Fife Pharmacy News Fife Pharmacy News - Community Pharmacy

KEEP WELL • READER SURVEY • AWARDS • JUST ASK CHRISTMAS CAMPAIGN • FORTUNATE EVENTS • PHARMACY TECHNICIAN REGISTRATION
ISSUE 36
Fife Pharmacy News
NOVEMBER 2010
NOVEMBER 2010
KEY CONTACTS
Director of Pharmacy/Chief
Pharmacist
Evelyn McPhail
Lead Pharmacist - Pharmacy
Services
Andrea Smith
Pharmacy Administrators
Lou Alexander
Sheila Dall
Ann Kemp
Jackie Stewart
Pharmacy Communications Officers
Natalie Bate
Fiona Forsyth
Lead Technician, Support Staff
Development
Susan Menzies
Community Pharmacy Champions
Michelle Collinson
Amanda Dellar
Niall Dewar
Rhona Jack
Ray Kelly
Allan Sheilds
Community Pharmacy IM&T
Facilitator
Dawn Balfour
Specialist Pharmacist in
Substance Misuse
Liz Hutchings
Public Health Pharmacist
William John
Senior Pharmacy Technician
Margaret Vass
Senior Pharmacist
(Operational Division)
Bruce Wilkie
Note from the Editor
Welcome to the autumn edition of the Fife Pharmacy News. You may notice a change to our front page
with new key contacts, letting you know who you can contact within the Fife Pharmacy team. Also in
this edition, you’ll find information on mandatory registration for pharmacy technicians, the results of
our reader survey, preparation for the just ask winter campaign and much more.
Please remember this is your newsletter, so if you have any comments or suggestions, don’t’ hesitate to
get in touch!
Fife Pharmacies Keeping Patients Well
Fife’s pharmacies are continuing their involvement in Keep Well offering health checks in community
pharmacies across the Kingdom.
Currently, there are nine pharmacies taking part with all pharmacy staff being fully trained to undertake
the health checks. These have previously taken place within GP surgeries and other community venues.
The benefits of providing these health checks within the pharmacy means that those eligible can benefit
from the longer and weekend opening hours, as well as being able to discuss their medicines with the
pharmacist.
The Keep Well health check may also provide a referral pathway to other services such as the stop
smoking service and Counterweight management programme.
The Fife Pharmacies involved are:
Lloyds Pharmacy, 43 Bellyeoman Road, Dunfermline
Co-op Pharmacy, 66 Bank Street, Lochgelly
Lloyds Pharmacy, Units 1 – 2 Raith Centre, Cowdenbeath
JCW McIntyre, 8 Cadham Centre, Glenrothes
Boots Pharmacy, Cos Lane, Woodside Road, Glenrothes
Boots Pharmacy, 14 Lyon Square, Glenrothes
Lloyds Pharmacy, 1 The Postings, Kirkcaldy
Asda Pharmacy, Asda Superstore, Carberry Road, Kirkcaldy
C. Buchanan Ltd, 345 Methilhaven Road, Methil
The health checks will be available in these pharmacies in autumn/winter 2010.
The Code has Changed!
As you may be aware, there are three items under
the Public Health Service which are being captured
on the urgent supply forms CP (US). Traditionally
data captured on these forms is linked to the GP
practice; however the three items under the Public
Health Service (Nicotine, Levonorgestrel and
Azithromycin), are not to go against GP Practices.
Because of this, ISD had set up a “dummy” code for
Lloyds, Bellyeoman Road in Dunfermline
taking part in Keep Well.
each health board so that data could be captured
and reported on.
This code for NHS Fife was 999F5. PSD has asked
that a universal code be used.
This code is 99996.
This new code should be applied to all relevant CP
(US) forms with immediate effect, and should be
used by all community pharmacy colleagues,
including locum and relief pharmacists.
Summer Campaign Winners
As the weather gets colder and winter approaches, its time to think back
to warmer times as we announce our Just Ask Summer Window Display
competition winners.
The 2010 Campaign display was won by Central Pharmacy in Anstruther.
Staff received some special Thornton’s chocolates for their efforts.
A big thank you to everyone who entered the competition. Your hard
work and efforts are much appreciated. Good luck with the winter display
window competition (see feature on page 3).
Staff at Central Pharmacy.

Fife Pharmacy News – What you think!
