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."
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has redetermined the December 2023 concessionary prices for four medicines following requests made by
Community Pharmacy England (CPE) on behalf of community pharmacy owners.
For Ezetimibe 10mg tablets (pack size 28), the price has been fixed at £17.78, up from £9.44.
Other drugs included in the list are Aripiprazole 5mg (£8.52), Digoxin 125microgram (£3.70) and Digoxin 250micrgram (£3.70) tablets.
Contractors would be reimbursed at the new prices only for prescriptions submitted for payment for the dispensing month of December 2023.
CPE said they are still working with DHSC to agree price concessions for January.
Check the final the December 2023 price concessionary here.
Additionally, DHSC on Friday confirmed that there's now sufficient stock of Clarithromycin 125mg/5ml oral suspension to meet normal demand, and the Serious
Shortage Protocol (SSP), SSP053 for the antibiotic expires on 12 January 2024.
Britain's drug regulator, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) on Monday announced that fluoroquinolone antibiotics must only be
administered when no other antibiotics are appropriate for use.
It elaborated that fluoroquinolones given systemically (by mouth, injection, or inhalation) should only be prescribed "when other recommended antibiotics have
failed, will not work due to resistance, or are unsafe to use in an individual patient."
Previous regulations on fluoroquinolones stated that this class of antibiotics should not be prescribed for mild to moderate or self-limiting infections, or
non-bacterial conditions.
Further restrictions have been introduced after receiving reports from patients who have experienced long-lasting or disabling reactions following use of
fluoroquinolones, the MHRA revealed.
Dr Alison Cave, MHRA Chief Safety Officer, said: "Patient safety is our top priority. We have listened to the experience of patients regarding long-lasting
and potentially irreversible adverse reactions following use of fluoroquinolone antibiotics, in some cases prescribed for mild-to-moderate infections.
The UK government on Wednesday (7 February) announced a new plan to ensure faster, simpler and fairer access to NHS dental care across England.
Supported by £200m of funding, the plan aims to deliver more than 1.5 million additional NHS dentistry treatments or up to 2.5 million NHS dental appointments
for patients over the next 12 months
NHS dentists will be offered a 'new patient' payment of between £15-£50, depending on treatment need, to treat new patients who have not seen a dentist in two
years or more.
Additionally, one-off payments of up to £20,000 will be given to around 240 dentists for working in under-served areas for up to three years.
This is to "attract new NHS dentists and improve access to dental care in areas with the highest demand," NHS England said in a statement released on Wednesday.
Researchers from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) have been tasked to evaluate the impact, safety and effectiveness of the
Pharmacy First service, which was launched across England in January 2024.
They have been awarded £2.4million by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) to generate evidence on the new service that allows
pharmacies to provide advice and treatment for seven common conditions without the need for a GP appointment.
After consultation, if necessary, a community pharmacist can supply some prescription-only medicines to treat earache, sore throat, sinusitis, impetigo,
shingles, infected insect bites or uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women.
The LSHTM researcher team will be working together with experts at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Universities of Oxford, Manchester and
Nottingham on the project.
Dr Rebecca Glover, assistant professor in Antimicrobial Resistance at LSHTM, who will lead the three-year project, said they will evaluate "Pharmacy First's
impact on GPs and the wider NHS, pharmacy services and patients."
Achieving and maintaining healthy-looking skin is a journey that requires dedication and a well-rounded approach. Our skin, the largest organ in our body,
deserves the utmost care to thrive. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into a step-by-step approach that encompasses various aspects of skincare,
from daily routines to advanced treatments. Discover the secrets to a radiant complexion that not only looks good but also reflects your overall well-being.
Establish a Consistent Daily Routine
A consistent daily skincare routine is the bedrock for achieving and maintaining healthy skin. This foundational step involves a series of carefully chosen
products and practices that work together to nourish, protect, and rejuvenate your skin. Begin your routine with a gentle cleanser to remove impurities and prepare
your skin for subsequent products. Follow this with a balancing toner to restore your skin's pH and create an optimal environment for absorption. Integrate a
quality moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated and maintain its natural barrier. Don't overlook the importance of sunscreen in the morning to shield your skin
from the harmful effects of UV rays. This daily ritual not only provides essential nutrients for your skin but also establishes a preventive measure against
environmental stressors, setting the stage for a radiant and healthy complexion.
The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) and the Pharmacists' Defence Association (PDA) have responded to the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC)
consultation on pharmacy supervision, which was launched in early December last year.
The DSHC set out proposals to amend the Medicines Act 1968 and The Human Medicines Regulations 2012 to allow registered pharmacy technicians to work without
direct supervision, which in turn will help free up pharmacists to provide more clinical care and reduce GP appointments.
While the RPS supported the legislative change, it highlighted a range of topics that should be considered and clarified in regulations and guidance.
