‘Thoughtless’: Government slammed as 1 in 5 pharmacies face closure in Bucks

A Bucks pharmacist has branded the government “thoughtless” this week after plans were announced to axe £170 million in funding, potentially resulting in the closure of one in five pharmacies across the county, Bucks Free Press reports.

Buckinghamshire County Council say that proposed cuts, which could take effect as early as October this year, could force the closure of 20 of the county’s 97 pharmacies.

An online petition against the cuts, which has almost 60,000 signatures, is set to be presented to the government on May 24 along with paper versions which are in pharmacies across Bucks.

Pharmacists have accused the government of failing to recognise the extent of the services they offer, which include flu vaccinations, emergency contraception, chlamydia testing and smoking cessation services.

Pharmacy given accreditation for range of services

A pharmacy has become a hub for healthy living following its dedicated service improving the lifestyles of its community, The Portsmouth News reports.

Rowlands Pharmacy, in Middle Way, Leigh Park has been awarded a Healthy Living Pharmacy status following a rigorous accreditation process.

A grand reopening last month was attended by Havant MP Alan Mak and the Mayor of Havant Leah Turner, who cut the ceremonial ribbon.

GP surgery highlights cost of prescription drug wastage on the NHS

A GP surgery is urging people to think twice before collecting prescription drugs they do not need, West Briton reports.

Trescobeas Surgery in Falmouth took to social media to highlight the issue after a large collection of unused drugs were found in a patient's flat after they had moved away.

Prescription drugs, even if returned unopened, cannot be given to other patients and have to be destroyed.

"This picture shows many thousands of pounds' worth of medication left by a patient when they moved away," the Facebook post said.

"The cost of this medication to the NHS would pay for a nurse for a year."

NHS 'has busiest year in its history'

The NHS in England has had the busiest year in its history with more patients than ever seeking help, the BBC reports.

Nearly 23m people visited A&E in the 12 months to March 2016 - a rise of more than 500,000 from the previous year.

Delays rose throughout the period, with March itself having the single worst performance against the four-hour A&E target since it was introduced in 2004.

Targets for cancer, routine operations and ambulances have also been missed.