Hospitals prepare to support the most vulnerable patients as respiratory virus ‘surge’ is predicted this autumn A report from the Academy of Medical Sciences warns that outbreaks of influenza and respiratory syncytial virus, as well as a potential third wave of COVID-19, will put the NHS under increased pressure.…
Only 62% of invited pharmacies sign up for Chiesi postal inhaler recycling scheme Exclusive: The pilot scheme, run by pharmaceutical manufacturer Chiesi, allows patients to recycle their inhalers via Royal Mail.…
NHS to add 1,000 pharmacy-led sites to COVID-19 vaccination programme ahead of booster campaign This follows interim advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation to revaccinate vulnerable patients against COVID-19 from September 2021.…
E-cigarettes as effective as nicotine replacement therapy for smoking cessation, says draft guidance Draft guidelines on smoking cessation from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence and Public Health England say evidence indicates that nicotine-containing e-cigarettes can help people stop smoking.…
Pharmacies in England delivered 50% more flu jabs per pharmacy during 2020/2021 season Nine out of the top ten performing pharmacies in delivering flu vaccinations were independents or a branch of an independent multiple.…
More than 90% of lung disease patients say community pharmacy services are vital, survey finds Results of a survey by the Taskforce for Lung Health found that patients valued community pharmacies because they are close to home, there is no need to make an appointment and they have convenient opening times.…
Primary care visits for asthma attacks fell during first lockdown GP visits for asthma attacks fell substantially across most regions of England after the first COVID-19 lockdown was imposed in March 2020, a study has found.…
Both using and stopping asthma medicines in pregnancy linked with poor outcomes Researchers have found that premature births were more likely in women prescribed asthma medicines compared with women who were not.…
Half of asthma patients in the UK overusing SABAs, study finds In a UK asthma programme, 284,683 out of 574,913 patients were found to be “potentially overusing” short-acting β2-agonists.…
Chiesi launches postal asthma inhaler recycling scheme The postal inhaler recycling scheme will mean that aluminium canisters can be recycled and reused, plastic components can be put back into the plastic supply chain and any remaining propellant gas will be reused in electrical appliances.…
