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Found 172 results
  1. Event
    As health care systems grow increasingly complex, pharmacists are key members of the patient care team. This webinar, held by the World Patients Alliance in collaboration with the International Pharmaceutical Federation, will explore how pharmacists contribute to safer care through medication management, patient empowerment, and interprofessional collaboration. It will also highlight the patient perspective by showing how patients and families contribute to safer medication use through shared decision-making, early reporting of concerns, health literacy, and partnerships with pharmacists and other health professionals. Agenda Co-Chairs: Marianne Ivey, Professor, Division of Pharmacy Practice and Administrative Sciences, College of Pharmacy, the University of Cincinnati, USA Helen Haskell, Chair of WPA Patient Safety & Quality Council, World Patients Alliance (WPA), USA Advancing patient safety: The expanding role of pharmacists across health systems John Hertig, Adjunct Assistant Professor, Purdue University; Founder and President, Hertig Healthcare Advising LLC, USA From intervention to impact: reducing medication errors through patient-centred care Mohamed Elsabakhawi, Pharmacist/Owner, Shoppers Drug Mart, Mississauga, Canada Improving teamwork and communication for medication safety and patient-centred care Regina Mariam Namata Kamoga, Executive Director, for Community Health and Information Network (CHAIN), Uganda Panellists: John Hertig, Adjunct Assistant Professor, Purdue University; Founder and President, Hertig Healthcare Advising LLC, USA Regina Mariam Namata Kamoga, Executive Director, Community Health and Information Network (CHAIN), Uganda Mohamed Elsabakhawi, Pharmacist/Owner, Shoppers Drug Mart, Canada Register here.
  2. News Article
    Britons are facing some of the “most severe” shortages of NHS medicines on record including common painkillers, epilepsy drugs and HRT, health leaders have warned, even forcing some patients with impaired digestive systems to skip meals. The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) has warned that medicine shortages pose a “serious risk to patient safety”. The Royal College of GPs has also raised concerns about the impact medicine shortages have on patients, GPs and pharmacists. Both have highlighted long-lasting supply issues affecting Estradot, a hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for menopausal women, and Creon, a drug taken by people with pancreatic cancer and cystic fibrosis to help them digest food. Britons are facing some of the “most severe” shortages of NHS medicines on record including common painkillers, epilepsy drugs and HRT, health leaders have warned, even forcing some patients with impaired digestive systems to skip meals. Olivier Picard, a pharmacist who chairs the NPA, said: “Medicine shortages are becoming more frequent, lasting longer and causing increasing disruption for patients.” “These shortages are some of the most severe the UK has experienced. It is deeply distressing to find patients who have travelled from pharmacy to pharmacy to find the medicines they need without success.” He said shortages were “frustrating and worrying”, and that “in some instances they pose a serious risk to patient safety”. Read full story Source: The Guardian, 18 June 2026 Further reading on the hub: Medicines shortages: minimising the impact on patients Creon shortages: “It’s just another thing patients with cystic fibrosis could do without” Medication supply issues: Mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) Medication supply issues: A pharmacist’s perspective
  3. Content Article
    This report from the Men's Health Forum examines the role of community pharmacy in improving men’s health in the UK, the theme of Men’s Health Week 2026. The report sets out a five-point plan that pharmacies should adopt to become a male-friendly pharmacy, which encourages more men to engage. This report’s findings are Based on a survey from a UK-wide poll in 2025 exploring men’s evolving attitudes to health and pharmacy. The report highlighted the following key themes emerging from this: Privacy as a prerequisite: Without genuinely private, professional spaces, men are unlikely to open up. Environment and culture matter: Pharmacies often still feel feminised and transactional, deterring men from engagement. Trust is built through relationships: Men respond to respectful, non-patronising interactions and consistent positive experiences. Meet men where they are: Outreach in community settings and constructive engagement with online and AI-based health information are essential. Services, not sales: The future of community pharmacy might well lie in healthcare services commissioned by the NHS, not retail.
