Alliance Healthcare donates over 12,000 items of personal protective equipment to charity workers in Leeds

At Alliance Healthcare, we are very proud of the ongoing commitment of our colleagues to support their local communities.

Most recently, team members at our Leeds Service Centre came to the aid of a community charity, The Real Junk Food Project, when it was in need of vital personal protective equipment (PPE) for its volunteers. 

The charity aims to reduce the amount of food entering landfill by redistributing surplus items from supermarkets and restaurants to food banks and primary schools and those in the community in need of it. 

Overall, 12,000 face masks and gloves were donated to the charity, a three-month supply, to enable its volunteers to continue making up hampers of surplus food items and deliver them to local residents. 

In addition, a home delivery driver from our sister company Boots delivered some of the hampers on behalf of The Real Junk Food Project to residents in south Leeds. 

Well done to everyone involved!

From left to right: Ben Gower and Ross Stones

Walgreens Boots Alliance’s 2020 CSR Report launch, “Health and Humanity: Lessons from the Global Frontline”.

Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) launched its 2020 CSR Report via a virtual event: “Health and Humanity: Lessons from the Global Frontline”.

The COVID-19 pandemic meant that 2020 was a year like no other. On Wednesday 10 February, colleagues from Alliance Healthcare in the UK took a moment to recognise their commitment to help people across the UK lead healthier and happier lives and support the Walgreens Boots Alliance sustainability agenda and global force for good.

Thousands of viewers, from more than 30 countries, tuned in to hear about the impact WBA is making in our communities and beyond. The event was an exceptional showcase of how WBA is a force for good in so many ways.

The full broadcast is now available on the WBA corporate website, through social networks Twitter and LinkedIn, and on Bloomberg Live channels (website, YouTube, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram).

To download and view WBA’s 2020 CSR Report, please click here.

Contents of the report include:

• Videos about our partnerships with Vitamin Angels, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Macmillan Cancer Support, The Hygiene Bank, Get a Shot. Give a Shot., Red Nose Day and more
• Photos from the CSR report
• LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram graphics that celebrate WBA’s CSR partnerships and milestones
• Animated GIFs highlighting WBA’s CSR partnerships and commitments

Watch a video now and take a look back with us on a year like no other.

Alliance Healthcare continues its support in the fight against cancer

Today is World Cancer Day - a day that unites people, communities and the world by raising cancer awareness.

At Alliance Healthcare, we are proud of how we have been supporting the fight against cancer through Alcura, our patient care business, and the dedicated fundraising support of our employees.

We may be in the process of battling COVID-19 but every working day we continue to deliver approximately 16,500 oncology medicines. Through our Alcura services we deliver a range of oncology medicines and cancer treatments.

Our team of dedicated oncology nurses continues to provide vital homecare support to over 100 patients as part of their cancer treatment. The nurses are qualified to administer a range of oncology drugs, post chemotherapy, to help prevent the reoccurrence of cancer, as well as provide holistic support, including telephone counselling, to help patients manage the side effects of chemotherapy.

Paul Robinson, National Nurse Manager, says: “When we first meet a patient, they are usually very poorly and recovering from months of gruelling chemotherapy and often need lots of reassurance and support.  As cancer nurses we can give the support they need and in this way, a trusting relationship develops.”

Since 2012 Alliance Healthcare has raised and donated over £900k for EORTC Cancer Research Fund . Our dedicated employees have been instrumental in achieving this by organising and taking part in a number of fundraising activities including an annual football and netball tournament, kayaking, cycling and hiking challenges, half marathons and marathons, family fun days, bake sales and quiz nights, and more!

Even through COVID-19 our teams have maintained that support by joining in with an Easter egg competition, photo competitions, lockdown lottos and raffles – and all in a COVID-secure way.

At Alliance Healthcare, we are committed to continue fighting for a cancer-free future.

Alliance Healthcare team members:

Clockwise from top left: Emma Cooper, Emma Crake, Joanne Aspinall, Steve Smith, Ben Miles, David Wood, Ryan Newell, Kunal Nath. Tasnim Ali, Clare Pretty and Janice Clarke, Matt Addison, Krystian Zurawski, Georgia Unsworth

Alucura National Nurse Manager, Paul Robinson

Alphega Pharmacy Members Win at Reputable Pharmacy Awards for Outstanding Work in Community Pharmacy

A remarkable six Alphega Pharmacy members have triumphed at this year’s Pharmacy Business Awards, which recognises the most inspirational individuals and pharmacy teams who work miracles in the heart of their local communities.

