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Wales to launch first Women’s Health Research Centre in April

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Wales to launch first Women’s Health Research Centre in April

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🚨 Wales launches its first Women's Health Research Centre! 🚨
💰 Backed by £3M funding from Health and Care Research Wales
🩺 Focus on closing the gender health gap
📝 Nearly 60 actions planned for better healthcare access
🏥 Women's health hubs to be established by 2026

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£3 Million Boost For Women’s Health Research In Wales

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A dedicated Women’s Health Research Centre is set to open in Wales this April, as part of the Welsh government’s plan to close the gender health gap.

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Novo Nordisk has reported a 57% surge in sales for its obesity drug Wegovy, with 2.2 million patients now using the treatment. 

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Novo Nordisk has reported a 57% surge in sales for its obesity drug Wegovy, with 2.2 million patients now using the treatment. 

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The company projects up to 24% growth in 2025! 🏥💊. 📌 Pharma Update: Wegovy Sales Soar!
✔️ Novo Nordisk reports a 57% increase in sales of Wegovy
✔️ 2.2M patients now using obesity treatments
✔️ Company expects 16-24% sales growth in 2025

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Novo Nordisk Sees Strong Surge In Wegovy Sales

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Strong demand for weight loss drugs Wegovy and Ozempic drives Novo Nordisk’s sales growth in 2024, though a slight slowdown is expected next year.

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🚀 The NHS Green Plan is reshaping healthcare for a greener future! 🌿💙

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🚀 The NHS Green Plan is reshaping healthcare for a greener future! 🌿💙

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Did you know that inhalers are a major contributor to medicine-related emissions? The NHS is taking action by switching to low-carbon alternatives to reduce environmental impact without compromising patient care.

💡 Eco-friendly inhalers = healthier planet + healthier people!

Let’s support this initiative for a sustainable future. What are your thoughts? 👇

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NHS Green Plan 2025 : Bold Steps To Cut Medicine Emissions

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Inhalers contribute a large portion of NHS emissions. Patients encouraged to return used or expired inhalers to pharmacies for appropriate disposal.

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UCAS data shows a 50% increase in MPharm applications since 2021, with growing interest, especially from international and female applicants.

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UCAS data shows a 50% increase in MPharm applications since 2021, with growing interest, especially from international and female applicants.

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The number of MPharm applications has surged by over 50% since 2021, reaching 33,300 in 2024. This is a 51.4% increase from 21,995 applications in 2021. The total number of students admitted to MPharm courses in 2024 is 4,570, up from 4,400 in 2021. Women make up 66.9% of applications, and international applications have grown by 57.6%, with male international applicants rising by 63.7%. However, applications from those aged 35+ declined by 5.1%. The Royal Pharmaceutical Society highlights the growing interest in pharmacy careers.

For more details, visit the full article here.

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Data from the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) show that UK pharmacy schools received 33,300 applications for MPharm programmes in 2024, marking a 4.9 per cent increase from 2023.

This represents a rise from 21,995 applications in 2021, reflecting an overall growth of 51.4 per cent.

According to the 2024 UCAS end-of-cycle figures, a total of 4,570 students secured a place on an MPharm course in 2024, up from 4,400 in 2021.

UCAS data account for most of full-time undergraduate provision in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and about two-thirds of applications in Scotland.

Women have consistently represented the majority of applicants since 2021, making up 66.9 per cent of applications in 2024.

International applications have also grown each year, rising by 57.6 per cent from 3,860 in 2021 to 6,085 in 2024.

The most significant increase was among male international students, whose applications surged by 63.7 per cent-from 1,225 in 2021 to 2,005 in 2024.

However, applications from individuals aged 35 and over have declined by 5.1 per cent over the same period.

Claire Anderson, president of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS), noted that the increase in pharmacy applications reflects "growing interest in the profession and recognition of the ever-expanding clinical role of pharmacists."

As quoted by The Pharmaceutical Journal, she emphasised the need to embed teaching into everyday practice, expand clinical placements across all sectors, and ensure pharmacists have protected time for supervision and professional development to maintain high-quality education and training.