  4. News Article
    Patients in the UK will soon be able to buy the Wegovy weight-loss pill, the medicines regulator announced on Thursday. It is the first GLP-1 receptor agonist tablet for weight-loss to be approved by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), making the UK the third country to authorise the pills, behind the US and the United Arab Emirates. Before now, UK patients using the drug have had to use the injectable version. Emil Kongshøj Larsen, the executive vice-president for international operations at Novo Nordisk, the Danish multinational which makes the drug, said: “This is a landmark approval, making the UK the first country in Europe to approve Wegovy pill. We hope this approval supports increasing access to obesity care in the UK.” The pills, which contain semaglutide, are now approved for adults who are obese (BMI of 30 or above) or overweight (BMI of 27-30) and have at least one weight-related health condition. Until Wegovy tablets are approved by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice), they will not be available on the NHS and eligible patients will have to get a private prescription. As with the injectable form, Wegovy pills have to be taken carefully. Patients need to take them whole with a sip of water on an empty stomach after fasting for at least eight hours, then avoid food or drink for at least 30 minutes. The most common side effects of Wegovy pills are gastrointestinal disorders including nausea, diarrhoea, constipation and vomiting. The MHRA said anyone experiencing a side effects should talk to their doctor, pharmacist or nurse and report it directly to the yellow card scheme. Read full story Source: The Guardian, 11 June 2026
  5. News Article
    More pharmacists in England will be able to prescribe medications as part of an effort to speed up care and ease pressure on GP surgeries and hospitals. As part of the Pharmacy First scheme, pharmacists can currently prescribe medication for a sore throat, earache, sinusitis, shingles, impetigo, infected bites and urinary tract infections. From the autumn, the new £340m investment will see five common ailments added to this list, although it is not yet clear what these will be. The Pharmacy First scheme in England was first launched in 2024, and allows patients to see their pharmacist for advice, over-the-counter treatments and prescription-only medicines. According to the Department of Health and Social Care, more than 3.3 million consultations under the scheme were carried out between March 2025 and February 2026. Health Minister Stephen Kinnock said the government is "making the most of our highly skilled pharmacists, while boosting access to services and giving patients more care right on their doorstep". "Independent prescribing will play a major part in delivering this shift, easing pressures on GPs, cutting unnecessary red tape and helping patients get the right care closer to home," he said. The NPA said that while the deal "points in the right direction", it did not address the "crippling" new costs hitting pharmacies. "We remain concerned that it does very little to close the £2.5bn funding gap that the NHS itself identified a year ago," said NPA chairman Dr Olivier Picard, adding that the expanded scheme was "nowhere near ambitious enough to transform patient access to care, nor make full use of pharmacists' skills". He went on: "We are also concerned that the current funding levels mean that many pharmacies will struggle to take this development forwards, risking its success. Pharmacies cannot sustain yet more loss-making work." Read full story Source: BBC News, 29 May 2026
  6. News Article
    Epilepsy patients are living with the risk of having “life-threatening” seizures as drug supply problems are forcing some to skip their medication. There are hundreds of drugs, including those for epilepsy, blood pressure, blood thinning and some cancer medicines, that patients are finding harder to get hold of in England. For the 630,000 people with epilepsy living in the UK, these medicines help them safely live their lives and skipping a dose can have potentially deadly consequences. “It’s really scary to think that through no fault of my own, this could be the reason I don’t wake up in the morning,” Beth Baker-Carey told the Independent. The 28-year-old from Doncaster, who has suffered from seizures since she was two, once had ten seizures a day, but medication keeps her stable. Although medicine shortages are common, she explained it has worsened since the start of the war in Iran. The department of health and social care is aware of supply issues with some epilepsy medications, but has said these are not directly linked to the war. Ms Baker-Carey has been notified several times by pharmacies that they have no stock in recent months. “I’ve had to jump through hoops and go to different pharmacies to get medication,” she said. “A couple of times it has been quite late at night and I’ve not been able to get it. I’ve been told to just skip it for the night, which is not really wise for a person with epilepsy, skipping can be really dangerous and sometimes fatal." Read full story Source: The Independent, 6 May 2026 Further reading on the hub: Creon shortages: “It’s just another thing patients with cystic fibrosis could do without” Medication supply issues: Mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS)
