Newsletter - December 2025 |
In this update: Welcome, CPTV LPC Academy, Day Lewis celebrates, News, Upcoming events |
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| Welcome to the Community Pharmacy Thames Valley Newsletter |
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Community Pharmacy Thames Valley LPC Academy |
Now the dust has settled on the negotiation of our Community Pharmacy Contractual Framework (until March 26!), the LPC committee has been working on ways in which the LPC team can support Pharmacy teams across the patch to help them deliver all the main services over the coming months. The result of which is the launch of the CPTV “Pharmacy Academy”. This is a multi- channel launch of training aids – including a suite of AI Generated Podcasts, online Webinars, face to face training and an all-day Women’s Health Event.
CPTV LPC Pharmacy Academy
David Dean - Chief Officer |
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As we approach the end of another busy year, I want to take a moment to thank each of you for the incredible dedication, resilience, and compassion you’ve shown in serving our communities. Community pharmacies across Thames Valley have continued to be a trusted front door to healthcare—supporting patients, delivering new services, and reducing health inequalities with care and professionalism.
This festive season is a chance to pause, reflect, and celebrate the impact you’ve made. Whether through Pharmacy First consultations, Emergency Contraception Services, Hypertension Case-Finding, vaccinations or simply being there for patients when they need you most, your work has touched countless lives. |
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May this Christmas bring you rest, joy, and time with loved ones. As we look ahead to the New Year, let’s carry forward the same spirit of collaboration and innovation that defines our profession. Together, we will continue to strengthen community pharmacy and make a lasting difference in people’s health and wellbeing. With gratitude and best wishes.
Kevin Barnes - Contractor Services Officer |
| Slough Community Pharmacy Neighbourhood Workshop - Wednesday, 25th February 2026 |
Calling ALL Slough Pharmacy Contractors! We are delighted to invite you to an upcoming Slough Community Pharmacy Neighbourhood Workshop bringing together local partners and pharmacy coleagues to shape the future of neighbourhood healthcare for Slough pharmacies. |
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This event will provide a valuable opportunity to connect with stakeholders from the Slough area, including representatives from substance misuse, public health, sexual health, and clinical directors.
✅Share ideas and explore ways of working to strengthen community-based healthcare solutions. ✅Hear from the Community Pharmacy Thames Valley LPC on the latest trends and developments in:
- Pharmacy First
- Hypertension case-finding
- Contraception services
- NMS
📅 Wednesday, 25th February 2026, 7-9pm 📍 Copthorne Hotel Slough-Windsor, Cippenham Lane, Slough, SL1 2YE
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We’re pleased to introduce Danielle Brennan as the IPA representative on the LPC. Danielle brings over 14 years of experience with Day Lewis PLC, where she worked both at pharmacy level as a dispenser and later as a Regional Support Manager. Her extensive background in community pharmacy gives her a strong understanding of the everyday challenges faced by teams on the ground, as well as the operational insights needed to drive meaningful improvement.
Danielle is passionate about collaboration and about ensuring local pharmacies feel supported to deliver the best possible care to their communities. She believes strongly in the power of partnership—both within pharmacy teams and across the wider system—to create sustainable, patient-centred services. |
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| In her role on the LPC, Danielle draws on this experience to champion the needs of independent pharmacies, strengthen local relationships, and help shape initiatives that enable pharmacies to thrive. Her commitment to supporting community pharmacy and fostering connected, resilient services is at the heart of her contribution to the committee. |
| Help us Make the NHS App Work for Everyone! |
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The Government’s NHS 10-year plan aims to make the NHS App a full “front door” to services by 2028, from helping people manage prescriptions to accessing health information and services more easily. Healthwatch Reading and Healthwatch Wokingham Borough have teamed up to find out how local people are using the NHS App and who might be missing out. There are concerns about people who don’t use or can’t access the app or website, including older adults, people without smart devices and people who lack confidence using technology.
Feedback will help local pharmacies, GP surgeries, and healthcare leaders reduce digital exclusion and improve access and support for everyone. You can help by taking part in the survey or by sharing it with your networks. Healthwatch engagement teams are also visiting local communities to hear from people face-to-face.
