Resources

  Home > News Centre > Resources

May 2008

May 17
(PJ)

Mental health

The National Prescribing Centre has produced a service improvement guide “Self administration of medicines in mental health trusts”, available from the self administration of medicines library on the “patient safety and risk” floor of the NPCi virtual building.
(PDF 2.4MB)

Public health library

The National Library for Public Health has been launched by the National Library for Health, replacing the Public Health electronic Library. It is designed to be a central point for best practice guidance and evidence relating to the health of the population.

May 3
(PJ)

SOPs for safety

The National Pharmacy Association has produced standard operating procedures and guidance notes for the safe dispensing of oral anti-cancer medicines in the community and for supply of paraffin-based skin products, following National Patient Safety Agency rapid response reports on these topics earlier in 2008.

Both resources are available from the members’ area of the NPA website

April 2008

April 26
(PJ)

PSNC website

A news stream and a facility to sign up for RSS feeds have been added to the Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee website, which has been relaunched.

Anticoagulant therapy

The National Pharmacy Association has produced a template standard operating procedure and guidance notes for the supply of anticoagulant therapy. These can be downloaded from the members’ area of the NPA website.

Pseudoephedrine

The Royal Pharmaceutical Society has issued guidance outlining how community pharmacy staff should deal with requests for potentially suspicious purchases of pseudoephedrine- and ephedrine-containing products.
(PDF 100K)

April 19
(PJ)

Substances of misuse

The Royal Pharmaceutical Society’s list of substances of misuse has been updated, providing details of general sales list medicines, pharmacy medicines, prescription-only medicines, controlled drugs, non-medicinal products and chemicals that can potentially be misused.
(PDF 100K)

Online preregistration aid

An online revision aid for preregistration trainees has been launched by OnExamination.com, part of the BMJ Group.

The resource provides trainees with practice registration examination questions as well as performance analysis and feedback on all questions. The course costs £50 for two months’ access and £70 for four months’ access.

April 5
(PJ)

PPRT website

Information about the Pharmacy Practice Research Trust, including its research activity, funding, awards, bursaries and events, is available online

March 2008

March 22
(PJ)

Medicines reconciliation

The National Prescribing Centre has produced a guide describing processes and minimum details needed for medicines reconciliation.

“Medicines reconciliation: a guide to implementation”

March 15
(PJ)

NHS operating framework

The Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee has produced a briefing document for local pharmaceutical committees, summarising key points within the Department of Health’s NHS operating framework for 2008–09.

Available from the publications section of the PSNC website

February 2008

Feb 23
(PJ)

New MUR form from NPA

The new medicines use review form, designed to improve communication about MURs between pharmacists and GPs, is available from the National Pharmacy Association. The form is carbonized and comes with guidance on use.

It is available from NPA Sales on 01727 800401 or online

Cost £9.99

Feb 16
(PJ)

Sun awareness

The British Association of Dermatologists has produced a series of information leaflets and posters that pharmacists can use to inform customers on how to protect their skin from the sun and how to detect skin cancer.

The resources can be ordered free of charge on 020 7391 6342
e-mail maria.tabou@bad.org.uk

Feb 9
(PJ)

Parkinson’s disease
The Parkinson’s Disease Society has produced “The professional’s guide to Parkinson’s disease”, available free of charge by calling 01473 212115 or e-mailing pds@sharward.co.uk

Drug treatment guidance
The National Treatment Agency for Substance Misuse (NTA) has developed guidance on non-medical prescribing, patient group directions and minor ailment schemes in the treatment of drug misusers.

The guidance is available free of charge or by calling 08701 555 455

January 2008

Jan 19
(PJ)

fpa campaign packs
Campaign packs for Contraceptive Awareness Week 2008 (11–17 February) are available free of charge from the fpa by e-mailing caw@fpa.org.uk

Further information

Premises assessment
The National Pharmacy Association has produced a guide to completing the pharmacy premises assessment tool for pharmacy contractors in Scotland. The tool must be completed by 31 March 2008 for contractors to qualify for payment.

The guide is available from the members area of the NPA website.

December 2007

Dec 15
(PJ)

Controlled Drug SOPs
The National Pharmacy Association has produced a set of standard operating procedures to help pharmacists with the management of Controlled Drugs.

The SOPs will be sent to pharmacies and can be downloaded from the members area of the NPA website.

Dec 8
(PJ)

Ask About Medicines
The “Ask About Medicines As We Grow Up” resource pack (PJ, 10 November, p517), covering key stages 1, 2 and 3, can now be downloaded free of charge from the members area of the National Pharmacy Association website.

Capacity improvement programme
The Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee has produced guidelines for compliance with the capacity improvement programme prescription pricing procedures. They are available to download from the PSNC website (PDF 320K).

Self care
A report of the Working in Partnership Programme national self-care conference (entitled “Commissioning Self Care for Life”) is now available from the NHS Self Care Connect website (PDF 2.5MB).

Dec 1
(PJ)

ABPI code
Individuals can now sign up for updates on the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry code of practice from the Prescription Medicines Code of Practice Authority

Attendance at training seminars can also be arranged through the PMCPA website.

November 2007

Nov 17
(PJ)

Planning ahead
The National Prescribing Centre has developed a resource designed to inform NHS planning around new medicines that may have a high clinical or financial impact on the NHS. Available via the NHSnet website (www.npc.nhs.uk/new_drugs.htm).

Nov 10
(PJ)

Smoking cessation
Guidance for primary care practitioners on smoking cessation strategies has been produced by the International Primary Care Respiratory Group (IPCRG).

The guidance can be accessed online

Nov 3
(PJ)

Rheumatoid arthritis
Guides for employees and employers, designed to help people with rheumatoid arthritis stay in work longer, have been launched by the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society.

The leaflets are available free of charge by calling 0845 4583969 or online

October 2007

Oct 13
(PJ)

KSF resources
New NHS Knowledge and Skills Framework (KSF) resources are available online from London Pharmacy Education and Training

Oct 6
(PJ)

NPCi
The National Prescribing Centre has launched NPCi, an NHS learning resource that provides evidence-based educational materials and resources relating to prescribing, therapeutics and medicines management.

