Supplementary prescribing

Probiotics should be considered when prescribing antibiotics, finds systematic review

The review considered papers that looked at the effect on the composition of bacteria in the gut of antibiotics, probiotics, and the two combined.…

Caroline Clarke — an “immense contribution to pharmacy”

I am writing to acknowledge the 42-year career span of my colleague, Caroline Clarke, who is soon to retire. I hope that this letter will inspire other members of our profession to attain the same dedication irrespective of what stage of their career they are at. She has never sought the limelight b…

RPS publishes updated competency framework for all prescribers across UK

The Royal Pharmaceutical Society has published an updated competency framework for all prescribers on behalf of, and in collaboration with, all the prescribing professions in the UK.…

Expand pharmacy services to ease out-of-hours burden, profession’s leaders urge

Roles for pharmacists in general practice, NHS 24, out-of-hours services and A&E, say Scottish pharmacy bodies.…

Potential problems of independent prescribing for all

Although becoming an independent prescriber would equip pharmacists with valuable skills, it may not be necessary for all pharmacists to obtain the qualification. …

Team of pharmacists and medics wins national award for care home service

Award-winning embedded pharmacist team were part of care homes operation that cut A&E attendances by 20%.…

What closer ties with GP practices will mean for pharmacists

Following proposals for pharmacists and GPs to work more closely on patient care, Stephen Robinson looks at reactions to the idea and explains what needs to happen for the vision to become reality.…

RPS to lead update to national prescribing framework

Pharmacists are to receive support tools and guidance as part of a planned update to the national prescribing framework.…

Why this NHS hospital trust asks all its clinical pharmacists to become independent prescribers

An NHS hospital trust in north-east England now insists that its clinical pharmacists hold an independent prescribing qualification. Stephen Robinson finds out why.…

Supporting vulnerable patients with addiction

In her role as an advanced pharmacist in addictions, Elizabeth Marr supports patients who often face prejudice in society. Here, she describes the challenges she faces.…