International and intergovernmental organisations

Appointment availability is behind huge number of missed measles vaccinations, PHE expert says

A senior epidemiologist at Public Health England has said that concerns about vaccinations are unlikely to be behind figures from international children’s charity UNICEF, which show that half a million children in the UK have not received their first vaccination against measles.…

Brexit is not the only reason for medicines shortages

While Brexit may not be the direct cause of worsening medicines shortages, it is distracting Westminster from giving the issue the attention it needs. …

England hits WHO 2020 hepatitis C target three years early

Deaths from liver disease related to serious hepatitis C fell by more than 16% between 2015 and 2017, according to data published by Public Health England.…

Government will ‘review its position’ on no-deal Brexit drug stockpiles

The government has said it will “review its position” on drug stockpiles held in case of a no-deal Brexit after the UK agreed an extension to its date for leaving the EU.…

DHSC passes legislation recognising EU pharmacist qualifications in the UK

Legislation has been passed that allows the qualifications of pharmacists from the EU to be recognised in the UK in the event of a no-deal Brexit.…

Suppliers opt to stockpile 16 weeks’ worth of insulin in UK ahead of Brexit

Insulin suppliers have increased their UK stocks to include 16 weeks’ worth of extra supplies as part of their no-deal Brexit planning.…

‘Obviously pressing’ need for pharmacist drug-switching powers behind short consultation, says DHSC

The government has argued that “there was no statutory obligation” to formally consult on changes to the law allowing pharmacists to switch patients’ drugs during a medicines shortage under a government-issued protocol.…

Government would give freight capacity to medicines over food additives after no-deal Brexit

The government is to prioritise freight capacity for importing medicines and medical devices over “critical food chain dependencies” in the event of a no-deal Brexit.…

Hospital trust boss warns waiting list size could increase by 15% each month after no-deal Brexit

A hospital trust chief executive has warned that its waiting list could increase by 15% each month after a no-deal Brexit as a result of problems with the supply of medical goods, including medicines.…

Community pharmacy bodies ‘continue to monitor’ medicines supply plans as Brexit nears

Some five community pharmacy bodies have published a joint statement to reassure the profession that they “will continue to monitor the situation” around medicines supply as the Brexit deadline draws nearer.…