| Weekly News Digest - 23rd July 2026 |
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| UKHSA South East’s Health Protection Team has identified a small number of confirmed measles cases at Wexham Park Hospital ED between 27 June and 12 July 2026. The situation is being monitored closely. Please ensure your team remain vigilant for possible cases and read the attached information further support resources and guidance. |
| Pharmacy contractors are required to submit their Winter 2026–27 Bank Holiday opening hour declarations to support regional planning. Please complete the online declaration by Tuesday 11 August 2026, confirming whether you intend to open or close on each Bank Holiday date. Contractors wishing to vary their core or supplementary hours, or notify temporary changes, must submit the appropriate NHS England forms in advance. See here for further guidance on opening hours requirements. |
MenB offsite delivery Pharmacies wishing to deliver the Meningitis B Vaccination Service offsite must obtain prior approval from the Commissioner (South East regional team). An MSForm will be required to be completed (request via england.sepharmacycovidvacc@nhs.net) and submitted for approval. Contractors must also secure permission from the off‑site venue prior to completion of the form. There is no additional funding for off‑site delivery. DSPs may only provide off‑site vaccinations and must also seek approval. |
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) held a webinar in collaboration with NHS England about the new Meningococcal B (MenB) Vaccination Service. The UKHSA and NHSE MenB Vaccination Service webinar is now available to watch on demand for pharmacy teams preparing to deliver this new Advanced Service. View the webinar
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| Pharmacy contractors in Buckinghamshire can help promote the Buckinghamshire Condom Distribution Scheme (CDS) — a free service for Buckinghamshire residents aged 13–24. The scheme supports young people to look after their sexual health by providing easy, confidential access to free condoms. Whether they are sexually active or simply want to be prepared, CDS offers a straightforward way for young people to stay protected and informed. Contractors can signpost eligible residents and raising awareness of this local service. See here for further information. |
The results of the Pressures Survey is now available. Contractors are encouraged to review the full findings in the briefing note, which outlines the implications for the sector and the urgent need for Government support to prevent further service reductions or closures.
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Families are being encouraged to support children’s activity levels over the school holidays through Activate, the free animated fitness series created by Joe Wicks MBE and Studio AKA. With 18 short movement‑break episodes available on YouTube and BBC iPlayer, the series offers simple ways to build activity into daily routines at home or in holiday clubs. Pharmacy contractors can raise awareness and share materials available on the Campaign Resource Centre.
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Read the latest edition of the Hints and Tips bulletin which includes: PQS aspiration payment deadline, Drug Tariff updates, MenB Vaccination Service directions, Medical exemption certificate changes, check unpaid items in MYS, active SSPs and much more.
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Download the latest edition of the Healthwatch Oxfordshire newsletter.
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| The NHS App supports patients to manage their health from home, offering secure access to repeat prescription ordering, medical records, test results and more. Pharmacy teams can promote the app to help patients stay informed and reduce avoidable workload. The NHS App promotional toolkit provides ready‑made posters, leaflets, digital assets and guidance to help contractors raise awareness and signpost patients effectively. |
| The 2026 GP patient survey data has been published, the survey also included questions about community pharmacy. check your local GP practice results. |
Have you completed your CPAF screening questionnaire? Pharmacy owners who have not yet responded to the questionnaire are encouraged to ensure they do so by Friday, 31st July 2026 . Contractors should complete the questionnaire via the MYS portal, please note completion is mandatory, and responses will determine which contractors are selected for the full CPAF survey and potential contract monitoring visits. Please note: If you fail to complete the 10 questions questionnaire, you be expected to complete the 100 questions questionnaire in the autumn and possibly get a contract visit from the ICB. |
Pharmacy owners have until 11.59pm on Tuesday 28th July 2026 to claim an optional Aspiration payment under the Pharmacy Quality Scheme (PQS) 2026/27. To claim please review the PQS requirements and submit your claim via the NHSBSA Manage Your Service (MYS) portal. Aspiration payments will be made on 1st September 2026. Read more about the scheme and how to claim.
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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.
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Tune into this week's podcast! |
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| Join the NHS App webinar where the NHS App team will share updates on: the NHS App roadmap, prescriptions and medicines in the App, a pilot for a feature that gives patients the ability to update their address in the App and GP online registration adoption Sign up here by 11:55pm on Tuesday 28th July to attend. |
| Mindset Matters is back this September with Owning Your Expertise — a confidence‑building session designed to help pharmacists and pharmacy technicians strengthen their professional voice. This practical, reflective workshop will support you to recognise your value and help to articulate your expertise. The event will be held at Meadow Suite, University of Reading, RG6 6UA on Wednesday, 23 September 2026 at 10am–4pm (lunch provided). Book your place using this booking link |
| Newly Qualified & Foundation Pharmacists – Book Your Place! A dedicated clinical development session for Newly Qualified and Foundation Pharmacists will run on Monday 28 September, 9am–1pm, at: St Joseph’s Church (Main Hall) 36 Cookham Rd Maidenhead SL6 7EG (Parking available) There are 9 places available. To book, email: office@cptv.org.uk. Please note - Non attendance will incur a £100 fee. |
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