Last week community pharmacists and Parliamentarians came together in the spirit of mutual appreciation for our sector and its role within the wider healthcare system.

The community pharmacy network can be the backbone of the government’s 10-year health plan!

Dear Secretary of State,

We are writing to you, as a group representing primary healthcare services, to congratulate you on your recent appointment as Secretary of State for Health and Social Care and to ask for the opportunity to meet with you to offer our joint constructive input to your drive to improve health outcomes.

....

In an unprecedented move, primary care organisations representing pharmacies, dentists, optometrists, and GPs have joined together to call on the new Government to deliver action and sustainable funding to fix primary care and ease pressure on the rest of the NHS.

Leyla Hannbeck: "I’m pleased to have worked with the Mail on Sunday and the Daily Mail supporting the launch of their campaign on medicines shortages."

Good to speak on BBC Breakfast this morning about the ongoing medicines supply issues & the impact on patient care. Also well done to @istrachan621 for highlighting on the programme how pharmacists are struggling on a daily basis& how on many occasions they are left out of pocket

Pharmacists are calling for fresh powers to provide patients with alternative prescriptions as they warned that drugs shortages are hampering their ability to tackle whooping cough.

I am pleased that today following years of campaigning there is some light at the end of the tunnel as the Parliament’s Health and Social Care Committee (HSC) issued a stark report urging the government to tackle the broken pharmacy contract and the medicines shortages issues.

The government should provide more funding for pharmacies if it wants to prevent more pharmacy closures. Pharmacies are currently struggling with the cost of living crisis without any additional help. Leyla Hannbeck on Good Morning Britain addresses the issue.

The NHS must allow pharmacies to administer the MMR jab in order to prevent further measles outbreaks, health leaders warn. Chemists say relying largely on GP surgeries to deliver the vaccine is flawed as patients often struggle to secure appointments. They are now calling on the NHS and Department of Health and Social Care to commission them to assist with a national catch-up programme amid a worrying surge in cases.

Dry January has obvious benefits, from saving money to waving goodbye to those hangover headaches. But going booze-free for a month may cause insomnia, depression and the shakes, doctors warn. An estimated 175,000 people took part in Dry January in 2023, according to Alcohol Change UK.

Is YOUR prescription at risk of running out? As pharmacists warn of stocks running low, the definitive guide to the drugs affected

Pharmacists have warned that a shortage of common medicines is placing patients at risk, with shelves for drugs from HRT to diabetes left bare. But is your prescription at risk? See our definitive guide below...

Read More: Is YOUR prescription at risk of running out - Mail Online Plus

An unprecedented medicines shortage in the NHS is endangering lives, pharmacists have said, as unpublished figures reveal that the number of products in short supply has doubled in two years.

Read more: Pharmacy Drug Shortages - The Times

PEOPLE in England will soon be able to get medicines for certain conditions at their local pharmacy without seeing their GP first.

From January 31, they'll be able to get advice and prescription medicine for seven common conditions - including a sore throat and shingles.

Read More: New powers to treat 7 new conditions WITHOUT prescription kick in this month - The Sun

It's that time of the year when all sorts of lurgies seem to be floating around, and a sore throat is just one symptom of these. If you've got a case of the sore throat, that might mean it's painful to swallow, feels scratchy and you may even have a mild cough.

Read more: Hard to Swallow - The Sun

It’s estimated on average 8 pharmacies a week are closing down, at the same time as patients are facing huge shortages of life saving prescriptions. Pharmacy leaders say

the industry is in crisis, and yet they are being asked to do more to take the burden

off a stretched NHS. Paul Brand has examined the current state of our country’s

chemists for Tonight.

Read more: Pharmacies: The New NHS Frontline? - ITV

Pharmacists face 'anger and aggression from patients over medicine shortages'. A medicine shortage is a ‘real problem’, Dr Leyla Hannbeck has told MPs.