It also includes blogs and podcasts and an interactive discussion forum. It takes the form of a virtual building with a series of floors providing access to different types of learning material.

September 2007

Sep 29
(PJ)

Cardiovascular risk
The World Health Organization has produced a book of pocket charts to help health care professionals to identify people at risk of heart attack and stroke.

“Pocket guidelines for assessment and management of cardiovascular risk” is available online

Mental health
The National Pharmacy Association has produced a “Brief guide to pharmacy mental health services”.

Available from the members’ section of the NPA website and by e-mailing nhs.dev@npa.co.uk

Sep 22
(PJ)

Flu immunisation
Leaflets and posters about the Department of Health’s 2007–08 influenza programme are available free of charge by calling
08701 555455
e-mail dh@prolog.uk.com

or by completing the order form available online

Sep 1
(PJ)

Blood pressure
Numark has produced a resource pack for use during “Know your numbers”, the blood pressure testing and awareness week (10–16 September 2007) organised by the Blood Pressure Association and the Department of Health.

The pack contains a poster, leaflets and patient record cards.

It costs £25 to members and can be obtained by calling 01827 841200

MAS translations
Leaflets and posters for the Scottish minor ailment service (MAS) have been translated into five languages.

The documents are now available online in traditional Chinese, simplified Chinese, Polish, Punjabi and Urdu

August 2007

August 25
(PJ)

PPI Specialist Library
A Patient and Public Involvement Specialist Library, run by the King’s Fund, is now accessible through the NHS National Library for Health.

August 18
(PJ)

Head lice
The Department of Health has produced a leaflet on the prevention and treatment of head lice. It can be downloaded from the DoH website

Infections
An online video tool to help the NHS tackle Clostridium difficile infections has been developed by the Department of Health and BMJ Learning.

Pseudoephedrine
The National Pharmacy Association has produced a factsheet about the current issues surrounding pseudoephedrine products.

“Taking care with pseudoephedrine sales” explains why best practice needs to be followed for sales of products containing pseudoephedrine, offers best practice guidance for dealing with customers and lists common pseudoephedrine-containing products currently sold in the UK.

It is available by calling 01727 858687 ext 3227

July 2007

July 28
(PJ)

Pharmacogenetics
Centre for Pharmacy Postgraduate Education free-of-charge e-learning programme “Pharmacogenetics: genetic approaches to therapy”. Pharmacists registered on the CPPE website can access the programme.

July 14
(PJ)

Clinical trials in Scotland
Education for pharmacists about clinical trials is now available from NHS Education for Scotland. NES says its new educational website about clinical trials is for pharmacists throughout the UK.

It was launched last month in response to an EU directive which set out requirements for staff working on clinical trials to have specific training. The website was developed in partnership with the Pharmacy Clinical Trials Specialist Interest Group (Scotland).

June 2007

June 30
(PJ)

Chief pharmacist forum
An internet forum for primary care chief pharmacists in Scotland has been launched by the National Pharmacy Association. The NPA hopes the forum will be used by chief pharmacists to share best practice and pose questions on policy implementation.

June 16
(PJ)

Chlamydia
The National Pharmacy Association and Community Pharmacy Wales have produced a document to support the development of community pharmacy chlamydia services in Wales.

“Sexual health services: community pharmacy chlamydia testing and treatment service” provides an overview of the service, a template service level agreement, template patient group directions for the supply of doxycycline and azithromycin and the cost of commissioning the service.

It is available online to NPA members

June 9
(PJ)

Switch-saving calculator
The prescribing analysis and support team at the Regional Drug & Therapeutics Centre, Newcastle Upon Tyne, has developed an online tool for calculating potential financial savings for switching patients from atorvastatin to simvastatin.

Primary and secondary care versions of the “Switch-saving calculator” are available online

Patient survey
The National Pharmacy Association and Actavis have produced a pack providing information about implementing the community pharmacy patient survey. The resource is being sent to NPA members in England and Wales.

Further copies can be obtained by contacting Auwal Hoque on 01727 858687, extension 3260 (e-mail a.hoque@npa.co.uk)

May 2007

May 19
(PJ)

Childhood asthma
A children’s book, entitled “A special assembly”, has been developed by the Asian People’s Disability Alliance and funded by Asthma UK to promote self-management messages to South Asian children with asthma and their parents.

It is available free of charge (except for postage and packing) by contacting
Icky Hasnain on 020 8902 2083
e-mail APDMCHA@aol.com

May 12
(PJ)

Medicines research
The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry has released the latest edition of its ‘A–Z of medicines research’ publication. The book provides information on research into medicines for various disease states currently being undertaken by the pharmaceutical industry in the UK and overseas.
Available online (free of charge)

Multi charge card
The Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee has produced a “Multi charge card” quick reference guide, listing some commonly dispensed products that incur either no prescription charge or multiple prescription charges. The card will be sent to all community pharmacies in England and Wales with the May issue of Community Pharmacy News.

Additional cards can be obtained free of charge by contacting the PSNC information team on 01296 432823 (e-mail info@psnc.org.uk), or online

May 5
(PJ)

Repeat dispensing
The National Pharmacy Association has produced a resource pack designed to help members set up and run an efficient repeat dispensing service. Cost £32.50.

Available online via the NPA Webshop
by telephoning 01727 858687 (ext 3469)
or e-mailing sales@npa.co.uk

CPD guide
The Centre for Pharmacy Postgraduate Education has produced a continuing professional development guide to help community pharmacists consider how they can use the results of the community pharmacy patient questionnaire to inform their CPD.

April 2007

April 21
(PJ)

Type 2 diabetes tool
Keele University’s department of medicines management has developed a computerised prescribing decision support tool to provide health care professionals with patient-specific, evidence-based support in the management of type 2 diabetes.

Health care professionals who would like to receive a free-of-charge copy of the decision tool can contact Simon Thomas on 01782 715458
(e-mail s.thomas@mema.keele.ac.uk)

Carers
STR Training has produced a distance learning course to support pharmacists who train carers. “A carer’s guide to handling medicines” has been accredited by the College of Pharmacy Practice.