Anderson also stressed that as demand grows, any expansion of MPharm places must be supported by adequate resources, including investment in experiential learning, teaching infrastructure, and academic staff.

"The growing diversity of applicants is also positive," she said, emphasising the importance of pharmacy schools creating an inclusive learning environment with diverse role models.

In its workforce plan, NHS England has committed to increasing pharmacist training places to around 5,000 by 2031/2032 to meet the demand for pharmacy services.

Published on 30 June 2023, the 'NHS Long Term Workforce Plan ' aims to invest £2.4bn in education and training to address the "112,000 vacancies across the NHS workforce" reported in March 2023.

In August 2024, the Pharmacy Schools' Council (PhSC) cautioned against the "uncontrolled increase" in the number of pharmacy schools across the UK, highlighting the significant pressure this puts on an "already strained and constrained" Higher Education sector.

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MPharm Applications In The UK Surge By Over 50% Since 2021

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In 2024, UK pharmacy schools saw a 4.9% rise in MPharm applications, totaling 33,300, according to UCAS data.

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UK Seizes Over £40M Worth of Illegal Medicines in 2024: A Major Crackdown on Unlicensed Drugs

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UK Seizes Over £40M Worth of Illegal Medicines in 2024: A Major Crackdown on Unlicensed Drugs

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The UK authorities have seized 17 million doses of illegal medicines, valued at £40M, in 2024. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) removed a variety of dangerous drugs from circulation, including sedatives, painkillers, and erectile dysfunction treatments. This action aims to combat online trafficking and ensure public safety.

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UK Seizes 17M Illegal Medicines Worth £40M In 2024

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MHRA’s crackdown on unlicensed imports protects public health in the UK by removing 17M illegal medicine doses worth £40M.

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The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) is set to release updated guidance introducing additional safeguards for high-risk medicines, including weight loss treatments. The Company Chemists’ Association (CCA) contends that existing regulations are sufficient for the safe online supply of these medications.

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The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) is set to release updated guidance introducing additional safeguards for high-risk medicines, including weight loss treatments. The Company Chemists’ Association (CCA) contends that existing regulations are sufficient for the safe online supply of these medications.

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The evolving landscape of online pharmacy services has prompted regulatory bodies to reassess and update guidelines to ensure patient safety, particularly concerning the prescription and supply of weight loss medications. The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) has announced forthcoming updates to its guidance, introducing additional safeguards for high-risk medicines, including those used for weight management.

This initiative underscores the GPhC's commitment to ensuring that all pharmacies, including online platforms, deliver services that prioritize the health, safety, and well-being of patients and the public. The existing guidance mandates that prescribers adhere to national prescribing guidelines and follow established best practices. The updated guidance aims to further enhance these protocols by specifying additional precautions for high-risk medications.

In response to the proposed updates, the National Pharmacy Association (NPA) has advocated for more stringent measures. The NPA emphasizes the necessity of comprehensive two-way consultations with patients and thorough reviews of their medical histories before dispensing higher-risk medications, such as weight loss injections. This perspective highlights a proactive approach to patient safety, ensuring that medications are prescribed based on a complete understanding of individual health profiles.

Conversely, the Company Chemists’ Association (CCA) holds a differing viewpoint. The CCA asserts that its members have a longstanding history of safely providing weight loss medicines remotely. They argue that when current regulations and guidance are properly followed, the prescribing and supply of these medicines are safe and effectively meet patient needs. Consequently, the CCA does not perceive a need for additional regulation, suggesting that strict adherence to existing protocols is sufficient.

This discourse reflects a broader conversation within the pharmaceutical community about balancing innovation in service delivery with the imperative of patient safety. As online pharmacies become increasingly prevalent, ensuring that regulatory frameworks keep pace with technological advancements is crucial. The GPhC's forthcoming guidance updates represent a step toward reinforcing safeguards, while the perspectives of organizations like the NPA and CCA contribute to a nuanced dialogue on the most effective strategies to protect public health.

In conclusion, the ongoing discussions and impending updates to guidance on the online supply of weight loss medicines underscore the dynamic nature of healthcare regulation. They highlight the need for continuous evaluation and adaptation to ensure that patient safety remains at the forefront of pharmaceutical practice in an increasingly digital world.