  7. News Article
    "It's just terrifying," Chloe says. "I get panic attacks." The 29-year-old has epilepsy and is struggling to get the drugs she needs to prevent life-threatening seizures. Her Lamotrigine-based medication is one of hundreds of everyday drugs that are now extremely hard to get hold of in England. She has other medications that she can easily get, but the one that helps her to safely live her life and go to work is the one that she struggles to get access to. "In the last few weeks I haven't been able to get the right medications and my seizures came back. I fell and hit my head and have a big scar across my back now from it," Chloe says. Access to medicines in England is at its most fragile point in years. People living with heart conditions, stroke risks, eye infections, bipolar and ADHD - to name just a few - are among those unable to get the medications they depend on. Shortages are caused in part by surging global prices. However, the problem is also being exacerbated by a complicated process of funding medicines in the UK. For patients, it often means rounds of phone calls and anxiety. Chloe says she sometimes sits on the bus for several hours "going on patrol" hunting for the medication she needs. Read full story Source: BBC News, 1 May 2026 Related reading on the hub: Creon shortages: “It’s just another thing patients with cystic fibrosis could do without” Medication supply issues: Mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) Medication supply issues: A pharmacist’s perspective Medicines shortages: minimising the impact on patients (a blog by Catherine Picton)
  8. Content Article
    It is acknowledged that aseptic compounding is one of, if not the, highest risk activities undertaken in pharmacy. Within the field of aseptic compounding, parenteral nutrition (PN) solutions are amongst the most complex and high risk products that are handled, due to their complexity, the number of ingredients, complex stability issues and the potential for the support of microbiological growth. The high risk nature of PN solutions has unfortunately been highlighted by a number of tragic incidents associated with compounding errors and microbiological contamination in recent years that have at times resulted in patient harm and even death. These incidents have occurred in the UK and abroad, and within the UK have been seen in both NHS facilities and commercial specials manufacturers. It is clear that wherever the compounding takes place, there is a risk of these errors and contamination incidents occurring and so robust systems need to be in place to ensure the risks are adequately controlled. This is equally relevant whether the PN is made in house or when the decision is made by a Trust to outsource PN to an external third party provider whether NHS or commercial. The purpose of this document is to give guidance to those outsourcing PN compounding on the risks in the outsourcing and supply process and to enable them identify where local risk control strategies will need to be developed and implemented to manage these risks. However, many of the risks highlighted will also apply to in house compounding and so those NHS units making PN for their own patients may also find this document a useful source of reference. Exploring the drivers for outsourcing and whether this is in fact the best option for supply of PN solutions is outside of the scope of this document; however these should be considered before an outsourcing decision is made.
  9. News Article
    Patients have been advised "not to worry" about medicine supply concerns despite potential links to the conflict in Iran. While reassurances are offered, pharmacy bodies are noting early warning signs. The Independent Pharmacies Association warned the UK faces a "perfect storm of factors exacerbating medicine shortages." The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) adds that pharmacists are seeing "evidence of escalating price rises" for medicines, a potential early warning for supply constraints. Chief executive Dr Leyla Hannbeck said: “The UK pharmacy sector depends heavily on imports, particularly from India and China, and ongoing pressures, from rising energy costs to constrained raw ingredients from the Middle East conflict, are already disrupting supply and risk worsening shortages without decisive action.” Olivier Picard, chairman of the National Pharmacy Association said: “The medicine supply chain is complex and fragile and global trends and events in the Middle East have the potential to cause disruption, as it does with other products. “We have already seen evidence in recent weeks of escalating price rises for medicines for pharmacies in the UK, as the cost of ingredients goes up, and this can be an early sign of supply pressures. “Medicine supply issues vary from month to month, and pharmacies do all they can to ensure patients get the medicines they need." Read full story Source: The Independent, 31 March 2026
  10. News Article
