| Weekly News Digest - 3rd October 2024 |
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The Medicines Optimisation Team (MOT) in BOB ICB is working with GP practices to switch patients to generic medicines. Demand for brand-name medicines is expected to decrease over time as prescriptions change gradually. This notice is to ensure you use existing stock. More generic switches are planned for later in the year and will be communicated the same way. Please reassure patients that generic medicines are the same as brand-name ones and should be used the same way. They should also use up any remaining branded medicines before starting the generic versions. Patients will be informed about the change by their GP practice. See attached leaflet, which explains generic medicines.
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| The South East Pharmacy Commissioning Hub has been informed by UKHSA that some care homes in the South East have struggled to access LFD tests because some pharmacies listed on Service Tool Finder is incorrect. Eligible patients include those over 85, residents in care homes with conditions like diabetes, heart failure and certain hospitalised patients. Pharmacies need to ensure patients are eligible, provide tests at appropriate intervals, and not exceed reasonable quantities. Each eligible patient should receive one box of five tests per consultation. All pharmacy contractors who have signed up to this service are reminded to check full eligibility criteria on the service specification. Please ensure your information is updated on the NHSBSA Manage Your Service (MYS) portal. |
Community pharmacy owners are invited to contribute data for an important fiscal review of the sector. Frontier Economics and IQVIA are conducting an economic analysis for NHS England to understand the full costs of delivering NHS pharmaceutical services and the sustainability of current funding. This review aims to provide a solid evidence base for future CPCF negotiations. The survey will take approximately 15-20 minutes to complete.
All data shared will be anonymised and kept confidential. Click here.
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| UK SAYS NO MORE is working with pharmacies, banks and selected jobcentres across the UK to provide Safe Spaces in their consultation rooms for people experiencing domestic abuse. Use this link to Register for Safe Space. For more information click here. |
| University of Exeter Medical Health School are leading a survey on behalf of NIHR to look into how community pharmacy staff engage with customers about potential cancer symptoms, exploring the challenges faced and the impact of different settings, such as rural or urban areas. All responses will remain confidential and anonymous. Plus, by completing the survey, you’ll be entered into a draw to win one of ten £50 vouchers. See here for more information. |
| A joint campaign between Stoptober and Stop for Life Oxon "IT'S WELL WORTH IT" has been launched. To support the campaign digital resources and printouts have been provided via the Stoptober 2024 toolkit. |
| Pharmacist Support's ACTNow wellbeing campaign is running from 18th October to 8th November. This year’s focus is on changing the culture within the pharmacy profession, with weekly themes on workplace culture, loneliness, and physical health. ACTNow encourages you to make time for wellbeing, consider others’ needs, and take action. Sign up to improve your health and access helpful resources. |
| The Advisory Committee on Borderline Substances and NHSE's Patient Safety Team want feedback from healthcare professionals on safety concerns related to Nutritional Borderline Substances like tube feed, oral nutritional supplements and protein replacements. The data will help address issues and work with the DHSC to improve regulations and practices. Pharmacy staff are asked to report incidents during one week in October, the survey will be open until midnight on Friday, 25th October 2024. See here for survey details. |
Keele University, School of Medicine are working on a study to understand what role community pharmacy can play in supporting people with Long Covid. They are looking to recruit community pharmacy staff to participate. Interviews will be held online and last 30-45 minutes (evening and weekend times can be accommodated if required). An online shopping voucher to say thank you for participants is being offered. See attached Participant Information Sheet with further information about the interview/study. Click here.
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Sir Keir Starmer said the Government will expand community pharmacies' roles and accelerate independent prescribing to improve access to General Practice. He also mentioned training more GPs and broader NHS improvements. Click here.
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| Pharmacy owners have until 30th October 2024 to check if there is a backlog of notification emails within PharmOutcomes - please complete this MS form. This applies even if you do not have any post event messages (PEMs) to action. See here for full details and instructions. |
The full CPAF survey monitoring pharmacy contractors’ compliance in 2023/24 is open until midnight on 31st October 2024. Selected pharmacies will have been notified by NHS Business Services Authority via email, please note completion is a mandatory requirement. Completion can be done via Manage Your Service (MYS) portal.
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| Please complete this using NHS Profile Manager before deadline 31st December. This is a mandatory requirement for all pharmacy owners. Useful NHS Profile Manager Tutorials are available here. |
| Pharmacy First threshold for October will not be increased and will remain at 20 consultations for the month of October - click here. |
GPhC invite you to join them celebrate Black talent, achievement and everyday accomplishment in pharmacy at a Black History Month webinar on Wednesday, 30th October 2024, 19.00-20.00pm. Council member Ade Williams MBE will share his inspiring journey as a multi award-winning pharmacist. Taiwo Owatemi MP will also be talking about her path from hospital pharmacist to Member of Parliament. Book your place now! |
| Did you know that GPhC registered technicians can administer flu vaccinations using the national PGD? Do you know why it is so important to vaccinate pregnant women? Find out more by attending this FREE online course by Virtual Outcomes. Register link |
| SPS are providing an interactive session which is part of the ‘Medication Safety Across the System’ (MSATS) series aimed at healthcare professionals, working with passion for medication safety. Click here. |
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