Tag: pharmacy

The future global pharmacist

There’s a big world out there beyond UK pharmacy and a few years ago Dr Catherine Duggan stepped out into it. As the CEO of The International Pharmaceutical Federation, she has demonstrated transformational leadership globally.

Through this work, she has championed the role of the pharmacist in many countries around the world.

We are extremely fortunate to welcome her to the inaugural Future Pharmacist Conference to explain how the pharmacist profession has developed globally especially in light of recent events.

2nd November 2021

19.30-21.00

The future global pharmacist

Do you know who should be offered the flu vaccine this year?

Flu season is fast approaching and in recent times it has never been so important to encourage people to get the flu vaccine.

We continue our series of learning activities aimed at helping you to refresh your knowledge of influenza and in particular some of the clinical aspects associated with the vaccination process.

1. True or false this year (2021/22) the flu vaccine is free of charge for pregnant people?

Question 1 of 10

2. True or false if a person is 46 years old they will be offered a free flu vaccination this year?

Question 2 of 10

3. True or false flu infection increases the chances of pregnant women and their babies needing intensive care?

Question 3 of 10

4. True or false the flu vaccine should only be given in the last trimester of pregnancy?

Question 4 of 10

5. True or false the flu vaccine can reduce the risk of miscarriage or having a baby born too soon or with low birth weight?

Question 5 of 10

6. True or false the flu vaccine cannot reduce the risk of serious complications, such as pneumonia, in the later stages of pregnancy?

Question 6 of 10

7. True or false the flu vaccine does not work well in babies under 6 months of age so it is not recommended?

Question 7 of 10

8. True or false the flu vaccine works well in babies under 6 months of age so it is recommended?

Question 8 of 10

9. True or false children aged 2 to 17 are offered a live vaccine as a nasal spray?

Question 9 of 10

10. True or false if pregnant women receive the flu vaccine their baby onc born will continue to have some immunity to flu during the first few months of their life?

Question 10 of 10


 

References

The flu vaccination: who should have it and why – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

LloydsPharmacy launch new ‘VideoGP’ service

LloydsPharmacy has announced the launch of a new VideoGP service. LloydsPharmacy have said that patients can access a GP appointment in as little as 30 minutes, seven days a week.

The VideoGP service operates via an app from LloydsPharmacy, available from the Apple App Store and Google Play.

GPs are available through the app from 8am to 8pm and payment options for the service are flexible, with patients able to pay for one-off appointments or through monthly and annual subscriptions. Prices include medication, next-day delivery, referral letters, and fit notes if required.

Dr Kieran Seyan, Chief Medical Officer at LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor, said:

“We know it’s not always easy to get an appointment with a doctor, and this can deter people from seeking the help they need. This is why we want to make talking to a GP as easy as possible. Over the past year, many more people have become accustomed to organising their healthcare needs in different ways, either through telephone calls and video consultations, or online via an app.

“At LloydsPharmacy, we’ve been working hard to develop a platform that gives patients access to healthcare at their convenience. With Primary Care services under immense pressure right now due to the pandemic, we’re eager to help and support the NHS by providing online alternatives to attending a local GP practice or clinic. Our VideoGP app provides a digital solution that connects patients with healthcare professionals, whilst ensuring continuing safe, quality care for patients.”

Kyle Rowe, Chief Marketing and Digital Officer at McKesson UK, parent company to LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor, said:

“The pandemic has undoubtedly accelerated the adoption of digital technology and empowered more people to look after their health online, and it’s because of this that we have significantly invested in bringing this proposition to market.

“Our VideoGP service gives patients even more choice when it comes to accessing the care they need. By digitising parts of the patient pathway, we are helping to provide a seamless experience, as well as giving valuable time back to bricks and mortar General Practice. But as always, our expanding range of private digital healthcare services is integral to the work of our pharmacists in stores, who can dispense the medicines prescribed via our Online Doctor service as well as provide expert face-to-face healthcare advice.”

Boots partner with Deliveroo

Boots UK and Deliveroo have announced a new partnership launching at 14 pilot stores across the country. The partnership with Deliveroo marks its first on-demand delivery partnership. 

The partnership with Deliveroo allows Boots UK to provide even greater speed to customers that need it in as little as 20 minutes. 

Deliveroo’s UK customer base now has access to more than 400 Boots products on demand. The range includes: 

  • Medicines for minor ailments such as coughs and colds, hay fever and mild pain.
  • Bestselling beauty including No7, The Inkey List and CeraVe.
  • Toiletries and skincare favourites like tampons, deodorant and body lotion 
  • Baby essentials from nappies to milk formula as well as children’s medicines like Calpol.
  • Food and drink options with an assortment of sandwiches, snacks and drinks.