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GPHC Update Guidance On Online Weight Loss Medicines | CCA

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The GPhC plans new safeguards for online weight loss medicines, while the CCA argues that current regulations are sufficient to ensure safe prescribing and supply.

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NPA demands ‘tougher regulation’ on online sale of weight loss jabs

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NPA demands ‘tougher regulation’ on online sale of weight loss jabs

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1. NPA’s Concerns:

The NPA is calling for stricter regulations on the online sale of weight-loss jabs, citing significant patient safety risks.

These injections, often prescribed for diabetes or weight management, are being sold online without proper oversight, leading to potential misuse and health risks.

2. Patient Safety Risks:

The NPA highlights that online platforms may not adequately verify prescriptions or provide necessary medical supervision.

This lack of regulation increases the risk of improper use, adverse effects, and long-term health complications.

3. Call for Tougher Regulation:

The NPA urges regulators to enforce stricter controls on online pharmacies and platforms selling these medications.

They emphasize the need for proper patient assessment, prescription verification, and follow-up care to ensure safe usage.

4. Impact on Legitimate Pharmacies:

The unchecked sale of weight-loss jabs online undermines the role of community pharmacies, which provide regulated, face-to-face consultations and ensure patient safety.

The NPA argues that this trend could harm public trust in pharmacy services.

5. Broader Implications:

The NPA’s call for action reflects growing concerns about the rise of unregulated online pharmacies and the need for stronger enforcement to protect public health.

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NPA Urges Strict Rules on Online Weight Loss Jabs 2025

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The NPA urges stricter regulations on online weight-loss jabs to protect public health, ensure safety, and uphold trust in reliable healthcare services.

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Community pharmacy funding contract negotiations now finally starting

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Community pharmacy funding contract negotiations now finally starting

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1. Negotiations Begin: The negotiations for the community pharmacy funding contract have finally started. This is a significant development for community pharmacies, which have been awaiting clarity on funding arrangements.

2. Stakeholders Involved: The negotiations involve key stakeholders, including the Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee (PSNC) and the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC). The PSNC represents community pharmacy owners in England, while the DHSC oversees health policy and funding.

3. Funding Challenges: Community pharmacies have faced significant financial challenges in recent years, exacerbated by rising costs and increased demand for services. The outcome of these negotiations is crucial for the sustainability of community pharmacies.

4. Previous Delays: The start of these negotiations has been delayed, causing uncertainty within the sector. The delays have been attributed to various factors, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and changes in government priorities.

5. Importance of Funding: Adequate funding is essential for community pharmacies to continue providing vital services to patients, including dispensing medications, offering health advice, and supporting public health initiatives.

6. Future Implications: The outcome of these negotiations will have long-term implications for the community pharmacy sector, affecting service provision, staffing, and overall viability.

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Government opens discussions on community pharmacy funding contract

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The DHSC has announced the beginning of consultations on the 2024/25 and 2025/26 funding contractual framework for community pharmacy.

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An expert reference group comprising six major organizations—The Patients Association, Royal College of Emergency Medicine, Royal College of General Practitioners, College of Paramedics, National Association of Primary Care, and Association of Ambulance Chief Executives—has identified four primary causes contributing to the NHS winter crisis

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An expert reference group comprising six major organizations—The Patients Association, Royal College of Emergency Medicine, Royal College of General Practitioners, College of Paramedics, National Association of Primary Care, and Association of Ambulance Chief Executives—has identified four primary causes contributing to the NHS winter crisis

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An expert reference group comprising six major organizations—The Patients Association, Royal College of Emergency Medicine, Royal College of General Practitioners, College of Paramedics, National Association of Primary Care, and Association of Ambulance Chief Executives—has identified four primary causes contributing to the NHS winter crisis

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Expert group proposes ‘achievable’ actions to address NHS winter crisis

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An expert reference group has identified four primary causes of the ongoing NHS winter crisis and proposed solutions to address these challenges.

