PJ, November 2016, Vol 297, No 7895

Integrated medicines management service may reduce hospital readmissions

An integrated medicines management service may reduce the number of patients readmitted to hospital with a preventable drug-related problem.…

Industry-wide standard on inhaler colour needed, say experts

Asthma inhalers being produced in an “increasing array” of colours is unsafe and could put patients lives at risk, say researchers, who have called for an official colour-coding system to avoid confusion.…

Cross-party group of MPs launches enquiry into impact of pharmacy funding cuts

An influential group of cross-party MPs has launched an inquiry into the impact of the government’s decision to cut community pharmacy funding in England.…

Access to essential drugs achievable for up to US$2 per person per month

It would cost between US$1 and US$2 per person per month to ensure those living in a low-to-middle income country have access to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) list of 201 essential medicines, according to a landmark report.…

UK regulator appeals to patients with animation about reporting drug side effects

A short animation about the value of reporting drug side effects is being used as part of a social media campaign by the UK’s drug safety watchdog.…

New public health bill for Wales revisits pharmaceutical needs assessments

A new public health bill for Wales — which, if passed, will require health boards to produce pharmaceutical needs assessments (PNAs) — was laid before the Welsh Assembly on 7 November 2016.…

Funding is safe but community pharmacy in Wales will have to adapt to changes

Vaughan Gething, Welsh cabinet secretary for health, well-being and sport, told delegates at the 6th Medicines Safety Conference that although funding for community pharmacy in Wales is safe for two years, changes will need to be made to ensure delivery of a clinical service committed to safety…

Listening Friends: the original peer support scheme for pharmacists

This year — 2016 — is a special year for Pharmacist Support (previously The Benevolent Fund) because not only does it commemorate the charity’s 175th anniversary, it also marks 20 years of one of its most recognised services, Listening Friends. The Listening Friends sche…

‘Roadmap to Advanced Practice’ launched by RPS to support pharmacists throughout career

The RPS ‘Roadmap to Advanced Practice’ outlines the career pathways for pharmacists across Great Britain and the support and development required throughout each stage …

Pharmacy cuts could add to winter pressure, warns National Pharmacy Association

Government cuts to community pharmacy funding could significantly add to the winter pressures facing the NHS, according to a survey carried out by the National Pharmacy Association, a trade association for independent community pharmacies in the UK.…