Read more: Pharmacists face 'anger and aggression from patients over medicine shortages' - The Telegraph

Third of chemists have no permanent pharmacist thanks to recruitment for GP practices

‘Chronic shortage’, which industry bosses say is driving up costs for taxpayer, threatens to derail NHS recovery plans

Read More: Third of chemists have no permanent pharmacist - The Telegraph

Dr Leyla Hannbeck, chief executive of the Association of Independent Multiple Pharmacies, said pharmacists were “spending long hours in the day trying to source medicines for patients and this is on top of all the other activities they do in a busy pharmacy”.

She said: “Our pharmacy teams see firsthand the anxiety and stress experienced by patients caused by medicines shortages.”

Read More: Record NHS drug shortages as HRT, contraceptives and ADHD medicines run low - The Telegraph

"We're not sure how many pharmacies have the cream in stock right now," she added.

She said: "Calamine lotion or antihistamines can be used to reduce the itchiness.

"You can also hold a cold compress to the bitten area to bring down swelling.

"Try not to scratch or itch your bite as it can get infected and leave scars."

She added: "If the bites are painful then speak to your pharmacist or GP. They could be infected and require stronger cortisone medication or antibiotics."

Read More: Severe shortage of bedbug bite treatment hits UK as pest expert warns ‘they’re ALREADY in your house’ - The Sun

Community pharmacies closing at a rapid rate with deprived areas worst affected - Sky News

Dr Leyla Hannbeck CEO of the Association of Independent Multiple Pharmacies says the situation is "awful, terrible" and "the worst it has been in years and years".

It's been caused by a combination of government funding cuts, rising rents and costs, staff shortages and supply problems, as well as increased patient demand.

Read More: Community pharmacies closing at a rapid rate with deprived areas worst affected - Sky News

Data protection rules hindering fight against shoplifting epidemic - The Telegraph

Dr Leyla Hannbeck, chief executive of the Association of Independent Multiple Pharmacies, said stores should be allowed to publish CCTV images of thieves stealing without breaking the law “in light of police inaction”.

“The police are not doing anything about it and we are left to just put up with it.”

Dr Hannbeck said the data watchdog should issue clearer guidance on the rules around releasing images of suspected shoplifters.

She said many pharmacies were increasingly facing violent and abusive shoplifters, as the incidents were not seen as a priority crime.

Read More: Data protection rules hindering fight against shoplifting epidemic - The Telegraph

Semaglutide: Fears Ozempic shortages could increase after drug found to reduce heart attack and stroke risk - iNews

The problem is so acute that some patients have been forced to fork out hundreds of pounds with private clinics while, alarmingly, others are attempting to make the drug at home, Dr Leyla Hannbeck, chief executive of the Association of Independent Multiple Pharmacies, told i.

“It wouldn’t surprise me all if, with this announcement, there’s going to be even more problems for the manufacturer to meet the ever increasing demand for this product,” Dr Hannbeck said.

“Front line pharmacists are having to run from pillar to post to try and chase prescriptions – we are having real difficulties obtaining supplies for our diabetic patients, it’s crazy.

“And they are also informing stressed diabetic patients that this product cannot be obtained and we don’t know when it’s going to be available and it’s likely that there’s going to be months and months of delay.”

Read More: Semaglutide: Fears Ozempic shortages could increase after drug found to reduce heart attack and stroke risk - iNews

Covid and flu vaccine programme set to undergo major change, sparking outrage from medics - Daily Mail

Dr Leyla Hannbeck, chief executive of the Association of Independent Multiple Pharmacies, told MailOnline that the decision to push the roll-out back carried a 'big risk' of wastage.

Pre-ordered stock, which must be booked months in advance of the flu jab rollout, may not be used up in the time available because it could expire, insiders fear.

Dr Hannbeck said: 'All of this is very last minute.'

It is unclear why the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) and NHS England wait until the last minute to announce their decisions.

'They never involve us and we are left to deal with last minute planning.

'If they've discovered that it's better to co administer the flu and Covid vaccines at the same time, then they should communicate that earlier, not at the last hour.

'This is total disrespect to the already overstretched healthcare professionals who need time to plan.'

