Blog Archives

New Offence of driving with certain specified controlled drugs in excess of specified levels is expected to come into force.

31/7/2014

A new offence of driving with certain specified controlled drugs in excess of specified levels is expected to come into force on 2nd March 2015. This offence is an addition to the existing rules on drug impaired driving and fitness to drive. The legislation also provides for a statutory ‘medical defence’ for this new offence, for patients taking their medicines in accordance with instructions.

In preparation for this, the Department of Transport has published guidance for healthcare professionals on drug driving. In line with current professional practice, pharmacists prescribing or supplying medicines take into account the risks of medicines (e.g. whether a patient’s driving may be impaired by their medicines) and advise accordingly. This practice has not changed, but pharmacists will need to be able to explain the new rules concerning this offence to patients.

The guidance can be viewed on the Department for Transport website. Information on whether individual medicines are affected by the new legislation will be added to the Summary of Product Characteristics of the products which are available on the electronic Medicines Compendium.

Active Intervention Smoking Service - Gateshead Opportunity.

31/7/2014

The QE Hospital are looking for an Active Intervention provider in Gateshead to offer stop smoking support sessions for staff at the hospital. They are offering a free room and publicity to staff at the site. An advert on the Call It Quits website has been put up and you should take a look at it if you are interested.

Any further queries should be directed to Natalie Goodman (Public Health Programme Lead).
She can be contacted as follows: Email: NatalieGoodman@Gateshead.Gov.UK.,
Tel: 0191 433 2421, Mobile: 07584 206582

NECS Payments for MAS and MAR Charts

28/7/2014

Following lengthy discussions the LPC has had with NECS finance, See previous news article. we have received assurances that pharmacies are being paid for these outstanding amounts (with the additional 8% compensation agreed). Please could any contractors who are still awaiting payments contact the LPC asap (via the secretary Louise.Lydon@gandstlpc.net) who will contact Chris Sharpe and team at NECS to ensure payments are processed.

Smoking Resources for Pharmacy - E-Cigarettes

27/7/2014

Johnson & Johnson have recently presented to the LPC about smoking and E-cigartettes. They presented evidence that shows 71% of people who use e-cigarettes products are attempting to quit smoking, but 2/3 of users stop within a month and return to smoking...perhaps because they don't deliver nicotine at the same rate as cigarettes? So, if many vaping individuals are giving up vaping, are e-cigarette users an opportunity for Pharmacy?

They have put together a poster and a flow chart to help pharmacy staff deal with requests for e cigarettes. If any one would like to receive these materials in your pharmacy, or know more about other Smoking Cessation related resources that Johnson & Johnson have to offer, please can they contact Genevieve Wilson at Johnson & Johnson on 07800 708 038 or email genevieve.wilson@apodi.co.uk.

Our Chairman has written an interesting blog about e-cigarettes make sure you have a look.

Alert - Emergency Hormonal Contraception

25/7/2014

The EMA has concluded its review of emergency contraceptives containing levonorgestrel or ulipristal acetate to assess whether the effectiveness of Levonelle (containing levonorgestrel) and ellaOne (containing ulipristal acetate) was reduced with increased body weight. They concluded that based on the data available the benefits of using these emergency contraceptives remains positive and it cannot be concluded that body weight has an impact on the effectiveness of these widely used medicines.

Click Here to see the MHRA Alert that has been sent to Pharmacies.

Background

You may already be aware that on 24th January 2014 the European Medicines Agency (EMA) launched a review of oral emergency hormonal contraception (EHC) to assess whether increased body weight/BMI reduces its efficacy in preventing an unintended pregnancy. More information on the work being undertaken by the EMA is available in their press notice.

The review covers the two types of EHC available within the EU – and the UK – levonorgestrel and ulipristal acetate. It is being carried out under the provisions of Article 31 of the EU Medicines Directive (2001/83/EC) which covers referrals relating to the evaluation of data from pharmacovigilance (drug safety) activities of authorised medicinal products.

The review was triggered in response to changes in the levonorgestrel (Norlevo) licence in a number of European countries based upon evidence indicating that a high bodyweight could impact the effectiveness of EHC.

