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The launch of Pharmacy First

The launch of Pharmacy First

Pharmacy First was launched by the government and NHS England on 31 January 2024, as part of the primary care access recovery plan. The scheme enables community pharmacists to supply prescription-only medicines for seven common health conditions, so that patients can...

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MMR vaccination is a priority for GPs as measles cases rise

MMR vaccination is a priority for GPs as measles cases rise

Across Europe and the UK, health authorities are warning that urgent measures are required to protect people from measles as it spreads among poorly-immunised populations. In the UK, MMR vaccination coverage is at its lowest for over a decade, and a spike in measles...

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Latest advances in weight management

Latest advances in weight management

The world of weight management is evolving, with several interesting developments announced in 2023, including updated National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines on pharmacological treatments, referrals for surgery and digital...

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Update to Good Medical Practice standards

Update to Good Medical Practice standards

The General Medical Council (GMC) has updated Good Medical Practice (GMP), the professional standards for all registered UK doctors. The updated guidance places greater emphasis on the behaviours and values needed to create respectful, fair and supportive workplaces...

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New cancer waiting times standards for England

New cancer waiting times standards for England

NHS England recently announced changes to the cancer waiting times standards that will come into effect from 1 October 2023, supporting the NHS Long Term Plan objectives to improve early cancer diagnosis and cancer survival. The current list of 10 standards will be...

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Expansion of the shingles vaccination programme

Expansion of the shingles vaccination programme

From 1 September 2023, the shingles vaccination programme will be expanded in England in line with recommendations made by the Joint Committee of Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) in 2019, to ensure that individuals at greatest risk from shingles are vaccinated at...

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Dealing with medicines shortages in general practice

Dealing with medicines shortages in general practice

Recent months have seen serious shortages of certain HRT products, antibiotics, antidepressants, and other essential medicines, due to a complex interplay of factors, including global supply and distribution issues, high demand, and longer prescription cycles....

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Safe working limits for GPs

Safe working limits for GPs

The GP workforce is experiencing extreme pressure, exacerbated by staff shortages and unprecedented demand from patients with increasingly complex needs. Long working hours and excessive workload are leading to stress, burnout, and low morale. These factors impact on...

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Supporting junior doctors in general practice

Supporting junior doctors in general practice

Junior doctors in England have voted overwhelmingly for strike action as they campaign for increased pay. The 72-hour walkout, on 13–15 March, will include GP trainees, who make up 15% of all junior doctors in England. Therefore, GP practices should be prepared for...

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