Chemist & Druggist articles from July 2005

Chemist & Druggist archives from July 2005

Welsh rule out POM central purchasing.(prescription only medicine)(Brief Article)
July 2, 2005... The Welsh are still hankering after saving money for the Cardiff Government through central purchasing. Although the National Assembly has finally abandoned thoughts of negotiating central deals with manufacturers for 300 prescription...

`Striking off' may last five years.(Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain to delicense erring pharmacists)(Brief Article)
July 2, 2005... Pharmacists who have been struck off the Register by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society will not be able to practise again for at least five years if new powers come into effect. At present, the Royal Pharmaceutical Society's Statutory...

Gulf grows between graduates and pre-reg places.(Brief Article)
July 2, 2005... In 2010, the number of pharmacy students graduating from schools of pharmacy in the South East of England will be double the number of pre- registration training places available. This could either lead to "better pharmacists", or it could...

NPA works on pre-reg `clearing'.(National Pharmaceutical Association)(Brief Article)
July 2, 2005... The NPA is developing a web-based forum to help pharmacy graduates find pre-registration training places. NPA education and training head Lesley Johnson said the organisation was working on the `clearing house' in response to members'...

IN BRIEF: Skilful 897.(pharmacists gets accreditation)(Brief Article)
July 2, 2005... Some 897 pharmacists have so far become accredited to provide advanced services under the new pharmacy contract by passing the Skills for the Future training course. The course, published by C&D in association with PSNC, consists of 20...

IN BRIEF: Commissioning aid.(National Pharmaceutical Association develops resource for commissioning services)(Brief Article)
July 2, 2005... The NPA has developed a resource for members to help them understand the options that PCTs have for commissioning services. It emphasises that commissioning is more than just agreeing contracts. It also covers a cycle of planning services,...

Pharmacy bodies prepare for primary care overhaul.
July 2, 2005... Pharmacy organisations have vowed to boost the profile of community pharmacy in response to a Government consultation on the future of primary care services. The consultation precedes the White Paper on Health outside Hospitals, which will...

PPA to repay convicted pharmacist.(Prescription Pricing Authority)(Brief Article)
July 2, 2005... A pharmacist convicted of false accounting is to have part of the sum that he was alleged to have fraudulently claimed repaid by the Prescription Pricing Authority (C&D, June 4, p8). Rajiv Sarna was sentenced at Winchester Crown Court in...

Patients with mental illness still dying young.(Brief Article)
July 2, 2005... Mental health guidelines have had no impact on patients' physical health or their preventable poorer health outcomes, said a report launched this week. Running On Empty revealed that patients with severe mental illness were three times...

Resource guide for patient surveys.(Brief Article)
July 2, 2005... The National Pharmaceutical Association is developing a resource pack to help pharmacists undertake an annual patient satisfaction survey as specified in the new contract. The NPA is working with Client-Focused Evaluations Program Surveys...

On-site pharmacy.(chloramphenicol eye drops for music fans)(Brief Article)
July 2, 2005... Pharmacist Jim Hutchins ensured music fans didn't miss a glimpse of their Glastonbury idols by selling OTC chloramphenicol eye drops at last weekend's event. Revellers suffering from eye infections capitalised on the medicine's recent POM to P...

Beware of bogus callers, warns locum.(locum pharmacists)(Brief Article)
July 2, 2005... A locum pharmacist in South Wales is warning pharmacists to be aware of hoax telephone calls in which they may be asked to reveal their name, registration number and home address. Tony Blasebalk told C&D that he received a bogus call from a...

Compliance alert scheme pioneered.(Brief Article)
July 2, 2005... Pharmacists in Staffordshire and Newcastle are to play a central role in a pioneering, cross-agency electronic reminder scheme designed to improve compliance in older people. The initiative, developed by the pharmacists and local housing...

Urgent need to lobby for out-of-hours provision.(Brief Article)
July 2, 2005... Pharmacists risk losing extra payments if they don't join forces and lobby to provide much needed out-of-hours cover, AAH Pharmaceuticals group managing director has warned. Steve Dunn said pharmacists must recover the lobbying power they...

Viagra faker sentenced.(Mohammed Bhatti convicted for selling counterfeit Viagra)(Brief Article)
July 2, 2005... Mohammed Bhatti, a Reading estate agent convicted of selling counterfeit Viagra on June 3, has been fined #1,250 and ordered to do 150 hours' community service. Mr Bhatti, of Woodley, admitted two charges linked to fake Viagra sales valued...