According to RPS, the new concept of 'authorisation', including around documentation, accountability, and the role of superintendent pharmacist and responsible
pharmacist, needs clarification.
Pharmacy owners discussed the key concerns and priorities for the future at the Community Pharmacy England's (CPE) digital briefing event held last
week (on 7 May 2024).
More than 500 pharmacy owners and their representatives registered for the event, which provided them an opportunity to learn more about the committee's work
in key areas and share their views on important issues.
Major concerns raised by them included underfunding, dispensing at a loss, and challenges in implementing Pharmacy First.
Attendees described the new service as "slow", "challenging" and "underfunded", while also highlighting the importance of improving GPs' understanding of the service.
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.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, during today's (15th May ) Prime Minister's Questions (PMQs), reiterated his commitment to supporting community pharmacies amidst
growing concerns over pharmacy closures.
Addressing questions regarding the Pharmacy First initiative, Sunak assured the House of Commons of his dedication to bolstering resources for these vital healthcare
providers.
In response to a query raised by Member of Parliament, St Ives MP Derek Thomas, citing statistics from the National Pharmacy Association (NPA) about "committing to
directing funds towards Community Pharmacy to alleviate financial pressure and prevent closures, Sunak remarked that he "cares deeply about the future of community
pharmacies."
Sunak acknowledged the indispensable role played by community pharmacists in alleviating pressure on urgent care services, emphasising the importance of initiatives
like Pharmacy First in government's commitment to supporting community pharmacies.
"There are over 10 and a half Community pharmacies across the country working incredibly hard to serve their patients," Sunak said praising the community pharmacists
and highlighted the concerning trend of pharmacy closures, citing a significant increase compared to the previous year.
Professor Ryan Donnelly, esteemed for his groundbreaking contributions to pharmaceutical science, has been awarded the prestigious Royal Pharmaceutical
Society (RPS) Harrison Memorial Medal for 2024.
This distinguished accolade, presented in honour of the renowned pharmaceutical chemist Col EF Harrison, serves as a testament to Professor Donnelly's exceptional
achievements.
Currently holding the position of Chair in Pharmaceutical Technology at Queen's University Belfast's School of Pharmacy and Director of Research, Professor Donnelly
has garnered acclaim for his pioneering work in developing advanced polymeric drug delivery systems.
Specialising in transdermal and intradermal drug delivery methodologies, his research aims at optimising patient outcomes through innovative pharmaceutical
technologies.
"Record long NHS waits are forcing huge numbers of people out of work, including doctors and nurses," said Wes Streeting MP, Labour's Shadow Health and
Social Care Secretary as Labour announced a new partnership with Nuffield Health today to tackle joint pain issues among NHS staff and reducing waiting lists.
Musculoskeletal problems, including back, knee, hip, and neck pain, are the second leading cause of NHS staff absences, surpassed only by mental health issues.
In December 2023 alone, NHS workers missed a record 198,000 days due to these issues, marking a 13 per cent increase from the 174,000 days recorded in December 2019.
Nurses and health visitors accounted for 52,000 of these days, up from 47,000 pre-pandemic, while doctors took 3,500 days off, a 9 per cent increase from 2019.
The partnership with Nuffield Health will provide up to 4,000 extra places for NHS staff in Nuffield Health's Joint Pain Programme at no cost.
Staveley Pharmacy, a well-established community pharmacy located in the picturesque village of Kendal within the Lake District, has undergone a change in
ownership.
The family-run business led by a husband-and-wife team has been acquired by brothers Mohammad Waqas and Khuram Shazad, taking the helm as first-time buyers,
according to Hutchings Consultants.
Known for its strong counter trade and deep community ties, the pharmacy has been nurtured and managed by the previous owners with a profound dedication to the
local community. Over the years, they have developed the business into a trusted local institution.
Paul Steet, Associate Director of Hutchings who managed the sale, reflected on the transition, noting the longstanding relationship with the sellers.
"Having worked with the previous owners since 2015 when they initially contacted Hutchings Consultants to discuss a valuation of the business, I feel personally
connected to this pharmacy. I am delighted that Mohammad and Khuram will be taking over the reins," he said.
The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS), professional membership body for pharmacists and pharmacy, has published its manifesto for the general election,
highlighting key issues facing the next government after the election on July 4.
Local candidates are urged to recognise and support the vital role pharmacists play in supporting people's health.
The RPS teams are gearing up to influence government policy in various crucial areas. Their key asks include:
Ensuring Secure Patient Access to Medicines
Supporting a Better-Connected NHS
Enhancing Accessible Prescribing in Local Communities
Maximizing Health Improvement through Locally Accessible Pharmacy Teams
Supporting the Workforce to Deliver Patient Care
Unlocking the Potential of New Advances in Medicines
Supporting the UK's Global Position in Science and Research
Acknowledging the efforts of pharmacists and their teams, Professor Claire Anderson, President of the RPS, noted that they are "Working incredibly hard to
maintain patient access to care amid Workforce challenges, medicines shortages and financial pressures."
