Health and care policy

Government rethinks hub and spoke dispensing proposals

The government is to reconsider its plans for hub and spoke dispensing, according to health minister Alastair Burt.…

The Queen’s speech – what is it and what does it mean for health policy?

The Queen’s speech is likely to address issues surrounding “health tourism” in the UK.…

What RPS members think about the pharmacy board elections

Ahead of nominations opening for 2016, Julia Robinson investigates the factors that influence whether or not RPS members decide to exercise their right to vote in national pharmacy board elections. …

Welsh government backs pharmacists’ access to healthcare record

Pharmacists need access to patient healthcare records to do their job effectively, Welsh government deputy minister for health Vaughan Gething says.…

RPS publishes guidance on repeat medication management

The Royal Pharmaceutical Society has produced a professional reference guide to assist pharmacy teams and managers who provide repeat medication management, prescription collection and delivery services.…

Patient access to medical records: proceed with caution

There are a number of practical issues to consider if patients are to be given full access to their own medical records.…

Pfizer’s Lyrica GP reimbursement plan under scrutiny by industry self-regulator

Pfizer’s plan to reimburse GPs for extra work they undertake to protect the second medical use patent of the company’s drug Lyrica (pregablin) is under consideration by the UK pharmaceutical industry’s self-regulator. …

Why the EU has failed in tackling the alcohol problem

The EU has shown a lack of leadership in tackling alcohol-related harm and its citizens are paying the price.…

Treating benefit recipients badly

Why threatening to cut benefits for those who refuse treatment is unworkable.…

Consultant pharmacist numbers ‘should rise ten-fold’

Chief pharmaceutical officer for England targets key role for senior pharmacists in ongoing NHS reforms.…