    Pharmacies are running out of stock for the meningitis B vaccine as concern rises and demand soars. The spike comes after the UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed it is now investigating 20 cases of meningitis in Kent during an “explosive” outbreak that has left two dead. Boots has implemented a queuing system for customers to enter the vaccination service page of its website, with a warning that demand for its menB jab is currently high. Superdrug has also created a waiting list for the vaccine, with a note on its website informing customers of a “national shortage” and adding “stock is limited”. It said it is “working with suppliers to secure more doses”. The high street pharmacy reported a 65-fold increase in demand compared to last week. Some pharmacies in Kent are also running out of supplies, according to Dr Leyla Hannbeck, CEO of the Independent Pharmacies Association. Read full story Source: The Independent, 18 March 2026
  11. Content Article
    This report presents the findings of a project delivered by the Patients Association and sponsored by Lilly UK to better understand the experience of patients when purchasing medicines from unregulated online sources, including website and social media.  The project aimed to explore why patients turn to unregulated online channels, the role of social media and targeted advertising, the risks patients face, and what public awareness activity could better support people to stay safe. The research involved a desk-based review of existing evidence and two focus groups conducted in August 2025 with patients and carers from across England. Key findings The research identified four key themes shaping patients’ decisions and experiences: 1. Access barriers are the primary driver of unregulated online medicine use. Patients described long waits for GP and pharmacy appointments, difficulty accessing care, and frustration with an overstretched health system. Many felt they had little choice but to seek medicines online to manage their health needs. 2. Social media and targeted advertising strongly influence patient behaviour. Participants reported being exposed to persuasive advertisements and influencer content promoting medicines, as well as relying on online support groups for advice. While these spaces offer emotional support, they can also normalise bypassing clinical oversight. 3. Patients understand the risks but often feel forced to accept them. Unregulated online sources bypass vital safety checks and may supply counterfeit, ineffective or harmful medicines. Although participants were aware of these dangers, many felt compelled to take the risk due to lack of alternatives. 4. Public awareness efforts should inform, not shame. Participants stressed that patients should not be judged for seeking medicines online, particularly when healthcare access is limited. Instead, campaigns should equip people with clear, practical information to help them stay safe and make informed choices. Recommendations Based on these findings, the report makes four key recommendations: Improve patient awareness of the risks of buying medicines from unregulated online sources. Provide clear guidance on how to identify legitimate and safe online pharmacies. Design public awareness campaigns in partnership with patients to ensure relevance, clarity and impact. Address underlying access barriers that push patients towards unsafe alternatives.
  12. News Article
    People who need to obtain medication at the weekend are having to undertake long trips because more pharmacies are cutting their opening hours on Saturdays and Sundays. One in six pharmacies in England have reduced their hours at weekends since 2022, with some shutting altogether, as a result of “unsustainable” pressures on their budgets. The cuts mean that overall more than 20% of weekend opening hours have been lost, which has left pharmacy services increasingly unavailable, according to the National Pharmacy Association (NPA). That has forced some patients to go to an A&E or urgent treatment centre to get the morning-after pill, or an emergency prescription or advice on how to treat a minor ailment. The NPA chief executive, Olivier Picard, said: “This is yet more evidence that the pharmacy network in England is creaking at the seams after facing deep cuts over a number of years. Sadly the real losers are the millions of patients these pharmacies serve, particularly those in rural areas, who are forced to travel long distances or even go to hospital if they need a prescription or advice for a minor health issue on a Sunday or late at night.” Rebecca Curtayne, the head of public affairs at Healthwatch England, the NHS patient watchdog, said: “People rely on their local pharmacy for timely advice and essential medication, so cuts to weekend opening hours are very worrying. We are already hearing from people about longer journeys to find an open pharmacy, particularly in rural areas, and this creates real difficulties for those with limited mobility or no access to transport. “It is no surprise that some people end up turning to other parts of the NHS when they cannot get the help they need in their community.” Read full story Source: The Guardian, 13 March 2026
  13. Content Article
    Updated polypharmacy prescribing guidance. 'Appropriate Prescribing - Making medicines safe, effective and sustainable 2025-2028' aims to further improve the care of individuals taking multiple medicines through the use of 7-Steps medicine reviews and promotes a holistic approach to person-centred care.