Reena Mehta, consultant pharmacist in the Critical Care team at NHS King's College Hospital, has been announced as chair of the Learning Division for the
Intensive Care Society.
Mehta took up the post with effect from 8th April, and is the first pharmacist to hold the role of Chair of the Learning Division within the Society.
"It is a privilege to be part of the Society and support its life-saving work to enhance our understanding of critical illness and deliver better care to patients,"
"The intensive care community is made up of multiple professions, each playing a vital role within the critical care team, and I am extremely proud to be the first
pharmacist appointed to this important role."
In her role as chair of the Learning Division, Mehta will oversee the content of the Society's study days and be responsible for exploring new opportunities for the
Intensive Care Society to provide training for our multi professional intensive care community.
Well Pharmacy, the UK's largest independent pharmacy chain, recently announced the opening of a new store inside WHSmith's flagship airside location at
Birmingham Airport.
This expansion is part of Well Pharmacy's ongoing collaboration with WHSmith, the global travel retailer.
Situated within the departure lounge of Birmingham Airport, the biggest and busiest airport in the Midlands and the seventh largest in the UK, the new pharmacy
will offer travelers a wide range of pharmacy products and expert healthcare services.
The new pharmacy complements WHSmith's extensive selection of health and beauty items, travel essentials, food-to-go, and tech products.
Andrew Caplan, chief retail officer at Well Pharmacy, expressed enthusiasm about the continued partnership.
"Well Pharmacy are delighted to continue to work in partnership with WHSmith in providing a one stop shop for all travellers' needs," he stated.
"I dread the day, the accountant turns to me and says 'this isn't working' - as an owner, we shelter our patients and teams from the financial pressures
we feel on a daily basis," shares S.G Barai Pharmacy owner, Reena Barai.
Today, S.G Barai Pharmacy in Sutton, Surrey joined pharmacies nationwide in the #SaveOurPharmacies day of action, organised by the National Pharmacy Association
(NPA) to spotlight the critical funding crisis facing community pharmacies across the UK.
Recent figures reveal that over the past decade, more than 1,400 pharmacies have closed in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, with additional closures looming
in Scotland due to financial pressures.
The NPA reports that three-quarters of pharmacies are operating at a loss, exacerbated by real-terms cuts to funding.
"We turned our lights off and wore black today to symbolize the precarious situation pharmacies like ours are facing," said Reena Barai who owns the pharmacy.
On June 3, Synnovis, a pathology laboratory serving several NHS organisations in South East London, was targeted by a ransomware attack.
This cyber incident has disrupted vital blood testing services, crucial for a range of medical treatments, and raised significant concerns over data security.
NHS England confirmed that a cybercriminal group, Qilin, published data online, claiming it was stolen from Synnovis.
The National Crime Agency (NCA) and the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) are currently working to authenticate the data and understand its contents.
A helpline has been established to address patient concerns, and NHS England urges patients to attend their appointments unless otherwise directed.
The attack has rendered some of the NHS's blood testing systems inoperable, causing substantial disruption to medical services in South East London.
The University of Oxford's Centre for Research Equity (CfRE) has entered into a historic partnership with the Health and Social Care Research and
Development (HSC R&D) Division in Northern Ireland to advance health equity across the region and ensure everyone benefits from healthcare advancements.
Unveiled during an event at Parliament Buildings in Stormont Estate on Wednesday, this groundbreaking partnership makes Northern Ireland the first UK region
to partner with CfRE.
Supported by the Department of Health Northern Ireland and key health and social care agencies, the partnership aims to improve health outcomes and reduce
disparities through collaborative research.
Northern Ireland's Health Minister, Mike Nesbitt, highlighted that this new partnership represents "a significant step forward in efforts to address health
inequalities" in the region.
"By bringing together leading experts and resources from across sectors, we can work towards conducting research that truly benefits all of our communities," he
said.
Released on Monday morning, the election manifesto shared by the Liberal Democrats pledges to "strengthen patients' rights" by tackling public health
inequalities and providing early access to community services.
The Liberal Democrats Party's manifesto promises to address the issues at both the "front and back doors" of the National Health Service (NHS), which the party
claims has been plunged into crisis by the Conservatives.
Pledging to invest in public health and early access to community services, the party aims to "work towards a fairer and more sustainable long-term funding model
for pharmacies and build on the Pharmacy First approach to give patients more accessible routine services and ease the pressure on GPs."
The pledge also includes making prescriptions for people with chronic mental health conditions free on the NHS, as part of a wider commitment to review the entire
schedule of exemptions for prescription charges.