Reader Survey Results
You may remember earlier this year, we asked you to give your views on
Fife Pharmacy News. The survey also included the Fife Prescribing
Update. The aim of the survey was to ensure that both publications were
of value and that the information provided is appropriate. The survey also
aimed to gain readers opinions on future developments.
Here’s what you thought about the Fife Pharmacy News.
How satisfied are you with Fife Pharmacy News?
Generally people are either very, or fairly satisfied with all aspects of the
newsletter. Both the style and the content are still appropriate for
readers.
What would you like to see in future editions?
1. “New pharmacy contract”.
2. “How other pharmacies are coping with quota's/shortages”.
3. “Current issues/developments in community pharmacy”.
4. “Community pharmacy contract”.
5. “More clinical updates on relevant current topics”.
6. “Fife pharmacy projects, notices regarding drug name changes”.
How much of the newsletter do you read?
These results show that most people read all or most of the newsletter
which is encouraging.
How often would you like to see the newsletter published?
Our online responses show that a majority wish the newsletter to be
published either quarterly or bimonthly, but over 75% of paper
questionnaires requested the newsletter monthly.
Single Number for Stop
Smoking Service
A new Fife-wide phone number for members of the public to access NHS
Fife’s Stop Smoking Services has been launched, giving those wishing to
stop smoking, a main access point to services across the region.
You can use the new freephone number – 0800 025 3000 to signpost
members of the public to the relevant Stop Smoking Service they
require. It covers the Kirkcaldy & Levenmouth, Dunfermline & West Fife,
and Glenrothes & North East Fife areas, as well as the service run by
specialist Stop Smoking midwives.
Kay Samson, NHS Fife Tobacco Issues Co-ordinator, said: “You are four
times more likely to stop smoking with support and treatment. Support
is free, friendly and relaxed and is available within a wide range of venues
at different times, including evenings.
“The new freephone number provides an easy way to access Stop
Smoking services which are most relevant to patients.”
Look out for new leaflets promoting the Pharmacy No Smoking Service,
these are being distributed and will be in community pharmacies soon.
NHS Fife Stop Smoking Specialists with the new number.
Who is the newsletter usually read by?
Most people said that their copies of the newsletter are read by 2-4
people, with over 16% being read by over 5 people; excellent circulation!
How would you like to receive the newsletter?
The majority of those who took part in the online survey would like the
newsletter by, either email or intranet/website as they are becoming
more used to online communications. Most community pharmacies
however, would still like a hard copy by mail.
Which type of organisation do you work for?
Online survey respondents worked within more varied backgrounds,
while paper survey returns came primarily from community pharmacies.
This shows that the newsletter is reaching its target audience, but
perhaps could be more widely distributed online.
Comments and Suggestions
• Respondents wanted more information on the development of the
Community Pharmacy Contract.
• There were suggestions for the newsletter to cover new drugs
licensed by NICE.
• Fife Pharmacy News might become easier to read by using headlines
and a contents section so readers know what each edition contains
without having to read the whole newsletter.
• The majority of respondents are happy with the content, mix and
relevance of articles.
• The responses regarding distribution were interesting - More GP
practices and community pharmacies now have access to email and
would be happier to receive an online version of the newsletter.
Thank you to everyone who took part. We’re working on your
comments and suggestions so you can look forward to changes in the
forthcoming editions of Fife Pharmacy News.
It’s time for
Pharmacy Awards
Saturday 26 February 2011 is the date set for the Scottish
Pharmacist Ball and Awards. Held within the Edinburgh
International Convention Centre, those who work within the
community and hospital pharmacy sectors are welcome to
attend.
The evening promises to be and eventful celebration of
achievement as the winners of the Scottish Pharmacist Awards
are announced. As well as a show-stopping night of
entertainment.
The award categories are:
• Business Initiative Award
• Innovation and Change in Pharmacy Practice Award
• Pharmacist of the Future Award
• Pharmacist of the Year Award
• Pharmacy Assistant of the Year Award
• Hospital Pharmacy Team of the Year Award
• Community Pharmacy Team of the Year Award
• Clinical Excellence Award
• Pre-reg of the Year Award
• Outstanding Contribution to Pharmacy Award
Judging will be carried out by assessment of written applications,
by a panel of independent experts. All entries and nominations
must be submitted by 13 December 2010, so if you’d like to
apply or would like some further information, contact Benchmark
PR on 0131 225 0870. Good Luck.
