National Pharmacy Association member shortlisted for Asian Women of Achievement Award

National Pharmacy Association (NPA) member Shaheen Bhatia attended an awards ceremony last week (15th May) after being shortlisted for the Asian Women of Achievement Award.

Pharmacy Voice responds to Which? report

Pharmacy Voice has commented on the findings of a new Which? report into pharmacy advice given at the point of sale of certain over the counter medicines.

Pharmacy Voice CEO warns against giving Information Commissioner power to enter pharmacies without consent

Pharmacy Voice has responded to the Ministry of Justice’s Assessment Notices under the Data Protection Act 1998.

NPA responds to PSNI’s consultation on the ‘disclosure and publication of fitness to practise information’

The National Pharmacy Association has responded to the Pharmaceutical Society Northern Ireland’s consultation on the ‘disclosure and publication of fitness to practise information.’

Pharmacy Voice responds to the Department of Health’s consultation on Health Care and Associated Professions indemnity arrangements order 2013

Pharmacy Voice has responded to the Department of Health’s consultation on Health Care and Associated Professions indemnity arrangements order 2013.

Dengue fever and the risk to travellers

Imported dengue fever cases to England, Wales and Northern Ireland have risen during 2012 and 2013 (to date) according to a report from Public Health England. There is no vaccine to prevent dengue fever and travellers visiting endemic areas should be advised of the risk, even if there is no risk of malaria and/or malaria chemoprophylaxis is not required.

Supply shortages – national guidance

NPA members across the country continue to report significant problems with the medicine supply chain. We continue to raise this issue with the UK Government through the Department of Health’s medicine supply chain forum, and we submitted evidence to the Parliamentary All-Party Pharmacy Group’s inquiry into this issue.

EU research into payment handling costs

The EU is investigating the considerable costs to retailers of handling payments.

Meningococcal and Japanese encephalitis vaccines – updated information

Public Health England (PHE) has confirmed that Nimenrix is now one of the preferred vaccines against meningococcal ACWY vaccines for travel purposes, and is licensed for use in children. In addition, the Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC) for Menveo, also a meningococcal ACWY vaccine, has been updated to include use in children. Ixiaro, a Japanese encephalitis vaccine, previously only licensed for use in those aged 18 years and over, has also undergone a change in licensing so that it is now licensed for use in children.

Amendments to Scottish remuneration arrangements April 2013 onwards

Changes to remuneration arrangements for Scottish contactors are detailed in a recent NHS circular, as well as the Scottish Drug Tariff. The amendments came into effect from April 2013, and include an advance notification change to take effect from July 2013 for Quality and Efficiency (Q&E) payments.

Vaccination requirements for travellers abroad

A leaflet providing advice on the latest vaccination requirements for travellers abroad. Revised edition.

Malaria prophylaxis leaflet

A leaflet providing advice on the latest malaria prophylaxis changes.Revised edition.

NCSO 2013 England and Wales

Latest updates on NCSO (No cheaper stock obtainable) concessions for 2013.

Items on short supply 2013 Scotland

Latest updates on Items on short supply.

Adrenaline, Amiodarone and Ephedrine solutions for injection in a pre-filled syringe

Class 4 medicines defect information – Caution in Use – distribute to pharmacy level

This Drug Alert replaces the alert issued on 29/04/13. Aurum Pharmaceuticals (trading as Martindale Pharma) has informed the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) that in the original alert the affected batch numbers for Ephedrine hydrochloride 3mg/ml solution for injection in a pre-filled syringe were incorrectly reported. The company apologises for any additional inconvenience that this may cause.

Cancer risk gene testing announced

A pioneering programme to test cancer patients for nearly 100 risk genes is to start in London and could represent the future of treatment in the NHS.

Sunshine vitamin 'may treat asthma'

The amount of time asthma patients spend soaking up the sun may have an impact on their health, researchers have suggested.

Bunions 'blame family not footwear'

The risk of developing bunions - bony growths on the big toe - is linked to your family, not your shoes, a US study has shown.

Breast gene test extended in Scotland

More women in Scotland will be offered a breast cancer genetic test in line with a decision south of the border, the Scottish government confirms.

Mental health 'bible' is updated

An update to one of the most important manuals in mental health - known as the bible of psychiatry - is published.