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The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is set for two major leadership transitions, four years after its establishment. Dame Jenny Harries has announced she will step down as UKHSA chief executive in early summer. Meanwhile, UKHSA's chief scientific officer, Professor Isabel Oliver, has been appointed chief medical officer for Wales, succeeding Sir Frank Atherton following his retirement. Appointed in April 2021 as UKHSA's first chief executive, Dame Jenny played a pivotal role in creating the agency during the COVID-19 pandemic. Under her leadership, UKHSA developed specialist scientific, data, and operational expertise to safeguard the public from infectious diseases and other health threats. Reflecting on her tenure, Dame Jenny expressed immense pride in UKHSA's early achievements.

A recently published report on medicines optimisation highlights the urgent need for transformative changes across all pharmacies to unlock their full potential in delivering integrated care. The report by Public Policy Projects (PPP) is first of the four in the series that emphasises the significant benefits that medicines optimisation can bring to integrated care systems (ICSs). This includes reducing health inequalities and improving population health. Pointing to the "untapped opportunity" that medicines optimisation presents for ICSs facing financial challenges, the report underscores the vital role of pharmacies in enhancing patient outcomes. The launch of the Pharmacy First services has already demonstrated the essential contribution of pharmacies to the health and care system. With "medicines being the second highest cost to the NHS," the report recommends ways "to achieve better value for money while improving patient outcomes".

Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) has officially announced that Sebastian James, the Managing Director of Boots, will be stepping down from his role to pursue a new opportunity in the healthcare sector. James has given notice to leave the company and will remain with Boots until November. The UK pharmacy giant has already begun the search for a new Managing Director. James is set to take on the role of CEO at Veonet, a leading European chain of ophthalmology clinics. During his tenure as Managing Director since 2018, James played a pivotal role in transforming Boots into the UK's leading health and beauty retailer. He oversaw significant growth and innovation, achieving thirteen consecutive quarters of retail market share growth. Most recently, the company announced strong Q3 results in June with growth across all categories.