Further information is available from Ian Strachan on 0151 423 0857
(e-mail ianstrachan@fsmail.net)

April 14
(PJ)

Clinical governance
“Clinical governance — learning to improve”, an e-learning website, has been launched in Scotland. The website is jointly funded by NHS Education for Scotland and NHS Quality Improvement Scotland.

Medicines guides
“Medicines guides” designed for members of the public, covering steroid-responsive conditions and skin conditions, are now available online

Needle exchange SOP
The National Pharmacy Association has produced “Provision of injecting equipment and paraphernalia to drug users”, a standard operating procedure for pharmacists in England and Wales to help manage risks involved with needle exchange services and ensure adherence to ethical and legal standards. The resource is available from the members’ area of the NPA website

New PSNC workbook
A new contract workbook has been published by the Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee. Most of the content from the original 2005–06 workbook has been revised including the guidance on waste, disability legislation and complaints procedures. It also provides advice on the community pharmacy patient survey and practice leaflets. The booklet is available from the PSNC website

April 7
(PJ)

Care homes
The pharmacists group of the Care Standards Inspectorate for Wales has produced an information sheet (PDF 60K) for community pharmacists, to ensure shared understanding about what is required of a care home to achieve best practice in medicines use and storage.

Controlled Drugs
The National Prescribing Centre has produced “A guide to good practice in the management of controlled drugs in primary care (England)”, second edition. The guide can be accessed free of charge via the NPC website

February 2007

February 24
(PJ)

BHF obesity awareness
The British Heart Foundation and Weight Concern have produced “Taking control of your weight”, a booklet for patients and health professionals about the health risks of obesity. Available free of charge on 0870 600 6566.

Controlled Drugs
The National Prescribing Centre has launched a new edition of its guide on the management of Controlled Drugs in England. “A guide to good practice in the management of controlled drugs (England)” is available free-of-charge.

Gynaecological cancers
A booklet from WellBeing of Women, providing women with information about gynaecological cancers, is available free of charge by telephoning 020 7772 6400 (e-mail wellbeingofwomen@rcog.org.uk)

Mental health
The Royal College of Psychiatrists has released two new self-help leaflets about obsessive compulsive disorder and support for people who self harm. Available online or e-mail leaflets@rcpsych.ac.uk

NACC patient pack
The National Association for Colitis and Crohn’s Disease has launched a new information pack that can be offered to patients with inflammatory bowel disease. The pack is available free of charge by contacting 01727 830038 (e-mail nacc@nacc.org.uk).

February 10
(PJ)

Patient groups
‘The handbook of patient groups 2006–07’ provides contact information for 301 patient groups in the UK and details of donations made to the groups by pharmaceutical companies. It is available for purchase (£18.95) via www.binleys.com

January 2007

January 20
(PJ)

Label translation
Rx-info has launched a website providing pharmacists with common dispensing labels in 13 languages. A program which allows the labels to be printed in the pharmacy is available to download free of charge from the website (www.translabel.co.uk).

January 13
(PJ)

Hazardous waste
A website designed to help businesses comply with hazardous waste legislation has been developed. The site has free and subscription areas and is available at www.becompliant.co.uk

Medicines use reviews
The National Pharmacy Association has developed a CD-ROM to aid implementing medicines use reviews. The CD-ROM was sponsored by GSK +Plus and is available free of charge to NPA members by contacting the GlaxoSmithKline customer contact centre on 0800 221441

Patient guide
The South East Forum of Local Pharmaceutical Committees has produced a guide for patients, carers and members of patient organisations explaining the changes in community pharmacy and the services available from pharmacies under the new contractual framework.

Payment by results
The National Diabetes Support Team has updated its payment by results factsheet (PDF 150K) to include the 2007–08 tariff.

January 6
(PJ)

Asthma MURs
MIMS, Asthma UK and the Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee have produced a resource providing information and advice for pharmacists undertaking medicines use reviews for people with asthma.

The resources will be distributed to pharmacies in January; further information is available from Asthma UK on 020 7786 5000

Pharmacopoeia
‘The international pharmacopoeia, 4th edition’ is now available from the World Health Organization.

Further information and order form

Pharmacy practice
The World Health Organization and the International Pharmaceutical Federation have published “Developing pharmacy practice — a focus on patient care”, a tool to enhance the role of pharmacists in health care.

Available online

December 2006

December 16
(PJ)

Diabetes support
The National Diabetes Support Team has produced “Diabetes and pharmacy services in England” — guidance to help pharmacists enhance care and support for people with diabetes, (PDF 450K)

Also availbale by
e-mail NDST@prolog.uk.com
telephone 08701 555455 (quoting NDST030)

Stroke
The Stroke Association and Servier Laboratories have produced “Target stroke”, an educational toolkit for health care professionals involved in stroke management.

Available free of charge by contacting Servier on 01753 666266 or 01753 666434.

EudraPharm database
The European Medicines Agency (EMEA) has launched an online database providing information on all human and veterinary medicines that have been authorised centrally by the European Commission. These include new medicines intended for a range of serious diseases (cancers, AIDS/HIV, diabetes, neurodegenerative disorders) and rare conditions (orphan drugs).

The database (www.eudrapharm.eu) includes products’ core data and provides access to summaries of product characteristics and patient information leaflets. Although information is currently only available in English, the EMEA says that data will be available in all EU languages in the future.

December 9
(PJ)

Cancer patient information pathways
The NHS Cancer Services Collaborative Improvement Partnership has developed a set of national patient information pathways for different types of cancer. They are available online

Depression
Developing Patient Partnerships has produced a booklet entitled “Dealing with depression” which offers information, advice and support to patients with depression and their family and friends. Cost: 125 booklets, £70.50. Ordering information available online

Epilepsy
Various information booklets for people with epilepsy are available from Epilepsy Action. Patients can obtain copies of the booklets by contacting the epilepsy helpline on 0808 800 5050

Ethnicity and health
The Specialist Library for Ethnicity and Health is now available through the National Library for Health, providing information relevant to minority ethnic groups and cultures present in Britain.