Correction: Sandra Rowlands.(Correction Notice)
July 2, 2005... The e-mail address for Rowlands' human resources manager Sandra Rowlands should be sroberts@rowlandspharmacy.co.uk and not as it appeared in last week's recruitment feature (C&D June 25, page 40). Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

Local MP visit.(Kirsty Williams visits JG & RJ Davies Pharmacy organised by Royal Pharmaceutical Society )(Brief Article)
July 2, 2005... Pharmacist Robert Davies took the opportunity to discuss community pharmacy issues when his local MP visited his shop last Friday. Welsh Assembly member Kirsty Williams said she found the visit to JG & RJ Davies Pharmacy in Ystradgynlais...

Pharmacies perk up profits at Alliance UniChem.(Brief Article)
July 2, 2005... A thriving pharmacy division has helped drive financial success at healthcare group Alliance UniChem during the first half of 2005, according to the company's pre-close period statement. The group, which will announce its six-month results...

Lloydspharmacy is first with Radiovision.(Brief Article)
July 2, 2005... Lloydspharmacy has become the first UK retailer to launch `Radiovision', a synchronised radio and video broadcast. Launched on Friday in six of its busiest stores, the three-month trial of Radiovision combines the Lloydspharmacy Live!...

Generics UK pays #12m to settle legal case with DoH.(Brief Article)
July 2, 2005... Generics UK has paid the Department of Health #12 million compensation for alleged price-fixing of generic drugs. The payment was made on a full and final basis and without admission of liability following claims that the company acted in...

Retail blues could hit profits.(community pharmacies await slumptime as per experts)(Brief Article)
July 2, 2005... A recent slump in high street sales could hit profits at many community pharmacies, experts have warned. Pharmacists could suffer a sharp decline in demand for toiletries and OTCs after a report published recently by the British Retail...

MI databank launched.(Brief Article)
July 2, 2005... A paperless medicines information enquiry management system was launched at last month's UK Medicines Information conference. MiDatabank has been designed to replace the paper-based records and computer systems currently used by NHS MI...

Letter: The BMJ bites back over `headline-grabbing ibuprofen study'.(Letter to the Editor)
July 2, 2005... Julia Hippisley-Cox and Carol Coupland, authors of a study in the BMJ which gained widespread media coverage, respond to concerns raised by the RPSGB's David Pruce Regarding the study we published in the BMJ on June 11, (C&D, June 18, p8...

Letter: National Smoking Cessation Conference views.(Letter to the Editor)
July 2, 2005... We are writing in response to your article "Pharmacists left fuming over PCT smoking attack" (C&D June 18, p12). You reported that Mireille Herbert, Quit Smoking service manager, proposed that community pharmacists offered a poor quality...

Comment from the Editor.(Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain to update its disciplinary powers through a charter update)(Brief Article)(Editorial)
July 2, 2005... As part of its modernisation programme, the RPSGB had hoped to update its Charter in tandem with new legislation - a Section 60 Order under the Health Act 1999 - to update its disciplinary powers. This week, David Reissner, of law firm...

Opinion: Should there be a ban on smoking in public?
July 2, 2005... Our question to pharmacists this week was: Should there be a ban on smoking in public? "I don't think it would be a bad idea, but it could affect businesses" Julie Shimmins, Bannockburn "No, I don't mind it" Safina Aslam,...

YOUR VIEWS: Is wholesaling on the brink?(drug supply chain)(Brief Article)
July 2, 2005... Martin Sawer, executive director of the BAPW, responds to Xrayser Xrayser's comments on wholesaling last week (C&D, June 25, p15) was a welcome contribution to the debate around the condition of the supply chain. Unfortunately, the author's...

NORTHERN IRELAND NOTEBOOK: The curse of the doctor's receptionist.(an appointment with a general practitioner)(Brief Article)
July 2, 2005... I am now officially a patient. I suffered what I thought was stomach cramps but the pain suggested something more and, having dismissed an ulcer, my GP sent me for a scan suspecting gallbladder problems. My scan was performed promptly and...

