Tuesday 09 March

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A SPRINKLE OF NUTRITIONAL MAGIC FOR BABIES AND INFANTS The first flavour-free vitamin food sprinkle for children Nutrigen, a brand new range of nutritional supplements for children is launching its first products to the UK; providing parents with a fresh approach to children’s healthy diet and nutrition. The products, Vitam...

The Science of Education

Interactive learning programmes have been widely trailed for children and adults alike, across a range of subjects. In a bid to boost children’s interest in the sciences, Queen’s University Belfast has made history by taking on a new pharmacy-based programme.

PCC Vindicated

PCC win 18 month Category M battle against DHSSPS

News in Brief

NPA Go Green

The NPA has launched a new campaign to find out what pharmacists want from their IT systems, to refine their list of must-haves. Ten categories, including clinical governance, patient records and dispensing have been drafted and now members are invited to give their views on the Association’s web-based forum. It is intended that the ‘IT Green Paper’ will give a definitive list for system suppliers to improve their services with.

Cancer Drug Falls Short

The kidney cancer drugs bevacizumab (Avastin), sorafenib (Nexavar) and temsirolimus (Torisel) should not be used by the NHS as first-line drug treatments for people with advanced or metastatic renal cell carcinoma, according to NICE. As for second-line treatment for these conditions, neither sorafenib nor sunitinib (Sutent) are recommended.

Co-op Ditch NPA

The Co-operative Pharmacy chain has severed its ties with the National Pharmacy Association, stating that its services are of no value to the firm. “It didn’t meet what we needed as a business,” explained superintendent pharmacist Janice Perkins. “The NPA provides a very good service to its members, we don’t have an issue with the NPA.”

Itchy Topic

Alitretinoin (Toctino) has been recommended by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence as a possible treatment for people with severe chronic hand eczema that has not responded to potent topical corticosteroids. According to the guidance, only dermatologists or doctors experienced in treating people with severe chronic hand eczema and using systemic retinoids should initiate and monitor treatment.

All About Health

AAH Pharmaceuticals has officially launched allabouthealth.org.uk, a new website designed to promote self-care and to empower patients to make decisions about their own health and lifestyles. The campaign is supported by The Patients Association and will enjoy nationwide, high-profile public advertising.

SOS Banbridge

Written by Laure James - Editor Pharmacy in Focus
Friday, 01 May 2009 13:27
Plans for a ‘hypermarket’ in Banbridge has presented a formidable threat to local traders, compelling organisations including the Ulster Chemists’ Association to forge a united, lobbying force to save the County Down town centre. Banbridge Chamber of Commerce, the NIIRTA, the Federation of Small Businesses and the UCA have jointly launched ‘Save Banbridge Town Centre’ in response to the news that Tesco Hypermarket developers are to appeal the DoE’s planning decision. The proposals were centred around a 130,000 sq ft, out of town development; one of the UK’s largest Tesco stores. UCA president James McKay commented; “We fully support this campaign as local pharmacies, like any other retailer in Banbridge, are at risk from this proposed hypermarket. At present, the existing pharmacy network in Northern Ireland operates with a very high level of success and provides accessible healthcare in a very community orientated environment. “This is in direct correlation with DHSSPSNI’s own health strategy to relieve the burden that exists on acute healthcare services. Therefore any potential disruption to this must be very carefully considered.”