Boots have said they saw a continued rise in online sales during successive lockdowns. Orders on boots.com were up 85% between 1st March 2020 and 1st March 2021 compared to the same period the previous year and continue on a strong trajectory. 

Paula Bobbett, Director of boots.com at Boots UK, said:

“We are very excited about this new partnership with Deliveroo and have carefully selected over 400 products for its launch to help our customers get the things they need, when they need them. It will be super handy for times when you need something urgently but can’t leave the house, like if you’re feeling unwell or are looking after your kids. Our online business continues to grow and this partnership offers our customers a new way to access our products quickly and easily.” 

Carlo Mocci, Chief Business Officer UKI at Deliveroo, added: 

“We are delighted to announce a new partnership with Boots in 14 stores across the country. Boots is the UK’s leading health and beauty retailer and the top consumer choice for high-quality and popular products. This partnership will mean more choice and selection for our consumers, delivered in as little as 20 minutes, and will create more work for riders across the UK.” 

The Pharmacist Defence Association commented on Twitter:

Community pharmacy features in Scottish women’s health plan

A plan to improve health and reduce inequalities for women in Scotland has been published by the Scottish Government.

The plan features the idea to set up a women’s health community pharmacy service.

The Women’s Health Plan sets out 66 actions to ensure ‘all women enjoy the best possible healthcare throughout their lives.

Key actions include:

  • Appointing a national Women’s Health Champion and a Women’s Health Lead in every NHS board.
  • Establishing a Women’s Health Research Fund to close gaps in scientific and medical knowledge.
  • Providing a central platform for women’s health information on NHS Inform.
  • Setting up a Women’s Health Community Pharmacy service.
  • Commissioning endometriosis research to develop better treatment and management, and a cure.
  • Developing a menopause and menstrual health workplace policy, and promoting it across the public, private and Third Sector.
  • Improving information and public awareness of heart disease symptoms and risks for women.

Women’s Health Minister Maree Todd said:

“Our vision for women’s health is an ambitious one – and rightly so. It is clear that wider change must happen to ensure all our health and social care services meet the needs of all women, everywhere.

“Women’s health is not just a women’s issue. When women and girls are supported to lead healthy lives and fulfil their potential, the whole of society benefits.

“Together, we are working to address inequalities in all aspects of health that women are facing. The Women’s Health Plan signals our ambition and determination to see change for women in Scotland, for their health and for their role in society. We want Scotland to be a world leader when it comes to women’s health.”

Head of British Heart Foundation Scotland James Jopling said:

“Coronary heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in women in Scotland and kills nearly three times as many as women as breast cancer. At every stage – from the moment they experience symptoms through to their cardiac rehabilitation – women with heart disease can face disadvantages. We need to improve our understanding of the risks for women and increase their awareness of the symptoms of a heart attack.

“We must also promote equality of treatment for women with heart disease within the healthcare system, at every point in their journey. The publication of the Women’s Health Plan, with heart health as a priority, is a welcome step to tackle these inequalities and we look forward to working together to help save and improve lives.”

Vice President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists Dr Pat O’Brien said:

“We welcome Scotland’s commitment to this ambitious and detailed plan as a key marker to making improvements to healthcare services for all women from different backgrounds. 

“We are pleased to see the Women’s Health Plan adopts an approach to prioritise the health and wellbeing of women throughout every stage of their lives, and ensure they can access care when they need it  – something we called for in our Better for Women report.

“It is important that all women are included and consulted about how health services can fit their needs. This Plan has been developed with extensive consultation with a diverse group of women, ensuring that the health service is inclusive and respectful, and can work to focus on closing inequalities in women’s health experience and outcomes.”

The Chief Pharmaceutical Officer Alison Strath commented on Twitter:

Director or Operations at Community Pharmacy Scotland Matt Barclay commented on Twitter:

RPS react to English community pharmacy funding deal

The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) has reacted to the Community Pharmacy Contractual Framework (CPCF) that was announced for the year 2021/22 earlier today.

Thorrun Govind, Chair of the RPS English Pharmacy Board, said:

“There are some positive steps on supporting pharmacists’ clinical role, including blood pressure diagnosis, and the expansion of the New Medicines Service.

“We know that community pharmacy can play a key role in helping manage increasing demand on the NHS, but collaboration and support for implementation will be key to making new services a success.

“Pharmacists have been on the frontline throughout the pandemic. We are disappointed that the positive impact demonstrated by community pharmacy has not been recognised through increased investment. This is a real-terms funding cut delivered through the frozen core funding. Pharmacists working in community pharmacy will understandably be demoralised by this.

“Community pharmacy is an exciting and interesting place to work and pharmacists’ clinical skills must be utilised long-term. The greater use of Pharmacist Independent Prescribers to expand patient access to care will support this and we look forward to publication of more details on additional funding for training.”

Read more here.