News | Respiratory tract diseases

News

Minister urged to block takeover of inhaler manufacturer by tobacco firm

The Royal Pharmaceutical Society has written to the government to express its concerns around the proposed takeover of inhaler manufacturer Vectura by tobacco company Philip Morris International.…

Published: 16 August 2021

News

Community pharmacies will be paid to check patients’ asthma inhaler technique from September 2021

A new target for respiratory care in the Pharmacy Quality Scheme for 2021/2022 will require pharmacy staff to check inhaler techniques, as well as ensure patients have personalised asthma action plans and promote spacer device use in children.…

Published: 12 August 2021

Feature

Long COVID: the pharmacy staff picking up the pieces months after being infected

We speak to formerly fit and well pharmacists and technicians whose lives have been devastated by long COVID.…

Published: 12 August 2021

News

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.…

Published: 15 July 2021

News

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.…

Published: 5 July 2021

News

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.…

Published: 1 July 2021

News

E-cigarettes as effective as nicotine replacement therapy for smoking cessation, says draft guidance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.…

Published: 25 June 2021

News

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.…

Published: 19 May 2021

News

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.…

Published: 17 May 2021

News

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.…

Published: 30 March 2021