NPA IN FOCUS
Janice Oman Scotland Representation Manager
NPA centenary fundraising for mental health The NPA is celebrating its centenary and as part of that we have partnered with the Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH) to raise funds for their vital work and to raise awareness of how pharmacies support mental health. SAMH works with adults and young people in Scotland, providing mental health social care support, services in primary care, schools and further education. All pharmacists, colleagues, family and friends are being invited to participate in this partnership – either by supporting the NPA’s own set-piece events, or by organising their own activities.
Visit our dedicated fundraising web page by going to
bit.ly/3e7MAic
Scottish pharmacy Task Planner now updated The NPA’s Pharmacy Task Planner has been put together by looking at the requirements of the General Pharmaceutical Council and other key administrative requirements. The planner then allows for these activities to be transferred to monthly activity planners to spread your workload throughout the year. The planner has been designed to capture different activities, including those that are fixed or variable dates and regular tasks. When you have set up the planner, you will for each month have an activity planner and a useful Regular Monthly Review Checklist. Go to
bit.ly/3eeB9FE to access.
COVID-19 vaccinations SOP More NPA members in Scotland are starting to carry out COVID-19 vaccinations from their pharmacies. The NPA has produced an SOP to help pharmacy teams operate in a safe, effective, systematic and efficient way. Go to
bit.ly/3hBrTxg
NPA responds to consultations The Cumberledge Review recommended how healthcare in England could respond more effectively to concerns on the safety of medicines and medical devices. Scottish Government also agreed to put all recommendations from the review in place including the Patient Safety Commissioner role. The NPA response supported the new role to champion the value of listening to patients and promoting user perspectives in seeking improvements to patient safety around the use of medicines and medical devices. We described the patient safety culture of community pharmacy, and offered to provide evidence of the safety of independent community pharmacy to Government. In addition we called for no unnecessary additional bureaucracy to be applied to members in the implementation of the development of the role and surrounding governance. The NPA also responded to Scottish Government Short Life Working Group (SLWG) on Prescription medicine dependence and withdrawal. The NPA agreed to the SLWG recommendations for increasing use and availability of prescription data, enhancing clinical guidance, improving patient and carer information and further research.
JCVI UPDATES VACCINATION GUIDELINES
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has advised that the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine should be offered to some children and young people aged twelve years and over with specific underlying health conditions that put them at risk of serious COVID-19.
Following approval by MHRA for the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine to be used in those aged twelve and over, the JCVI has now updated its advice to enable twelve to fifteen year olds with specific underlying health conditions to receive vaccination.
This currently includes those with severe neuro-disabilities, Down’s Syndrome, underlying conditions resulting in immunosuppression, and those with profound and multiple learning disabilities, severe learning disabilities or who are on the learning disability register.
Additionally, children and young people aged 12 years and over who live with someone who is immunosuppressed will be offered the opportunity to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.
This is on the understanding that the main benefits from vaccination are related to the potential for indirect protection of their household contact who is immunosuppressed.
Vaccination will also be offered to those young people who are within three months of their 18th birthday.
CARE HOME RESIDENTS CONNECT WITH NATURE
Care homes across Forth Valley are being invited to sign up to a new health and wellbeing project which has seen sixty residents at a Stirling care home being presented with certificates for completing a Natural Health Award, which involved taking part in a number of outdoor activities.
The award scheme at Wallace View Care Home in Stirling was a pilot project organised by the NHS Forth Valley’s Health Promotion team and is believed to be one of the first award schemes of its type in Scotland aimed specifically at care home residents.
‘Lockdown really had an impact on resident’s mental health,’ added Care Home Manager, Maria Garai. ‘Taking part in the Natural Health Award has totally lifted their spirits. Families and relatives also got involved. Getting outside has made a massive improvement to residents’ mental wellbeing and they are more physically active. They are walking down by the river, doing nature trails, painting and out in the garden. It’s so good to see that they have smiles on their faces again.’
Residents from Wallace View Care Home celebrate achieving their award at a garden party.
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