Revolutionising Access to Healthcare: NHS Pharmacy First

In a ground-breaking move, the National Health Service (NHS) in England has launched the Pharmacy First initiative, welcoming a new era of accessible and convenient healthcare. Patients can now receive treatment for seven common conditions directly from their local pharmacy, eliminating the need for a GP appointment or prescription. This transformative initiative aims to streamline […]
Neglected Tropical Diseases: are you talking about them?

In the realms of travel health, there exists a group of diseases that are often overlooked, yet have profound implications for vulnerable populations worldwide. Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) are a cluster of infectious diseases that primarily affect people living in poverty in tropical and subtropical climates. They can cause significant morbidity and mortality, impacting the […]
Measles threat: a call to action

Measles is an extremely contagious viral disease than can lead to serious complications and in some cases death. It is especially dangerous in infants and children under five, pregnant women and those who are immunocompromised. Measles, once on the brink of eradication, has made a troubling comeback in recent years. Despite the availability of a reliable and […]
Navigating the New Year’s Resolution Maze: A Prescription for Success in Professional Development

Happy New Year from Health Academy! As the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve, we often find ourselves filled with optimism and determination, ready to embrace a fresh start. For nurses and pharmacists in the UK, the new year offers a unique opportunity to embark on a transformative learning and clinical professional development journey. […]
Let’s be merry and mindful: raising awareness of increased drug and alcohol intake

The festive season is often a time of joy and celebration, however amongst the merriments, there can, unfortunately, also be an increase in drug and alcohol intake. As healthcare professionals, we are all too familiar with the challenges posed by drug and alcohol misuse. Employers also should have an awareness of the impact that increased […]
STIs: The gift no one wants this festive season

As the festive season nears, increased socialisation, alcohol consumption and lowered inhibitions can often lead to people undertaking more risky behaviours. In particular the importance of safe sex practices during this time can often be overlooked with a lack of awareness and consequences contributing to the increase in unprotected sexual encounters and rise in sexually […]
RSV vaccines: what’s the latest?

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common virus that can affect people of all ages. It is particularly serious in infants and the elderly, leading to severe respiratory infections and is a major cause of hospitalisations in these age groups. In June 2023, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) recommended an immunisation programme […]
Boosting Flu Vaccine Uptake

The 2023-24 flu vaccine programme is now well underway, having commenced in schools and for those most at risk alongside the Autumn 2023 COVID-19 booster programme in early September 2023. Flu vaccines play a crucial role in helping to safeguard individuals, communities and in protecting our National Health Service (NHS). Healthcare professionals can all help […]
Sexual health in primary care and community pharmacy: positive developments and the challenges still faced

Sexual health is an important element in the overall physical health and mental health of an individual. Sexual contact can lead to the transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) which, if left untreated, can lead to serious health complications. The public need access to advice from health professionals who are knowledgeable about sexual health and […]
Confused about the Changes to the Autumn 2023 COVID-19 Vaccination Programme? All the Updates Explained.

As we approach the autumn of 2023, the NHS is gearing up for another round of COVID-19 vaccinations, but this time, there are some significant changes to the Covid-19 autumn vaccination programme that you should be aware of. In response to the evolving situation with new variants of the virus, the autumn vaccination programme has […]