NHS

Survey reveals 9% of people with long-term health conditions cannot afford to collect their prescriptions

It was announced on 10 March 2023 that prescription charges in England would rise to £9.65 per item in April 2023.…

Warm words cannot mask the true picture of pharmacy neglect

The Pharmaceutical Journal's health policy columnist looks at why ministers keep talking about Pharmacy First in England, but there is a lack of progress when it comes to its implementation.…

Four point-of-care tests for UTIs ‘show promise’, says NICE in early guidance

NICE said it needs more data on the accuracy of the tests in detecting and identifying bacteria before it can recommend them for use in the NHS.…

Hospital pharmacists to vote on revised government pay offer ‘without recommendation’ from union

The revised pay offer for NHS staff includes a one-off payment amounting to 2% of an individual’s salary in 2022/2023, as well as an additional payment “worth at least £1,250 per person”.…

NHS launches clinical examination skill training for 10,000 community pharmacists

The clinical examination and consulting skills training is aimed to complement independent prescriber training.…

PJ view: Low morale among pharmacists is damaging the future of pharmacy

Pharmacy staff are experiencing severe stress in their day jobs — to the point that some are considering leaving the profession. Without enough time and support for learning, development and recovery, the future of pharmacy will be bleak.…

ADHD and central nervous system stimulant prescribing has increased by almost 70% in five years

The NHS Business Services Authority's 'Medicines used in mental health' report covers five types of mental health medication prescribed in England and dispensed in the community.…

NHS England to offer extra 25 placements in health and justice sites for trainee pharmacists

The additional placements mean there will be 26 trainee pharmacy placements at health at justice sites in 2024/2025.…

Royal Pharmaceutical Society collaboration will offer fully-funded pathway for advanced pharmacist practice

There are 300 places available for the first cohort, with more expected to be made available later in 2023.…

Weight loss drug semaglutide will ‘soon’ be available to eligible patients, says NICE

Trial results showed that participants taking semaglutide lost an average of 12% more of their body weight compared with placebo.…