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.

Marie Curie Kindness at BCH

Written by Laure James - Editor Pharmacy in Focus

Monday, 04 August 2008 11:41

Congratulations to the pharmacy team at Belfast City Hospital, who recently held a spectacular formal occasion at the Hilton Hotel in Templepatrick, and raised £1250 for Marie Curie Cancer Care. Technician and event organiser Liam Mallon was not only delighted with the bumper fund raising but the support showed by those within the profession. “The formal was a hugely successful night and we had a tremendous turn out,” Liam explained.

“Our department works very closely with practitioners who care for patients for cancer and we know how valuable the work that charities such as Marie Curie deliver can be.” The event was also an opportunity to raise funds for pharmacy colleague Peter Armstrong, who recently participated in a trek to Kilimanjaro.

Grace Smyth, community fundraiser from the charity commented; “Marie Curie Cancer Care is pleased to accept this generous donation which has been raised by the Pharmacy Department of City Hospital. I would like to thank Liam, Paul and all staff members for choosing Marie Curie Cancer Care this year. We would like to wish them every success with their future fundraising achievements.”