Out of stock and out of ideas.(medication supply)
July 2, 2005... I have been spending an increasing amount of my time resolving manufacturers' out of stock situations, so was not surprised to hear the British Association of Wholesalers call the situation "unprecedented" (C&D, June 14, p25). A quick count...

Bravo for a bolshy Society.(about the criticism of a British Medical Journal report on link between ibuprofen and heart attacks)(Brief Article)
July 2, 2005... Well done to the Royal Pharmaceutical Society for its outspoken criticism of a respected journal to support pharmacists and the public. David Pruce has said that the BMJ's press release about the link between ibuprofen and heart attacks was...

PAGB: Self-care is all well and good, but support is vital too.(Proprietary Association of Great Britain)
July 2, 2005... Doctors and pharmacists need to help us to help ourselves, argues Sheila Kelly, director of the Proprietary Association of Great Britain People are ready and willing to practice self-care - but need help and support from doctors and...

PHARMACY UPDATE: New thoughts on stroke prevention.
July 2, 2005... This article can help in the following CPD competencies: C1f, G1c, G1a, C1a. A list is available at www.uptodate.org.uk/home/PlanRecord.shtml Dr Mike Mead outlines the latest NICE guidance on secondary prevention The new National...

PHARMACY UPDATE: Chaste tree.(composition, usage and trials)
July 2, 2005... Chasteberry extracts may be useful in some women's ailments, says Professor Edzard Ernst Chaste tree (Vitex agnus castus) is a deciduous shrub from the Mediterranean. In ancient times it was used for promoting chastity in women and...

Scriptlines: Parkinson's drug.(Teva and Lundbeck launches Azilect 1mg tablets)(Brief Article)
July 2, 2005... Teva and Lundbeck have launched Azilect 1mg tablets, a new therapy for Parkinson's disease (PD). Containing rasagiline, an irreversible monoamine oxidase-B inhibitor, Azilect is indicated for the treatment of idiopathic PD, either as...

Scriptlines: Honey dressings on the NHS.(Medlock Medical launches Mesitran)(Brief Article)
July 2, 2005... Medlock Medical has launched Mesitran, a honey based range of wound products. NHS-prescribable from August 1, the range comprises two ointments and three dressings. Mesitran Ointment contains 47 per cent medical grade honey, whereas...

Some Cox-2s OK but class review needed, says EMEA.(European Agency for the Evaluation of Medicinal Products)(Brief Article)
July 2, 2005... The benefits of some Cox-2 inhibitors outweigh the risks but research has highlighted the need to review the safety of NSAIDs, the European drug regulator has said. Concluding its Cox-2 review, the European Medicines Evaluation Agency...

Arimidex approved for wider use.(AstraZeneca's aromatase inhibitor by Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency)(Brief Article)
July 2, 2005... AstraZeneca has been granted a licence extension for Arimedex (anastrozole), allowing the drug to be used in all postmenopausal women with hormone receptive positive breast cancer. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency has...

Scriptlines: Nurofen packs for dispensing.(Crookes Healthcare Ltd.)(Brief Article)
July 2, 2005... Crookes Healthcare has launched two Nurofen for Children (ibuprofen) dispensing packs, in 100ml and 150ml pack sizes. Available from wholesalers at the beginning of August, the company says the packs will make dispensing easier for...

Scriptlines: Wyeth stock shortages.(Wyeth Pharmaceuticals)(Brief Article)
July 2, 2005... Wyeth has said it is unlikely to resolve the supply issues it is experiencing within the next two months. The affected products are Ovranette and Premique Cycle tablets, Novantrone vials and Zoton 30mg sachets. The company says the shortages...

Scriptlines: Zinnat sachets.(GlaxoSmithKline PLC disconrtinues granules for suspension sachets )(Brief Article)
July 2, 2005... Zinnat granules for suspension sachets 125mg 14s are being discontinued by GlaxoSmithKline. The manufacturer said stocks are likely to be exhausted by the end of this month and all other Zinnat products remain available. For more...

Early ropinirole helps PD in long term.(Parkinson's disease)(Brief Article)
July 2, 2005... Starting patients on ropinirole as soon as they are diagnosed with Parkinson's disease results in better long term outcomes, a small scale study has found. Regardless of subsequent therapy, patients who were initially given ropinirole...