GMP/GCP interface
Clinical trial pharmacists wanting a copy of a slide presentation by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency describing regulatory inspection findings at the good manufacturing practice/good clinical practice interface should send an email to
Maggie Searle (maggie.searle@lcg-bourn.co.uk).

November 2006

November 25
(PJ)

Delirium management
“Detection, prevention and treatment of delirium in critically ill patients” has been published by the UK Clinical Pharmacy Association. The resource is available from the UKCPA on 0116 277 6999
e-mail admin@ukcpa.com

November 4
(PJ)

Online education
GlaxoSmithKline has launched a new pharmacy website (www.MyPharmAssist.co.uk) with online education modules for pharmacists and pharmacy assistants. Access is free of charge.

October 2006

October 28
(PJ)

Complementary medicines
The National Pharmacy Association has produced a complementary medicines resource pack for pharmacy business sponsored by Nelsons. The pack is free to NPA members and costs £25 for non-members. It is available by contacting the NPA pharmacy business unit on 01727 858687 ext 3257 (e-mail pharmacybusiness@npa.co.uk).

October 21
(PJ)

Ask About Medicines
Materials are still available to support pharmacists wishing to become involved in this year’s Ask About Medicines Week, with the theme of “Asking about medicines as we get older”, 6–10 November. Details on how to download and order the resources are available at www.askaboutmedicines.org

Pharmacy business
Charles Russell (solicitors) has produced a third edition of “Pharmacy business: a guide for buyers and sellers”. The publication is available free of charge by contacting Stephanie Palmer on 020 7203 5065 (e-mail stephanie.palmer@charlesrussell.co.uk).

October 7
(PJ)

“Everyday Medicines” website
AstraZeneca has launched “Everyday Medicines”, a website through which patients can access information about certain medicines and set up an alert service to remind them to collect prescriptions or to take their medicines. Health care professionals can provide patients with cards giving details of the website (www.everydaymedicines.com) and a password specific to each drug; a referral cards box can be obtained

Positive living DVD
Bristol-Myers Squibb and the Terrence Higgins Trust have produced an educational DVD, “Positive living”, for people newly diagnosed with HIV. Health care professionals can obtain copies of the DVD from Bristol-Myers Squibb on 01895 523643. Patients can contact THT on 020 7812 1600 (e-mail info@tht.org.uk).

September 2006

September 16
(PJ)

New medicines guide
A guide to planning ahead for key new medicines and National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence guidance for 2007–08 has been developed by the National Prescribing Centre. It is available via NHSNet (www.npc.nhs.uk).

Bilingual alcohol and drugs helpline
A confidential service providing 24-hour advice to anyone wanting information in English or Welsh on substance misuse has been launched by Cais, a provider of substance misuse services, and the Welsh Assembly Government. The helpline number is 0800 6335588.

September 9
(PJ)

Healthy eating in coeliac disease
Glutafin has produced a booklet providing advice on “healthy eating and a gluten-free diet” for people with coeliac disease. Available free of charge to health care professionals and patients by telephoning 01225 711566 or e-mailing cdrc@nutricia.co.uk

Scottish contract
The National Pharmacy Association is issuing a range of support materials to assist members in understanding and implementing aspects of the new Scottish pharmacy contract. Further copies can be downloaded from the members area of the NPA website.

September 2
(PJ)

Bowel health
Boehringer Ingelheim Consumer Healthcare has developed a continuing professional development programme, accredited by the College of Pharmacy Practice, entitled “A pharmacy guide to bowel health”. The programme, which consists of a main guide and tailored guides for both pharmacists and pharmacy support staff, is available free of charge by telephoning 01344 741160 and online via www.bowel-health.co.uk

Non-specific urethritis
fpa has launched a leaflet on non-specific urethritis, its causes, how its is transmitted, symptoms, where to go for treatment and what treatment is available. Cost, £5 for 50 leaflets (plus postage and packing), available by telephoning 0845 1228600

Preventing diabetes
The National Diabetes Support Team has developed a factsheet entitled “Preventing diabetes”, available by emailing NDST@prolog.uk.com, by telephoning 08701 555455 (quote NDST028) or via www.diabetes.nhs.uk

August 2006

August 26
(PJ)

Hepatitis C
The Department of Health’s patient information leaflet about hepatitis C is now available in nine languages: English, Arabic, Bengali, French, Gujarati, Portuguese, Punjabi, Turkish and Urdu. The leaflets are available free of charge by telephoning 08701 555455 or by e-mailing dh@prolog.uk.com).

August 19
(PJ)

New Pharmacist
Medihealth South, a pharmaceutical wholesaler in southern England and Wales, has launched a website which contains resource materials for community pharmacy businesses, including standard operating procedures, human resource documents and an online ordering facility. The website is available at www.newpharmacist.co.uk

Access to the whole website will be free of charge until 30 September after which customers who wish to access certain secure parts of the site will have to spend at least £500 per month on generics through Medihealth South.

Ramadan and Diwali
Servier Laboratories has updated its resource pack which helps primary care professionals manage type 2 diabetes in the South Asian population during Ramadan and Diwali and is making it available to health care professionals free of charge. It can be downloaded via www.servier.co.uk and paper copies are available by contacting the Servier diabetes team on 01753 666233.

July 2006

July 29
(PJ)

Diabetes
Diabetes UK has revamped its “Eating well with diabetes” leaflet. Free copies can be obtained by telephoning 0800 585 088.

Heatwave advice
The Department of Health has released a booklet for health professionals that outlines measures that should be taken during periods of extreme hot weather (PDF 50K). It provides guidance on who is at risk and medicines that may provoke or increase the severity of heatstroke.

Schizophrenia
Information pack for people with schizophrenia entitled “1 in 100”. Available free from the 1 in 100 website (www.oneinonehundred.co.uk) or by telephoning 0800 587 1153.

July 15
(PJ)

DoH CD guidance
The Department of Health’s interim guidance on the changes to record-keeping requirements for Controlled Drugs and its guidance on private CD prescriptions and other changes to the prescribing and dispensing of CDs.

