Well, the flu vaccination service negotiations are finally over for another year - and the SLA/PGD will be available shortly. We had an agreement in principle a little while ago, hence the training events and on-line training, but the detail has only recently been agreed despite an early start.

For background, discussions on the service were held regionally this year; so in our case, we were in the same basket as Sunderland, North of  Tyne and Cumbria - dealing with the "new" CNTW area team.

I’m very happy to see that this year we are in the great position of offering the service to all “at risk” patient groups from the start of the season. The committee and I are, however, disappointed that the fee for providing the service is slightly less than previous years at £12.

The negotiations have been tough this year and although the LPC is pleased with an extended service, we are naturally disappointed at the level of the fee set this year. It suggests a lack of equity with other health professionals as their inoculation fee is higher for the same job. We are hopeful that a fair fee will be agreed next year. In the mean time, please inoculate as many “at risk” patients as you can, as hopefully the data we collect this year will enable us to argue a better result next time.”

 To facilitate paperwork (and payment) for contractors, and to help us collect reliable data, we are using the PharmOutcomes platform for recording.

The Flu negotiating team have put together an information email which can be found here. 
Please make sure you read and action it.

 
I'm always amazed at the outpouring of community spirit when the Great North Run is on. Plates of oranges, jelly babies and even little tots of beer were available for the runners this time; in addition to the usual water and constant encouragement, clapping and cheering from spectators...
 
This year's run was special for me; as this year my daughter and her boyfriend ran. They decided at the turn of the year to do it, joined a running club where they live in Leeds, and trained hard. They were rewarded with a time of 1 hour and 58 minutes...and raised £1,200 for charity between them. It was fantastic seeing them come in at the end...completing their first half marathon. My pharmacy technician, Jeanette, also completed her second great north run in just over 2 hours - fantastic!

Medicines shortages continue to infuriate pharmacists, and the general public.
 
As I've said before, contractors are sometimes struggling to obtain simple medicines and often, when they get them, these products are priced way above the Drug Tariff. The traditional system to help sort this out NCSO simply wasn't designed to deal with this sort of problem...and individual contractors are losing a lot of money...
 
So, why all the shortages in the first place you may ask? A good question...I'll try to answer it below...
 
Historically there was always an adequate supply of medication in the system, but fluctuation in sterling exchange rates, direct to pharmacy schemes etc have caused major problems. It's an international problem because medicines are a commodity and are sometimes very cheap - (some might argue too cheap?) leading to manufacturers leaving the market...and monopolies can form. Occasionally these monopolies are hidden; for example there is only ONE global supplier of Temazepam raw material! Additional problems for contractors can occur once shortages are apparent, stockpiling leads to price rising and yet more shortages...
 
Overall, the impact nationally on shortages will be picked up, but individual contractors are suffering.
 
We need a solution that is evidence based and that works.
 
NCSO wasn't meant to deal with the type of long term problems we have now - and contractors are urged to let PSNC know if prices are too high - so that appropriate action can be taken.