PHARMACISTS' CONCERN ABOUT SERVICE FUNDING REMAINS HIGH DESPITE RECENT INCREASES 

Research reveals almost half the pharmacists polled believe lack of funding and resources are still an issue for the sector as it looks to roll out more services

Pharmacists across the UK remain concerned about funding levels for services despite the funding uplift announced in September, according to a new survey among 382 UK pharmacists conducted for Lloydspharmacy by SurveyMonkey(1).

The research found that almost half (48%) of community pharmacists were concerned about a lack of funding and resources to provide additional services set out in the Pharmacy Whitepaper, despite many welcoming the more central role envisaged for pharmacists within community healthcare.

Among the concerns expressed by pharmacists were: “The government keeps taking money away from the profession - how can it go forward with so little financial backing if they on the other hand see us as so important.”

“Hopefully we can become fully involved in healthcare not just script dispensers. Business growth will be dependant on PCT funding so even if we are willing to do services, payment may not be available to us”

“There needs to be a well-thought out plan for how the Whitepaper will work and be resourced in practice. We simply cannot continue providing more, for less.”

Andy Murdock, Pharmacy Director at Lloydspharmacy commented: “We share pharmacists’ concerns and are sure the pharmacy sector would universally welcome greater visibility on future funding.

“We remain convinced that the provision of more primary care services through community pharmacy is a good thing for the industry and for local healthcare but while the recent announcement of a funding uplift for next year is welcomed, the reality is that without visibility on long term funding, pharmacy businesses are not able to feel confident about investing to supply further services, particularly in the current economic climate. “

While many respondents expressed concern about funding levels, there was much support for the principles of the Pharmacy White Paper. Key comments included:

“I think increasing the services offered will please and benefit patients in the long run. Pharmacies need to embrace working with PCTs…to allow us to be paid for these services and this will protect the community pharmacy businesses.”

“I think community pharmacy has a great future. We are greatly valued by our customers and our community. I think though that we must be careful about taking on more and more roles as we will end up spreading ourselves too thinly to do anything properly. Also new services need to be funded by the PCT or government and companies need to recognise and reward more the hard work and dedication of their employees.”

“The White Paper means a more clinical and vital role in the community for us all, if it means improved business, as long as we are rightfully paid for it, then I think it is something we should look forward to.”

Notes to editors:
All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from research conducted via SurveyMonkey.  Total sample size was 382 UK pharmacists with the research undertaken between 20th August and 13th October 2008.  The survey was carried out online.

SUZANNE SHAW BEAUTY TIPS REVEALED

Suzanne Shaw has revealed the secrets of her beauty regime at the launch of her new perfume. The star of ITV’s Dancing on Ice said she rarely has time for the gym but that the time she has spent ice skating has more than compensated.

The self-styled “high street girl” was talking to Lloydspharmacy.com at the launch of her new perfume “Ice”, which is on sale now at Lloydspharmacy stores across the country.

Commenting on training for Dancing on Ice, Suzanne Shaw said: “You don’t come out of it having an easy time – it’s hard work! But having said that this year’s Christmas special is going to be a lot of fun.”

Shaw revealed that this year’s Dancing on Ice Christmas special would pit boys against girls as Jane Torvil and Christopher Dean mentor groups separately to compete against each other.

But the former Hear’Say star also revealed the importance of finding a routine when trying to keep in shape. She said she enjoys spinning classes when she’s not ice skating, drinks lots of water and tries to get as much sleep as possible.

“For my beauty regime I use nice facial products, cleanse my face, relax in the bath – I really try to look after myself, on a good day, that is!”

View the interviews here:

Beauty interview
Celeb interview
Full interview

SUZANNE SHAW REVEALS SECRETS OF BEING A WORKING MUM

Suzanne Shaw has revealed the secret of her success as a working mother in a frank interview for Lloydspharmacy.com.

Speaking at the launch of her new fragrance  “Ice”, which is on sale now at Lloydspharmacy stores across the country, the star of ITV’s Celebrity Dancing on Ice said she has had to find a way to bring a routine to her life and that of her young son Cory.

Suzanne Shaw commented: “At times I do have to go away and it’s hard. It’s one of those things – I would want Cory to be with me always but it’s just not possible. He has to have a routine to his life.”

Shaw, who is due to feature in a Dancing on Ice Christmas special, also hailed the role of her family and friends in allowing her to keep a busy schedule. She added:

“I don’t have the answers. I just have a great network around me with friends and family. Me and my son just work as a team. The great thing is that if I am stuck and he’s around while I’m working, he loves coming to work with me.”

View the interviews here:

Beauty interview
Celeb interview
Full interview

IT'S TRUE. RECESSION WILL MAKE US HEALTHIER
 
Almost one in two people will cut down on take aways as a result of the recession and more than one in five of us will leave the car at home and walk more.
 
That's according to a new survey conducted by Lloydspharmacy, the UK's leading community pharmacy chain. The study also shows that the economic downturn will encourage us to eat fewer ready meals and shop bought sandwiches and to cut down on red meat.
 
The survey of 2000 people suggests that the worsening economic climate may have a positive impact on waistlines, cholesterol levels and aerobic fitness.

