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The NHS's latest report on ambulance services in England for March 2024 reveals significant progress in response times for emergency calls across all categories compared to recent months. The Ambulance Quality Indicators (AQI) Statistical Note, released in April, underscores both improvements and persistent challenges within the sector. Recent figures obtained from the Liberal Democratic party suggest ongoing struggles with response times, particularly for category two patients, which may include individuals experiencing strokes or heart attacks requiring a response within 18 minutes. Similarly, in November last year, ambulance waits for category 2 calls surged to their highest level since December 2022, reaching 93 minutes, after dropping to 32 minutes in January 2023 according to the British Heart Foundation. However, according to the latest statistical figures obtained from AQI, March 2024 witnessed the shortest average response times for all four categories of emergency calls since August 2023.

The rising focus on the "Social" component of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) is prompting UK pharmacies, particularly independent pharmacies, to take a more active role in social responsibility. Beyond just meeting regulatory requirements, pharmacies can strengthen their communities while building trust and supporting business growth by aligning their practices with social initiatives. The importance of social responsibility in ESG Research shows 77% of consumers are motivated to purchase from companies committed to making the world a better place, while 73% of investors state that efforts to improve the environment and society contribute to their investment decisions. As customers, employees and investors increasingly expect businesses to contribute positively to society, the "Social" aspect of ESG is gaining importance. In healthcare, trust, accessibility, and community engagement are essential, giving pharmacies a unique opportunity to lead by prioritising social responsibility. By aligning with community needs and values, pharmacies can positively influence local health outcomes, while strengthening their reputation as trusted healthcare providers.

The Lords Food, Diet and Obesity Committee has expressed disappointment with the government's response to its recommendations for tackling the obesity crisis. In October 2024, the Committee released its report, Recipe for Health: A Plan to Fix Our Broken Food System, following a special inquiry. The report identified obesity and diet-related diseases as a public health emergency, costing society billions annually in healthcare expenses and lost productivity. It urged the government to develop a "comprehensive, integrated long-term new strategy to fix the food system", supported by a new legislative framework and outlined key actions that should be included. The government published its response to the report on 30 January 2025, but the Committee criticized it for lacking boldness and delaying many necessary measures. Baroness Walmsley, who chaired the Committee said: "In recent interviews with researchers, former prime ministers and health secretaries expressed regret that they had not done more to tackle obesity and advised the government to 'be bold and act fast'. "The report from the Lords Food, Diet and Obesity Committee recommended bold measures to be implemented immediately.

For patients with stage 4 or 5 chronic kidney disease and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, 12 weeks of treatment with glecaprevir and pibrentasvir results in a high rate of sustained virologic response, according to a study published online Oct. 11 in the New England Journal of Medicine. Edward Gane, M.D., from Auckland City Hospital in New Zealand, and colleagues conducted a multicenter trial to examine the efficacy and safety of combination treatment with the NS3/4A protease inhibitor glecaprevir and the NS5A inhibitor pibrentasvir for 12 weeks in adults with HCV infection and compensated liver disease with severe renal impairment, dependence on dialysis, or both. Participants had stage 4 or 5 chronic kidney disease. One hundred four patients were enrolled in the trial. The researchers found that the sustained virologic response rate was 98 percent. During treatment, none of the patients had virologic failure, and none had a virologic relapse after the end of treatment. Pruritus, fatigue, and nausea were reported in at least 10 percent of the patients. Twenty-four percent of the patients reported serious adverse events. Because of adverse events, four patients discontinued the trial treatment prematurely; three of these had sustained virologic response.

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.

The Royal College of GPs (RCGP) has called on the government to increase investment in general practice, stating that they are now "seriously struggling" due to years of underfunding and neglect. As evidence of the mounting workload pressures faced by GPs, new research published by the RCGP has revealed that GPs are now responsible for an average of 2,300 patients each. Concerningly, the ratio has become even worse in areas of higher deprivation, where the need is greatest. The RCGP research found that over the past six years, the average number of patients per GP in areas with the highest level of income deprivation has risen by 260, marking a 12 per cent increase-nearly double the rate observed in the least deprived areas. In these areas, one GP is responsible for 2,450 patients, which is over 300 more patients than their counterparts in the least deprived regions. Addressing the RCGP's annual conference 2024 in Liverpool on Thursday, College Chair Professor Kamila Hawthorne said: "When I became a GP, it was normal to have a list size between 1,600-1,800 patients. The role was busy and challenging, but it was manageable. Our latest figures reveal that the average is now 2,300.