Read More: Outrage over month-long delay to flu jab roll-out as chemists demand NHS U-turns and starts scheme like usual in September to avoid chaos for millions of patients and wasting vaccines - Daily Mail

Covid and flu vaccine programme set to undergo major change, sparking outrage from medics - Mail Online

Dr Leyla Hannbeck, a pharmacist and CEO of the Association of Independent Multiple Pharmacies, told MailOnline the late start to the autumn vaccination programme is 'incredible and alarming'.

She said: 'Under pressure community pharmacies are left with stock they ordered for the usual 1 September start date.

'This might now go to waste if the vaccination programme start date is moved from September to October 1, as per NHS bosses decision.'

Read More: Covid and flu vaccine programme set to undergo major change, sparking outrage from medics - Mail Online

Patients struggle to find life-saving statins as pharmacies run short of the anti-cholesterol drugs as prices soar - Daily Mail

‘This is an incredibly frustrating situation for patients and pharmacists,’ said Leyla Hannbeck, chief executive of the Association of Independent Multiple Pharmacies. ‘Patients are prescribed a specific statin, so it’s not as if a pharmacist can just hand out an alternative – patients have to go back to their GP for a new prescription. This delays the time it is taking for patients to access a crucial drug.’

Leyla Hannbeck, CEO of the Association of Independent Multiple Pharmacies, agreed that the sector was “absolutely at breaking point”.

“There’s a shortfall of £1.1bn in the funding because the funding has not been keeping up with inflation,” she said. “We’re in a situation where we’re constantly being asked to do more for less.”

Ms Hannbeck said the vast majority of pharmacists do not want to limit patients’ accessibility to care but sometimes things were out of their control.

“Things are looking very grim for community pharmacies and individual pharmacies need to think what they’re going to be doing to survive,” she said.

Read More: ‘We’re at breaking point’: Pharmacists issue warning as hundreds more chemists to close - iNews</a>

Patients struggle to find life-saving statins as pharmacies run short of the anti-cholesterol drugs as prices soar - Daily Mail

‘This is an incredibly frustrating situation for patients and pharmacists,’ said Leyla Hannbeck, chief executive of the Association of Independent Multiple Pharmacies. ‘Patients are prescribed a specific statin, so it’s not as if a pharmacist can just hand out an alternative – patients have to go back to their GP for a new prescription. This delays the time it is taking for patients to access a crucial drug.’

Leyla Hannbeck, chief executive at the AIMp, described the current situation regarding Ozempic supply as a “complete mess”.

She told i: “There have been a lot of issues with shortages of Ozempic. The sole manufacturer has been struggling to meet the demand. It’s causing a lot of hassle at the moment. The drug is popular and well known.

“A lot of people with diabetes are finding it very difficult. In some areas, I’ve heard that the local integrated care boards are switching away from the drug. Unfortunately, that’s easier said than done as lot of other medications are in short supply too.

“It’s a complete mess at the moment. We don’t know when supplies will be stable again. There’s been a lot of adverting around semiglutide and its benefits, often with celebrities involved. The demand has meant the supply can’t keep up.”

She added: “I anticipate the situation getting worse if the demand keeps high – the fact remains that semaglutide is in high demand across many countries for weight loss and that impacts on the supply for patients with diabetes.”

Read More: ‘Matter of life and death’: Diabetics hit by Ozempic shortage as demand surges for weight-loss jabs - iNews

Hundreds of community pharmacies 'could close due to rising costs - Sky News

"We've been left with a contract that doesn't take into account any inflation or any cost of living," said Leyla Hannbeck, chief executive of the Association of Independent Multiple Pharmacies.

"Pharmacies are under a lot of pressure at the moment, all pharmacies are. The cost of medicines is rising, they simply do not have the funding to keep them afloat."

Her organisation estimates that since 2015, 800 pharmacies have closed their doors permanently (and only 100 new ones opened), and that 600 more may close this year alone.

Hundreds of community pharmacies 'could close due to rising costs - Sky News

The cold that's not Covid: Is this winter's sniffle worse and lasting longer? - ITV News

Association of Independent Multiple Pharmacies (AIMP) chief executive and pharmacist, Dr Leyla Hannbeck, said pharmacies were generally experiencing an at least 30% rise in demand for cold and flu drugs this winter.

