Press Releases
Derbyshire pharmacists warn of funding cuts impact
Derbyshire Pharmacists say: Bone Up on Your Health!
South Derbyshire pharmacists offering NHS flu protection
Dronfield pharmacists offering NHS flu protection
Swadlincote pharmacists offering NHS flu protection
Long Eaton pharmacists offering NHS flu protection
21 December 2015
Derbyshire pharmacists warn of funding cuts impact
Community pharmacists in Derbyshire have warned that services to patients could suffer because of major government funding cuts.
The national NHS budget for community pharmacy is to shrink by £170m next year (a reduction of six per cent) – with further cuts expected beyond that.
The Department of Health has indicated that many community pharmacies are too close together and it expects some to shut as a result of the funding reductions.
It’s feared that the impact on Derbyshire’s 217 community pharmacies will be significant. Many serve isolated communities in rural areas.
John Sargeant, Chair of Community Pharmacy Derbyshire, which represents all the county’s pharmacists, said: “This is a profoundly damaging move, at a time when the Government itself recognises the important role of pharmacy as the NHS struggles to cope.
“It will deliver a destructive blow to the support community pharmacies can offer to patients and the public. We provide vital healthcare and advice which reduces the burden on GPs and urgent care services and helps the NHS to deal with winter pressures.”
Community pharmacies are paid by the NHS to dispense prescriptions and deliver a range of other essential services, including some commissioned by local councils and working with patients to ensure they have the right medicines and know how to take them.
Increasingly, the NHS has encouraged people to go to their local pharmacy for advice about healthy living and help with minor ailments in order to relieve pressures on doctors and emergency services.
Mr Sargeant added: “Pharmacies are businesses. If income falls, they can only survive by cutting costs. That could mean job losses, opening for fewer hours or cutting some services. If pharmacies still remain unviable, they will face closure.”
12 October 2015
Derbyshire Pharmacists say: Bone Up on Your Health!
Pharmacists in Derbyshire and the National Osteoporosis Society have formed a unique partnership to help thousands of people with fragile bones.
The alliance between community pharmacists and the leading charity is the first of its kind anywhere in the country and has been formed to coincide with World Osteoporosis Day on October 20th.
Community Pharmacy Derbyshire is paying for special National Osteoporosis Society information packs to be sent to more than 200 pharmacies across the county.
The aim is to promote the role that community pharmacists can have in supporting patients with osteoporosis, a condition which weakens bones particularly in older people:
- 46,000 people in Derbyshire and three million nationally are thought to have osteoporosis.
- Half of all women and one in five of men over the age of 50 will break a bone as a result of poor bone health.
- Every year there are 300,000 fractures as a result of fragile bones.
- Many hip fractures lead to death or permanent disability.
59-year-old Derby nurse Alison Longdon discovered she had osteoporosis last year, when she tripped on holiday and fractured her pelvis in three places. Recovery has been a slow painful process and the fear of falling again remains.
Alison, from Allestree, said: “It hadn’t crossed my mind that I’d be so young when osteoporosis affected me. That is why this is such a great initiative. Anyone who wants to know more should talk to their GP or pharmacist.”
Pharmacists will use the information packs to provide such advice. This could include assessing the impact on their bones of any medicines they are taking and suggesting lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of fractures.
Community Pharmacy Derbyshire has also laid on special training sessions for local pharmacists. Chair John Sargeant said: “Community pharmacists are ideally placed to provide support and guidance to patients suffering from osteoporosis and thereby help to reduce the incidence of fractures.
“This is just another example of the wide range of services pharmacists offer, and we would encourage people to take advantage of them.”
Caroline Johnson, Development Manager at the National Osteoporosis Society, said, “Osteoporosis can be a debilitating condition but there are steps which can be taken to ensure that people manage it effectively. Pharmacies play a big role in their communities so it’s vital that we give them information about osteoporosis to help those affected.”
The NOS runs an Osteoporosis Helpline on: 0808 800 0035.
Case study
When Alison Longdon was 58, the last thing she was worried about was osteoporosis. But after fracturing her pelvis in three places falling over a plant pot when on holiday in Madeira, her life changed forever.
Having worked as a nurse in Derby for over 20 years, Alison had to give up her job because of the diagnosis of osteoporosis and the realisation that she could no longer be as active as she once was.
She is now hoping to set up a support group and is keen to help raise awareness of the condition – particularly to emphasise that it’s not just about older women: “I knew about osteoporosis as family members had it, but it hadn’t crossed my mind that I’d be so young when it affected me.
