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The Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee (PSNC) has published an update on the work it is doing as part of the Transforming Pharmacy Representation (TAPR) Programme to take forward the mandate from contractors to deliver the Review Steering Group (RSG) recommendations. The update is primarily aimed at LPCs - with whom PSNC has been working closely on some of the TAPR work over the summer. The TAPR Programme is being undertaken in support of PSNC's work to address the severe challenges facing the community pharmacy sector at present. Alongside ongoing negotiations with Government and the NHS, two of the TAPR workstreams - focusing on Vision and Strategy, and on Influencing and Negotiation - are essential to supporting CPCF negotiations. "The workstreams are looking at the future of community pharmacy and how best to persuade policymakers to implement a shared vision, with their objective being to put the sector in a stronger position going into future CPCF negotiations," said PSNC.

The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) has updated the Professional Standards for Homecare Services to ensure high quality care for patients receiving medicines and associated services in the comfort of their own homes. Originally published in 2013, these standards provide a comprehensive framework to support teams involved in planning, commissioning, and delivering homecare services. The RPS said that these standards were updated to ensure that they align with the needs and expectations of recipients of homecare services, as well as commissioners and providers. Changes were made based on responses received through a consultation process, which was participated by representatives from the National Homecare Medicines Committee, the Association of Pharmacy Technicians, the Pharmacy Forum of Northern Ireland, and the Royal College of Nursing.

Computer Science Tuesday, April 25, 2023 Computer hardware Computer hardware is the physical components that make up a computer system. It includes everything from the central processing unit (CPU) to the monitor, keyboard, and mouse. Understanding the different types of hardware and how they work together is essential for anyone who works with computers. In this article, we will explore the various components of computer hardware, including internal and external components, and the peripherals that connect to them. We will also discuss the importance of hardware maintenance, the latest advancements in computer technology, and factors to consider when choosing the right hardware for your needs. Whether you are a computer technician, a gamer, or simply someone who uses a computer for everyday tasks, this article will help you better understand the world of computer hardware. Introduction to Computer Hardware Computer hardware refers to the physical components that make up a computer system. It includes everything from the processor and memory to input/output devices such as the keyboard and monitor. In this article, we will explore the different types of computer hardware and their functions. What is Computer Hardware Computer hardware refers to the physical components of a computer system. It includes all the components that can be touched, seen, and used to interact with a computer, such as the monitor, keyboard, and mouse. Hardware is different from computer software, which refers to the programs and applications that run on a computer system. History of Computer Hardware The history of computer hardware dates back to the 1820s when Charles Babbage, an English mathematician, and inventor, designed the first analytical engine, which was considered to be the first mechanical computer. With time, more complex electronic computers were developed, including the first Intel microprocessor in 1971. Since then, computer hardware has continued to evolve, becoming

DSM-5: Review & Update for Mental Health Professionals Volume 1 is organized by Hatherleigh Medical Education. PTSD: Overview and DSM-5 Changes and More

The Clinical Updates in Internal Medicine and Primary Care 2023 webinar is organized by eMedEvents. Current Clinical Management of Chronic Diseases, Minor Surgery in Primary Care & more

Updates on Internal Medicine and Primary Care are organized by eMedEvents Corporation and will be held from Sep 01, 2022 - Sep 23, 2023.

Updates of Primary Care Medicine 2022 is organized by Alana Foundation and will be held on Oct 15, 2022, in Arizona, USA

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has approved a second "bivalent" vaccine as a Covid-19 booster. The updated booster vaccine made by Pfizer/BioNTech, targeting two coronavirus variants, has been approved for use in individuals aged 12 years and above. In each dose of the booster vaccine, 'Comirnaty bivalent Original/Omicron', half of the vaccine (15 micrograms) targets the original virus strain and the other half (15 micrograms) targets Omicron (BA.1). Dr June Raine, MHRA chief executive said: "I am pleased to announce that we now have a second approved vaccine for the UK Autumn booster programme. The clinical trial of the Pfizer/BioNTech bivalent vaccine showed a strong immune response against the Omicron BA.1 variant as well as the original strain. Bivalent vaccines are helping us to meet the challenge of an ever-evolving virus, to help protect people against Covid-19 variants. We have in place a comprehensive safety surveillance strategy for all UK-approved Covid-19 vaccines, and this will include the updated booster we approved today."

Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has updated the final price concessions for June 2023, following a discussion by Community Pharmacy England regarding medicine pricing issues reported by pharmacy owners (its members). A price concession only applies for the month it is granted; any prices agreed for concessions requested late in the month will roll over into the following month. Community Pharmacy England encouraged pharmacies to report any problems obtaining a Part VIII product at or below the stated Drug Tariff price, using the online feedback form on the Community Pharmacy England website along with full details of the supplier and price paid for any products sourced above the Drug Tariff price. The association will investigate the extent of the problem and, if appropriate, discuss the issue with DHSC.

Covid-19 booster jab can now be administered sooner than six months after the second dose to certain vulnerable people as guideline in the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) Green Book has been updated. With the change in the guidance, care home residents who have been given their second vaccine dose at different times will be able to be jabbed in the same session, as long as it has been at least five months since their last dose. It may also help with other vulnerable groups, such as housebound patients to have their flu and Covid-19 vaccines at the same time. The move will also benefit those who are about to receive immunosuppressive treatment as they can get the booster from a minimum of four months after their second dose. Health secretary Sajid Javid said: "This updated guidance will ensure healthcare professionals have the necessary flexibility in the booster programme, allowing more vulnerable people to be vaccinated where it makes operational sense to do so." Vaccines minister Maggie Throup also encouraged eligible people to book their booster jab and secure protection.

