| Weekly News Digest - 5th March 2026 |
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A few Spaces are still available!Primary Care Commissioning (PCC) are hosting a webinar that will explore how to prepare and deliver kind, effective and assertive difficult conversations and how to best manage difficult behaviour. The aim is to provide participants with an increased understanding of and confidence in how to manage difficult behaviours and have difficult conversations, including the opportunity to share ideas and practice a difficult conversation. Registrations are on a first come first serve basis see promotional flyer for booking link. |
Community pharmacy colleagues in North East Hampshire, Bracknell Forest, Slough, RBWM, Surrey Heath and Farnham are reminded that NHS Frimley will be dissolved on 1 April as ICB boundaries change across the South East. Please ensure all claims for NHS Frimley‑commissioned winter services are submitted in time so payments can be processed. Key deadlines: More information is available on our website. For queries, contact frimleyicb.prescribing@nhs.net. |
| From 1 June 2026, the Manage Your Service (MYS) will be the only route to notify ICBs of temporary suspensions/closures. Email notifications will no longer be accepted, and no follow‑up emails will be needed once a report is submitted in MYS. See here for more information. |
Inappropriate EPS pharmacy nomination practices and service directionCPE are tackling the issue and clamping down on inappropriate EPC pharmacy nomination practices which contravenes patient choice. This includes: NHSE issuing guidance on respecting patient choice for EPS nominations and to revise its nomination guidance for pharmacy teams and IT system suppliers. |
| The annual flu letter confirms that eligible groups remain the same, pharmacies may vaccinate pregnant women from 1 September 2026 with all other adult cohorts starting on 1 October, two recommended vaccine options have changed and should be factored into ordering, and guidance on when the egg‑based IIVe vaccine can be used. Click here. |
| The Publich Health Commissioning and COVID-19 team are launching a short online survey. This survey will help to inform planning for next year. The findings of the survey will be shared with regional and national colleagues as well as with system colleagues. The survey will close at midday on Wednesday 25th March 2026. Link to the questionnaire: 2025/26 Flu and COVID-19 Vaccination Evaluation Survey |
PhD study: a new tool to support informal carers A PhD candidate at Newcastle University, School of pharmacy is working in research focused on supporting informal carers in medication management within community pharmacies. There is a workshop study via Microsoft Teams on 15th April 2026 to design a new tool. The study is open for Pharmacists, and other staff like technicians and foundation trainee. Anyone who takes part will receive a £35 voucher as a thank you. If you are interested in taking part can contact Maha Al-Khaldi directly via email: m.s.m.al-khaldi2@newcastle.ac.uk.
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Mpox cases in England are increasing, particularly in London and the North – West. In the last 6 weeks there has been an increase of clade Ib cases in London. All clinicians should note the increased risk of acquisition to some groups in the UK. This briefing note provides information on the implications and recommendations. If you have any queries, please direct to: EIZ.mpox@ukhsa.gov.uk |
| Download the February Prescribing Newsletter, this edition includes a "Buying Medicines and Medical Devices Safety" poster. |
| Catch up with this week's edition of Healthwatch Oxfordshire newsletter. |
| Read the latest edition of the BOB Medicines Optimisation Bulletin. |
| CPE have a special container database which contains information about all the products which have special container status (at complete pack or sub-pack level) as recognised by the NHSBSA. Read more. |
National No Smoking Day - 11th March This year No Smoking Day is on Wednesday 11th March. National resources to support this campaign will follow shortly. See here for resources for South-East and Bucks or visit the Campaign resource centre. |
Monthly Deadline TrackerStay on top of your schedule with ease using our Monthly Deadline Tracker. This March edition is designed to keep you organized and help you meet your deadline effortlessly. |
Pharmacy Pressures Survey 2026Pharmacy Pressures Survey 2026 is now open. It consists of two surveys (one for business owners and one for pharmacy teams), many of the questions have been kept similar to last year’s survey. They take around 10-15 minutes to complete and will remain open until 23:59 on 16th March 2026. Click here. |
| Stay informed with the Pharmacy Academy podcast channel, a great source for weekly updates on essential pharmacy topics, powered by insights from NHS, CPE, and PGD guidance and AI generated for clarity. Stay connected, enhance your expertise, and dive into key pharmacy discussions—all in one place. |
Tune in to this week's podcast! |
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| There are still some spaces available at the CPPE EHC workshop on Sunday 15th March at Solent Hotel and Spa Whiteley Rookery Avenue, Fareham PO15 7AJ, 9:30am - 12:30 noon. For more details see here. Open to all pharmacists and pharmacy technicians. |
Free Modern Slavery and Exploitation Training
Public Health Buckinghamshire is offering additional Modern Slavery and Exploitation training sessions. The sessions include real case studies, guidance and practical support for recognising and responding to potential exploitation. The free training is designed for frontline staff and anyone working with people who may be at risk of harm or exploitation. Booking is via Eventbrite. Full details and links are available on our website. |
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