2020 was probably the most challenging year that community pharmacy has ever faced, certainly in our professional memory. A combination of the ongoing funding cuts and the COVID-19 pandemic has been a perfect storm for pharmacy owners, pharmacists and their teams. Yet those same people have been magnificent in their response, putting their patients and their communities before themselves. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we all think and act and it has accelerated changes in consumer … [Read more...] about A new year, a new resolve
Community Pharmacy as the front door
We recently wrote an article for Pharmaceutical Field on the increasing role of community pharmacy in England as the front door of the NHS supporting medicines adherence, treatment of common illnesses and as a major player in the prevention and protection of ill-health. It seems that the vision for pharmacy within the NHS Long Term Plan is finally being realised, enabling community pharmacy to play its part in addressing demand on NHS resources. The article can be viewed here. … [Read more...] about Community Pharmacy as the front door
Accelerated use of EPS
We recently wrote an article for Pharmaceutical Field on the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic on community pharmacy in England with particular reference to the accelerated use of the electronic prescription service as an integrated part of the NHS. The article can be viewed here. … [Read more...] about Accelerated use of EPS
Pharmacy Reset & Recover
As community pharmacy reflects on and learns from its excellent response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the time is now right to move forward and plan for reset and recover. Large multiple pharmacy groups are already announcing significant restructuring and remodelling plans in response to the financial, operational and landscape challenges, but where does that leave independent pharmacy? Negotiations on COVID-19 related costs have now begun plus discussions on next steps for implementation of the … [Read more...] about Pharmacy Reset & Recover
Collaboration, integration and transformation
As we all move forward into a reset, reform and recover phase, it is critical that we learn from and build on community pharmacy's excellent and dynamic response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Collaboration If there is one of the many hashtags doing the social media rounds over the last two months that best fits the Coronavirus response it is undoubtedly #allinthistogether We have complete admiration for pharmacy teams who are putting outstanding and safe patient care, often ahead of personal … [Read more...] about Collaboration, integration and transformation