Abbott makes a stand in-store.(Abbott Diabetes Care markets blood gluocose monitors Freestyle Mini and Optium Xceed with in-store display units)(Brief Article)
July 2, 2005... Abbott Diabetes Care is supporting the launch of its blood gluocose monitors Freestyle Mini and Optium Xceed with in-store display units. The counter-top stands allow customers to operate the meters and include two perspex leaflet holders....

Fish oil is aimed at the children.(Brief Article)
July 2, 2005... BR Pharmaceuticals is introducing a value-for-money fish oil supplement. Valupak Smart Omega 3 Fish Oil can be used by children from age three and contains a high level of docosahexanoic acid (DHA) as well as vitamins A, C, D and E. ...

Potter's joins the sports club.(partbers with JJB Sports PLC)(Brief Article)
July 2, 2005... Potter's is teaming up with sports retailer JJB to offer customers advice on herbal medicines. JJB Fitness clubs in Wigan, Blackburn and Southport are stocking four complete ranges of Potter's herbal medicines: Tabritis, Femmeherb,...

Deep Relief scoops second magazine award.(Brief Article)
July 2, 2005... Mentholatum's Deep Relief has been voted Best Health Product of the year by readers of Health Plus magazine for the second year running. Available in 15g, 30g and 50g tubes (GSL) and a 100g tube (P), the gel is indicated for relief of...

Seven Seas celebrates 70th birthday.(Brief Article)
July 2, 2005... Seven Seas is celebrating its 70th birthday by teaming up with Saga magazine to offer new subscribers a free pack of JointCare Projoint Formula. As part of its birthday celebrations, the brand will also be sponsoring the Arthritis Research...

Summer additions for Carnation.(Carnation Footcare launches Fresh Foot, Cool Foot and Fresh Shoe sprays)(Brief Article)
July 2, 2005... Carnation Footcare is expanding its range with the launch of three foot sprays to keep feet cool, dry and sweet smelling as the temperature rises. Fresh Foot, Cool Foot and Fresh Shoe sprays are designed to tackle the summer problems of...

Calcium comes in chewable form.(Brief Article)
July 2, 2005... Viatris claims its newly launched product Osteo-life is the first chewable one-a-day calcium supplement. The blackcurrant-flavoured tablets contain calcium and 200IU of vitamin D3 to improve absorption of calcium. Osteo-life is free from...

Sula's tooth-friendly mints.(Brief Article)
July 2, 2005... The Sula range of sugar-free sweets has been extended with two new variants. Lemon Mint pastilles with vitamin C and breath-freshening Menthol Mint pastilles join the existing range of five products. The sweets come in convenient flip-top...

Eurax moves onto radio.(Brief Article)
July 2, 2005... Eurax is being supported with a radio campaign which runs throughout the summer from this week until the end of August. The 30-second adverts will focus on the brand's ability to treat sunburn, insect bites, stings and rashes. Available as...

BRAND FOCUS: Start a revolution in dry-feeling eyes.(SYSTANE! Lubricating Eye Drops from Alcon Laboratories)
July 2, 2005... Dry-feeling eyes is becoming an increasingly common 21st century problem! It is a condition that people have been suffering from for hundreds of years, but changes in everyday living such as the increased use of computer screens, central...

Melt away unwanted hair.(Brief Article)
July 2, 2005... Skin Doctors Cosmeceuticals has moved into the hair removal market with the launch of two products. Mousse Magic Hair Removal combines potassium thioglycolate with a blend of moisturisers to melt away hair and leave skin smooth without...

Kids have fun with Johnson's.(Johnson & Johnson Ltd. launches Johnson's Junior)(Brief Article)
July 2, 2005... Johnson's Junior is a range of toiletries for two to five year olds, using the No More Tears formula. The range includes Junior 2 in 1 Easy-Cleaning Bath & Shower, which foams instantly; Easy Foaming Hand & Face Wash, which foams and...

Avent mother and baby gift sets.(Brief Article)
July 2, 2005... Avent has revamped its gift sets for babies and mothers-to-be. The Future Mother Must-Haves set contains Moisturising Light Oil, Relaxing Bath & Shower Essence, Indulgent Body Cream and Leg & Foot Reviver. The Baby Must-Haves gift set...

PHARMACY PRACTICE: Section 60 - what it could mean.
July 2, 2005... David Reissner looks at what the Section 60 Order, the regulation being applied to professional self-regulation, holds in store The Government has announced that its proposed consultation on new disciplinary procedures for the pharmacy...

