Changes to dispensing errors legislation must strike the right balance The proposed changes to the laws on dispensing errors are a step in the right direction but more needs to be done to remove the threat of prosecution from pharmacists.…
Supplying medicines to refugees: a logistical nightmare During conflicts, humanitarian bodies not only face the obvious security risks of reaching people in need, they also have to deal with the growing bureaucracy involved in getting medicines to them.…
Complaints about medicines advertising fall by a thirdThe number of complaints about medicines advertising made to the safety regulator fell by a third in 2014, according to official figures released on 24 February 2015.…
Atypical antipsychotics: overrated and overprescribed Atypical antipsychotics are being overprescribed and used inappropriately in many countries. It is time to reduce the practice of prescribing atypical drugs to treat a wide variety of mental distress.…
Manchester to get full control of its health spendingHealth and social care services in Greater Manchester are preparing to break away from centralised control, following a devolution settlement with the UK government.…
Lorna Fitzsimmons diesOn 17 January 2015, Lorna Fitzsimmons MRPharmS, aged 54, of Flat 2, 12 Simpson Loan, Edinburgh EH3 9GP. Mrs Fitzsimmons registered with the Society in 1983.…
App wins infection control category of NHS Innovation Challenge AwardsA smartphone app that offers up-to-date antibiotic prescribing advice to hospital doctors has won the infection control category in the annual NHS Innovation Challenge Awards.…
Possible new treatment for Lyme diseaseLyme disease in humans is caused by the bite of a tick infected with one of three closely related species of bacteria. The antihistamine loratadine has potential as a new treatment for the disease.…
Licensing deal will allow paediatric HIV drug to be used more widelyChildren with HIV in developing countries will now have access to generic paediatric formulations of raltegravir following a licence agreement with Merck.…
Could pharmacists be part of the A&E problem? After hearing about a case where a pharmacist referred a child with a minor paracetamol overdose to A&E, Adam Pattison Rathbone wonders if pharmacists are equipped to be gatekeepers of the NHS.…