She told ITV News: "It's definitely higher than previous years, with a lot of people coming in saying they have been having symptoms."

The demand was higher than previous winters, and was focused on commonly sought over-the-counter remedies, including cough medicines, painkillers, children's medicine Calpol, and remedies like Lemsip and Day and Night Nurse.

Dr Hannbeck said there was no reason for people to panic or stockpile cold and flu drugs, as she said pharmacies expected to be able to meet demand.

Read More: The cold that's not Covid: Is this winter's sniffle worse and lasting longer? - ITV News

'Without your help, Rishi, many chemists will close for ever': For months, we have campaigned for a better deal for community pharmacies. Now, a powerful group including Boots and Lloyds has written to the Prime Minister pleading for urgent action - Daily Mail

The chief executive of the Association of Independent Multiple Pharmacies (AIMP), Dr Leyla Hannbeck, added: ‘If organisations like Lloyds and Sainsbury’s are struggling to make pharmacies pay, where does that leave the rest of us?’

Read More: 'Without your help, Rishi, many chemists will close for ever': For months, we have campaigned for a better deal for community pharmacies - Daily Mail

Harness the power of pharmacies so chemists can treat minor illnesses in bid to tackle patient backlogs, MPs say - Daily Mail

The cross-party group is calling on the Government to 'harness the power' of pharmacies to tackle Covid backlogs and surging demand. However, the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Pharmacy warns ministers must take 'urgent action' to relieve funding pressure on local chemists at risk of closure.

Dr Leyla Hannbeck, chief executive of the Association of Independent Multiple Pharmacies, stressed that GP practices are run as private businesses just like pharmacies. She said: 'The community pharmacy network is a highly efficient part of the NHS because our business model is flexible and there are many cost-effective solutions that our network could offer if the NHS bosses cared to explore. 'The flexibility and accessibility was well evidenced during the pandemic when we kept our doors open and saw patients face to face.

Read More: Harness the power of pharmacies so chemists can treat minor illnesses in bid to tackle patient backlogs, MPs say - Daily Mail

Pharmacies closing for good as costs spiral and funding shortages hit industry - Express

Pharmacies are shutting their doors for good as funding falls short amid soaring costs and expectations, a sector leader has warned.

Leyla Hannbeck, chief executive of the Association of Independent Multiple Pharmacies, said chemists were being “completely neglected” and “asked to do more for less”. She predicted that without urgent investment many more will be forced to close in the coming months.

Read More: Pharmacies closing for good as costs spiral and funding shortages hit industry - Express 

Chemists pay for guards to prevent brutal attacks with three-quarters of them reporting regular physical or verbal abuse - Daily Mail

The pharmacy shop looks like a bomb has hit it. Wrecked equipment and papers lie strewn about, a gaping hole is smashed in the window.

But it’s not due to a bomb blast — the damage is the result of a customer who’s gone berserk with rage. As three frightened female members of staff shelter behind the counter, he attacks two police officers with a broken chair.

Worryingly, such violent incidents are becoming a daily reality for pharmacists and staff. Figures from the Association of Independent Multiple Pharmacies (AIMP) show that more than three-quarters of its members reported regular verbal and physical abuse after the pandemic. Attacks rose three-fold over the Christmas period.

Read More: Chemists pay for guards to prevent brutal attacks with three-quarters of them reporting regular physical or verbal abuse - Daily Mail

Severe Calpol shortages could last months as children impacted by deepening crisis - Express

Speaking to the Sun, the Association of Independent Multiple Pharmacies' Leyla Hannabeck said: "As a pharmacist and as a mum, I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the situation will improve.

"Pharmacies all over the country are struggling to get these medicines, it's a national issue."

Read More: Severe Calpol shortages could last months as children impacted by deepening crisis - Express

Severe Calpol shortages could last for MONTHS – as other kids’ drugs also affected - The Sun

It comes as new NHS figures reveal flu cases jumped 50 per cent in a week, ambulance handovers are at record highs and the NHS 111 service was inundated with calls.