The EMA’s final decision may result in the need to make some changes to current practices within a short time frame, both for commissioners and service providers such as community pharmacies who provide EHC through a patient group direction or who sell EHC over the counter.

The Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare of the RCOG has recently published an update on this subject aimed at healthcare professionals; it outlines existing recommendations and arrangements for EHC provision in the UK.

The document has been provided to clarify the current situation and to facilitate planning and rapid implementation of any changes to EHC availability that may result from the EMA review. A decision-making guide for community pharmacists is included as an appendix for quick reference. The guide will be easily amended to include weight criteria if this is indicated by the outcome of the EMA review and the FSRH will issue further guidance after the EMA report is published.

Right treatment, right time and right place – public consultation about proposals for a new vision of urgent care in South Tyneside

25/7/2014

The LPC has been asked to circulate the letter below to all pharmacies in South Tyneside

Right treatment, right time and right place – public consultation about proposals for a new vision of urgent care

Dear colleagues,

You will be aware by now that we are currently running a public consultation into proposals to create a new urgent care hub ‘one stop shop’ for the borough.

We have previously sent you information for display in your practice, however we have had concerns from stakeholders that this information is not visible.

We have arranged for this information to be redistributed this week. Can I ask you to look out for this information arriving and display it in a prominent position where patients can see it.

If you would like additional supplies please contact:

0191 217 2670 or email: STCCG@sotw.nhs.uk and mark for the attention of the communications team.

Your help in doing this is very much appreciated.
Yours sincerely,

Dr David Hambleton
Chief Officer -South Tynesdie CCG

Primary Care Team Move Office from Rapier House.

25/7/2014

The Primary Care Team will shortly be be moving from Rapier House in to the NHS Area team offices locate din Newburn and Darlington.
Below is a copy of the letter explaining the detail as well as a useful Temporary Contact number guide.

Details of Move Letter

Primary Care Contact Details

Training event for pharmacists and support staff - Standards - 21st October

19/7/2014

Below is a flyer about a training event for the whole pharmacy team. The local event in Newcastle is on Tuesday 21st October at St James Park. Strawberry Place, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE1 4ST

The title of the workshop is ‘Empowering your team to strive for high standards’, a goal we are all trying to achieve. Details of how to register for the event are included on the flyer.

Reminder about Flu Training - Book Now

19/7/2014

Just a reminder that the first flu vaccination training session are next Sunday, 27th July at the Holiday Inn, Seaton Burn. Bookings can be made via the Northern Pharmacy website at www.northernpharmacy.net

The LPC is pleased to have been able to hold the price of training at the same level as last year at £75 per delegate.

The commissioner is very keen to see an increase in both the number of pharmacies offering this service and the number of vaccinations provided by pharmacies. If you have not provided the service previously or trained last year but were unable to administer 50 vaccines, you will need to attend live face to face training again this year. As you need to complete the online modules before attending live training, please do not leave it too late to book your place. The online modules will require approximately two hours to complete.

A number of pharmacists contacted me last year about training but did so after all of the local events had taken place. If you miss this opportunity to train, you will need to source your own training provider and most charge several hundred pounds for this course.

This training will qualify you to provide both the NHS vaccination service and a private service to anyone wishing to protect themselves and their families from the effects of flu.

Please book your training place as soon as possible.

Click Here for original Email for your information

Cancelled - Gateshead Substance Misuse Service, Shared Care Event

14/7/2014

We have been asked to let Gateshead Pharmacists know that the Gateshead Substance Misuse Service, Shared Care Event which had been planned for Tuesday 15th July 2014 at the Angel View Inn has been cancelled?

Should you need any further details about this please contact Susan Gray. Details below.

Susan Gray
Administration Assistant
South Tyneside NHS Foundation Trust
Based at
Substance Misuse Service
Keegan Court
Wirralshir
Leam Lane Estate
Gateshead
NE10 8DX

Tel : 0191 443 8141
Fax : 0191 443 8148
DD: 0191 443 8140

E-mail : susan.gray2@stft.nhs.uk