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New standards for chief pharmacists released

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New standards for chief pharmacists released

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Following a review of feedback from last year’s consultation on draft proposals, the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) has published new standards for chief pharmacists.

The standards outline responsibilities, knowledge, conduct, and performance required by a chief pharmacist to support their organisation and its staff to deliver safe and effective pharmacy services.

The regulatory body observed that the updated standards reflect new legislation removing the threat of criminal sanctions for inadvertent preparation and dispensing errors by pharmacy staff working in hospitals and similar settings.

Given that these protections already apply to pharmacy staff in registered pharmacies, this new legislation aims to standardize practices across the sector, thereby encouraging the reporting of incidents, and subsequently learning from errors.

To benefit from the defences, the hospital (or relevant setting) requires a chief pharmacist or equivalent in post, who must be a registered pharmacist with the appropriate skills, training, and experience.

The chief pharmacist must also meet the standards, which include:

Providing strategic and professional leadership.

Developing a workforce with the right skills, knowledge, and experience.

Delegating responsibly and make sure there are clear lines of accountability.

Maintaining and strengthening governance to ensure safe and effective delivery of pharmacy services.

The new standards apply to all chief pharmacists, regardless of the setting they work in.

Louise Edwards, chief strategy officer at GPhC, described the development of the chief pharmacist standards as the first part of their programme to strengthen pharmacy governance.

“The programme aims to provide clarity around how pharmacies are organised and managed to help ensure patients and the public continue to receive safe and effective pharmacy care,” he explained.

Edwards acknowledged that while chief pharmacists often do not provide care directly themselves, their actions have an impact on patient care and people’s confidence in pharmacy.

“The new standards are helping to strengthen assurance in a critical leadership role, and support governance to make sure patients and the public receive safe and effective care,” he added.

The GPhC received 158 responses to the consultation on the draft standards, 132 from individuals and 26 from organisations.

Most respondents showed agreement with the proposals, with 79 per cent stating that the changes would strengthen and maintain pharmacy governance.

While 68 per cent of respondents said the new standards would provide a governance framework supporting staff to report preparation and dispensing errors, 67 per cent agreed that the reporting of errors would help staff learn from those errors.

In addition to the consultation, the GPhC hosted a webinar on the standards and organised two public and patient forums.

After taking into account the feedback, GPhC has made some changes to the standards, including adding a requirement for chief pharmacists to ensure that staff feel confident and supported when challenging behaviours such as discrimination, bullying, and harassment.

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New standards for chief pharmacists released

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The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) has updated standards for chief pharmacists to strengthen pharmacy governance.

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UKHSA’s chief scientific officer, Professor Isabel Oliver, appointed chief medical officer for Wales

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UKHSA’s chief scientific officer, Professor Isabel Oliver, appointed chief medical officer for Wales

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The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is set for two major leadership transitions, four years after its establishment.

Dame Jenny Harries has announced she will step down as UKHSA chief executive in early summer.

Meanwhile, UKHSA’s chief scientific officer, Professor Isabel Oliver, has been appointed chief medical officer for Wales, succeeding Sir Frank Atherton following his retirement.

Appointed in April 2021 as UKHSA’s first chief executive, Dame Jenny played a pivotal role in creating the agency during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Under her leadership, UKHSA developed specialist scientific, data, and operational expertise to safeguard the public from infectious diseases and other health threats.

Reflecting on her tenure, Dame Jenny expressed immense pride in UKHSA’s early achievements.

She said: “We started building the Agency mid-pandemic and since then we have created a genuinely unique and world leading public health agency with strong partnerships across public, private, domestic and international organizations.”

“It has been a privilege to lead the Agency from day one but I am now excited about doing something new in the next phase of my career and while continuing to champion the Agency’s work.”

Health secretary Wes Streeting praised Dame Jenny’s contributions, recognizing her crucial role in protecting the nation’s health.

“Her dedication has inspired countless people and improved the wellbeing of communities across the country. I am extremely grateful for her advice and support since coming into office and wish her every success in her next chapter,” he said.

UKHSA chair, Ian Peters confirmed that work is underway to appoint a successor to lead UKHSA into its next phase.