Ms Hannbeck met with Health Minister Will Quince after accusing the Government of “poor planning” on supply chains and being “in denial” over the state of medicine shortages.

“Pharmacies all over the country are struggling to get these medicines, it’s a national issue.

Read More: Severe Calpol shortages could last for MONTHS – as other kids’ drugs also affected - The Sun

Cold and flu medicine warning issued by pharmacy chiefs - The Independent

Pharmacy leaders have warned about a shortage of cough and cold medicines, with some chemists “struggling to obtain the very basic supplies”.

Throat lozenges, cough mixtures and some painkillers are among the over-the-counter medicines in short supply, according to the Association of Independent Multiple Pharmacies.

Chief executive Leyla Hannbeck said that pharmacists were “struggling to obtain the very basic, most common cold and flu medicine”.

The warning comes after the UK Health Security Agency said that winter illnesses including flu and Covid-19 continue to circulate at “high levels”.

Read More: Cold and flu medicine warning issued by pharmacy chiefs - The Independent

UK running out of cold and cough medicines - but Brits warned not to panic - Mirror

Pharmacy chiefs have warned of a concerning shortage in cough and cold medicines this winter amid cases of flu and Covid. The Association of Independent Multiple Pharmacies has said shortages are on the back of supply chain issues

Leyla Hannbeck, Chief Executive of the Association of Independent Multiple Pharmacies said pharmacists "are struggling to obtain the very basic, most common cold and flu medicine".

"This isn’t just the branded medicines," she said, pointing toward problems with the supply chain. "It is also simple things like throat lozenges, cough mixtures or pain killers – particularly the ones that are soluble."

Read More: UK running out of cold and cough medicines - but Brits warned not to panic - Mirror

Scramble for cold and flu drugs: Pharmacists say they face shortages of Lemsip, Night Nurse and other medicines amid huge demand as people who can't see their GP turn to over the counter remedies instead - Daily Mail

The head of the Association of Independent Multiple Pharmacies, Dr Leyla Hannbeck told MailOnline the problem was 'widespread' and not isolated to just one product.

Describing the situation as a 'nightmare at the moment', she said: 'Pharmacists can't get hold of some of the most common cold and flu medicines, and are sending me pictures of how empty shelves are.

Read More: Scramble for cold and flu drugs - Daily Mail

Opioid overprescribing ‘putting lives at risk’ amid warning excess pills could end up on black market - The Independent

Leyla Hannbeck, chief executive of the Association of Independent Multiple Pharmacies, which represents community chemists, highlighted a case of one patient who returned to a pharmacy more than 30 prescription painkilling drugs, including 12 bottles of liquid morphine and 10 boxes of fentanyl patches.

Another patient handed in dozens of strips of high-dose morphine sulfate tablets.

Dr Hannbeck said that in both cases, the pharmacies had raised concerns about overprescribing with GP surgeries and informed local NHS teams “but to no avail”.

Read More: Opioid overprescribing ‘putting lives at risk’ amid warning excess pills could end up on black market - The Independent

The 111 merry-go-round that betrays the sick: Mail's undercover investigation reveals NHS helpline is leaving patients who are desperate for pain relief caught between pharmacies and busy call centres - Daily Mail

Dr Leyla Hannbeck, chief executive of the Association of Independent Multiple Pharmacies, accused the 111 service of 'passing the buck'.

She said the Mail's findings were 'concerning', adding: 'Pharmacists should not be expected to break the law in prescribing controlled drugs without the clinician sign-off.'

Read More: The 111 merry-go-round that betrays the sick: Mail's undercover investigation reveals NHS helpline is leaving patients who are desperate for pain relief caught between pharmacies and busy call centres - Daily Mail

Antibiotic supply gone from bad to worse, say pharmacists - BBC News

Pharmacists say supplies of key antibiotics to treat strep A have "gone from bad to worse" in the past week.

The Association of Independent Multiple Pharmacies (AIMP) said the situation was "unacceptable" and it was time for the government to get a plan in place.

