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.

Dedication Rewarded

Written by Laure James - Editor Pharmacy in Focus
Monday, 04 August 2008 11:27
Northern Ireland wholesaler Sangers has long been regarded as a highly successful and professional local company within Northern Ireland, fundamental to pharmacy services and valued by its talented and committed staff. The number of employees who recently celebrated a 25 year milestone with Sangers is testament to the dedication demonstrated by staff and is said by many to be the firm’s secret to success. Anne McClean, warehouse operative at Sangers’ head office on Marshalls Road in Belfast was recently presented with a beautiful gold watch by head of operations Edwin Bleakley, in recognition of 25 years of hard work and loyalty. Ethical buyer Margaret McComes, who is based in Omagh, was also presented with a stunning gold watch by Sangers managing director Peter Surgenor as a gesture of the company’s gratitude to Margaret for her very successful time to date. Speaking to NIPinF, Margaret said; “I began in the warehouse in June 1983, when my role soon developed into clerical and new opportunities arose. Six years later I was offered the position as ethical buyer and I’ve been here ever since. “Sangers are a wonderful company to work for. The work really requires a team effort to ultimately ensure patient safety and fortunately we have a great team here. I’ve really enjoyed for time.” Congratulations also to Stephen McKee, goods-in supervisor at Marshalls Road who matched both Anne and Margaret with a quarter century of commitment to Sangers.