Latest news with #NewMedicineService
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Somerset MP welcomes £800 million funding for community pharmacies
A Somerset MP has welcomed an £800 million boost for community pharmacy funding. Rachel Gilmour, Liberal Democrat MP for Tiverton and Minehead, has consistently called for improvements and praised the government's pharmacy settlement. The funding uplift was announced on Monday, March 31, on the government website. It comes as a result of a six-week consultation between the Department for Health and Social Care and Community Pharmacy England. Alongside the funding increase, the government will also write off £193 million of debt for community pharmacy owners, providing them with a fresh start for the new financial year beginning on Monday, April 1. The increase marks the government's initial efforts to address years of underfunding, which have led to significant financial shortfalls in the sector. This announcement will also see the continuation of Pharmacy First services, with antidepressants and an emergency contraception service set to be added to the New Medicine Service from October 2025. Ms Gilmour said: "I welcome the government's funding announcements today, which will see pharmacies across the UK receive the largest uplift in funding across the whole of the NHS. "This fantastic news, and it is clear the government has listened to the repeated calls from me and my colleagues to close the pharmacy funding gap." She highlighted that last year she secured a Westminster Hall debate on community pharmacies, where she pointed out the vital work done by pharmacies across her constituency. Ms Gilmour mentioned that 56 million people across the UK use pharmacies as their first point of contact annually. She added that despite this, in under a decade, the proportion of NHS funding for pharmacies has fallen from 2.4 per cent to 1.6 per cent. According to her, an average pharmacy relies on NHS funding for 90 per cent of its income. Ms Gilmour believes that this new funding will have a positive impact on the NHS in the long run. However, she noted that Community Pharmacy England has stated that these new measures will not address the entire funding gap. She stressed that this still needs to be looked at by the government. Janet Morrison, chief executive of Community Pharmacy England, said: "With the highest funding uplift across the NHS, this settlement is a welcome first step towards sustainability and will bring some positive clinical service extensions for patients. "But it does not fill the full pharmacy funding gap. "Crucially, the settlement comes with a firm commitment from government to work towards a sustainable funding and operating model for the sector, and we will continue to work with Government to ensure that this happens."
Yahoo
15-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Over 55s given four golden rules to follow this winter
We're midway through February, but it feels like winter still has us in its icy grip. And as we age we tend to feel the cold more. So with the freezing temperatures showing no signs of letting up any time soon, the Met Office has issued some advice to the over 55s on how to stay healthy during the cold snap. As we get older our immune system doesn't function as well as it used to. That means we're more susceptible to winter bugs and illnesses. READ MORE: When and where Northern Lights will be visible in the UK tonight READ MORE: Jet2 plane makes emergency landing as passenger dies So it's a good idea to take extra steps to avoid getting poorly. The Met Office recommends getting the flu jab - even if you feel fighting fit. Everyone over 65 is entitled to a free flu jab from the doctor or pharmacist and there's also vaccine for pneumonia too. It's also a good idea to stock up on cold and sore throat remedies as winter draws in - that way you don't have to go out when you're ill. After the age of 55 we lose around 1% of muscle mass every year. And because muscle helps keep us warm, that's the reason why we tend to feel the cold more as we get older. So, the Met Office says, it's vital to keep warm. They advise eating at least one hot meal every day and drinking regular hot drinks. Ideally you should heat your home to a temperature of at least 18 °C. If you're struggling with the cost of heating your home, Age UK might be able to help with their manage your money in winter web page. It can been tricky to keep on top of your medication, particulary if you've on several different types. If you're starting on a new medicine to treat a long-term condition, the Met Office advises accessing a free scheme called the New Medicine Service from your local pharmacist. It involves a face-to-face conversation with a pharmacist about the medicines you are taking and why and help to treat or control any conditions you're living with. LloydsPharmacy also reccomends: Creating a medication timetable and sticking it somewhere visible somewhere visible like on your fridge. Using a pillbox. Making your medication part of your routine. For example, you could take it when you do something at the same time every day, such as having breakfast or watching the evening news. Setting up alarms on your phone to remind you of times and dosage. It can be hard to tear yourself away from a nice warm house during winter. And icy or snowy conditions can make it even less appealing to venture out. But, when you're able, it's still important to try and get out and about during the colder months, to catch up with friends and family and get a bit of fresh air. And the bad weather and darker nights, also mean it's not unusual to feel a bit down in the dumps during winter. Age UK has some ideas and advice on how to keep your spirits up here.