Read More: Antibiotic supply gone from bad to worse, say pharmacists - BBC News

Antibiotics prices surge in UK amid Strep A outbreak, leaving drugstores ‘footing the bill’ - CNBC

Dr Leyla Hannbeck, chief executive of the Association of Independent Multiple Pharmacies (AIMP), which represents drugstore owners nationwide, told CNBC the reality on the ground was becoming desperate.

“Quite clearly there isn’t (enough supply), because it’s not finding its way to pharmacies,” she said. “And where there are patchy supplies, they are flying off the shelves.”

Read More: Antibiotics prices surge in UK amid Strep A outbreak, leaving drugstores ‘footing the bill’ - CNBC

UK pharmacies say they are being forced to dispense Strep A antibiotics at a loss - Financial Times

Health chiefs deny shortage of penicillin and amoxicillin following surge in infections.

Read More: UK pharmacies say they are being forced to dispense Strep A antibiotics at a loss - Financial Times

Strep A: Pharmacists challenge government's reassurance there is no antibiotics shortage - ITV News

AIMP Chief Executive Leyla Hannbeck said pharmacists have for some time seen a steady rise in the number of prescriptions for antibiotics, but since the beginning of this week it's become "incredibly difficult" to get hold of them - urging the government to act now.

"We are concerned that the government are saying that there are no supply challenges when in fact there is and patients are coming in and we are unable to fulfil the prescriptions," Dr Hannbeck told ITV News.

Read More: Pharmacists challenge government's reassurance there is no antibiotics shortage - ITV News

Strep A antibiotic deliveries sped up amid fears in NHS of local shortages - The Independent

Dr Leyla Hannbeck from the Association for Multiple Pharmacies told The Independent earlier this week there had been high demand for antibiotics over the past month – but pharmacists have been told medicines are out of stock when they go to order them.

Read More: Strep A antibiotic deliveries sped up amid fears in NHS of local shortages - The Independent

GPs and pharmacies ‘struggling to obtain antibiotics to treat strep A’ - The Guardian

Dr Leyla Hannbeck, the head of the Association of Independent Multiple Pharmacies, said there had been a surge in prescriptions for antibiotics such as penicillin and amoxicillin since October and particularly in November, adding that they are not only used to treat strep A but other infections too.

Read More: GPs and pharmacies ‘struggling to obtain antibiotics to treat strep A' - The Guardian

Strep A: More pharmacies claim they can't get hold of antibiotics - but PM insists there is 'no shortage' - Sky News

Rishi Sunak said there are "no current shortages of drugs" in today's PMQs, while the chief executive of the Association of Independent Multiple Pharmacies said if there is a decent supply of stock, "pharmacies are not getting them"

Read More: UK pharmacists report shortages of strep A antibiotics - The Guardian

UK pharmacists report shortages of strep A antibiotics - The Guardian

Leyla Hannbeck, the chief executive of the Association of Independent Multiple Pharmacies, said pharmacists across the country were reporting that they could not restock many types of antibiotics and were dealing with angry customers who she said had been misled by the health secretary.

“The government can say what they want but we are on the frontline and we know what’s happening,” she said. “I want to make it very clear the frustration among healthcare professionals because we don’t want to let our patients down, we have people coming in, parents, we just need to have better planning. Our hands are very tied, the government has to act now.”

Read More: UK pharmacists report shortages of strep A antibiotics - The Guardian

UK faces penicillin shortages until end of December amid Strep A outbreak as parents scramble to find drugs to fight off bug that has killed SEVEN children so far - Daily Mail

Dr Hannbeck said her colleagues were doing their best to work together to find supplies, spending hours on the phone trying to locate a supply, but coming up short.

She added that there was not a single issue responsible for the shortage, listing supply chain issues, fuelled by Covid restrictions in China where many of the medications are manufactured as one.

Others were rising fuel and energy costs impacting distribution and manufacturing of the drugs as another part of the problem.

Read More: UK faces penicillin shortages until end of December - Daily Mail

Patients face Christmas without vital drugs as costs of basic pharmacy medicines soar - Mail on Sunday

Wholesale prices for common drugs including steroids, migraine medication and indigestion treatments have rocketed in the last few months, say chemists, with some quadrupling or more.

