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Opinion: It’s why we get out of bed

When I wake up each morning, I don’t think only about what I have planned for the day, but also why I am doing it. So says new NPA chair Olivier Picard.

26 Jun 2025 , 3 Min Article

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Editor’s viewpoint: Decent start but could be (much) better

Now that the dust has settled somewhat, there was quite a lot to like – but also dislike – about England’s contractual framework settlement. So is it a good deal for community pharmacy or not?

23 Apr 2025 , 2 Min Article

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MHRA publishes opinion on regulatory status of CBD products

Following a review the MHRA has published an opinion on the regulatory status of products containing cannabidiol (CBD).

15 Apr 2025 , 1 Min Article

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Pharmacy 2024: a year of crises and closures

The sad sight last year of shuttered pharmacies became increasingly common, says Andrew McCoig. Will the Government finally bring common sense to bear in 2025 – before it’s too late?

03 Jan 2025 , 5 Min Article

keith-ridge

Opinion: Pharmacy is in a much better place. Really.

The new Government is trying to repair a ‘broken’ NHS and Lord Darzi has been brought back into the fold to advise Labour ministers for a second time. I was there when he did his first review in 2007, says Keith Ridge, former chief pharmacist for England. So what’s changed?

17 Oct 2024 , 4 Min Article

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Opinion: Crying wolf about the elephant in the room...

Have community pharmacy owners and their representatives been crying wolf for the past 30 years? One of our readers* has been crunching the numbers and draws some interesting conclusions. But is he or she right?

06 Sep 2024 , 3 Min Article

andrew-mccoig

Opinion: Hoarding, shoplifting and a new Government

We have a new Government. Let’s hope we also have a more sympathetic approach to all the problems facing the sector. I have high hopes – pharmacy has always fared better under a Labour administration, writes retired pharmacist Andrew McCoig.

02 Aug 2024 , 5 Min Article

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Opinion: Strategy needed for the bigger picture

Alongside a strategy for the health service, the new Government needs a strategy for health. The NHS is but one component in a much broader picture, says Berkshire community pharmacist Graham Jones.

18 Jul 2024 , 4 Min Article

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Weekend opinion: We must help the Government find the solutions it needs

New health secretary Wes Streeting has made it clear that cutting waiting times for GPs and hospitals are among his top priorities for the NHS, says NPA chair Nick Kaye. This is where pharmacy can help.

12 Jul 2024 , 3 Min Article

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Opinion: Patients are our strongest advocates

My patients were more than happy to sign the latest Save Our Pharmacies petition for fair funding, says NPA board member Sanjeev Panesar.

04 Jul 2024 , 3 Min Article

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Opinion: Pharmacy has been dealt a double whammy

National Living Wage increases and Drug Tariff changes are a double whammy for cash-strapped pharmacies, says NPA chief executive Paul Rees.

19 Apr 2024 , 3 Min Article

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Opinion: I need a robust, secure community pharmacy

Two years ago, I wrote an article in Pharmacy Magazine based on my observations as both a regular patient and a retired community pharmacist. The subsequent period has seen many changes, not many of them good, says Andrew McCoig. A former health minister from the 1970s had the right idea...

22 Mar 2024 , 5 Min Article

reena-barai

Blog: First week thoughts on Pharmacy First

I feel immensely proud of how pharmacy teams, like mine, have stepped up within a short space of time to be ready to deliver Pharmacy First, says Reena Barai.

14 Feb 2024 , 4 Min Article

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Opinion: We need one vision and one voice

The lack of a single voice in pharmacy continues to hold the sector back, says Mike Holden, associate director, Pharmacy Complete.

16 Aug 2023 , 5 Min Article

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