Society, law and politics

PJ view: Pharmacy technicians are vital in efforts to rescue pharmacists from their workload

Pharmacy technicians are best placed to take on more responsibility to alleviate workforce pressures across all pharmacy sectors.…

Pharmacy regulator considers giving up legal authority to conduct covert investigations of pharmacists

The General Pharmaceutical Council has not used its covert surveillance powers since being granted them in 2018.…

Government should consider ways to prevent ‘inappropriate overseas prescribing’ of hormone drugs, review recommends

The Cass review of gender identity services for children and young people has recommended the government work with the General Pharmaceutical Council to consider statutory solutions to prevent inappropriate overseas prescribing of hormone supplies.…

‘Managing your service’ when the IT does not work

This month, our health policy columnist reflects on the IT issues surrounding the roll out of the Pharmacy First service in England.…

The importance of diverse clinical imagery within health education

Itching to experience Pharmacy First firsthand, I signed up to a locum community pharmacy Saturday shift in my area. I arrived at work slightly more animated than usual having already familiarised myself with the relevant self-assessment framework and patient group directions.  My first cons…

Politicians urged to review prescription charge system as fee rises to almost £10 per item

The NHS prescription charge will increase from £9.65 to £9.90 per item from 1 May 2024.…

NHS England says PCNs should work with community pharmacy ‘in the best interests of patient care’

In the primary care networks contract specification for 2024/2025, NHS England said they must work with other community service providers to “successfully manage the health and care needs of the populations they serve”.…

Roz Gittins: ‘The longer fitness-to-practise processes take, the longer registrants are left in purgatory’

As the new chief pharmacy officer for the General Pharmaceutical Council, Roz Gittins tells The Pharmaceutical Journal that she is bringing a fresh pair of eyes to the regulator’s fitness-to-practise process.…

Acute complications of diabetes in adults: diagnosis and management

How to recognise and manage hypoglycaemia, hyperglycaemia and hyperglycaemic hyperosmolar state, as well as providing information on prevention and managing sick days.…

Free over-the-counter medicine scheme to support patients in cost of living crisis

The ‘Self-care medicines scheme’ will be open to people unable to afford over-the-counter medicines owing to low income and will cover the London boroughs of Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Haringey and Islington.…