PJ October 2025, Vol 316, No 8002

NHS pay rise above 2.5% would mean ‘trade-offs’ in its health commitments, government says

In evidence to the NHS Pay Review Body, the Department of Health and Social Care said that a pay rise above 2.5% “would inevitably have an impact on healthcare delivery”.…

Health news round-up: rising flu cases, cheap cancer drugs and some good news for pharmacists

Senior clinical reporter Joanna Robertson summarises some important developments in health news you may have missed.…

‘Balanced’ guidance on isotretinoin welcomed as MHRA launches survey

The Commission on Human Medicines-endorsed updates to isotretinoin guidance encourages patients to ask about mental health or sexual dysfunction side effects associated with the drug in follow-up consultations.…

‘Concerning’ call from doctors to ‘reallocate’ Pharmacy First funding to GPs

During the upcoming England Local Medical Council conference, GPs will also consider proposals to scrap the one-mile rule to enable dispensing doctors to compete with pharmacies and provide patients with more choice.…

PJ view: The government’s approach to illegal street drugs should focus on treatment and prevention

While the first drug-checking service has now been approved in Scotland, where the only safe drug consumption room is located, the government has reiterated that there are no plans to expand these across the UK.…

PDA says it is supporting CPPE staff at risk of potential redundancy

The decision on the successful bidder for the new contract for postgraduate pharmacy education is expected to be announced in February 2026.…

Credentialing for newly qualified pharmacists: a patient advocate’s perspective

I recently attended the Royal Pharmaceutical Society workforce summit, where delegates from around the UK and across different care settings discussed the need for a structured support pathway and credential for newly qualified pharmacists as they enter the workplace as prescribers. In my role…

Abiraterone receives new NICE approval in ‘significant shift’

Guidance says that there is now sufficient evidence to demonstrate that abiraterone in combination with androgen deprivation therapy and prednisolone or prednisone provides value for money.…

National community pharmacy prescribing service to be negotiated from 2026

In a letter sent to integrated care boards, NHS England also said that they should agree locally which ‘Independent prescribing in community pharmacy pathfinder programme’ sites will be continued after 31 December 2025.…

GPhC considering ‘additional regulatory powers’ for pharmacy owner accountability

Under its five-year strategy delivery plan, the regulator also said it would consider if inspection frequency could be incorporated into its risk-based approach to maintain regulatory contact.…