the case, it may provide an alternative to taking daily pills for some patients."

When faced with the unfortunate situation of medical malpractice, it's understandable that you may feel overwhelmed and uncertain about the next steps. One crucial aspect that often gets overlooked in the turmoil is the importance of timely filing a medical malpractice claim. Delaying this process can have significant negative consequences on your ability to secure justice and compensation. Here's why you shouldn't delay in filing a medical malpractice claim. A Crucial Step in Seeking Justice When faced with legal challenges, finding the right lawyer is paramount. Your choice of legal representation can significantly impact the outcome of your case and your overall experience throughout the legal process. Begin by identifying lawyers with expertise in your specific legal issue, whether it's personal injury, family law, or business disputes. Conduct thorough research, read client reviews, and seek recommendations from trusted sources to narrow down your options. Meet with potential attorneys for consultations to assess their experience, communication style, and commitment to your case. Whether you are looking for a Scranton Medical Malpractice Lawyer or in any other place, look for a lawyer who not only has the necessary skills and knowledge but also demonstrates empathy, transparency, and a genuine dedication to advocating for your rights. By investing time and effort into finding the right lawyer, you set the foundation for a strong legal strategy and increase your chances of a favorable resolution.

Global instant logistics leader, Zipline is partnering with UK drone delivery startup, Apian Aero to launch a drone delivery programme of critical medical supplies for the Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. The new service, expected to begin in the autumn of 2024, will see delivery of medical supplies to hospitals, GPs and care homes, using electric, autonomous drones. Zipline announced the partnership on Sunday, and said drone delivery service will help provide timely access to prescription medicines, wound care products, joint replacement implants, and other frequently ordered medical products, which could allow healthcare providers to reduce the number of cancelled procedures, and thus decrease wait times. Also, the expansion of the programme will help in creating local job opportunities in the region, it added.

In a significant move aimed at improving patient care and alleviating hospital pressures, the National Health Services (NHS) has expanded its same day emergency care services across the UK. This has resulted in thousands more individuals receiving rapid tests and treatment, effectively avoiding overnight hospital stays. Recent data paints a promising picture, revealing an 11 per cent increase in the number of patients discharged on the same day they were admitted as emergencies. This advancement translates to several patients receiving urgent care within hours, subsequently freeing up beds for others in need. Over the past year alone, an impressive 206,446 more patients have been discharged on the same day, amounting to 2,024,129 individuals in the year leading up to January 2024, compared to 1,817,683 in the preceding year. The successful rollout of same day emergency care to every hospital in England has played a pivotal role in easing bed congestion and reducing hospital admissions by up to 30 per cent in certain NHS Trusts.

Nasofed Anti Viral Nasal Spray, from EM Pharma, is delighted to welcome Dr Sarah Jarvis as medical adviser for its winter colds and flu consumer awareness campaign. Sarah is well known as a trusted and reliable source of medical advice through her various media roles as Resident GP on BBC R2's The Jeremey Vine Show, Good Morning Britain, Channel 5 and ITV News. Says Paul Walsh, EM Pharma Managing Director: "Dr Sarah will be offering advice on how people can best protect themselves and their families against seasonal and year-round viruses, including the use of Nasofed anti viral thixotropic nasal spray as an extra layer of protection particularly in situations of increased viral risk." Dr Sarah adds: "Viruses continue to affect our daily lives, whether that be year-round viruses or more seasonal viruses such as colds and flu and RSV, all of which are expected to be particularly prevalent this year. In situations of increased viral risk, a thixotropic nasal spray delivering anti viral ingredients will help protect you. It's a real step forward in virus prevention, not just for colds and flu, but also year-round viruses."

