Brexit

NAO: Still significant gaps in no-deal medicines planning

There still significant gaps in the government’s efforts to safeguard medicines supply after a no-deal Brexit.

RPS warns Boris Johnson of no deal flu threat

In a letter to Boris Johnson, health bodies said they were “unable to reassure patients" that Brexit wouldn't affect them.

Leaked no deal dossier warns of “severe” medicines delays

A leaked Government dossier suggests that medicines would be “vulnerable to severe extended delays”.

DHSC puts up £25m for no-deal express medicines freight service

The DHSC is inviting tenders for an express freight contract to ensure the supply of medicines in a no deal Brexit.

Javid ramps up no deal medicines budget

The chancellor has made £434m available to avoid disruption in medicines supply in the event of a no deal Brexit.

Gearing up for FMD

Amid the Brexit chaos, our correspondent believes that community pharmacists need to focus on what they can control.

Withering's Wisdom - Savings time

Our correspondent wonders who at the DHSC is doing the maths when it comes to balancing investment against efficiency savings.

Wholesalers warn Brexit could cause medicines shortages

Wholesalers warn that Brexit could have serious consequences for the medicines supply chain

Wholesalers warn Brexit could cause medicines shortages

Wholesalers warn that Brexit could have serious consequences for the medicines supply chain

Brexit briefing

Gareth Jones considers further issues around Brexit

Add it up

Claire Ward suggests a little more teamwork could go a long way

Hoping for a new broom for pharmacy policy

Claire Ward tries a little optimism about pharmacy's future in uncertain times

A nail-biting wait

Brexit has introduced a great deal of uncertainty concerning the future of the of the British economy. Investments are being delayed and the markets are jittery.

Let’s be honest – we all like certainty. Being certain about something enables us to plan, to invest and to look to the future with confidence.

So what should we make of the fact that Parliament has broken for its summer recess and the expected announcement regarding the government’s plans to cut funding for pharmacy in England by £170 million has not been made?

The times they are a changin'

We live in historic times. We watch events through the pages of a newspaper or magazine, the lensof the camera and the window of the screen.

Former prime minister David Cameron asked the question and got the wrong answer. Well, they do say ‘ask a silly question ...’ The referendum turned British politics into a public act of autosarcophagy where Boris Johnson saw his chance, leveraged a campaign off the back of Nigel Farage and UKIP and temporarily embraced Michael Gove.

Waiting for a train

I’m holed up on the concourse at Waterloo station waiting for a train that’s four hours late. I’ve found free Wi-Fi from a restaurant. I’ve no idea where they are or who they are but, by way of thanks, have a mention.

The announcements drone on. Cycling and skateboarding are forbidden and security services will blow up my luggage if I’m careless. Welcome to London.

Lovers embrace and mid-embrace it’s hard to tell if they are about to separate or have just found each other. A man eats a roll poking out of a paper bag. I watch as he takes a bite of the bread and the top of the bag at the same time. He appears not to notice – they must taste the same.

Look on the bright side

Community pharmacy is in a relatively strong position to innovate and adapt