PJ, July 2024, Vol 313, No 7987

Semaglutide linked to sight-threatening eye condition, study results suggest

Researchers used data from nearly 17,000 patients to examine whether semaglutide prescriptions were associated with increased risk of non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, obesity, or who were overweight.…

The narrow age range chosen for the RSV vaccination programme is disappointing

I am a retired pharmacist and friends are asking me why there is such a narrow age range for older adults chosen for the NHS vaccination programme against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which is due to begin in September 2024. Fortunately, I fall within the chosen age cohort but many of…

Pharmacies being ‘unreasonably penalised’ for not meeting Pharmacy First thresholds, says Community Pharmacy England

The monthly minimum threshold pharmacies must meet to receive the fixed £1,000 monthly payment is set to increase to 30 consultations by October 2024.…

Residents lodge complaint with ICB after proposal to reopen a closed pharmacy is rejected

Despite more than 900 signatures petitioning to keep it open, the former Boots on Southmead Road in Bristol closed in January 2024.…

How AI is transforming drug discovery

Pharmaceutical companies and start-ups are harnessing AI to improve speed and reduce costs at every stage of the drug discovery and development process.…

Think tank calls for all integrated care systems to appoint chief pharmacists

Public Policy Projects says its recommendation would enable pharmacy to influence commissioning and contracting agreements, produce better coordination of medicines teams and elevate the pharmacy profession.…

The 2024 general election manifestos are lacking on ambitions for pharmacy

This month, our health policy columnist looks at where pharmacy stands in each of the major political party manifestos.…

GPs should turn off automatic pharmacy patient record updates, BMA recommends

The British Medical Association’s General Practitioners Committee said it was discussing with NHS England "implications" of software that allows pharmacists to directly update records.…

Pharmacy2U facility rejected from pharmaceutical list dispenses more than 1 million NHS prescriptions per month

Exclusive: NHS Resolution rejected the Leicestershire facility's inclusion on the pharmaceutical list in January 2020, a requirement for opening any new NHS pharmacy in England.…

How to incorporate strategic priorities into clinical pharmacy practice

This article outlines strategies for pharmacy teams to actively participate in delivering strategic priorities. It includes guidance on enhancing engagement and productivity while prioritising self-care and fostering resilience to optimise professional output.…