MEDICINES INFORMATION CONFERENCE: The changing landscape.(Brief Article)
July 2, 2005... Coleraine in Northern Ireland was the setting for June's 31st UK Medicines Information conference last month. Hot topics included marketing, pre-registration training and complementary medicines, reports Asha Fowells Medicines information...

MEDICINES INFORMATION: Review MI services, says chief pharmacist.(Brief Article)
July 2, 2005... Medicines information services must be reviewed to meet the needs of a changing healthcare system, said Northern Ireland's chief pharmaceutical officer. Such services must increase their contact with community pharmacists because "that's...

MEDICINES INFORMATION CONFERENCE: Care needed with third party queries.(Brief Article)
July 2, 2005... Pharmacists must be careful when they deal with third party enquiries, warned a medical law expert. Barrister Tony McGleenan said pharmacists "should not answer third party enquiries unless there is a compelling reason to do so"....

MEDICINES INFORMATION CONFERENCE: MI prescribing role.(Brief Article)
July 2, 2005... The demand for medicines information services will increase if independent prescribing is approved, delegates were told. Such services would be more useful to community pharmacy if they could provide evaluated trial appraisals and...

MEDICINES INFORMATION CONFERENCE: EC law to improve herbal safety.(European Commission)(Brief Article)
July 2, 2005... European legislation to be introduced in October will simplify the registration procedure for herbal medicines in the UK, said a Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency spokeswoman. The EC directive on Traditional Herbal...

Spotlight on recruitment.(David Cooper, Alliance Pharmacy)(Interview)
July 2, 2005... Alliance Pharmacy offers careers that are varied and provide scope for personal development, David Cooper, senior manager, reward and resourcing, tells C&D Q: How many pharmacists do you employ? A: Alliance Pharmacy has more than 8,000...

On yer bike!(David Jeyes to start his charity `Birthday Bicycle for Two' for the homeless and disadvantaged at Northampton)(Brief Article)
July 2, 2005... David Jeyes of Jeyes Chemist in Northampton will be setting off for John O' Groats next Sunday to start his charity `Birthday Bicycle for Two'. Mr Jeyes, who celebrates his 60th birthday, and his daughter Anna, who was 21 in March, are...

Teva UK - Appointment.(Tanya Martin)(Brief Article)
July 2, 2005... Teva UK has increased its presence in Northern Ireland with the appointment of Tanya Martin as sales territory manager in the province. Ms Martin has worked in the pharmaceutical industry for seven years and joins Teva from Sandoz. ...

International Health Partners UK - Appointment.(Stephen O'Brien)(Brief Article)
July 2, 2005... International Health Partners UK, the charity that handles donations of medical supplies to the developing world, has appointed Stephen O'Brien as its chairman. Mr O'Brien has spent his career in the financial sector, and his current positions...

NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement - Appointment.(Bernard Crump)(Brief Article)
July 2, 2005... Bernard Crump has been named chief executive of the NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement, a new organisation set up to develop best practice, ideas and technologies for patients. A visiting professor at Leicester University's...

NicOx - Appointment.(Ali Raza)(Brief Article)
July 2, 2005... Ali Raza has joined emerging pharmaceutical company NicOx as head of research and development. Dr Raza's most recent post was head of clinical development and regulatory affairs at Renovo, before which he spent 14 years in a number of positions...

Ardana - Appointment.(Ardana Bioscience appoints Carol Ferguson)(Brief Article)
July 2, 2005... Carol Ferguson has been appointed a non-executive director of emerging pharmaceutical company Ardana. Mrs Ferguson has had a varied career in finance, including a period as a financial journalist and columnist for The Times newspaper and...

New senior business reporter for C&D.(Max Gosney joins Chemist & Druggist)(Brief Article)
July 2, 2005... C&D has a new addition to the team, Max Gosney. Max, who has a degree in biochemistry from Cardiff University, joins the magazine as senior business reporter. His CV includes two years at B2B publisher William Reed. Max is a keen sportsman and...

The curious case of the 2CV and the cow.(pharmacist Neil Harris and his partner to rally on Citroen 2CV to raise funds for Africa and Mongolian children)(Brief Article)
July 2, 2005... Bradford locum pharmacist Neil Harris and his partner Jan Williams will be driving a 20-year-old Citroen 2CV from London to Ulan Bator in an effort to raise funds for Africa and Mongolian children. The three-week Mongol rally event, which...