  14. News Article
    In a letter to health secretary Wes Streeting, the National Pharmacy Association (NPA) has claimed that two-thirds of pharmacies are at risk of imminent closure. The results of a survey conducted by the NPA found that at least 65% of pharmacies operated at a loss in 2025, with nearly half (45%) of pharmacy owners relying on personal savings or re-mortgaged homes to subside their pharmacy. These closure threads are “blowing an enormous hole in the NHS ten-year plan before it has even begun”, the letter noted. Read full article. Source: The Pharmaceutical Journal, 18 February 2026
  15. Content Article
    This episode of The PJ Pod talks about the importance of speaking up if you have a safety or wellbeing concern and how to go about it.
  16. News Article
    The NHS has made the morning-after pill available for free across pharmacies in England in an effort to reduce a “postcode lottery” of access to emergency contraception. Almost 10,000 pharmacies are now able to offer the pill without charge, saving those in need of free emergency contraception from having to visit their GP or to get an appointment at a sexual health clinic. Some pharmacies were previously charging as much as £30 for emergency oral contraception. The NHS’s national clinical director for women’s health, Dr Sue Mann, said the expansion was “one of the biggest changes to sexual health services since the 1960s” and “a gamechanger in making reproductive healthcare more easily accessible for women”. “Instead of trying to search for women’s services or explain their needs, from today women can just pop into their local pharmacy and get the oral emergency contraceptive pill free of charge without needing to make an appointment,” she said. “With four in five people living within a 20-minute walk from a pharmacy, this service is another example of how the NHS is already delivering on our 10-year health plan commitment to shift care into the heart of communities”. Read full story Source: The Guardian, 29 October 2025
  17. Content Article
    Despite medication being the most common healthcare intervention and medication-related incidents being common in hospitals, many rural and remote hospitals in Australia lack onsite pharmacy services due to resource constraints. This study examined the outcomes of a Virtual Clinical Pharmacy Service (VCPS) staffed by two senior, rural generalist hospital pharmacists assigned to four hospitals each that was implemented in rural and remote facilities. It aimed to determine whether the VCPS increased adherence to National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards (NSQHS). The study demonstrated that the VCPS: improved compliance with national standards for medication safety had high patient acceptability resulted in the detection of clinically relevant medication-related issues in rural and remote settings. The authors recommend that the possibilities of virtual pharmacy should be explored in further rural and remote locations, in addition to other settings such as urban locations with no onsite clinical pharmacists.
  18. Content Article
    More information about "‘Every minute counts’: taking a national approach to time-critical medicines"
    Despite various initiatives to tackle the problem, safety incidents linked to the late administration of medicines, or medicines that have been omitted entirely, have remained stubbornly high for decades. In this article (link at bottom of page) for the Pharmaceutical Journal, David Lipanovic says a national focus may finally deliver a solution. Related reading: HSSIB investigation report: Medication not given: administration of time critical medication in the emergency department (5 December 2024)
  19. Content Article
    On 27 March 2024 an investigation took place into the death of Sewa Kaur Chaddha, then aged 82. Mrs Chaddha had been living with her husband in Slough. They both had a number of physical health conditions requiring multiple prescribed medications. They both had cognitive impairment due to their age. On 5 May 2023 Mrs Chaddha was found collapsed on the floor at their home. It was discovered that she had been taking her husbands medication instead of her own for several days, including diabetes medication. Her blood sugar levels were found to be extremely low. She died on 10 May 2023 at Wexham Park Hospital of hyponatraemia caused by the necessary treatment for hypoglycaemia which was in turn caused by the accidental ingestion of hypoglycaemic medication. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 24 May 2024. The conclusion of the inquest was accident, the medical cause of death being: I a Hyponatraemia I b Treatment for hypoglycaemia I c Ingestion of hypoglycaemic medication II Frailty of old age, decompensated heart failure, cognitive impairment. Matters of Concerns The medications were provided to the couple by the local pharmacy, then known as Lloyds Pharmacy, in separate dosset boxes. Mrs Chaddha’s medications were provided on a weekly basis. Mr Chaddha’s were provided on a monthly basis. Both patients were elderly and had cognitive impairment. (The two patients’ dosset boxes were identical to each other except for a small pharmacist’s label with small type with the relevant patient’s name. Mrs Chaddha used one of Mr Chaddha’s dosset boxes, rather than her own, for several days. Evidence was given at the inquest that there was no guidance or policy in place for Pharmacists to follow when issuing medication to patients with cognitive impairments, or if there was, it was not well disseminated among the pharmacist population. Evidence was given at the inquest that dosset boxes of different colours or labels with different colours were not routinely given to elderly or cognitively impaired patients living at the same address.
