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

Roberta to the Rescue

Written by Laure James - Editor Pharmacy in Focus
Monday, 04 August 2008 11:36
Airports are not known for their serenity and spending hours in departure lounges does not necessarily equate to reclining in a haven of calm. Passengers in Dublin Airport however were given an opportunity of respite from the check-in queues and baggage reclaim thanks to Perrans Distribution, ably assisted by Rescue Remedy girl Roberta Rawat and her Rescue Team. A promotional campaign, involving the distribution of over 10,000 Rescue Kits, was also supported by the airport’s pharmacy team. Airport pharmacy manager Niamh Keating commented; “The summer months are the busiest time of the year with around 90,000 people going through the airport each day. Air travel has never been more stressful and anything to help manage stress flies off the shelves – especially Rescue. “There is the familiar spray and drops but for the summer travel kit we also suggested Rescue Pastilles which contain the five Bach Original Flower Essences in Rescue Remedy. The naturally flavoured elderflower and orange pastilles come in a compact tin ideal for travel. They are alcohol and sugar-free and safe for all the family including children.” Keeping skin hydrated, particularly on long haul journeys, is also an important travel tip. Rescue Cream, an intensive moisturiser designed to hydrate, restores dry skin it to its natural condition. It is lanolin, paraben and perfume free.” For more information visit www.rescueremedy.ie.