Thursday 7th August 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.

Sir Mel Stride, Member of Parliament for Central Devon and Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer, recently visited Pharmaderma pharmacy to meet with staff to discuss how local pharmacies are helping to provide accessible healthcare services to the community and to see first-hand the opportunities these services create for the future.

During the visit, Mel spoke to the local community pharmacist about the daily challenges they faced and heard about the value of community pharmacies in rural areas alongside their potential to do even more if properly supported. They discussed the community pharmacy Independent Prescriber Pathfinder Service and the positive patient feedback that has been received so far.

Sir Mel Stride was interested to hear how pharmacies are currently struggling with a range of pressures including lack of funding, medicine supply and pricing, workforce and pressures on workload. He said: “Community pharmacies like Pharmaderma are the backbone of our local healthcare system. They are at the heart of our communities, working very hard to provide an invaluable service that so many people rely on. From offering expert advice and life-saving medications to delivering vaccinations and helping manage long-term conditions, their role is essential.

“They provide vital services that help alleviate pressure on GPs and hospitals, ensuring that residents have access to expert advice and essential medications close to home. Pharmacies have immense potential to play an even greater role in healthcare delivery: supporting and building on this is key to creating an NHS that is fit for the future, moving healthcare back into communities, and preventing illness. The skill mix that community pharmacies like this bring to neighbourhoods is pivotal to the future of the NHS”

Registration for the new Children's Flu Vaccination Service for children aged 2-3 years is now open on the NHS Business Services Authority's Manage Your Service (MYS) portal. To receive the vaccine ahead of the start of the service on 1st October 2025, pharmacy owners will need to register on the MYS portal by 11.59pm on 31st August.

Community Pharmacy England will be holding a webinar about the new Childhood Flu Vaccination Service, in collaboration with NHS England, on 📆Wednesday 20th August at 7.30pm. The webinar aims to help pharmacy owners prepare to provide the service, with speakers talking through how to meet the necessary requirements and where to find guidance and resources.

📍Bookings will close at midday on the day of the event, so please book here to secure your place as soon as possible. 

Big News for Community Pharmacy Professionals! 🎉

We’re thrilled to announce the first-ever Community Pharmacy Devon Conference — and you’re invited! 🚀

📅 Date: Sunday, 14th September 2025

📍 Location: Exeter Racecourse (just off the A38)

This isn’t just another event — it’s a game-changing day designed to energise, inspire, and connect pharmacy professionals across Devon and beyond.

🔥 What’s in Store?

Dynamic speakers from both national and local organisations
Interactive workshops that tackle real-world challenges
Hot topics like:
Managing pharmacy workload with Janice Perkins (Pennine ACT)
Maximising NHS services with Nick Kaye (NPA Board Member and Contractor)
The national picture with the NHS 10 Year Plan, neighbourhoods and future clinical services with NHS England leaders Liz Fidler & Anne Joshua.

💬 Why You Should Be There
Recharge your passion for pharmacy 💡
Discover practical strategies to improve your work-life balance 🧘
Network with peers, system providers and universities 🤝
Enjoy lunch, explore sponsor stands, and catch up with colleagues 🍽️
🏆 PLUS: Pharmacy Awards Ceremony!
Celebrate the stars of our profession! 🌟
Nominate your pharmacy heroes by 16th August 2025 👉 Nominate here

🎟️ Reserve your place at the conference now — it’s FREE! 

A positive story has been received from Tesco pharmacy in Exmouth. A patient came in to speak to Rhian, a locum, in March of this year as she was experiencing recurrent indigestion and trouble eating. Rhian prescribed medication for the symptoms but emphasised the importance of having further investigations through the GP and made her an appointment.

The patient was found to have a cancerous tumour in her gallbladder so underwent a lengthy operation followed up with a course of chemotherapy all with positive results. She wanted to express her gratitude to Rhian stating that her assistance and advice gave her the push needed to have further tests done which turned out to be life saving. She has just retired and is intent on "living her best life" going forward! Congratulations to Rhian and the team.

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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