Professions

More than 90% of pharmacists oppose self-selection of P medicines, says PDA

The Pharmacists’ Defence Association says any potential changes to current regulations “should only be made following full consultation with pharmacists, ensuring decisions align with best practices in medicine safety and patient care”.…

Where are the voices of pharmacy professionals in the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill?

As Kim Leadbeater MP’s Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill proceeds through its committee stage, the pharmacy professions are among the key stakeholders whose voices are notably absent.  The committee process should provide a rigorous examination of draft legislation, not only listeni…

What we learned from the REACT palliative care service

Marie Curie, based in Bradford, West Yorkshire, shares the findings of its Responsive Emergency Assessment and Community Team service, which is aimed to identify issues concerning palliative medicine access and supply in an NHS trust emergency department.…

Four pharmacies closed per week in 2024, says National Pharmacy Association

The National Pharmacy Association is urging the government to commence consultations on the 2025 ‘Community pharmacy contractual framework’ to prevent more closures.…

A 2.8% pay uplift recommendation reflects a tough economy for everyone

In this month’s health policy column, Andy Cowper warns that high gilts and low growth may mean pay parsimony for pharmacists, but questions whether more NHS strikes would have public backing.…

Evaluation report of community pharmacy clinical services delayed until spring 2025, says NHS England

Exclusive: NHS England said the delay is to avoid releasing an incomplete report, which could infer inaccurate suggestions relating to the pharmacy sector and damage patient confidence.…

PDA begins fundraising for international campaign to send medicines to Gaza

The ‘Medicines to Gaza’ initiative was set up by the Pharmacists’ Defence Association to raise funds for medicines in Palestine.…

Pharmacists recognised in New Year Honours List 2025

RPS member Alan Kurtz, RPS Fellow Laura McIver and Michelle Riddalls, chief executive of the PAGB, have been recognised for their services to pharmacy.…

Looking back at 2024: a review of the biggest stories in pharmacy

In this episode, The PJ team revisits 2024 in pharmacy before sharing predictions for the year ahead.…

Online pharmacies to be inspected within six months of registration, says GPhC

The target for first inspections of new bricks-and-mortar pharmacies will be extended to 12 months.…