Issue : PJ May 2017 online
Manifestos differ on role of STPs
The Conservative Party has promised, if it wins the election, to support the continuation of Sustainability and Transformation Plans while Labour says it would "halt and review" the 44 plans which are being developed in England.
Researchers find genetic link to female urinary incontinence
The first genetic variants to be associated with female urinary incontinence have been identified.
Community pharmacy saves the day again Subscription
31 MAY 2017 16:18 By Ben Merriman
On Friday 12 May 2017, we saw what was possibly the biggest attack on the NHS IT infrastructure. Despite not appearing to be a specific target, it has had a massive effect on patient care. There were many GP surgeries unable to access online patient records or issue electronic prescriptions; enter community pharmacy.
Researchers suggest that beta blockers do not cut death risk after heart attack
31 MAY 2017 14:51 By Emma Wilkinson
A large British study has cast doubt on the benefits of using beta blockers in patients after they have had acute myocardial infarction, at least in those without heart failure.
Increased body mass index causes poor heart health even in young people
UK researchers have shown that increasing body mass index worsens cardiovascular health, even in people as young as 17.
Pharmacy plays 'vital role' in smoking cessation success
31 MAY 2017 10:52 By Debbie Andalo
To coincide with World No Tobacco Day on 31 May 2017, we take a closer look at the benefits of smoking cessation services and new regulations.
Suicide risk for adolescents who drink and use drugs
30 MAY 2017 17:15 By Ingrid Torjesen
Adolescents admitted to hospital as an emergency for drug, alcohol, or violence-related injury have a similar risk of suicide over the next ten years to an adolescent admitted for self-harming, a study published in The Lancet on 25 May 2017 has found.
Lung cancer diagnosis increases risk of suicide fourfold
Patients diagnosed with cancer have a greater risk of suicide than the general population, and the risk is highest in those with lung cancer, according to a US study.
European Medicines Agency new adverse drug reactions system to go live in November
The European Medicines Agency has announced that its new and improved version of EudraVigilance, the European information system of suspected adverse reactions to medicines, is on track to go live on 22 November 2017.
First cancer treatment for solid tumour with specific genetic feature approved in US
The US Food and Drug Administration has approved the first cancer treatment for use against tumours with a common biomarker regardless of where in the body the tumour originated.
Study reveals more than half of pharmacy service users did not receive advice when collecting prescriptions
26 MAY 2017 17:23 By Corrinne Burns
More than half of community pharmacists are not giving advice to patients collecting prescription medicines, despite a requirement in their contracts to do so, a study has revealed.
History of Pharmacy course to include tour of Royal Pharmaceutical Society museum Subscription
A tour of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) museum will form part of an upcoming course on the 'History of Pharmacy and the Pharmaceutical Industry', to be held between 6 and 8 December 2017.
#WhyWeDoResearch Tweetchat explores how research improves patient care Subscription
The first session of the #WhyWeDoResearch Tweetfest 2017, curated by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS), Pharmacy Research UK (PRUK) and WePharmacists, discussed "Research and evidence in pharmacy: engaging to improve patient care".
Pharmacists have vital role in reducing pressures on health system, says leading pharmacist
26 MAY 2017 13:11 By Alison Moore
Pharmacists have an important role to play in combating pressures on health and social care services caused by an increasingly older population, according to leading academic Nina Barnett.
Research funders pledge transparency on trial results
Some of the world's largest research funders have pledged to make all their trial results publicly available, meaning that doctors and other prescribers will be able to make better informed choices.
Corrected Pharmacy Access Scheme payments now being sent out, Department of Health assures pharmacies
The Department of Health has sent a letter to all pharmacies eligible for Pharmacy Access Scheme payments informing them that they will receive correct payments due to them under the scheme.
RPS endorses new guidelines on emergency oxygen use Subscription
The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) has endorsed new British Thoracic Society guidelines on the use of emergency oxygen, which is prescribed to treat hypoxaemia. The ...
'Ask the Pharmacist': RPS member part of expert panel on new Daily Mail advice column Subscription
23 May 2017: The Daily Mail has introduced a new weekly 'Ask the Pharmacist' column, in collaboration with LloydsPharmacy. In his first column, Colin Dougall — a member of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) — responded to a query about medicines storage.
ABPI rejects calls for greater pricing transparency
Calls from the World Health Organization (WHO) for greater transparency over medicines pricing have been rejected by the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry.
Oxervate gets EMA approval for rare degenerative eye disease
The European Medicines Agency (EMA), which evaluates medicinal products for use in Europe, has recommended Oxervate (marketed by Dompé) for marketing authorisation for the treatment of moderate or severe neurotrophic keratitis.