Landmark film puts pharmacists in the spotlight

A new film aimed at putting prevention at the top of the health agenda has been released by the Royal Society for Public Health.

‘Improve and Protect’ explores public health challenges and features a chapter on the role of community pharmacies in public health.

The news-style video was made in partnership with ITN Productions and features newsreader Natasha Kaplinsky.

Frequent flu questions answered Following a number of queries on the Flu Vaccination Advanced Service, the PSNC have released answers to the frequently asked questions.

New epilepsy MUR consultation brief

A new consultation brief has been launched to assist pharmacists when carrying out Medicine Use Reviews (MURs) for patients taking anti-epileptic drugs.

The brief, designed by the PSNC and the Epilepsy Society, provides suggested questions, prompts and key messages to assist during consultations.

On the reverse of the brief there is a section on key points to consider for girls and women with epilepsy as well as general messages and tips to provide to patients.

Study finds pharmacy inspections a success A major new study commissioned by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) has found that pharmacy professionals believe inspections help improve patient safety. More than 3,700 people responded to an online census conducted by ICF International on behalf of the GPhC. The study concludes that the GPhC’s approach to regulating registered pharmacies, introduced in November 2013, is perceived to be working well.

Boots’ £11.2bn buyout

Industry giant Walgreens Boots Alliance, that owns Boots in the UK, has agreed to buy US competitor Rite Aid in a £11.2bn deal.

The trade, expected to take place mid 2016, will combine the two biggest US pharmacies if approved by regulators. Walgreens Boots Alliance was formed when Alliance Boots struck a deal to merge with US-based Walgreens last year.