Consumer goods giant Unilever signalled on Monday (January 17) it would pursue a deal for GlaxoSmithKline's consumer healthcare business, calling it a "strong strategic fit" after its £50 billion offer was refused. GSK confirmed on Saturday that it had rejected three approaches from the Dove-soap maker, adding it intended to stick to its own plan to spin off the business as a separate company later this year. "GSK Consumer Healthcare would be a strong strategic fit," Unilever said in a statement as it unveiled a strategy update in the wake of the weekend's takeover news. Unilever said it was "committed to accelerating the company's growth and repositioning the portfolio into higher growth categories. "As a result of the reporting of Unilever's interest in GSK Consumer Healthcare, we are today bringing forward a planned update, setting out the strategic direction that the company is pursuing," Unilever said.

After a series of internal pay negotiations and conciliation meetings, Boots has made a revised pay offer to its pharmacists. With the new development, the Pharmacists' Defence Association (PDA) has urged its members at Boots to "urgently respond to the Boots pay negotiations update survey on the current pay offer." It encouraged the members to complete the short survey sent to them via email. Last week, the PDA Reps Network in Boots hosted a series of virtual meetings for members that work at the company. As the element of the negotiations with Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) are ongoing, PDA could not provide more details about these meetings.

The Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee (PSNC) has reminded community pharmacies (its members) to update their NHS Profile Manager information. Ahead of the NHS contract quarter deadline- 30th June 2023, the committee has urged its members to ensure that their pharmacy's NHS website and Directory of Services (DoS) profile information is kept up-to-date. The Pharmacy Terms of Service requires pharmacy owners to verify profile information at least once per quarter, however the new NHS Profile Manager has been introduced to make the process as quick as possible and it can be done on either a smartphone or computer. PSNC said: "We continue to work with NHS England and the NHS Profile Manager team to make the process as easy as possible and to improve the management tool. Our feedback has led NHS England to automatically set pharmacy opening hours to 'closed' for many bank holidays (however these can be reset to 'open' if required)."

The Recent Updates in Trauma and Emergency Medicine & webinar is organized by eMedEvents. Education on the latest developments & current best practices within the specialty

Teva UK has begun replacing its existing packaging with a new design which is "clearer and easier to read". The new look is "unique, recognisable and distinctive." It "enhances safety and provides a recognisable and distinguishable pack range." One of the UK's leading generics manufacturers, Teva UK supplies more than 500 generic pharmaceutical products to retail and hospital pharmacies. The company says each product within the portfolio is distinguishable by colour, ensuring no two different packs have the same drug and strength colours and with additional product information on the side of the pack and a simplified back, it makes it even easier to identify the correct product when dispensing and supports patients when taking their medication. "Our medicines impact the lives of millions of people every day and our packaging is often the first touchpoint for our patients and our customers", said Kim Innes, general manager of Teva UK and Ireland.

AMF 2023: Internal Medicine and Primary Care Update CME is organized by American Medical Forum and will be held from Oct 19 - 22, 2023.This live-streamed conference (7.30 a.m. Oct 19 - 12.15 p.m.Oct 22) organized by the American Medical Forum (AMF) will be a rebroadcast of the November 2022 conference.

To help manage the ongoing supply disruptions, the health regulators have extended to 28 October 2022, serious shortage protocols (SSPs) for 12 of the 13 hormone replacement therapies (HRT). "The only HRT SSP set to expire on 29 July 2022 is for SSP021 Premique low dose 0.3mg/1.5mg modified-release tablets. After 29 July, there will be no need to restrict quantities of Premique tablets as its supply situation has now stabilised," said PSNC. In addition, the dose equivalence advice and endorsement guidance for SSP024 and SSP025 have been updated. SSP024 and SSP025 have been updated by DHSC to provide greater clarity to pharmacists on the dose equivalences to determine the appropriate quantity to supply. Pharmacists are asked to refer to the latest SSP versions and endorsement guidance published on NHSBSA's website.

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has suggested Estradiol patch as an alternative for patients who use 1 pump of Oestrogel daily. DHSC has updated Annex A of SSP022 and SSP023 for Oestrogel Pump-Pack 0.06 per cent gel to include a dose conversion to a specific alternative Estradiol patch. Previously, only dose conversions for patients using 2 to 4 pumps daily were included in Annex A of SSP022 and SSP023. Separately, the supporting guidance for three SSPs which allow quantity restriction have been updated to reflect the requirement to endorse the reduced quantity supplied in accordance with these SSPs. SSP019 - Oestrogel pump-pack 0.06% gel SSP020 - Ovestin 1mg cream SSP021 - Premique low dose 0.3mg/1.5mg modified release tablets "When endorsing an SSP for a reduced quantity, contractors must ensure that the correct SSP number is endorsed along with the product name and the reduced quantity supplied in accordance with the SSP," said PSNC.

ENT live webinar 2023 is intended to give the most recent updates on specialty topics that will help general Otorhinolaryngologists to stay updated with the latest evidence and best practice.

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