Features
How precarious antibiotic supplies are putting patients at riskSubscription
The antibiotic supply chain is “at risk of collapsing”, which could lead to major problems treating serious infections and add to resistance levels.
Is it worth all community pharmacies having an online presence?Subscription
With multiples tackling the threat of online retailers head on, should smaller chains and independents try to compete with the big boys?
The global race to combat antimicrobial resistanceSubscription
The Longitude Prize has relaunched after 300 years and this time teams around the world are racing to develop a rapid point-of-care diagnostic test that will help prevent the overuse of antibiotics and put them in the running to win £8m.
NHS70: major moments in pharmacy 1948–2018Subscription
The lives of pharmacists and the medicines they manage have changed dramatically since the NHS was created. Here, we chart the milestones that shaped the profession.
Editorial
Pharmacists can help the NHS celebrate another 70 yearsSubscription
As the NHS approaches its 70th birthday, it is time to maximise the contributions pharmacists can make to healthcare in the future.
Pharmacists can help improve mental health, but not under current structuresSubscription
For pharmacists to make a difference in mental health care, there must be a push to provide appropriate training and resources.
Comment
Should community pharmacy stock homeopathic remedies?Subscription
Two pharmacists argue whether homeopathic remedies should be available to buy in community pharmacies after the High Court’s support for the decision to stop funding homeopathy on the NHS.
Q&A
John Nuttall: You might say 'close stores', but we like to play the long gameSubscription
Chief executive of Well Pharmacy, the third largest pharmacy chain in the UK, discusses the independent multiple’s strong position despite cuts to community pharmacy funding and how the business is preparing for online competition.
Books and Arts
Valuable and easy-to-use drug information resourceSubscription
AHFS Drug Information 2018, edited by Gerald K McEvoy
Patient-friendly advice for people with skin problemsSubscription
The Skincare Bible: Your No-nonsense Guide to Great Skin, by Anjali Mahto.
Learning article
Heavy menstrual bleeding: diagnosis and management optionsSubscription
Heavy menstrual bleeding has a major impact on a woman’s quality of life. This article covers the most recent guidance and available treatment options.
How pharmacists can comply with GDPRSubscription
Pharmacies could be heavily fined if they break new data protection rules. Here is a quick guide on how to stay within the law.
Careers
How to ace pharmacy calculations
Newly qualified pharmacists Abida Begum and Urvasi Patel share their eight tips for tackling the calculations paper in the GPhC registration assessment.
Christine Heading: career breaks, freelancing and following your gutSubscription
A minute in the company of the pharmacist and academic.
Reena Barai: comfy shoes, having no regrets and living la dolce vitaSubscription
A minute in the company of the pharmacy owner and National Pharmacy Association board member.
Correspondence
News
Half the Pharmacy Integration Fund budget spent elsewhere in NHS
More than £20m of Pharmacy Integration Fund money was used to prop up other parts of the NHS in the last financial year.
NHS unions vote to accept pay deal
Members of every health union except one have voted to accept the proposed NHS three-year pay deal.
Sore throat 'test and treat' scheme for Welsh pharmacies
A ‘test and treat’ scheme for patients with sore throats will be piloted at 70 Welsh community pharmacies in autumn 2018.
Boots pharmacists vote to end deal with BPA
Boots pharmacists have narrowly voted to derecognise the Boots Pharmacists Association
Homeopathy legal challenge fails
A legal attempt to overturn NHS England’s decision to reduce NHS prescribing of homeopathic products has failed.
Pharmacists should review every patient after a depression diagnosis, says RPS
Pharmacists in England should play a greater role in supporting people with mental health problems and help eradicate inequalities in their care, according to a new report published by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society.
Pharmacy minor ailment scheme discontinued after NHS England OTC guidance
Nearly 6,000 pharmacy closures during contracted hours, finds investigation
Exclude medicines packaging from single-use plastics tax, urges CCA
Pharmacists begin deprescribing pilot for frail older people with diabetes
E-cigarettes should not be sold or marketed to young people, experts warn
Government figures show drop in pharmacy numbers since funding cuts
Make better use of hospital pharmacists in mental health, says second Carter review
Boots facing investigation after claims of 'overcharging' NHS for unlicensed medicines
NHS 'in the dark' over Brexit, says health select committee chair
Medication-related harm in older adults costs the NHS £400m each year, study findsSubscription
Pharmacies deliver 1.3 million seasonal flu jabs
GPhC gender pay gap below national average
Text messages can help diabetes control, study finds
NHS England’s outsourcing of primary care support 'a long way below acceptable standard'
News in brief
'The Quack Doctor', 1814
Thomas Rowlandson’s caricature of the dubious nature of apothecaries is shown in a painting called ‘The Quack Doctor’.
Robbie Turner appointed director of pharmacy and member experience
Robbie Turner has been appointed as the Royal Pharmaceutical Society’s (RPS) new director of pharmacy and member experience.
East of England Co-op puts all six pharmacies up for sale
The East of England Co-operative Society is pulling out of community pharmacy in Suffolk and has put all six of its branches up for sale.
