PJ, April 2017, Vol 298, No 7900

How to diagnose and manage primary and secondary earache and ear infections

Earache is a common problem that can be the result of a variety of different pathologies. It is important for pharmacists and healthcare professionals to appropriately diagnose primary and secondary earache and ear infections.…

Boots launches HPV vaccination for boys and men

Boots is extending its private human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination service to make it available to boys and men aged 12–44 years.…

Deaths: John Alfred Clarence Waller

On 21 February 2017, John Alfred Clarence Waller MRPharmS, aged 88, of Exeter, Devon. Mr Waller registered with the Society in 1955.…

FDA approves first drug for tardive dyskinesia

The US Food and Drug Administration, which is responsible for evaluating the safety and efficacy of medicines in the United States, has given the green light to valbenazine (Ingrezza), the first drug to be approved for treating adults with tardive dyskinesia.…

The qualities of candidates I want to see elected onto the RPS national pharmacy boards

Members of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society national pharmacy boards should be capable professionals who are reputable and are willing to make changes for the benefit for the profession. We need our representatives on the boards to make a positive impact on our profession and perspective. Comm…

Rare but not forgotten: why drug appraisal methods must be updated to consider treatments for rare diseases

The UK government needs to adapt its drug and technology appraisal methods to prevent patients with rare diseases being left out in the cold.…

High Court throws out legal challenge over GPhC standards but PDA says ruling provides “welcome clarification”

The Pharmacists’ Defence Association (PDA) has lost its High Court challenge over changes to professional standards for pharmacists which it claimed threatened a pharmacist’s human rights.…

Helping to better equip pharmacists from all backgrounds

It is vital as pharmacists we remain confident in practising to the highest standards at all times but also to be valued — more today than ever before. In order for us to continue and advance in our clinical paths with unreserved conviction and purpose, I am determined to ensure there is…

Sector-based prejudice against community pharmacy

I recently attended the ‘Quality for patients: pharmacy practice now and in the future’ conference on 22 March 2017, hosted by NHS England. I was looking forward to a positive, constructive day celebrating and showcasing all that is best among our profession, but I came away appalled by …

GPhC agrees wording for revised standard on religious beliefs

The pharmacy regulator is pushing ahead with its controversial proposal to amend professional standards which means pharmacists cannot put their own religious or other beliefs ahead of providing patient-centred care.…