July 8
(PJ)

Scottish contract
AAH Pharmaceuticals has launched a guide to Scotland’s minor ailments service and public health service. “Navigating the new world: a guide to the new pharmaceutical care services contract in Scotland” is available as a free download from AAH’s website for all the company’s Scottish community pharmacy customers. Printed versions can be purchased on request.Non-AAH customers who are interested in the guide can contact AAH on 024 7643 2836, e-mail sam.gwynne@aah.co.uk or visit www.aah.co.uk

London bombings
An NHS leaflet is available for people who are suffering from the psychological effects of the London bombings on 7 July 2005. The leaflet gives contact details for free NHS advice, support, and, if appropriate, treatment. Further information and leaflets from Kerstin Doe at ldcmhadmin@londondevelopmentcentre.org

Welsh eye care
Welsh Eye Care Initiative website about eye care services and services has been developed for people with a visual impairment in Wales.

July 1
(PJ)

Diabetes and coeliac disease
Glutafin has produced a booklet providing dietary and lifestyle advice for people with both diabetes and coeliac disease. Available free of charge to health care professionals and patients by telephoning 01225 711566 or e-mailing cdrc@nutricia.co.uk

Health care associated infections
The National Public Health Service for Wales has launched the “HAI Champion — e-learning programme”, an online course for training health professionals about controlling health care associated infections. Information available via www.wales.nhs.uk/whaip

Minor ailment service
The National Pharmacy Association is distributing a pack to support the implementation of the minor ailment service in Scotland. Further copies available by contacting the pharmacy business team on 01727 858687, extension 3257 or e-mail j.hamilton@npa.co.uk

Nutrition in Wales
The Nutrition Network for Wales has launched new websites in English (www.nutritionnetworkwales.org.uk) and Welsh (www.rhwydwaithmaethcymru.org.uk), with up-to-date information on nutrition policy, research, training and events, resources and local community initiatives.

Obesity
The National Heart Forum and the Faculty of Public Health have produced an obesity toolkit focusing on multi-sector partnerships. “Lightening the load: tackling overweight and obesity” is available from the National Heart Forum website

Oral methotrexate
The National Patient Safety Agency and the British Association of Dermatologists have produced an oral methotrexate pre-treatment patient information leaflet (PDF 400K). The leaflet offers information to patients prescribed low-dose methotrexate for the treatment of inflammatory conditions such as psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.
Further information from the British Association of Dermatologists

Pregnancy and child health
The Department of Health has published the 2006 editions of ‘The Pregnancy Book’, a guide to pregnancy, childbirth and the first few weeks with a baby (product code 271424), and ‘Birth to five’, a practical guide for parents with advice on child health, immunisation, diet and safety (product code 271425). Also available by telephoning 0870 1555455 or e-mailing dh@prolog.uk.com

June 2006

June 3
(PJ)

End of life care guide
The NHS End of Life Care Programme and the National Council for Palliative Care have developed the “Introductory guide to end of life care in care homes”. It provides advice on services available to help support residents’ choices and is aimed at care home managers and staff interested in improving care for residents in the final stages of life.

Support for new staff in primary care
London Pharmacy Education and Training and primary care trust pharmacy staff have developed a primary care induction pack. “Supporting new staff in primary care” is intended for use by PCT pharmacy staff to support them with the induction and initial development of any new staff members who are involved in the delivery of pharmacy services through PCTs.

May 2006

May 27
(PJ)

Psoriasis
An information programme called “Psoriassist” has been launched. It aims to raise awareness of the condition and provide support for people with psoriasis. It includes a website at www.psoriassist.co.uk and a booklet, which is available by calling 0800 4045999.

Diabetic foot
The “Diabetic foot guide”, covering key areas necessary to develop an effective diabetic foot care service, is now available from the NHS Diabetes Support Team. It can be downloaded from the Department of Health website

May 20
(PJ)

Complementary medicine
The new National Library for Health complementary and alternative medicine specialist library (NeLCAM)
See also Complementary medicine resources

HPA advice
The Health Protection Agency has produced information on rashes in pregnancy, available online

May 13
(PJ)

Patient information
The BMJ has launched a website providing information for patients and the public on medical problems more

Weight management
The Department of Health has published a number of obesity and weight management resources: the “Obesity care pathway” booklet for health professionals, the “Your weight, your health” guide for patients and the “Why weight matters” leaflet for overweight or obese patients more

April 2006

April 29
(PJ)

Animal medicines
The National Pharmacy Association has launched an updated version of its animal medicines resource pack more

Clinical governance
Clinical governance training package, accredited by the College of Pharmacy Practice and aimed at community pharmacy staff, especially registered technicians more

Pain resources
PACE (Pain: Collaboration and Exchange) has produced a series of resources to support health care professionals to improve chronic pain services more

April 22
(PJ)

Child immunisation DVD
The NHS Immunisation Information website has launched a free-of-charge DVD on child immunisation aimed at parents and health care professionals more

April 15
(PJ)

Gastroenterology and liver diseases library
The National Electronic Library for Health has launched a gastroenterology and liver diseases specialist library more

Diabetes leads
Alliance for Diabetes has launched a website designed to help diabetes leads around the UK access information on how to manage diabetes in practice in order to improve standards of care and reduce the burden of the condition for patients and the NHS more

Diabetes practice tool
Diabetes UK has launched an online tool to share examples of good practice in diabetes care more

fpa sexual health leaftlet
The fpa has launched a new sexual health leaflet, “Your sexual health — where to go for help and advice”. It replaces “Family planning services” and “Sexually transmitted infection — where to go for help and advice”, which will no longer be available more

April 1
(PJ)

Controlled Drugs
Prescription Pricing Authority guide “Safer management of controlled drugs” to help prepare for the new CD arrangements more

March 2006

March 4
(PJ)

Cancer patients
Macmillan Cancer Relief has published the sixth edition of its “Directory of information materials for people with cancer” more

Domestic abuse
“Responding to domestic abuse — a handbook for health professionals” can be downloaded from the Department of Health website more

Moving patients
The Royal Pharmaceutical Society, Guild of Healthcare Pharmacists, Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee and Primary Care Pharmacists' Association's guidance on moving patients between different health care settings — “Moving patients, moving medicines, moving safely” — can be downloaded free of charge from the Society’s website more

