Tendering Dissolved

The effectiveness of en masse withdrawal. An untrusting customer’s run on the bank? A vociferous workers’ union strike? A globally observed ethical boycott? None of the aforementioned attract welcome publicity, but what if your controversial initiative faces virtually unanimous opposition scarcely moments after its unveiling...

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 ...

Ask Your Pharmacist

But that motto isn’t just for patients. If requests to contribute to community initiatives in health promotion are anything to go by, pharmacy is certainly at the top of most organisations’ lists for those to consult. This month NIPinF has heard about such projects drawing on the expertise of pharmacists from across Northern...

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.

Charity Benefit From Bannside

Written by Laure James - Editor Pharmacy in Focus

Tuesday, 16 September 2008 12:47

Congratulations to the team at Bannside Pharmacy whose cumulative fund raising efforts raised over £1500 for local charity NI Chest Heart and Stroke. The team, which included Ryan Graham, Shauna Hagan, Bernie McLaughlin, Aidan McMullan and pharmacy contractor Eoghan O’Brien, entered as a relay team in the Belfast Marathon and also held quiz nights and coffee mornings to raise sponsorship. “We treat and care for people with respiratory and related conditions every day within the pharmacy and such illnesses can be hugely debilitating,” Eoghan told NIPinF. “We are delighted to have helped NI Chest, Heart and Stroke with our fund raising, I’d like to extend my gratitude to our staff for their dedication to their work for charity in addition to the community.”

Valerie Saunders, area appeals co-ordinator for the charity commented on the generosity of the team at Bannside Pharmacy. “We are very grateful to Eoghan and his team for their kindness and the time they took to raise these very valuable and important funds.”