Thursday 19th June 2025   

Welcome to your weekly injection of local and national pharmacy news. As always, if you have any feedback or comments, please contact us by email at admin@cpdevon.org.uk.

More than half of pharmacy owners are yet to complete their Data Security and Protection Toolkit 2025 ahead of the imminent deadline in less than two weeks. ⏳📅📝

The Toolkit is used to make a pharmacy's information governance (IG) declaration and must be completed by 30th June 2025.

CPE has published a series of guidance materials to help you complete it.

Complete yours ahead of the deadline

A recent incident within our Children and Family Health Directorate has demonstrated the need for extra vigilance when prescribing alternative medications/brands due to unavailable medicines.

The incident involved a young person who was originally prescribed Equasym XL 20mg capsules (TWO to be taken daily) for their ADHD. However, due to national supply issues, this was changed to Meflynate XL 40mg capsules (TWO to be taken daily), thereby doubling the dose.

Subsequent opportunities for medicines reconciliation and review of medication overlooked this unintentional increase in dose. It is possible that the sudden and significant dose increase resulted in agitated and aggressive behaviour, ultimately resulting in the young person being placed in care. Medication was not considered as a possible cause at the time.

Given the ongoing situation with medicine shortages and unavailability there will be times when it is necessary to switch to other products/formulations to enable treatment to continue.

This may result in a change in formulation, bioavailability, strength, dosing instructions etc which can lead to unintentional changes in dose (either prescribed or administered). Extra vigilance and clear and effective communication is vital. This includes communication with the patient and any carers.

Public Health Devon and Devon County Council are keen to hear from individuals living and working within Devon, especially those with lived experience, their families, and members of the wider community. Capturing a diverse range of perspectives is essential to ensuring that services remain responsive to the needs of those they are designed to support. View the poster and QR code here.

The survey will remain open until 25-7-2025, and all responses will be treated confidentially and anonymously, unless participants choose to share their information and then they will be contacted to discuss.

Pharmacy owners across the South West are invited to take part in a ‘Future of Pharmacy’ workshop to inform next steps for the sector.

Senior figures from Community Pharmacy England are heading to Stoke Gifford, near Bristol, on the evening of Tuesday 22nd July to discuss pressing issues and plans for the future with local pharmacy owners (or their representatives).

The workshop will explore the impact of the recent CPCF deal, the ongoing issues you face, and the possible tactics to try and win over policymakers. This is a great opportunity to get involved in CPE’s preparations for the 2026/27 CPCF negotiations and work with them to map out a clearer way forward for the sector.

Sian Retallick, local independent pharmacy owner and Regional Representative for the South West, will also be there to listen into discussions and share her ambitions for the future.

The event agenda will cover:

· The impact of the CPCF settlement for 2025/26;

· Challenges community pharmacies are continuing to face;

· Pharmacy’s place in the NHS 10-Year Health Plan;

· Preparations for 2026/27 negotiations; and

· How best to support community pharmacies to plan for the future.

Chairs and Chief Officers from all six LPCs in the South West will meet with CPE earlier in the day provide local context on national issues and raise any specific concerns. Make a difference: meet with CPE on 22nd July.

Date: Tuesday 22nd July

Time: 8pm-9.30pm (doors open from 7pm for refreshments, with informal networking and Q&A with the CPE team)

Venue: Holiday Inn Express Bristol - Filton, Parkway Business Park, New Rd, Stoke Gifford, BS34 8TJ

For further information, and to book a place, click here.

If you have a positive news story to share with us please send it to admin@cpdevon.org.uk and it will be featured in an upcoming edition of the review. If featured, you will also win a surprise gift for you and your team up to the value of £25!

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