February 2006

Feb 25
(PJ)

Enhanced services
The National Pharmacy Association has published a toolkit to help community pharmacy contractors in England plan, prepare for and implement enhanced services under the new contract more

Medicines Compendium
Medicines Compendium 2006 is now available from Datapharm Communications. A free copy will be sent to the medicines information officer at every NHS trust more

Substance misuse
Free-of-charge training to obtain a certificate in the management of substance misuse is being offered by the Royal College of General Practitioners Wales more

Feb 18
(PJ)

Community resources
National Pharmacy Association MUR resource pack (price £38), MUR and prescription intervention service record book (price £10.95) and “how to use” patient leaflets (price £18.50) are now available more

Tariff handbook
The National Pharmacy Association Drug Tariff handbook for 2006 is now available more

Feb 4
(PJ)

COPD guide
A guide to help clarify the key points in the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence guideline has been produced by the General Practice Airways Group more

Enhanced services
UniChem has published a third guide in its “Solutions” series, entitled “A guide to setting up a healthcare service”. It will be distributed to UniChem customers from this month.

January 2006

Jan 28
(PJ)

MUR tips
The guide “10 steps to success with medicines use reviews”, designed to help community pharmacists, is available at www.psnc.org.uk

Jan 21
(PJ)

Domestic abuse
A Department of Health handbook which gives practical guidance to health care professionals on working with patients who may have experienced or are experiencing domestic abuse more

Hypertension toolkit
A toolkit to help local multi-agency teams develop a strategy to tackle hypertension more

Unwanted medicines
A prompt card on unwanted medicines is available from the Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee website more

Jan 7
(PJ)

Hypogonadism
An online educational resource for health professionals on diagnosis, treatment and management of hypogonadism has been launched more

December 2005

December 24
(PJ)

Oxygen
A window poster and patient letter template to help community pharmacists raise awareness of changes to home oxygen services have been produced by the National Pharmacy Association and the Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee more

December 17
(PJ)

Funding
The Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee has published a third edition of “Sources of funding — a guide for community pharmacists” more

Medicines use reviews
A booklet for patients explaining the aims and process of medicines use reviews has been produced by the Medicines Partnership more

December 10
(PJ)

Medicines management
A resource pack is available to help community pharmacists plan and deliver medicines management services from their pharmacies more

Diabetes
Diabetes UK has launched a website that brings together guidance from many organisations on best practice for the care of children and young people with diabetes more

December 3
(PJ)

Dystonia
A leaflet for people with dystonia that addresses key questions about botulinum toxin has been produced by Ipsen more

Medicines in falls
Learning packs covering the management of medicines in older people have been developed by the Medicines in Falls Support Programme for staff from health, social care, voluntary and private organisations who have no formal clinical training more

Medicines use reviews
The National Pharmacy Association has produced a resource pack to provide pharmacists with guidance and support in setting up a medicines use review service more

Prostate cancer
A guidance tool for managing prostate cancer — developed by the British Uro-oncology Group, the British Association of Urological Surgeons and the British Prostate Group more

November 2005

November 19
(PJ)

Community Health Partnership
Pack to help Community Health Partnership pharmacists understand NHS Scotland more

Osteoporosis
“Trends in osteoporosis” booklet for health care professionals who look after osteoporosis patients more

November 12
(PJ)

Cerebral palsy
A booklet on the role of botulinum toxin in the treatment of cerebral palsy has been developed by Ipsen and Scope more

Dizziness
Self-help booklets on balance retraining and coping with dizziness have been produced by the Ménière’s Society more

Research funding
A Department of Health-funded website providing access to details of research funding, training and advice is available more

October 2005

October 29
(PJ)

Asthma
On-line Medicines Guides for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease have been published by Medicines Partnership more

Contraception
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, in conjunction with the fpa, has produced a leaflet on long-acting reversible contraception more

Diabetes awareness
Diabetes UK has produced a toolkit for community and religious leaders and local health care professionals providing guidelines on how to organise diabetes awareness days more

Medicines management
The Hospital Medicines Management Collaborative has produced a booklet describing improvements in medicines management systems more

October 15
(PJ)

Engaging clinicians
The National Patient Safety Agency has produced a toolkit to help NHS staff raise awareness about patient safety more

Young suicide prevention
The charity Papyrus (prevention of young suicide) has launched a helpline to give support, practical advice and information to anyone concerned that a young person they know may be suicidal more

September 2005

September 24
(PJ)

Acne
A website for acne sufferers and their families, giving information, guidance and support, has been launched by TalkHealth more

Diabetes good practice
Diabetes UK has produced a free of charge guide for primary care trusts on best practice for involving people with diabetes in the development of diabetes services more

Medicines legislation
A new online resource, “Achieving safe practice — a guide to medicines legislation for PCTs”, has been produced more

Point of care testing
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency has published two leaflets giving advice to health care professionals about point of care testing more

Ramadan
Pharmacists are reminded that Ramadan is due to begin on 4 or 5 October. For information regarding medicines and Ramadan can be found here

September 17
(PJ)

PCT commissioning
The National Pharmacy Association has launched an online resource pack to help PCTs understand the commissioning routes available to primary care and how they could be used to commission services from community pharmacy more

September 10
(PJ)

Ask About Medicines Week
A new leaflet for Ask About Medicines Week (7–11 November) has been launched more

August 2005

August 27
(PJ)

COPD guidance
The British Lung Foundation has published guidance on the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease more

August 20
(PJ)

Influenza campaign
Resources for the influenza immunisation campaign, which starts on 3 October, are available via the NHS Immunisation Information website more

August 13
(PJ)

Neurological problems
A website for patients featuring information about neurological problems and downloadable booklets has been launched by the Brain and Spine foundation more

August 6
(PJ)

Pharmacy business
The second edition of ‘Pharmacy business: a guide for buyers and sellers’ has been published by Charles Russell LLP more

July 2005

July 23
(PJ)

Campaign guides
Two booklets, “Campaigning in health”, which provides information on how to plan and run a successful health campaign, and “How to develop a campaign”, which explains how the NHS in Wales works, are available more