DoH plan will firm up CD arrangements.(Department of Health)
July 9, 2005... Pharmacists will be required to submit data on their Controlled Drug stockholding and usage to their primary care organisation under new guidance proposed by the Department of Health. The annual assessments will be carried out by all...

NPA renamed as part of strategic review.(National Pharmaceutical Association)(Brief Article)
July 9, 2005... The National Pharmaceutical Association has been re-titled the National Pharmacy Association as part of several "strategic" changes, designed to create a more efficient and modern organisation. A revamp including new corporate logo,...

Trimethoprim switch request.(Brief Article)
July 9, 2005... Trimethoprim 200mg tablets may soon be sold through pharmacies for treating uncomplicated acute bacterial cystitis, if the UK drug regulator approves an application made by Alpharma. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency...

IN BRIEF: Prescribing equality.
July 9, 2005... Community pharmacists who have qualified as supplementary prescribers have written as many prescriptions as their hospital-based colleagues. According to RPSGB and PPA data, 530 pharmacists are registered as pharmacist supplementary...

IN BRIEF: Locum contract.(Brief Article)
July 9, 2005... The Pharmacist Defence Association has produced a locum contract which it claims is no longer "weighted in favour of proprietors". The locum contract, which has been approved by the Inland Revenue, requires proprietors to commit to making...

IN BRIEF: Diamox shortage.(Brief Article)
July 9, 2005... Goldshields has announced a shortage of Diamox SR Capsules due to a delay in supply from Wyeth. Diamox SR supply is expected to be resumed by August. There are no supply issues with either Diamox Tablets or Diamox Injections. More...

IN BRIEF: HPC consultation.(Health Professions Council)(Brief Article)
July 9, 2005... The Health Professions Council (HPC) has launched two consultations on Returning to Practice and Managing Fitness to Practice; a guide for registrants and employers. Each will run until September 9. Details are available on the HPC website...

London LPC wins #1.75m for support staff training.(North East London Local Pharmaceutical Committee )
July 9, 2005... North East London LPC has secured around #1.75 million from the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) to train pharmacy support staff. The funds are to be used to train around 650 pharmacy support staff, mostly NVQ2 holders, to NVQ3 level. They...

Second IT system is given the ETP green light.(Information technology)
July 9, 2005... Hadley Healthcare's eclipsePMR pharmacy computer system has completed compliance testing for the electronic transmission of prescriptions service, and is expected to become the second software system to be deployed in an ETP implementer site....

Superdrug bid to fill Boots.(Brief Article)
July 9, 2005... Superdrug has made a sneaky bid to snap up the spare retail space that Boots announced it would be letting out to boost profits. Superdrug chief executive officer Euan Sutherland approached Richard Baker, his opposite number at Boots, after...

Alpharma-sponsored students enrol.(Brief Article)
July 9, 2005... The first Alpharma-sponsored students have enrolled on the National Pharmacy Association's accuracy in dispensing course. Applicants can register for the free course at any time of the year through the NPA or Alpharma representatives. ...

Pharmacists alerted to waste hazards.
July 9, 2005... The Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee has urged pharmacists to be alert over new Environment Agency rules on the disposal of hazardous waste. Pharmacists breaching the new hazardous waste regulations, which are introduced on...

Congestion fee hike hits pharmacy businesses.
July 9, 2005... Ken Livingstone faced a furious backlash from central London's pharmacists and wholesalers over his decision to increase the city's congestion charge to #8 this week. The Mayor of London's 60 per cent increase in road fees would lead to a...

Cleanliness is next to wealthiness, Numark warns.(Brief Article)
July 9, 2005... Range of stock, price and convenience are the three main reasons why consumers choose one pharmacy over another, a survey by Numark has revealed. The advice on offer ranks only fifth and is on a par with promotions and the warmth of the...

NPA profits down 17 per cent in 2004.(National Pharmacy Association)(Brief Article)
July 9, 2005... After-tax profits for 2004 at the National Pharmacy Association were down 17 per cent on 2003 at #1.4 million. This was partly due to a 13 per cent increase in administrative expenses - to #3.2m - and a 141 per cent rise in realised investment...