Read More: Patients face Christmas without vital drugs as costs of basic pharmacy medicines soar - Mail on Sunday

NHS strikes: Pharmacists refuse to take on more work for free to ease winter burden during industrial action - iNews

“We just simply cannot do it without additional funding. We cannot be asked by the NHS to do more and more work for free. It’s just not happening,” said Leyla Hannbeck, chief executive officer of the Association of Independent Multiple Pharmacies

Read More: Pharmacists refuse to take on more work for free to ease winter burden during industrial action - iNews

Britain faces critical shortage of vital drug used to treat killer winter bug Strep A - The Sun

Dr Leyla Hannbeck, CEO of the Association of Independent Multiple Pharmacies, said the shortage was “very worrying”. She added: “It’s at a time that there is a higher risk of getting Strep A, particularly among children.

Read More: Britain faces critical shortage of vital drug used to treat killer winter bug Strep A - The Sun

Pharmacies can help see the NHS through this hard winter - The Times

An article by Leyla Hannbeck about the growing crisis in the NHS and how pharmacy could be a solution but instead is being overlooked, underfunded and not treated equally as the rest of primary care.

Read More: Pharmacies can help see the NHS through this hard winter - The Times

"Government BANS companies from exporting 'miracle' fat-fighting drug abroad amid global shortage sparked by TikTok craze" - Daily Mail

A 'miracle' obesity drug can no longer be exported from Britain as the Government attempts to shore up supplies amid a global shortage. Semaglutide — a jab sold under the brand name Ozempic or Wegovy — suppresses appetite, helping people lose nearly a fifth of their weight. It was hailed as a major breakthrough when it burst onto the scene last year. Hollywood actresses are rumoured to being using the injections to stay as skinny as possible. Even Elon Musk has credited the drug for his recent weight loss. And rumours are rife on social media that Kim Kardashian used the drug to lose more than a stone in just three weeks. Experts say the drug's phenomenal success has driven a TikTok-fuelled stampede — with stocks now running drug across the world.

Read More: Government BANS companies from exporting 'miracle' fat-fighting drug abroad amid global shortage sparked by TikTok craze - Daily Mail

"Lack of staff forces pharmacies to close and delay prescriptions" - The Times

A third of pharmacies in England have closed their doors at least once in the past year because of staff shortages, leading to delays in hundreds of thousands of prescriptions.

Pharmacists fear a lack of access to walk-in healthcare on the high street will drive patients to NHS services such as A&E, adding to pressure there.

Read More: Lack of staff forces pharmacies to close and delay prescriptions - The Times

"Brits forced to choose between vital prescriptions and eating as cost of living crisis bites, experts warn" - The Sun

BRITS are having to pick between eating and paying for vital medicines as the cost of living crisis continues to rise, medics have warned.

The Association of Independent Multiple Pharmacies (AIMP), which represents more than 3,000 pharmacies, says no patients should be denied prescription medicines because they cannot afford them.

Read More: Brits forced to choose between vital prescriptions and eating as cost of living crisis bites, experts warn - The Sun

"Covid cases down as number of boosted Britons hits 13m" - The Times

Almost 13 million people have now received a winter booster of Covid-19 vaccine in England, with signs the programme is already helping to reduce pressure on hospitals.

Read More: Covid cases down as number of boosted Britons hits 13m - The Times

NHS drug shortage spikes by 200% in a year - Channel 4

The cost of medicine is one of the biggest outlays for the NHS, and a drugs research team has told Channel 4 News they estimate price rises cost NHS England an extra £136 million over the last year.

Pharmacists say it’s not sustainable.

Read More: NHS drug shortage spikes by 200% in a year - Channel 4

'We don't have enough jabs': Pharmacists warn they do not have sufficient Covid boosters for autumn rollout - Daily Mail

Care home residents, staff and housebound people will be given boosters soon. From Wednesday four million people including the over-75s can get a fourth jab. Some 3,100 sites are expected to be part of the drive including GP practices.