Employment contract problems more

June 2005

June 25
(PJ)

Research ethics
The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry has published a guidance booklet for those overseeing research involving humans. “Introduction to the work of research ethics committees in the United Kingdom” can be ordered on 020 7747 1446; e-mail: publications@abpi.org.uk Price £15

June 4
(PJ)

Neonatal formulary
The 8th edition of the Neonatal Formulary, used on the neonatal unit at Queen Charlotte’s and Chelsea Hospital, is now available, price £15 more

May 2005

May 28
(PJ)

Maudsley guidelines
The eighth edition of ‘The Maudsley prescribing guidelines’ has been launched more

May 21
(PJ)

Diabetes
Diabetes UK has reprinted the credit card-sized “Know your numbers” leaflet more

Psoriasis
Talk Health has launched a website (supported through industry sponsorship) for psoriasis sufferers and their families available at www.talkpsoriasis.com. The site offers information, guidance and support and allows sufferers to contact each other.

Stroke
The Stroke Therapy Evaluation Programme has launched a website (www.effectivestrokecare.org) for health professionals. It contains a database of summaries of evidence for the effectiveness of interventions used in stroke care and has been developed to help health professionals keep up to date with current research in this area.

May 14
(PJ)

Diabetes funding
The Strategic Alliance for Diabetes (Diabetes UK, GlaxoSmithKline, Pfizer and Sanofi-Aventis) has launched a website providing health care professionals in England with advice on how to commission diabetes services at a primary care level more

May 7
(PJ)

PPRS guide
A guide explaining the processes and objectives of the Pharmaceutical Price Regulation Scheme is available from the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry more

Constipation
A treatment guide for pharmacy staff giving advice on constipation has been produced by Boehringer Ingelheim Consumer Healthcare more

Deaf support website
A website providing free information, guidance and support for deaf and hard of hearing people has been launched by Talkhealth and Auricle more

April 2005

April 30
(PJ)

Acromegaly
Ipsen has launched a resource pack including a DVD, information booklet and contact card for people with acromegaly more

Coeliac disease
An online version of the Coeliac Disease Resource Centre’s pharmacy education programme on coeliac disease and the gluten-free diet has been launched more

Depression
Neurolink has launched a website that provides practical tools to aid health care professionals in diagnosing, treating and managing people with depression and anxiety more

April 16
(PJ)

Insomnia
The Royal College of Psychiatrists has produced a leaflet, which offers guidance to help people sleep and advice on when to seek professional help more

Mental health
The Princess Royal Trust for Carers and the Royal College of Psychiatrists have produced a leaflet for parents with children who have mental health problems and one for professionals coming into contact with children of parents who have mental health problems more

Gout
The UK Gout Society has launched two free fact sheets, “All about gout and diet” and “All about gout and treatments” more

Welsh prescription charge
Copies of the Welsh prescription charge card can be obtained from Community Pharmacy Wales more

March 2005

Mar 26
(PJ)

Counterfeit medicines
The International Pharmaceutical Federation has launched a web page for pharmacists to access information on combating counterfeit medicines more

Dystonia leaflets
New leaflets for people with dystonia are now available from the Dystonia Society more

TB materials
A card, fact sheet and poster containing information about tuberculosis have been produced by the Department of Health more

Epilepsy leaflets
Epilepsy Action has produced leaflets giving information about epilepsy in Hindi and Gujarati more

February 2005

Feb 12
(PJ)

OTC pregnancy guide
A fact sheet for pregnant women taking over-the-counter medicines, “OTC medicines and pregnancy”, is now available more

Epilepsy self-help guide
Epilepsy Action has launched a new self-help guide for people with epilepsy who have little seizure control more

Feb 5
(PJ)

Medicines Compendium
The Medicines Compendium 2005 is now available. UK medicines information centres will automatically receive free copies. Free copies can be requested for NHS hospital pharmacies and community pharmacies more

Financial advice website
Statim Finance, the financial support division of AAH Pharmaceuticals, has launched a website for independent pharmacists more

January 2005

Jan 15
(PJ)

Target Heart
Target Heart, the latest in a series of booklets looking at specific therapeutic areas in depth is now available from the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry. Further details on 020 7930 3477

Jan 1/8
(PJ)

Incontinence advice
Vantage Pharmacy and Kimberley Clarke have produced packs of educational materials to help pharmacists give advice about continence issues. The packs will be distributed to Vantage Pharmacies. Further information on 024 7643 2000 (links)

Epilepsy memory guide
Epilepsy Action has launched a self help guide for people with epilepsy who are experiencing memory problems. Copies are available on 0808 800 5050 or via www.epilepsy.org.uk (other links)

December 2004

Dec 4
(PJ)

Medicine safety
The Drug Safety Research Unit distance learning modules on the safety of medicines have now been developed for pharmacists and are accredited by the College of Pharmacy Practice more

Stroke website
The Stroke Association website now contains a new section dedicated to health care professionals more

Diabetes resource
Roche Diagnostics has launched a range of educational advice leaflets written by diabetes specialist nurses more

November 2004

Nov 27
(PJ)

World AIDS day
To mark World AIDS day (1 December) the Commonwealth Pharmaceutical Association has launched a campaign to encourage pharmacists to listen to HIV positive customers more

Nov 20
(PJ)

Pain and pyrexia guide
A new guide, entitled “Guide to children’s pain and fever for health professionals” is being distributed to health care professionals in primary care more

Neuroendocrine tumours
Ipsen has added two information cards to its patient pack “Living with neuroendocrine tumour” more

Hepatitis C
A new hepatitis C website that contains information on patient groups and resources has been launched by Roche more

Swallowing difficulties
A new website has been launched by David Wright, a senior lecturer in pharmacy practice at the University of East Anglia, to provide advice to people who find tablets or capsules hard to swallow more

Motoring and medicines
A question and answer booklet entitled “Are you a driver taking medicine?” is available from the Guild of Experienced Motorists more

Nov 6
(PJ)

Mental health
The Royal College of Psychiatrists and The Princess Royal Trust for Carers have produced a booklet entitled “Carers and confidentiality in mental health” designed to help health professionals, patients and carers understand information sharing issues in mental health more

