One Size FIts All

Among baggage reclaim carousels across the globe, passengers are reuniting themselves with exactly the same luggage in one country as they so trustingly parted from in another.

The Direct Approach

In a bid to raise awareness about the breadth, variety and indeed complexity of services offered throughout community pharmacies in Northern Ireland, pharmacy contractors Lee Dearn and James McKay joined David McCrea in Dundela Pharmacy to welcome the Health Minister.

The Right Formula

First the Albert Clock was treated to a reinvigorating cleanse, then the Merchant Hotel opened one of Belfast's premier jazz bars but the redevelopment of High Street doesnít stop there. Formula Healthís face-lift has turned heads of customers, commercial businesses and the Lord Mayor alike.

News in Brief

Cost Of A Pint

The 'shocking' cost of alcohol misuse in Northern Ireland was highlighted by Health Minister Michael McGimpsey in June after estimates that its cost to society equates to £679.8million with a range of £500million to £884million. "This research shows that the cost to the Health Service alone may be as high as around £160million each year with a further cost of £82million to Social Services,î the Minister said. ìThese figures are particularly pertinent in the context of my Departmentís very challenging financial situation because this is money that could be spent providing key frontline services."

Heart In Hands

The British Heart Foundation Northern Ireland is appealing to fundraisers to help it reach its target of £80,000 by August. The campaign is to recruit more heart nurses to support patients throughout the province and to reduce secondary care admissions.

Haiti Fundraising

Staff at Holly Villa in the Tyrone and Fermanagh Hospital have raised over £320 for a group who are travelling to Haiti in October to build houses following the earthquake. The Tyrone Haiti Build is a project in conjunction with the Haven Partnership to support those affected by the disaster.

Secondary Care Supported

A new hospital in Omaghs fight for funding has been supported by Health Minister Michael McGimpsey. Speaking at a meeting with the Omagh joint liaison group, the Minister said: "I am fully committed to the development of the new Omagh hospital and will continue to press for the essential funding needed to make this a reality."

Commissioning Together

Pharmacists and GPs must work together to define the gaps in commissioning data, review how they can be filled and to determine the correct level of care provision for a particular area, according to Stephen Foster, the head of the new Healthcare Professionals Commissioning Network. The network is open to any health or social care professional who would like to engage in commissioning. tinyurl.com/HCPnetwork

Back to School

Wednesday, 12 August 2009 08:27

Pandemic flu has gripped the fear of parents globally and to minimise the risk of reactionary panic, safeguarding children has been one of the most important areas for those responsible for ensuring public confidence. While the virus has been shown to be a mild strain, there are increased concerns from the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety that any second wave will most likely coincide with the normal seasonal flu in the Autumn and may emerge in a more virulent form.

As community pharmacies are preparing business contingency plans, schools throughout the province are also observing precautionary measures. Gregory Butler, head of development, planning and support services at the Southern Education and Library Board said: Current research has shown the virus will spread very effectively within the school age groups. Although schools are largely closed during July and August there are still many opportunities for infection within holiday destinations which can be transformed into the school environment.

We have been asked to remain vigilant during the holiday period. Hand washing and good hygiene practices have been highlighted as a very important method in reducing the possible spread of infection. In preparation for the new school year principals are asked to have sufficient stocks of paper hand towels and liquid soap, to check that the hot water supply to all parts of the school is fully operational and to report any fault with the hot water system to the Board.

Although the pandemic is dominating headlines and contingency planning, long term health strategies to protect the health of younger generations is of course a continual priority for policy makers. Health Minister Michal McGimpsey recently launched a new initiative developed by the Public Health Agency to promote active lifestyles among children. Visiting Clarendonís Multi-Sports Facility in Belfast, the Minister backed the public information campaign which encourages parents and carers to ensure that primary school age children are involved in at least sixty minutes of physical activity every day.

He also called upon healthcare professionals in the frontline of health promotion to support the campaign. In Northern Ireland, currently around one in four girls and one in six boys in Primary One are overweight or obese, he said. Many of these children are not as active as they should be, nor do they have a health, balanced diet and both these issues contribute to our levels of obesity. The campaign seeks to empower parents to act as role models to their children. I believe this campaign will help create and form good habits among this generation, which will be the legacy for the future public health of Northern Ireland.

Starting, or just returning to school after the summer break can be a concerning time for parents as well as children and community pharmacies are often called upon for advice about common conditions and OTC treatments. But what if returning to school is the cause of more serious health concerns? Boots Pharmacy holistic approach to combating exam and studying anxiety includes some key tips for pharmacy staff who are asked about a worried child. We would encourage patents to keep their child hydrated and to eat foods which keep their blood sugar levels stable, a spokesperson for the multiple said. We would also suggest light exercise and regular breaks from studying while at home. Even working on breathing techniques can help and ensuring that parents are emotionally supportive is important.

When it comes to OTC treatments, pharmacies are recommended to maintain good stock levels over the back to school period. Christine James, customer communications and marketing manager for AAH Pharmaceuticals says that pharmacists should be preparing for the onslaught of coughs and colds as children prepare to return to school. The AAH Vantage own label range stocks various products that are suitable for children as young as three months, she said. Pharmacists must also take care to advise parents of dosage. This is a busy time for pharmacists as parents tackle the winter blues head on. However, carefully segmenting the various products helps to reinforce that children require their own special doses and strengths.