NEWS NUMARK REACHES 6000 MEMBERS


Numark has reached a major milestone, officially welcoming its 6,000th member to the network. This achievement reflects the growing strength and resilience of the independent pharmacy sector and highlights Numark’s commitment to supporting community pharmacy across the UK.


To mark the occasion, Numark has rewarded its 6,000th member with a complimentary pharmacy refresh. The bespoke transformation is designed to modernise the pharmacy’s front- of-shop space, enhance the patient experience, and support future business growth.


The initiative follows Numark’s “Countdown to 6,000” campaign, which invited members to join before the milestone was reached


and offered existing members the chance to win their own pharmacy refresh. The competition and milestone celebration underline Numark’s ongoing investment in helping pharmacies thrive.


Commenting on the major milestone, Harry McQuillan, Numark Chairman said, “This is a moment to celebrate every single one of our members. Our network has grown stronger year on year, thanks to the commitment of thousands of independent pharmacies who put their trust in us. This milestone belongs to all of you.


“At Numark, we believe that supporting your success is just good business and that’s what we’re all about.”


HUB AND SPOKE LEGISLATION: A NEW ERA FOR COMMUNITY PHARMACY


The long-awaited introduction of legislation enabling hub and spoke dispensing between pharmacies under different legal entities marks a pivotal moment for UK community pharmacy. After years of consultation, all operators, from large multi- entity groups to small independents, can now access the efficiencies and opportunities this model offers.


At its core, hub and spoke is not about cost cutting. Its real value lies in releasing capacity within pharmacies so teams can focus on patient-facing services.


Evidence from early adopters shows that pharmacies can remove 50 to 60 percent of their total dispensing volumes, saving pharmacists an average of four hours per day. This time can be reinvested into clinical services, chronic disease support and patient care, aligning directly with NHS long-term ambitions.


To help pharmacies understand their options, Centred Solutions has published Hub and Spoke Unpacked, a practical guide to the legislation and the new business models it enables. The guide outlines three routes now open to UK pharmacies:


Intra Group Model: allows multi-entity pharmacy groups or those with shared directors to centralise dispensing across all branches.


Managed Service Model: enables hubs to provide assembly services to independent spokes outside their legal entity, with clearly defined contracts.


Joint Venture Co-operative Model: gives smaller independents the chance to collaborate locally, jointly investing in a hub to achieve economies of scale.


Each model carries different levels of complexity, capital requirement and risk distribution, but all offer a pathway for pharmacies of every size to benefit. The NHS Terms of Service set clear requirements, including data sharing agreements, responsible pharmacist duties and business continuity planning.


Success stories already show improved patient safety, reduced near misses, stock savings and new revenue streams. Perhaps most significantly, hub and spoke is helping transform the role of pharmacists, placing them closer to the patients who need them most.


The opportunity is here. The framework is in place. For pharmacies ready to explore which model suits them best, Centred Solutions’ Hub and Spoke Unpacked provides clear, practical insight into structures, legal requirements and operational considerations. To learn more visit www.centredsolutions.co.uk


PARACETAMOL IN PREGNANCY – REASSURANCE FROM UPDATED GUIDANCE


Paracetamol is one of the most widely used medicines in pregnancy for managing pain and fever. In recent years, some studies have raised concerns about a possible link with conditions such as autism and ADHD in children. This has understandably caused worry for expectant mothers and healthcare professionals alike.


A new Trusted Advice statement from the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN), supported by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), provides clear reassurance.


After reviewing the available evidence, both organisations confirm that paracetamol remains the safest option during pregnancy when used correctly.


TRANSFER OF PROJECT ECHO NI TO THE REGULATION QUALITY IMPROVEMENT AUTHORITY (RQIA)


Project ECHO Northern Ireland will transfer to the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA), following an independent review carried out by the HSC Leadership Centre.


The review considered several options to determine the most effective and sustainable way to ensure that Project ECHO continues to deliver maximum benefit to health and social care across Northern Ireland.


Based on its established mandate for quality improvement, RQIA has been identified as the most suitable organisation to lead the delivery of Project ECHO moving forward.


The transition process, including the transfer of the current team at Hospice UK is now underway.


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