Clinical trials
The UK Medical Research Council and Department of Health have developed a clinical trials toolkit to help users meet the requirements of the UK Medicines for Human Use regulations, which implement the EU Clinical Trials Directive in the UK more

Blood pressure pack
The Blood Pressure Association has produced a free pack for pharmacists which contains the “Medicines for high blood pressure” booklet and wallet-sized patient record cards more

Opioids
OPEN Minds (Opioids and Pain European Network of Minds) has launched a website to provide health care professionals throughout Europe with information about the role of opioids in managing persistent pain more

October 2004

Oct 30
(PJ)

Mouth cancer
The British Dental Health Association has produced a free information guide for pharmacists about mouth cancer, in support of mouth cancer awareness week (7–13 November) more

Oct 23
(PJ)

Schizophrenia support
Eighteen mental health advocacy groups have joined together as INFORMED (International Network For Mental Health Education) to launch a free resource providing information to patients with schizophrenia and their carers more

Oct 16
(PJ)

Feasting and fasting
Servier Laboratories has launched “Focus on fasting and feasting”, a booklet to help health care professionals guide patients with type 2 diabetes through periods of fasting and feasting such as Ramadan (starts 15 October) and Diwali more

New pharmacy contract
GlaxoSmithKline has launched a guidance document to help pharmacists find time to prepare for and benefit from the new contract more

Oct 9
(PJ)

New NPC guide
A new web-based package, “Using evidence to guide practice”, is available from the National Prescribing Centre more

SOP guide
Vantage Pharmacy has launched a CD-ROM-based dispensary standard operating procedures guide more

Oct 2
(PJ)

Diabetes database
Diabetes UK has launched an internet database for health care professionals listing 360 resources relating to diabetes care and healthy living, in 32 languages more

Diabetes and ED
Bayer Healthcare and GlaxoSmithKline have launched a resource pack to help health care professionals feel more comfortable with discussing erectile dysfunction with patients with diabetes more

Understanding genes
Innervate, in conjunction with the University of Central Lancashire department of professional ethics, has launched a CD ROM to help health care professionals answer questions about genes, including genetic diseases and genetic tests more

September 2004

Sep 18
(PJ)

MS website
The Task Force on Medicines Partnership has launched a website to help patients with multiple sclerosis who are considering treatment with disease modifying antirheumatic drugs, in collaboration with the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, the MS Trust, and several other MS organisations more

August 2004

August 14
(PJ)

Preparing for emergencies
A website is now available containing the advice from the Government’s “Preparing for emergencies” booklet that is being distributed throughout the UK this month more

Actonel
The Alliance for Better Bone Health has launched an educational programme called “Osteokay” for patients who have been prescribed Actonel (risedronate sodium) more

Protopic
A website for health care professionals and patients about Protopic (tacrolimus) ointment has been launched by Fujisawa more

August 7
(PJ)

Peak flow meters Clement Clarke, manufacturer of the Mini-Wright peak flow meter has launched a website informing pharmacists and patients about the change in peak flow meter scales that will occur on 1 September more

July 2004

July 17
(PJ)

MedicinesComplete MedicinesComplete is a new online subscription service launched by the Pharmaceutical Press providing access to evidence-based information sources including Martindale: The complete drug reference, the British National Formulary, Stockley's Drug Interactions, Herbal Medicines, Dietary Supplements, the Handbook of Pharmaceutical Excipients, and Clarke's Analysis of Drugs and Poisons more

July 10
(PJ)

Diabetes leaflets
Diabetes UK has redesigned two of its leaflets: “Eating well with diabetes”and “Keeping active” (formerly called “Keeping fit”) more

Scottish public health
The Scottish Specialists in Pharmaceutical Public Health group has developed a website to support internal and external communications in public health in Scotland more

July 3
(PJ)

Coeliac disease The Coeliac Disease Resource Centre has launched the final unit of its pharmacy education programme on coeliac disease and the gluten-free diet more

Buying and selling pharmacies A guide to buying and selling pharmacy businesses has been produced by the law firm Charles Russell. The guide covers aspects such as structuring the sale and purchase, identifying assets to be transferred, steps in the transaction and tax allowances and reliefs. more

Xenical online support The Xenical motivation, advice and proactive support patient service, currently operating as a telephone support line (PJ, 18 October 2003, p538) is now also available online more

June 2004

June 26
(PJ)

MS exercises The Multiple Sclerosis Trust has launched a booklet describing exercises for people with the disease more

June 19
(PJ)

Omeprazole guidance The Royal Pharmaceutical Society's practice guidance on over-the-counter omeprazole has been sent to community pharmacists with this week's Journal more

Blood glucose The Diabetes Monitoring Forum has launched a series of leaflets to offer people with diabetes more specific advice on blood glucose monitoring, depending on the medicine the patient is taking more

June 12
(PJ)

Lab Tests Online Lab Tests Online is a new website being launched on 16 June. It is intended to give patients and carers a better understanding of clinical laboratory tests more

June 5
(PJ)

Neuroendocrine tumours A leaflet designed to help patients with neuroendocrine tumours to relax is now available from Ipsen as part of the “living with a neuroendocrine tumour” patient information pack more

May 2004

May 1
(PJ)

MHRA leaflet The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency and the National Patient Safety Agency have produced a patient leaflet about the name changes of some medicines, and advising patients to ask their pharmacist or call NHS Direct for more advice more

April 2004

Apr 15
(PJ)

Gluten-free foods A guide entitled “Gluten-free foods: a prescribing guide” has been developed by an expert panel and approved by the Primary Care Society for Gastroenterology and Coeliac UK more

Apr 3
(PJ)

Eczema resources The National Society for Eczema has launched a booklet for pharmacists entitled “Eczema and its management” more

Blood glucose The Diabetes Monitoring Forum has launched a series of leaflets to offer people with diabetes more specific advice on blood glucose monitoring, depending on the medicine the patient is taking more

March 2004

Mar 27
(PJ)

Medicines in care homes The National Pharmaceutical Association has published a new training pack for pharmacists to train care staff on the administration of medicines more

Mar 13
(PJ)

Heart lea