At the Covid Inquiry on Tuesday, Sir Chris Wormald, permanent secretary at the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), was questioned about the initial exclusion of community pharmacies in the government's emergency pandemic life assurance scheme. Earlier this month, the National Pharmacy Association (NPA) submitted evidence to the inquiry highlighting the delay in including community pharmacies in the scheme - which offered £60,000 lump sum payments to NHS and care home staff who died from Covid. The inquiry heard that the scheme was launched on April 27, 2020, initially covering NHS and care home staff. However, then Health Secretary Matt Hancock only confirmed the inclusion of community pharmacy staff in a Tweet three days later, on April 30. NPA Chair Nick Kaye told the inquiry that it was "demoralising and demotivating" to community pharmacy staff who worked throughout the pandemic. Jacqueline Carey KC, Counsel to the Covid Inquiry, put the charge to Sir Wormald as he gave evidence about the department's response to the pandemic.

The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) has taken a neutral stance on the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill but underscores that pharmacists should have the right to refuse involvement in the process. The Bill, introduced to the Scottish Parliament by Liam McArthur MSP as a Private Members Bill, could make Scotland the first UK nation with assisted dying legislation if it passes into law. This week, the RPS in Scotland released its consultation response to the Scottish Parliament's Health, Social Care, and Sport Committee regarding the Bill, and made it clear that "the ability of pharmacists to conscientiously object to assisted dying is essential." The Society emphasised that "all pharmacists should have the right to take part, or not take part in the process, depending on their individual religious, moral or ethical beliefs." In its response, the RPS has also advocated for the inclusion of an opt-in section within the Bill.

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) is calling for scrapping unfair benefit rules for migrant nursing staff, warning that these policies risk triggering a mass exodus from the UK's healthcare workforce. A recent RCN report indicated that two-thirds of internationally educated nursing staff are considering leaving the UK and returning to their country of training due to the high cost of living. The report, which is based on survey responses from more than 3,000 international nursing staff, also revealed that those from overseas are "twice as likely as domestic colleagues to report being in financial difficulty" and are "almost three times as likely as UK counterparts to withdraw from their pension due to the cost of living." It also highlighted the impact of the 'no recourse to public funds' (NRPF) rule, which prevents migrants on temporary visas, such as the Health and Care Worker visa, from accessing essential benefits. In response to this report, the union has urged the government to immediately end these restrictive rules and reduce visa fees, including Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) application costs.

Prescribing in pharmacies is an emerging opportunity, and I'm passionate about supporting proper governance arrangements for businesses. But does the governance and administrative burden reduce if your business is not doing the prescribing? Recently, I've come across several independent pharmacy businesses across the UK who have been approached by prescribing clinics to dispense medicines for their patients. While these partnerships can present lucrative opportunities, they also come with significant responsibilities and potential risks. Pharmacy owners and superintendent pharmacists must be fully aware of the guidance set by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) and ensure that all requisite checks are performed to maintain compliance and safeguard patient safety. The growing trend of prescribing clinic collaborations For one reason or another, private prescribing clinics are sprouting up all over the place, offering specialised services such as weight management, hormone therapy, or dermatological treatments. These are quickly becoming a prominent feature in our healthcare landscape. Many of these clinics lack in-house dispensing capabilities, leading them to seek partnerships with pharmacies to satisfy a growing number of consumers. In the current economic climate, these collaborations can offer a new revenue stream and an expanded patient base. However, with these opportunities come responsibilities that must not be overlooked.

Nick Kaye, chair of the National Pharmacy Association (NPA), gave evidence to the UK's official COVID-19 Inquiry on Monday (4 November), highlighting the importance of building a "sustainable and resilient community pharmacy network" to enhance preparedness for future pandemics. Kaye also recommended utilising the existing community pharmacy infrastructure for public health initiatives, such as vaccination programmes, and stressed the need to recognise community pharmacists and their teams as integral members of primary care. "Seven pharmacies a week are closing across the four nations, and that is tragic for any future response. So, a resilient community pharmacy network that exists is going to be key," he told the Inquiry. He noted that 90 per cent of most NPA members' income comes from providing NHS services, underscoring the critical role pharmacies play in healthcare delivery. However, Kaye highlighted that pharmacies were often overlooked and underappreciated during the pandemic.

The government has responded to the Health and Social Care Select Committee's report on community pharmacy, acknowledging 17 of the 19 recommendations. In its report published on 29 May 2024, the Committee recommended, among other things, an overhaul of the Community Pharmacy Contractual Framework (CPCF), closing the funding gap, tackling medicines shortages by introducing generic substitution, and establishing an integrated and fully funded workforce plan for pharmacy. In its response, released today, the government stated that NHS England is currently conducting an economic analysis of the sector, which will inform future proposals for funding and contractual arrangements. On medicine shortages, it mentioned that the Department of Health and Social Care, working closely with NHS England, is taking forward a range of actions to improve their ability to mitigate and manage shortages and strengthen resilience. Additionally, the government has stated that it will "publish a refreshed Long Term Workforce Plan" this summer and is "committed to growing the pharmacy workforce."