“I suddenly felt old, which was very upsetting. I became scared of going out as I was nervous of falling again. Gradually I’ve got back into walking which I love so much, but the diagnosis has changed the way that I approach life.”
5 October 2015
South Derbyshire pharmacists offering NHS flu protection
Pharmacists in South Derbyshire and across the county are welcoming the opportunity to deliver free flu jabs, as part of a new NHS initiative.
A new national contract has been agreed, under which pharmacists across the country can provide protection on the NHS to patients considered most at risk from flu:
- People aged 65 and over
- All adults with a serious existing health complication, such as diabetes, heart disease or breathing difficulties
- Pregnant women
- Any carer of an older or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if the carer falls ill
Some Derbyshire pharmacists have offered flu jabs in the run-up to previous winters, either as a private paid-for service or through local agreements. However, this is the first time the NHS has involved them on such a scale – significantly increasing patient choice.
Two thirds of all pharmacy contractors in Derby and Derbyshire (146 out of 217) have registered to provide the service, which requires them to have undergone special training and to have a private room for administering the flu vaccine.
Pharmacist Linda Beech of Village Pharmacy at Village Community Medical Centre which serves Mickleover, Littleover, Sunny Hill and as far reaching as Stenson Fields said:
“Pharmacies offer a convenient alternative to GP surgeries, where flu vaccines have traditionally been given, mainly because we’re open six days a week. Patients can ring ahead to make an appointment or just drop in at a time that suits them.
“We are fully trained in giving the jabs and the service not only means a more convenient alternative to patients but also takes pressure off busy GP surgeries.”
The aim is to ensure an increase in the overall protection the community by extending the uptake of vaccinations by people who have missed out in other years. The new national contract reflects the increasing importance assigned to the role of pharmacists in helping people to stay well, especially during winter months.
John Sargeant, Chair of Community Pharmacy Derbyshire, which represents all the county’s pharmacists, said: “Vaccinations are vital to protect people for whom seasonal flu is a real danger. Pharmacists are well placed to undertake this work. It’s another example of how essential community pharmacy is to the health of our population.”
Any patients unsure about whether they qualify for an NHS flu jab or with any other queries are being encouraged to ask their local pharmacist, who will be happy to help.
Full details of Derbyshire pharmacists providing flu vaccinations under the new national NHS contract can be found through an interactive map, allowing people to zoom in on their area to identify the pharmacy most convenient for them. The map is at: https://batchgeo.com/map/afc0c5c18e0799cfda5ef167ce4c6c4d
5 October 2015
Dronfield pharmacists offering NHS flu protection
Pharmacists in Dronfield and across Derbyshire are welcoming the opportunity to deliver free flu jabs, as part of a new NHS initiative.
A new national contract has been agreed, under which pharmacists across the country can provide protection on the NHS to patients considered most at risk from flu:
- People aged 65 and over
- All adults with a serious existing health complication, such as diabetes, heart disease or breathing difficulties
- Pregnant women
- Any carer of an older or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if the carer falls ill
Some Derbyshire pharmacists have offered flu jabs in the run-up to previous winters, either as a private paid-for service or through local agreements. However, this is the first time the NHS has involved them on such a scale – significantly increasing patient choice.
Two thirds of all pharmacy contractors in Derby and Derbyshire (146 out of 217) have registered to provide the service, which requires them to have undergone special training and to have a private room for administering the flu vaccine.
Pharmacist David Smith of Peak Pharmacy, Green Lane in Dronfield said: “We have been providing Flu vaccinations for many years in the pharmacy. NHS eligible patients now have more choice as to where to go to get their free vaccination. They don’t even need to make an appointment at the pharmacy.
“Working together with GP practices we should be able to ensure more “at risk” patients are able to receive their free flu jab this year.”
The aim is to ensure an increase in the overall protection the community by extending the uptake of vaccinations by people who have missed out in other years. The new national contract reflects the increasing importance assigned to the role of pharmacists in helping people to stay well, especially during winter months.
John Sargeant, Chair of Community Pharmacy Derbyshire, which represents all the county’s pharmacists, said: “Vaccinations are vital to protect people for whom seasonal flu is a real danger. Pharmacists are well placed to undertake this work. It’s another example of how essential community pharmacy is to the health of our population.”
Pharmacies offer a convenient alternative to GP surgeries, where flu vaccines have traditionally been given, because they’re open at weekends and appointments may not even be necessary.
Any patients unsure about whether they qualify for an NHS flu jab or with any other queries are being encouraged to ask their local pharmacist, who will be happy to help.
