Minor Ailments

The entire dynamic of pharmacy shifted last month when the Department announced its pre-orchestrated attempts to reform the Minor Ailments Scheme. Contractors, backed by the Ulster Chemists’ Association (UCA) and the Pharmaceutical Contractors’ Committee (PCC), withdrew from the service en masse much to the Department’s pr...

Feeling The Pressure

With high blood pressure thought to affect as many as one in five people in Northern Ireland, thousands of people throughout the country could be suffering from the condition without realising it. Gordons Chemists have made blood pressure testing a priority for their health promotion strategy, introducing free testing events at ...

News in Brief

Minister Backs Awards

Health Minister Michael McGimpsey has pledged his support for 2008’s Integrated Health Award, an accolade run by the Foundation for Integrated Health, championing an integrated approach to health. “I welcome my Department’s continuing support and sponsorship of the Northern Ireland category of the Integrated Health Award,” he commented. Closing date for applications is 29 August.

Don’t Start, Kids

NICE has issued guidance for healthcare professionals focusing on the mass-media and point of sale measures to prevent uptake of smoking by children and young people under 18. Particularly recommended for pharmacists who can appropriately employ mass-media intervention, the guidance is designed to highlight the dangers of smoking and related illnesses.

GSK Opt For DTP

From 1 November 2008, GSK will supply prescription medicines via AAH Pharmaceuticals and Unichem. The NPA have vowed to “drill into the specifics” of the arrangements according to NPA chief executive John Turk.

‘Grave Concern’ for MAS

The NPA Board has spoken out against the DHSSPS’ plans to cap MAS. NPA chairman Paul Bennett said; “The PCC and UCA have called upon the NPA to support the resolution already carried by their members. The unanimous response of this Board is to recommend that all NPA members withdraw from the scheme in Northern Ireland with immediate effect.”

Alzheimer’s Breakthrough

A recent study has revealed that methylthionium chloride (Rember) can be key in reducing brain deterioration in Alzheimer’s patients. Trials have indicated an 81 per cent difference in the rate of mental decline compared to those without treatment.

NPA Visit NI

Written by Laure James - Editor Pharmacy in Focus

Monday, 28 July 2008 14:00

5 Annadale Avenue recently hosted a round table meeting for the NPA, Pharmaceutical Contractors’ Committee and the Ulster Chemists’ Association. Representing the NPA were recently appointed chief executive John Turk and chairman Paul Bennett.

“Paul, who works for Boots and is also a member of the Board of the Company Chemists Group, allayed fears that the NPA, originally having been established to protect the interests of independents, was going to start prioritising multiples,” explained UCA president Paul McDonagh, who attended the meeting. “He assured us that the NPA had diversified and grown with the times, explaining that as chairman of the NPA, he would defend the interests of all members.” NPA Visit NI

Paul added that they also had an opportunity to talk about a replacement for Helen Rhodes, the NPA’s former NHS service development manager for Northern Ireland, who had made significant steps to help integrate services in the province. “The UCA had found Helen’s work to be extremely valuable and we are hoping to reinstate the same levels of engagement that Helen so capably provided,” he added. “Another representative from the NPA on the ground would be extremely helpful.”

NPA Insurance schemes for shops, cars as well as indemnity cover were also discussed, including any improvements for Northern Ireland. John and Paul both quizzed the organisations about proposed changes in Northern Ireland such as central tendering systems and how new contract negotiations were unfolding. “Overall the meeting went very well John and Paul had found it very beneficial and gained a lot from their visit,” Paul concluded. “We look forward to welcoming them to Northern Ireland again soon.”