Professor Isabel Oliver Dame Jenny Harries steps down as UKHSA chief executive

The recruitment process has also started to find a successor for Professor Isabel Oliver as UKHSA’s next chief scientific officer.

During her time at UKHSA, Professor Oliver spearheaded the development of the agency’s science strategy and the delivery of many scientific functions and services.

She created a new Vaccine Development and Evaluation Centre at UKHSA’s Porton Down campus to strengthen pandemic and epidemic preparedness, as well as led the establishment of a new Centre for Health and Climate Change.

As she transitions into her new role as the principal medical adviser and professional head for the medical profession in NHS Wales and the Welsh Government, Professor Oliver expressed gratitude for her time at UKHSA.

“It has been an honor to serve as UKHSA’s first chief scientific officer and lead an excellent team of public health scientists and clinicians who work tirelessly to combat health threats and keep people safe.”

“Although I will miss UKHSA hugely, I look forward to continue working with the Agency in my new role as Chief Medical Officer for Wales,” she said.

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Dame Jenny Harries Resigns as UKHSA Chief | Healthcare Leadership 2025

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Dame Jenny Harries steps down as UKHSA chief executive; Professor Isabel Oliver, chief scientific officer at UKHSA , appointed CMO for Wales.

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Over 400,000 visited pharmacies for common ailments in Wales last year

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Over 400,000 visited pharmacies for common ailments in Wales last year

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In the past year, over 400,000 individuals in Wales utilized community pharmacies for common ailments. Nearly all pharmacies in Wales offer free advice and treatment for 28 common conditions, significantly reducing the strain on GP services.

Pharmacy

Key Insights:

Accessibility: The widespread availability of the common ailments service ensures that patients can receive timely care without needing a GP appointment.

Healthcare Efficiency: By managing minor conditions at the pharmacy level, the service helps alleviate pressure on general practitioners, allowing them to focus on more complex cases.

Patient Empowerment: Offering free advice and treatment empowers individuals to seek care promptly, potentially leading to better health outcomes.

This model highlights the integral role of community pharmacies in enhancing primary healthcare delivery in Wales.

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Over 400,000 Visited Pharmacies For Common Ailments

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Over 400,000 pharmacy visits for common ailments as the Welsh Government invests an additional £9.9M this year expand the common ailments service across Wales.

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UKPPLAB launches ‘Big Conversation’ on the future of pharmacy leadership

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UKPPLAB launches ‘Big Conversation’ on the future of pharmacy leadership

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The UK Pharmacy Professional Leadership Advisory Board (UKPPLAB) is launching a ‘Big Conversation’ as part of a collaborative approach to shaping pharmacy professional leadership for the future.

From 3 to 25 February 2025, a series of interactive webinars will be held across the UK, inviting pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and pharmacy team members to share their views on a proposed vision and common purpose for pharmacy professional leadership.

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UKPPLAB launch Big Conversation on future pharmacy leadership

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UKPPLAB invites pharmacy professionals share views on the future of leadership through webinars, shaping a collaborative vision for the profession.

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Supporting gut health – can friendly bacteria help?

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Supporting gut health – can friendly bacteria help?

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Discover how probiotics can help support gut health and prevent dysbiosis. Learn how balancing your gut microbiome with beneficial bacteria can improve digestion and overall wellness

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Gut Health Support 2024 : Probiotics & Diet Tips for a Healthy Digestive System

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Learn how probiotics, prebiotics, and a gut-friendly diet can support digestive health. Get expert insights on managing gut bacteria for a balanced microbiome.

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Air pollution: The invisible threat to our health

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Air pollution: The invisible threat to our health

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The NPA calls for lessons from the Covid-19 vaccination programme to improve future health responses. Key issues include early involvement of community pharmacies, addressing vaccine hesitancy, and managing unrealistic expectations on healthcare workers to enhance the delivery of vaccines and therapeutics

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Air Pollution: Protecting Health with Actionable Solutions 2024

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Discover how air pollution impacts vulnerable communities and exacerbates health inequalities. Learn actionable tips for pharmacists to support patients with asthma and COPD, and why clean air is a fundamental right