  20. Content Article
    Primary care – general practice, community pharmacy, optometry and dental services – delivers 90% of NHS interactions, face to face, by phone or online. The Primary care patient safety strategy describes the national and local commitments to improve patient safety in primary care, supporting all areas in this sector to fully implement the NHS Patient Safety Strategy. This strategy has three core areas of focus: Developing a supportive, learning environment and just culture in primary care, with sharing across the system so that the services can continually improve. Ensuring that the safety and wellbeing of patients and staff is central, and that our approach to managing safety is systematic and based on safety science and systems thinking. Involving patients in the identification and co-design of primary care patient safety ambitions, opportunities and improvements. This strategy seeks to continuously improve patient safety through existing processes and structures as much as possible, rather than adding work. The timeframes for the implementation of the local commitments are intentionally flexible to allow for the piloting of different approaches, and, while this strategy is for all areas of primary care, some improvements will be implemented first in general practice and the successes and learning then used in the rollout to community pharmacy, optometry and dental services. In summary: Safety culture: participate in the NHS staff survey. Safety systems: complete patient safety syllabus training. Insight: register for and use the new incident recording (LFPSE) and incident response (PSIRF) systems. Involvement: identify patient safety leads and lay patient safety partners. Improvement: review and test patient safety improvements in diagnosis, medication, referrals, optometry and dental services.
  21. Content Article
    This National Patient Safety Alert, issued by the NHS England National Patient Safety Team and endorsed by the Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists, Royal College of Midwives and Royal College of Anaesthetists, instructs all relevant NHS funded maternity care providers to cease pre-preparing oxytocin infusions at ward level in all clinical areas. All actions should be completed by 31 March 2025. Midwives need to complete several tasks immediately and simultaneously following birth to ensure the safety of both the mother and baby. To support this, postpartum oxytocin infusions have been prepared in advance of being required. If a pre-prepared oxytocin infusion is unintentionally given before the baby is born, for example if it is confused with standard fluids or the intrapartum and postpartum infusions are confused, the woman’s contractions will increase in frequency and strength. This can lower the baby’s oxygen levels and alter their heart rate, increasing the risk of placental abruption (where the placenta prematurely separates from the uterus and deprives the baby of oxygen). A review of the National Reporting and Learning Systems over a 5 year period identified 25 incidents. Actions required: Review and update local clinical procedures (or equivalent documents) to ensure: Oxytocin infusions for any indication are not pre-prepared at ward level in any clinical area (including delivery suites and theatres). Post-partum haemorrhage (PPH) kits/ trolleys are immediately available in all clinical areas/theatres where it may be required. Where a woman is identified to be at high risk of PPH: (a) the PPH kit/trolley should be brought into the labour/delivery room/theatre during the second stage of labour, (b) the postpartum oxytocin infusion should be prepared at the time of birth and not before, (c) a second midwife should be available to support the administration of the postpartum oxytocin infusion. Roles and responsibilities of staff groups in the labour setting, including theatres, are clearly defined in terms of prescribing, preparation, administration and disposal of oxytocin infusions. Including: intrapartum oxytocin infusions, postpartum oxytocin infusions and unused, pre-prepared oxytocin. infusions.