2

Mandatory Pharmacy
Technician Registration
Pharmacy Technician registration will become mandatory on 01 July
2011, so it is vital that all pharmacy technicians know what mandatory
registration means for them, as well as their responsibilities for
registration. From 01 July 2011, it will be a legal requirement for all
pharmacy technicians to be registered with the pharmacy regulator.
The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) is the regulator for
pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and pharmacy premises in Great
Britain.
Following the Shipman Inquiry and Kennedy Report, the government
decided that all healthcare workers should be regulated. Pharmacy
Technicians, because of their role and close relationship with patients,
must become a registered profession. From 01 July 2011, it will be a
legal requirement for pharmacy technicians to be registered with the
pharmacy regulatory body (GPhC).
Up until 30 June 2011 a transitional arrangement allowing pharmacy
technicians with previous recognised qualifications to register will be in
place. After this date, the transitional arrangement will close and the
educational entry requirements will change to S/NVQ3 and
underpinning knowledge courses, approved by GPhC.
Applying for Registration
Application forms and guidance on how to complete these can be
downloaded from www.pharmacyregulator.co.uk.
Completed Forms must be sent by post to the regulator along with any
supporting documents i.e. certified copies of pharmacy technician
certificates, birth certificate, marriage certificate (where appropriate)
and health self-declaration.
There are two parts to the registration fee:
1. Initial entry fee for A & B - £100
2. Application fee – varies depending on how your application is
submitted.
• Route A & B £142
• Route B also incurs a scrutiny fee - £ 158
• All copies of documents need to be signed by a
solicitor which will incur a cost.
Correct as of 01/10/2010
Once you are Registered
When you are accepted onto the pharmacy technician register it is your
professional responsibility to maintain this registration. You will be
required to pay an annual retention fee; maintain your professional
competence and demonstrate this by keeping CPD records and
practice according to the Code of Ethics for Pharmacists and Pharmacy
Technicians.
What happens if I don’t register?
Only registered pharmacy technicians will be able to practice using the
title, Pharmacy Technician from 01 July 2011.
Timescale
It is strongly advised that unregistered pharmacy technicians apply for
registration before March 2011. Currently it can take up to 2-3
months to process a registration application. The regulator has
intimated that a surge in applications in the last few months before 01
July 2011 is likely. This will lengthen the time taken to process
applications considerably. Should your application be rejected for any
reason, it is vital that you have enough time to sort out the problem
and re-apply.
Further information
If you have any questions on pharmacy technician registration, please
contact in confidence, Susan Menzies, Lead Pharmacy Technician,
Support Staff Development – 01383 565346, susan.menzies@nhs.net.
Further information is also available on the GPhC website
www.pharmacyregulator.co.uk.
Just Ask Campaign -
Be Organised this
Christmas!
Winter is nearly here. It
will soon be time for the
festive season and
enjoying the Christmas
Spirit! But it’s also time
for coughs, colds, flu and
heartburn, not to
mention indigestion and
coldsores.
Now’s the time to
promote the wide range
of winter health care
available including
those medicines
available under the
Minor Ailment Service.
Fife Pharmacy Services are holding a Winter Display Competition
for all community pharmacies to show how you can provide all
the necessary medicines and advice needed to see everyone
safely through the winter months ahead. Prizes will be awarded
for the winning displays.
1st Prize: Luxury Hamper filled with treats to share.
2nd Prize: Luxury Box of Treats.
3rd Prize: Selection of Goodies – ideal for tea breaks.
Packs for those taking part will be distributed around 22
November with displays photographed during week
commencing 06 December. Judging will take place thereafter.
You can be as creative and imaginative as you wish – Have fun!.
If you would like to be involved, please let us know by phone,
fax, email or post – whichever is easiest (details below). We have
a supply of posters, balloons etc. to help get your displays going.
Also available for every pharmacy are supplies of customer
giveaways promoting the Just Ask – Be organised this Christmas
message. Look out for your supplies of branded stickers and
leaflets.
To take part in the display competition, please contact Fiona
Forsyth, Communications Officer by email: fionaforsyth@nhs.net,
by telephone: 01383 565375, by fax: 01383 741395 or by post:
Pharmacy Services, Pentland House, Lynebank Hospital, Halbeath
Road, Dunfermline KY11 4UW.