Product packaging affects the effectiveness of pharmaceuticals to a great extent. This is why pharmaceutical companies ensure they choose appropriate packaging for drug products. Drug packaging is not always an easy job. However, the tips in this article will help you select the proper pharmaceutical packaging for drug products without stress. What Does Pharmaceutical Packaging Entail? Pharmaceutical packaging involves using packaging containers with safety closures such as a lidding film to hold pharmaceutical products. This is done to keep them safe and effective. The most commonly used packaging materials in the pharmaceutical industry are metals, glass, and plastics. These materials are used for different reasons and different products. In short, a pharmacist considers several factors regarding a product and its target audience before choosing a packaging material for pharmaceutical formation. Why Appropriate Packaging Matters Many benefits come with appropriate pharmaceutical packaging. These benefits make it essential to package drug products in the best ways possible. When pharmaceutical items are properly packed, they can reach patients for a safe prescription. As a result, the drug stands a higher chance of achieving its prescription purpose. More so, properly packaged drug products are safer to consume and can be trusted.

The government will on Thursday launch a drive to boost childhood vaccination rates, health authorities said, seeking an "urgent reversal" to a fall in uptake as the country faces a worsening measles outbreak. Routine childhood immunisations in Britain for diseases including measles, mumps and rubella, diphtheria and polio, have been falling gradually over the past decade, but dipped more sharply after the Covid-19 pandemic, mirroring a global decline. Last year UNICEF said people worldwide had lost confidence in the importance of routine childhood vaccines during the pandemic, with misinformation, dwindling trust in governments and political polarisation contributing to rising hesitancy. Britons will begin seeing adverts from next week across various media, including a television campaign featuring children reminding parents of the risk of missing out on vaccinations, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said. "We need an urgent reversal of the decline in the uptake of childhood vaccinations to protect our communities," UKHSA chief executive Jenny Harries said in a statement.

"Barcodes are becoming obsolete, so we needed a unique selling point," comments Business Development Manager at Huxley Europe, Richard Wertheimer, celebrating the relaunch of its HuxQ10 capsules. Now boasting a rare triple certification, HuxQ10 capsules are Halal approved by Halal Trust, Kosher approval by Rabbi Adler, and certification as vegan. This milestone marks a significant step for the company, making HuxQ10 accessible to a wider audience. Coenzyme Q10, or Q10, is a naturally occurring vitamin-like substance in the body, playing a crucial role in mitochondrial biogenetics and ATP production, which is vital for cellular energy. It also acts as a powerful antioxidant, capable of regenerating alpha-tocopherol, the active form of vitamin E.

The latest findings from the National Cancer Patient Experience Survey 2022 by QualityWatch, a joint programme with the Nuffield Trust and the Health Foundation shed light on concerning disparities faced by ethnic minority communities in the UK healthcare system. Despite strides in cancer care, the survey highlights persistent challenges in easy and equitable access to timely diagnosis and quality communication, particularly for individuals from Mixed, Black, or Asian backgrounds. Key insights from the survey underscored that individuals from ethnic minority groups often require a higher number of interactions with healthcare professionals before receiving a cancer diagnosis. Notably, one in three people from Mixed, Black, or Asian ethnicities needed three or more visits to a GP practice, compared to the average of one in five across the population. These delays in diagnosis can have significant implications for treatment outcomes and overall patient experience. Moreover, the survey revealed concerning trends regarding the quality of communication following a cancer diagnosis among ethnic minority patients.

Dementia and Alzheimer's disease remained the leading cause of death in England and Wales in 2023, maintaining the pre-pandemic trend, according to the latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The figures reveal that there were 66,876 deaths with an underlying cause of dementia and Alzheimer's disease, accounting for 11.6% of all deaths registered that year. In response to this growing health concern, Luye Pharma is hosting a free special educational webinar on 6 November 2024 (timing: 18:30 - 20:00) for healthcare professionals. Titled "Treating Dementia in 2024: Optimising Pathways Between Primary and Secondary Care," the online session will focus on addressing the ever-increasing challenges in dementia treatment and how to optimise pathways between primary and secondary care. The webinar will feature expert speakers from the field of dementia care, including Dr. Jill Rasmussen, Primary Care Specialist in dementia, mental health, and intellectual disabilities; Delia Bashara, Consultant Pharmacist for the Mental Health of Older Adults and Dementia at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust; and Khaleel Loonat, Senior Clinical Pharmacist and Advanced Clinical Practitioner.