  22. News Article
    The Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP), a world leader in improving medication safety, is building a medication error reporting program and portal for community pharmacies licensed by the California Board of Pharmacy. This will be the first state-mandated medication error reporting program in the nation focused specifically on community pharmacy. The creation of the California Medication Errors Reporting Program is a result of the enaction of Assembly Bill 1286 (Haney, Chapter 470, Statutes of 2023) in 2023 to improve patient safety and address staffing and workplace conditions in community pharmacies. ISMP has decades of experience collecting and analysing medication error reports to identify risks and guide safety improvements across care settings. ISMP runs the only national voluntary, practitioner-based reporting system, the ISMP National Medication Errors Reporting Program, as well as the ISMP National Vaccine Errors Reporting Program and ISMP Consumer Medication Errors Reporting Program. Building upon the experience with existing ISMP reporting programmes, analysis, and error prevention efforts, ISMP will use submitted medication error reports to identify key trends, patterns and safety issues. ISMP will also provide the California Board of Pharmacy with an annual report based on aggregate data that includes reduction strategies and other actionable recommendations for safety improvements. “The California Medication Errors Reporting Program will produce data-driven insights about preventable adverse events that can drive broad systemic change,” says Rita K. Jew, president of ISMP. “Reporting errors and near misses is essential to ensure the success of efforts to reduce risk in the community pharmacy setting. We applaud California for being a national leader in taking this forward-thinking step to safeguard patients and hope other states will implement similar programs.” Read full story Source: ECRI, 8 May 2025
  23. News Article
    The morning-after pill will be available without charge on the NHS at pharmacies in England, the government has announced in an effort to reduce the “postcode lottery” of free access to the emergency contraception. The morning-after pill is one of two forms of emergency contraception that women can use after having unprotected sex, or where other forms of contraception have failed. The sooner that emergency contraception is used, the more effective it is. The new announcement aims to increase access to the morning-after pill; while it is already available for nothing from most GP surgeries, most sexual health clinics and some NHS walk-in centres, not all pharmacies offer it for nothing, with some women paying up to £30 for the medication. The health minister Stephen Kinnock said: “Equal access to safe and effective contraception is crucial to women’s healthcare and a cornerstone of a fair society. “Women across England face an unfair postcode lottery when seeking emergency contraception, with access varying dramatically depending on where they live. By making this available at community pharmacies, we will ensure all women can access this essential healthcare when they need it, regardless of where they live or their ability to pay.” Read full story Source: The Guardian, 30 March 2025-
  24. News Article
    Independent pharmacies in England have been advised to slash their opening hours in a row over funding. The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) said it had “been left with little choice” but to recommend its 6,000 members take collective action for the first time in its history, unless the government provides “new and sufficient” funding to cover significant new costs. About 90% of an average pharmacy’s work is funded via the NHS, including dispensing medication and vaccinations. But the NPA, which represents community pharmacies, says members have yet to receive any confirmation of funding for the 2024-25 or the 2025-26 financial years. Increases in employers’ national insurance rates, the national living wage and business rates from April, on top of these unresolved funding issues could “jeopardise patient safety”, it says. Significant numbers of pharmacies have already ceased trading, with 1,300 pharmacies shutting since 2017. Nick Kaye, chair of the NPA, said the move was necessary “to safeguard patient services for the long term”, adding: “It is better that we temporarily reduce access in the short term than let pharmacies collapse." Read full story Source: The Guardian, 18 March 2025
  25. News Article
    Patients are being put at risk of serious illness as pharmacists are unable to dispense vital medications due to drug shortages, industry leaders have warned. At least once a day drug supply problems mean pharmacies are unable to dispense a prescription, according to a survey of 500 pharmacies by the National Pharmacy Association (NPA). Currently if a prescription is out of stock, patients need to go back to their GP to get an alternative medication. But this can delay care and increase the risk of serious illness. That’s because the pharmacist is not permitted to make a substitution even if they have a safe alternative in stock, this is except in very limited circumstances where a Serious Shortage Protocol has been issued by the NHS. The NPA, which represents 6,000 independent community pharmacies, is calling on the government to grant greater flexibility for pharmacists to substitute medication or strength of a drug when it is safe to do so. The NPA says it is “madness” to send someone back to the GP and warned the current situation poses a risk to patient safety. It said it could lead to patients potentially going without vital medication, such as some types of antibiotics, presenting a serious risk to their health. Read full story Source: The Independent, 10 March 2025 Related reading on the hub: Medicines shortages: minimising the impact on patients Medication supply issues: A pharmacist’s perspective Medication supply issues: Mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS)

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