Community pharmacy is integral to accelerating the three shifts envisaged by the government, but concrete action is needed to address the current funding crisis - the Company Chemists' Association (CCA) has stated in its response to the 10-year plan consultation. The CCA highlighted a wide range of pharmacy services that could contribute to achieving the government's vision shifting care from hospitals to community, from analogue to digital, and from treating sickness to prevention. To strengthen the sector's role in prevention, it proposes expanding the pharmacy's role in vaccination, screening, emergency hormonal contraception (EHC), and smoking cessation services. Furthermore, the CCA's submission noted that the expansion of Pharmacy First as "key to moving more care into the community."

In response to significant ongoing disruptions in the supply of certain Quetiapine tablet strengths, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) on Tuesday issued nine new Serious Shortage Protocols (SSPs), with immediate effect. These measures aim to ensure the continued availability of quetiapine, an essential medication for managing schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Under the new SSPs, community pharmacists are allowed to consider different options to manage the shortage of the three strengths of quetiapine tablets affected by ongoing supply disruptions: quetiapine 300mg tablets, quetiapine 200mg tablets, and quetiapine 150mg tablets. Depending on the prescribed quantity of the affected quetiapine tablet, pharmacists can either supply a reduced quantity of the same quetiapine tablet or substitute with an alternative strength or provide a reduced quantity of a specific alternative product.

The medicine contains Orlistat as the active ingredient that works by inhibiting the enzyme pancreatic lipase. This enzyme is responsible for the conversion of the triglycerides into the fatty acids. It stops the production of the enzyme pancreatic lipase in the body. As a result, triglycerides are not converted into the fatty acids.

Generic Levitra works as in a same way followed by the branded Levitra. Its key ingredient Vardenafil implements the functioning as a phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor that is responsible for the reduction in the blood supply to the male reproductive system. It promotes the production of the enzyme cGMP that regulates the blood flow to the penile region.

Buy Percocet Online Buy Percocet Online,the combination oxycodone/paracetamol is a combine opioid/non-opioid pain reliever use to treat moderate to severe acute pain, market by Endo International plc, formerly Endo Pharmaceuticals. Percocet has helped many people reclaim their lives from chronic pain that threatens to interfere with one's day and to sabatoge one's mood. Percocet is yet another pain reliever in the narcotic family, but is milder than morphine and other forms. It combines Oxycodone, a group of narcotics, with a milder form of pain reliever called acetaminophen, which is quite effective, and can intensify the drug's effects. While Percocet is quite safe and effective, it can be habit-forming and is not the kind of drug which should be given to just anyone. To avoid drug abuse, doctors often prescribe Percocet to responsible adults and caution patients to keep their medications in safe places away from children or those who may use the drug irresponsibly. Buy Percocet Online The combination of drugs in Percocet helps create a milder way of treating chronic pain. The medication can be use for intense pain or can be use in a slow-release formula to treat chronic pain that occurs constantly. When taking Percocet for chronic pain, it is important not to chew or crush the pill, but to swallow it with water, so the pill has the opportunity to digest and to work properly. Before a doctor can prescribe Percocet, he or she needs to be sure the patient is not allergic to oxycodone or toe acetaminophen. If a patient has a history of heart disease, or liver or kidney problems, there might be an issue with taking Percocet. In addition, a history of drug abuse will make someone unable to take the drug, since the doctor will not give Percocet to someone who will likely abuse it.

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.

The UK GDP Association has been established as a non-profit organisation, operating as a Community Interest Company (CIC), with a focus on providing a broader support network, particularly for small and medium business enterprises and pharmacy wholesalers. In addition to delivering commercially viable Good Distribution Practice (GDP) consultancy services for simple models with smaller budgets, the association aims to function as a networking platform for Responsible Persons in the UK. As members of the association, companies and individuals can gain multiple benefits that will add value to their business through access to knowledge, discounted training, consultancy services, audit and inspection support, as well as resources like document templates for risk assessments, CAPA, deviations, and more. Moreover, members can enjoy the benefit of a like-minded support network via a dedicated GDP community hub, providing a platform for discussions, seeking advice, and fostering new relationships. "Our mission is to ensure that patient safety, GDP compliance, and excellent quality is paramount in all organisations, regardless of budget," the company said.

Responding to an MP's question in the House of Commons, prime minister Rishi Sunak reiterated his deep concern for the future of UK community pharmacies, stressing their commitment to enhancing the sector with an additional £645 million in funding through the Pharmacy First initiative. At the recent Prime Minister's Questions last Wednesday, Angela Richardson, the Conservative MP for Guildford, raised the issue of rising pharmacy closures, revealing that Guildford recently lost two neighbouring pharmacies. Highlighting that empowering local pharmacies is a key part of this government's plan to cut waiting lists, she asked Sunak whether he would agree that it is vital for residents to have access to "a good, efficient, and above all, local pharmacy." In response, Sunak said: "I care deeply about the future of our community pharmacies."