If you’d like a paper copy of the survey, a different way to share your views or posters to display in your pharmacy, please contact the digital engagement teams: • Reading: info@healthwatchreading.co.uk • Wokingham Borough: enquires@healthwatchwokingham.co.uk
Both Healthwatch have also created a one-stop page of different resources to help people with the NHS app: NHS App Information Page Thank you for your support and helping us make sure everyone can access the care they need. |
Pharmacy Team of the Year Award – Day Lewis, Sunninghill
On Saturday, 29th November at the Annual Day Lewis Conference - celebrating 50 years of care. Day Lewis Pharmacy, Sunninghill Day Lewis Pharmacy in Sunninghill exemplifies outstanding community care through their wide range of NHS and private services, consistently going above and beyond to meet the needs of their patients. |
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| The team is attentive, compassionate, and deeply committed to delivering high-quality, accessible healthcare. From flu vaccinations and the New Medicine Service to private consultations and travel health, the pharmacy ensures patients have access to essential support under one roof. Their responsiveness to local health needs, proactive service delivery, and patient-first approach make them a trusted and valued part of the community. What truly sets this pharmacy apart is the strength of its teamwork. The staff work seamlessly together, supporting one another to maintain high standards and a welcoming environment. Whether dealing with day-to-day queries or more complex health concerns, the team collaborates to find the best solutions quickly and efficiently. Day Lewis Sunninghill is a shining example of what a modern community pharmacy should be—accessible, professional, and caring. Their dedication, teamwork, and consistent delivery of both NHS and private services make them truly deserving of recognition. As a member of the community, Stephen Mulhern was delighted to award the team! |
NMS Pharmacist of the year – Masih Kunduzi - Day Lewis Holyport
NMS Pharmacist of the year - Masih Kunduzi Day Lewis Holyport Pharmacy exemplifies excellence in pharmaceutical care, led by the outstanding dedication of Masih, the pharmacist, and the wider pharmacy team. Their high performance in the New Medicine Service (NMS) reflects a deep commitment to improving patient care and supporting the well-being of the local community. |
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| The team at Day Lewis Holyport consistently goes above and beyond to ensure patients feel supported, informed, and confident in managing their medications. Masih’s leadership, combined with the team’s collaborative approach, has fostered an environment where personalised care, proactive patient engagement, and seamless service delivery are at the forefront. Their exceptional performance in the NMS demonstrates not only their professionalism but also their unwavering dedication to enhancing patient outcomes. Day Lewis Holyport Pharmacy stands as a model of best practice, setting a high standard for pharmacy services and making a meaningful difference to the health of the community they proudly serve. |
DrinkCoach – Online coaching to support people to reduce their alcohol consumption
Online coaching to support people to reduce their alcohol consumption Oxfordshire’s Public Health team commission DrinkCoach to offer online coaching to residents who want to reduce their alcohol consumption. Your help in spreading the word would be greatly appreciated. The free one to one online coaching is aimed at individuals identified as increasing or higher risk drinkers on the DrinkCoach test (an online AUDIT). |
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| The service is available seven days a week including evenings and people can receive up to six 40-minute sessions. These sessions are an extended brief intervention and use motivational interviewing techniques recommended by the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence. During coaching, patients will set goals related to their alcohol use, with their coach providing personalised support and guidance to help the individual make positive changes to their drinking habits. Coaching sessions can be booked directly via the DrinkCoach website. To help spread the word about this new service, Public Health have prepared a communications toolkit that contains artwork for digital screens, social media graphics and suggested content for social media, newsletters and websites. If you would like any business cards or posters to promote the service, or if you have any questions, please email OCDP@oxfordshire.gov.uk. |
CPPE Workshops and Online Courses |
We’re excited to share a new programme of CPPE workshops designed to support your professional growth and clinical practice. Whether you prefer the flexibility of online learning or the interaction of face-to-face sessions, there’s something here to help you expand your skills and confidence. |
We’re excited to share a new programme of CPPE workshops designed to support your professional growth and clinical practice. Whether you prefer the flexibility of online learning or the interaction of face-to-face sessions, there’s something here to help you expand your skills and confidence. |
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- Academic writing and reflective practice
- Emergency contraception
- Extending the scope of your prescribing practice
- Deprescribing opioids in people with chronic pain
- Optimising infection management
- Preparing to train as an independent prescriber
- Depression having meaningful conversations
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- Blood pressure assessment in community pharmacy: essential skills NHS Pharmacy First: Clinical assessment and examination skills full-day workshop
- PGDs: empowering pharmacy technicians to provide services
- Weight management - Prescribing perspectives
- Respiratory Clinical Assessment Skills
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CPTV Is on LinkedIn – Stay Informed, Stay Ahead Join us on our CPTV LinkedIn page, designed to keep pharmacy contractors and healthcare professionals informed, engaged, and empowered. CPTV is your trusted source for updates on commissioning, service developments, policy changes, and professional insights. 🔍 What You’ll Find: - 📢 Updates
- 📅 Key dates, deadlines, and training alerts
- 🤝 A space to connect and share with peers
✅ Follow Us Today Join the conversation and be part of a growing community of pharmacy professionals. Click Follow to stay in the loop. |
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Join us on Facebook! Whether you're looking for the latest on commissioning, service updates, training opportunities, or policy developments, CPTV on Facebook will keep you informed and connected. 👉 How to Join Visit our new Facebook page at facebook.com/CPTVPharmacy and hit Follow to stay in the loop. Don’t forget to share the page with your team and colleagues! Let’s build a stronger, more informed pharmacy community—together. |
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We run a Signal Group for CPTV pharmacy contractors, team members and locums that is useful for quick queries and support, sharing ideas and finding medicines in short supply. To be added to the group you need to install the Signal app first, then send your name, pharmacy and the mobile number that you signed up with to office@cptv.org.uk. Please note we don’t allow advertising in any form (including job vacancies, locum requests or any other business activity). |
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Mailing List Join our mailing list to receive our weekly News Digest (circulated each Thursday) by signing up on the front page of our website (www.cptv.org.uk) or emailing your name, pharmacy and email address to Lorna on: office@cptv.org.uk.
Contact Us We are here to support all CPTV contractors and pharmacy teams. If there is anything we can help with, please don’t hesitate to contact us: David Dean, Chief Officer – 07702 209197 chiefofficer@cptv.org.uk Kevin Barnes, Contractor Support Officer –07777 671596 cso@cptv.org.uk Lorna Girling, Engagement Officer – 07702 683277 office@cptv.org.uk |
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