The Royal College of GPs (RCGP) has urged the government to allocate at least £2 billion in funding to enhance the 'outdated' GP infrastructure, including IT systems and practice buildings. The College, representing over 54,000 family doctors in the UK - has warned that GP practice buildings are "falling apart" and this can have a serious impact on patients' experience and access to care and services. In a recent poll of RCGP members, a third of the GPs (30 per cent) reported that their work PC or laptop software is "not fit for purpose", while 33 per cent indicated that their practice building is inadequate for providing care for patients. Additionally, 56 per cent of GPs reported that they could not effectively exchange information with NHS trusts due to fundamental inadequacies in their digital infrastructure. RCGP stated: "If GPs are unable to easily share information with hospitals and other secondary care hubs this can lead to disjointed care and a poorer patient experience.

In 2023, almost 14,000 people in England are estimated to have died due to excessive waits in emergency departments, averaging more than 260 deaths per week, according to new figures from the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM). The RCEM estimate is based on a large study of NHS patients published in the Emergency Medicine Journal in 2021, which found one excess death for every 72 patients who spent eight to 12 hours in an A&E department. Following a Freedom of Information audit of NHS trusts, the college has found that 65 per cent of people waiting 12 hours or more in A&E were patients waiting for a hospital bed. NHS data for England revealed that over 1.5 million patients waited 12 hours or more in major emergency departments last year. Based on the RCEM calculation, this indicates that over a million of those patients were waiting for a bed.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has appointed Anthony Harnden, a professor of primary care at the University of Oxford, as its new Chair. Professor Harnden brings decades of experience to the role. He has served the NHS for 40 years, including 33 years as a general practitioner in Wheatley, Oxfordshire. Until the end of December 2024, he will also continue as a registrant council member of the General Medical Council and chair of the Remuneration Committee. He previously served as deputy chair of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), where he played a key role in ensuring public trust and patient safety during the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine. Professor Harnden succeeds Stephen Lightfoot, who served as MHRA chair from September 2020 until stepping down in 2023. On his appointment, Professor Harnden said: "It is a great honour and privilege to be appointed by ministers to be the next MHRA chair. I am looking forward to making a contribution to the future successes of the organisation.

Health and Social Care Secretary, Wes Streeting, visited St Margaret's Hospital in Epping, West Essex, on Thursday (1 August) as part of an ongoing series of planned engagements with NHS trusts across England. Accompanied by NHS Chief Executive, Amanda Pritchard, Streeting observed how NHS staff are using innovative technology to monitor patients at home and prevent unnecessary hospital admissions. He met with staff from the hospital's Care Coordination Centre and the 'hospital at home' hub, which work to reduce unnecessary A&E admissions and facilitate quick and safe discharges home. Before the hospital tour, the health secretary met the trust's falls response team, which uses a specially equipped 'falls car' to assist patients who have fallen at home, preventing A&E visits. Later, Streeting visited the Ross Practice GP surgery in Harlow before holding a town hall event with health leaders in the region.

Transitioning from analogue to digital is one of three major "shifts" the government has deemed essential for the future of the NHS. These shifts, with the other two being the moving from hospital to community care and from sickness to prevention, will also form the foundation of the 10-Year Health Plan. The question is: are the public ready to embrace this digital transformation, which would involve sharing their health data for the development of artificial intelligence (AI) systems within the NHS? Results from a UK-wide poll show that the majority of people (75 per cent) are willing to share some of their health data for AI development. The survey commissioned by the Health Foundation included more than 7,000 members of the public (aged 16 years and older). Nearly 60 per cent expressed willingness to share information about their eye health, with 58 per cent open to sharing details about the medications they are taking, and 57 per cent willing to disclose any long-term illnesses they live with.