• 17% plan to reduce intake of red meat

• 49% plan to eat less takeaways

• 27% plan to eat less ready meals

• 38% plan to eat less shop bought sandwiches

• 49% plan to eat out in restaurants less

• 29% say they will cook from scratch more often

• 21% say they plan to leave the car at home more often

• 21% say they plan to take public transport, walk or cycle more often

• 15% say they plan to reduce alcohol consumption

"This is a difficult message for politicians to deliver but from a health professional's point of view, it does represent something of a silver lining," said Andy Murdock, pharmacy director for Lloydspharmacy. "No-one would wish for recession, but since it is here there is an opportunity to help people turn austerity measures into healthy habits for life." 
 
Lloydspharmacy has launched a programme called Ten Years Longer which is designed to encourage people - particularly men over the age of 40 - to get their heart checked out and get dietary and lifestyle advice on how to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. (1)
 
The Lloydspharmacy study suggests we could be about to experience a similar boost to public health which resulted from rationing during and after the War.
 
Consultant Nutritionist Johanna Hignett said: "In nutritional terms, the diet of the post war years was considered to be quite healthy.  Daily recommended allowances of higher fat foods such as meat, cream and butter were adhered to because rationing controlled intakes.
Government advice today is not too far removed from the typical diet that resulted from the rationing of these foods in the post war years.”

"Of course, no-one is advocating a return to rationing. Nevertheless, as a nation, we could benefit from cutting back on some more expensive items such as red meat and ready meals and filling up on cheaper foods like seasonal fruit and vegetables, beans and pulses, pasta and potatoes. This could recreate the rationing effect across the nation."
 
Andy Murdock said: “It seems that while the Government has been trying to cajole the public in to reducing its fat and sugar intake for years it is the economic downturn that just might actually make it happen."

According to research by Cambridge health economist, David J. Grainger, Ph.D. looking after your heart, reducing cholesterol and having checks done, increasing exercise and reducing smoking could add 3.4 million years of extra life to British men.

Lloydspharmacy reveals the changing face of healthcare at its newly opened pharmacy in St George's Wharf, Vauxhall. The Vauxhall pharmacy will be used as a template for future openings in London. With two state of the art consultation rooms, an automated dispensing ‘robot’, easier access to the pharmacist and clear signage to aid self medication customers can have instant access to expert advice in a confidential setting.

The new pharmacy has a raft of free services on offer – from blood pressure testing to diabetes screening – and is already making an impact on local healthcare needs.  In the few weeks since it opened, the pharmacy team has conducted over 50 diabetes and blood pressure tests and 20 Heart Healthchecks* which are designed to assess patients’ risks of developing heart disease within a ten year period.

After such a positive start it is hoped that the new pharmacy can make a major contribution to the company’s already successful services.  To date, over 1 million free diabetes tests have been conducted in Lloydspharmacies nationwide and over 52,700 people have been identified as being at high risk of having diabetes.

Payal Vasani, pharmacist comments, “At Lloydspharmacy we pride ourselves on providing services which can make a real difference to the local community. It’s fantastic that people are taking advantage of our services so quickly."

DECEMBER 2008

(Interests + needs + relationship) multiplied by the power of the occasion ÷ your budget = the right gift

Many people find it difficult to purchase gifts for men simply because they feel that there are limits on what kind of objects you can buy them.  The boffins at Lloydspharmacy have come up with the perfect formula to solve the annual gift buying conundrum this year.  Whether your man’s a couch potato or a Ray Mears, he’s easy to buy for this Christmas at Lloydspharmacy.

We all know that men can be the trickiest of all the family members to buy for when it comes to Christmas presents, but with our formula you can’t go wrong.

If your man likes to get out and about, our Adventure Kit is a must.  Containing a compass, binoculars, a torch, a whistle, multi tool kit, poncho all in a handy  carry bag its fit for any situation he might get into.

The formula for this would be:
Outdoors + kit required for hobby + friend or family member, mulitplied by the Christmas requirement for gift giving (i.e. buying gifts for more people than usual at once lets say ten gifts) divided by the budget required to complete this task (£50) equals the Lloydspharmacy Adventure Kit costing £5.25*

Applying the same formula to sporty types, the Golf Essentials kit (£4.87)* will come in handy – with tees and a holder, a golf multi tool and a ball holder.  We also love the Sporting Key Rings for dads who love football, golf or fishing (£2.25 each)* when halving the budget for stocking stuffers.

For the man who really does have everything but thrives for the extreme, The Japanese Endurance game (£2.62)* is a great adult party game complete with special headbands and a series of zany challenges to keep guests amused for hours but not for the faint hearted!

If your man’s more of an armchair sporting hero (likes to drive fast on the virtual racetrack), he’ll love the Light-Up USB Car Mouse (£3.75)*. Shaped like a car, this will certainly brighten up his desk. 

Another gizmo we love for the Inspector Gadget in your life, is the 7 in 1 Stopwatch (£3.00)* where he’ll find a stopwatch, radio, clock, alarm, calendar, map light and compass.

Men famously won’t buy anything that involves grooming unless you’re an incredibly lucky woman, so you could treat him to a coffret of his favourite products.  Our top picks include the Lynx 3 Piece Set (£6.75)* which contains shower gels and body spray and the Nivea for Men Moisturing Set (£5.25)* where he’ll find shower gel, shaving foam and replenishing aftershave balm which won’t irritate his skin.