Full details of Derbyshire pharmacists providing flu vaccinations under the new national NHS contract can be found through an interactive map, allowing people to zoom in on their area to identify the pharmacy most convenient for them. The map is at: https://batchgeo.com/map/afc0c5c18e0799cfda5ef167ce4c6c4d
5 October 2015
Swadlincote pharmacists offering NHS flu protection
Pharmacists in Swadlincote and across Derbyshire are welcoming the opportunity to deliver free flu jabs, as part of a new NHS initiative.
A new national contract has been agreed, under which pharmacists across the country can provide protection on the NHS to patients considered most at risk from flu:
- People aged 65 and over
- All adults with a serious existing health complication, such as diabetes, heart disease or breathing difficulties
- Pregnant women
- Any carer of an older or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if the carer falls ill
Some Derbyshire pharmacists have offered flu jabs in the run-up to previous winters, either as a private paid-for service or through local agreements. However, this is the first time the NHS has involved them on such a scale – significantly increasing patient choice.
Two thirds of all pharmacy contractors in Derby and Derbyshire (146 out of 217) have registered to provide the service, which requires them to have undergone special training and to have a private room for administering the flu vaccine.
Swadlincote pharmacist Ben Eaton of Dean and Smedley Pharmacy said: “Pharmacies offer a convenient alternative to GP surgeries, where flu vaccines have traditionally been given, mainly because we’re open six days a week. Patients can ring ahead to make an appointment or just drop in at a time that suits them.
“We are fully trained in giving the jabs and the service not only means a more convenient alternative to patients but also takes pressure off busy GP surgeries.”
The aim is to ensure an increase in the overall protection the community by extending the uptake of vaccinations by people who have missed out in other years. The new national contract reflects the increasing importance assigned to the role of pharmacists in helping people to stay well, especially during winter months.
John Sargeant, Chair of Community Pharmacy Derbyshire, which represents all the county’s pharmacists, added: “Vaccinations are vital to protect people for whom seasonal flu is a real danger. Pharmacists are well placed to undertake this work. It’s another example of how essential community pharmacy is to the health of our population.”
Any patients unsure about whether they qualify for an NHS flu jab or with any other queries are being encouraged to ask their local pharmacist, who will be happy to help.
Full details of Derbyshire pharmacists providing flu vaccinations under the new national NHS contract can be found through an interactive map, allowing people to zoom in on their area to identify the pharmacy most convenient for them. The map is at: https://batchgeo.com/map/afc0c5c18e0799cfda5ef167ce4c6c4d
5 October 2015
Long Eaton pharmacists offering NHS flu protection
Pharmacists in Long Eaton and across Derbyshire are welcoming the opportunity to deliver free flu jabs, as part of a new NHS initiative.
A new national contract has been agreed, under which pharmacists across the country can provide protection on the NHS to patients considered most at risk from flu:
- People aged 65 and over
- All adults with a serious existing health complication, such as diabetes, heart disease or breathing difficulties
- Pregnant women
- Any carer of an older or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if the carer falls ill
Some Derbyshire pharmacists have offered flu jabs in the run-up to previous winters, either as a private paid-for service or through local agreements. However, this is the first time the NHS has involved them on such a scale – significantly increasing patient choice.
Two thirds of all pharmacy contractors in Derby and Derbyshire (146 out of 217) have registered to provide the service, which requires them to have undergone special training and to have a private room for administering the flu vaccine.
Pharmacist Nitin Lakhani of Jaysons Pharmacy in Long Eaton said: “Pharmacies offer a convenient alternative to GP surgeries, where flu vaccines have traditionally been given, mainly because we’re open six days a week. Patients can ring ahead to make an appointment or just drop in at a time that suits them.
“We are fully trained in giving the jabs and the service not only means a more convenient alternative to patients but also takes pressure off busy GP surgeries.”
The aim is to ensure an increase in the overall protection the community by extending the uptake of vaccinations by people who have missed out in other years. The new national contract reflects the increasing importance assigned to the role of pharmacists in helping people to stay well, especially during winter months.
John Sargeant, Chair of Community Pharmacy Derbyshire, which represents all the county’s pharmacists, added: “Vaccinations are vital to protect people for whom seasonal flu is a real danger. Pharmacists are well placed to undertake this work. It’s another example of how essential community pharmacy is to the health of our population.”
Any patients unsure about whether they qualify for an NHS flu jab or with any other queries are being encouraged to ask their local pharmacist, who will be happy to help.
Full details of Derbyshire pharmacists providing flu vaccinations under the new national NHS contract can be found through an interactive map, allowing people to zoom in on their area to identify the pharmacy most convenient for them. The map is at: https://batchgeo.com/map/afc0c5c18e0799cfda5ef167ce4c6c4d
