Numark have launched their 'Repeat My Medicines' service, which will enable independent pharmacies to retain existing repeat dispensing business and attract new business. As a first step towards protecting pharmacies ahead of the launch of phase two of the EPS programme the service offers pharmacists the chance to keep patients' repeat dispensing slips, order the [...]

The British Medical Association (BMA) and Connecting for Health (CfH) have stated that information about patients can only be uploaded to summary care records once GPs and PCTs agree that the patient has been adequately informed about the programme. There have been some concerns about the programme raised by doctors and so there will now [...]

Community pharmacists are able to expect that new arrangements for sorting prescriptions that have a net ingredient cost of more than £100 will increase their workload by up to 24 hours a month or take around 30 seconds per item. The calculation on increased workload was revealed in a snapshot survey of members of the [...]

Pharmacies in Scotland will deliver consultations on the dangers of binge drinking under the local Government’s £36m bid to tackle alcohol misuse. Forth Valley and Grampian health boards have commissioned the alcohol interventions through local contractors. The initiative sees pharmacists discuss drinking habits with patients and let them know the health risks which could be [...]

According to a Welsh cross party group on pharmacy, pharmacists should have a greater role in mental health care in the community and prison environment. A report from the inaugural meeting of the group, which is facilitated by the RPSGB’s Welsh directorate, indicated the role which pharmacy is able to play in the area and [...]

The swine flu vaccine is now available for travellers to the southern hemisphere. The Department of Health has made the H1N1 vaccination available in time for the start of the flu season in the southern hemisphere. Travellers – including people travelling to South Africa for the World Cup – are advised to get the vaccination [...]

Following negotiations with HMRC the RPSGB has announced that pharmacists will now be able to save up to £84 per year on their PLB membership fees through tax breaks. Pharmacists earning more than £43,875 a year will be eligible for the highest savings and could see membership fees reduced to £9 per month. Pharmacists earning [...]

Chemist + Druggist A pioneering outpatient service that brings together community pharmacy and secondary care has been officially opened by England’s chief pharmaceutical officer Dr Keith Ridge. The Lloyds Pharmacy outpatient scheme, a partnership with the Royal Liverpool University Hospital provides outpatient dispensing for haematology, gastroenterology, pain and renal clinic patients. Outpatients using the service are able [...]

www.rpsgb.org 23/02/10 80% of registrants achieve “excellent” rating in first six months of CPD call and review. The regulation directorate of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain (RPSGB) is confident that the pharmacy profession is keeping its competencies, skills, and knowledge of best practice, actively up to date with the announcement that over 80% [...]

On the 11th and 12th October, New Directions Pharmacy enjoyed an extremely successful visit to the annual Pharmacy Show held at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham. Not only is the Pharmacy show an ideal way to see the latest products and services available within the sector, it also offers a packed programme of world [...]