Dates for your Diary
NES Pharmacist Prescribing Peer Review - 25 November 2010
NES Clinical Assessment Skills Training for Pharmacist Prescribers
- 10 December 2010
NES Chronic Medication Service Event - March 2011
NES Consultation Skills Training for Pharmacist Prescribers - 01
March 2011
More information and booking details are available from the
online portal booking system at www.nes.scot.uk/pharmacy by
clicking on the portal icon.
3

Fortunate Events 2010 Season Finale
As the Series of Fortunate Events Training
Programme draws to a close for 2010, we
take a look at what the project has achieved
as well as giving an insight into how the
training is developed and organised to meet
your educational requirements.
The aim of the programme is to allow you to
learn exactly what you require to further your
development and help you with training and
educational needs, improving skills and
knowledge to meet the needs of your role
within community pharmacy.
The training takes the form of workshop
sessions held over a number of months. The
current events began in June and have
continued approximately every six weeks,
completing in October 2010.
Before each event, you receive a booking
form, where you can choose the most suitable
date, venue and workshop choices for your
development needs.
The Series of Fortunate Events is unique
because you choose which training sessions
you want to attend (a maximum of 3 during
one event). Because the sessions take place
over a number of months, you have the
opportunity to attend a workshop that you
might have missed previously, as a new
choice, at the next event.
The series of Fortunate Events has provided a
series of workshops which included:
• Oxygen and Medical Gases
• EHC and Sexual Health
• Attitudes and Values
• Stop Smoking Paperwork
• Substance Misuse
• Counterweight
• NHS 24/Unscheduled Care
• Patient Group Directions
• Palliative Care
• Overdose Intervention
• Hepatitis C
• Chlamydia
Workshops are relevant to all levels of staff
and everyone in the pharmacy team is
encouraged to attend.
Here at Pharmacy Services, we feel that the
programme has made training and
development more accessible, appropriate,
relevant and interesting for all staff members.
As well as encouraging you to pursue further
training and development.
The events take a great deal of organisation.
This is done at Fife Pharmacy Services,
primarily by Susan Menzies, Lead Technician –
Support Staff Development and Lou
Alexander, Administrative Services with a little
help from some of the other team members
along the way!
Lou has to undertake a whole range of tasks
to ensure the Fortunate Events programmes
are a success. As well as organising venues to
ensure they are suitable for the programme,
Lou liaises with the speakers and organises
any catering. She is also responsible for
distributing the booking forms and following
up any questions you might have about the
events as well as confirming the final
numbers. Lou says, “These programmes take
a lot of organisation and can be hard work.
I’m always available to answer your questions
or help with the booking forms if need be.”
“We’ve had lots of positive feedback so far,
most people have found the events very
interesting”.
She also ensures that everyone who
participates receives an appropriate training
pack, and a certificate to show they have
attended.
Because of the hard work that goes on behind
the scenes by the Pharmacy Services Team,
it’s important to let us know if you want to
attend the training events, and also if you
cannot attend for any reason. Sometimes our
events are overbooked and we may be able to
offer your place to someone else if you are
unable to come along.
We’ve developed an evaluation form about
the events for you to complete so that we can
improve training and development for you in
the future. You can complete this online at
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ZKWDB23.
Or if you’d prefer you can request a paper
copy to completed and return to Fife
Pharmacy Services.
Series 2 of the Fortunate Events Programme
will be available throughout 2011. If there’s
something you’d like to learn about or have
any questions or comments about the events,
please contact Lou Alexander at Pharmacy
Services.
Delegates at the Series of Fortunate Events in October.
Lou Alexander at the event.
Congratulations and Achievements
Congratulations to Jen and Kenny Rodger who were married at Methil Parish Church on Friday 20
August 2010. Jen (previously Lambert) is a Dispensary Assistant in TW Buchanans in Leven.
Well done to Jonathon Bate, Senior Clinical Pharmacist who recently completed his Diploma in
Psychiatric Pharmacy.
Congratulations to Susan Menzies, Lead Technician - Support Staff Development who has been
shortlisted for The Education and Self Development for the Future of Pharmacy Award. The award is
targeted individuals who have enhanced their service to the local community by implementing
change. The award ceremony will be held on 17 November where the winners will be announced.
4 If you require this newsletter in alternative formats, please telephone 01383 565375.