The night was a celebration of pharmacy heroes who were honoured for their dedication to patient care and extraordinary work in the healthcare industry, with special guests Matt Hancock, Secretary of State for Health, and Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London in attendance.      

Alphega Pharmacy member Kieran Eason, Superintendent Pharmacist of Easons Pharmacy, was awarded: “Local Health Initiative of the Year” for delivering brilliant clinical services to patients. Kieran approached a locally commissioned minor ailment service with vigour and passion – notching up 50 consultations in just a week. Easons Pharmacy now provides diagnosis and treatment to more than 200 patients a month – covering a range of minor health issues from ear and throat conditions to UTIs and eczema. Judges hailed it “a resounding success”.

Alphega Pharmacy member Amish Patel, Hodgson Pharmacy, was honoured with the “Pharmacy Technology” award for leading the way in using technology to offer high quality, patient led services and has seen a resulting uptick in numbers. Located in a rural area with 60 per cent of locals over 65, Amish has reached out using a variety of technological tools, and has even seen people travel from abroad to access his services. Amish’s work has seen a remarkable effect on patients in his local community.

Alphega Pharmacy member Graham Phillips, Superintendent Pharmacist of Manor Pharmacy and ProLongevity Founder, was awarded: “Public Health Pharmacist” for his for his dedication to ProLongevity, a Diabetes Prevention Service. Graham’s 8-week ProLongevity programme is based on a personalised lifestyle approach that helps people lose weight, improve wellbeing and avoid or reverse diabetes. This innovative programme has been a huge success with life changing results for partakers and is a game changer for preventative healthcare.

Alphega Pharmacy member Heidi Norton, Bidford Pharmacy has been recognised as a key member of the forward-looking and hardworking Bidford Pharmacy team. Transitioning from the airline industry to healthcare was probably the most inspired move Heidi ever made, and has resulted in her winning the “Pharmacy Assistant” award. Heidi’s particular strength is talking to people, sometimes even visiting them at home – in her own time, she has helped identify a stroke, skin cancer and helped countless others with sympathy, care and knowledge.

Alphega Pharmacy member Amit Pattni, Sonichem Pharmacy has been honoured with the “GP-Primary Care Integration” award for his work with mental health issues and diabetes. Amit Pattni took both issues head on and impressed local doctors enough to attract £25,000 for a specific project. Working closely with the local GP surgery, Sonichem Pharmacy has provided much needed bespoke consultations for mental health patients and on-going personal support. The service has been a huge success with positive outcomes for all patients.

Presented by Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, the “Pharmacy Business of the Year” award was proudly presented to Alphega Pharmacy member Rikin Patel, Sharmans Pharmacy. Sharmans Pharmacy, Northwood, London, has been at the heart of its local community for over 120 years. Located in an affluent suburb, this impressive pharmacy has been beautifully designed to operate as a well-being hub for the community offering a wide range of clinical and enhanced services.

The pharmacy has been completely refurbished with a bright, modern design to maximise the patient experience. Stocking a wide range of premium brands such as Clarins, Chanel and Lancome, the pharmacy caters to the wider healthcare needs of the community.

Adding the latest automation and four new consulting rooms, which are almost always fully occupied, the pharmacy has a 20-strong team that includes five podiatrists and three osteopaths.

Our “Pharmacy Business of the Year” winner is a forward-thinking pharmacy, constantly innovating to deliver greater service models and health outcomes for its patients. Rikin Patel and his team are role models for the future of community pharmacy.

Raj Nutan, Head of Alphega Pharmacy UK said: “Our members work tirelessly to provide a first class service in the communities in which they serve and are an important cog in NHS Primary Care Team. The pharmacy industry has gone through some challenging times recently, and our members have shown utter resilience and determination to ensure that patients receive the best care possible. I am overjoyed that our members’ efforts have received this high level of acknowledgement.”

Alliance Healthcare and Alphega Pharmacy congratulate our Alphega Pharmacy members, and support them with the continuation of their fantastic work in community pharmacy.

Alliance Healthcare ‘Returns’ mandatory on the Portal from 1 February

Alliance Healthcare continues to help our customers self-serve by driving forward adoption of our digital processes via the The Alliance Healthcare Portal (myahportal) and phasing out the paper return notes process entirely. 

From Monday 1 February customers can only process returns claims through ‘Returns’ via the Alliance Healthcare Portal. Returns submitted using the old style returns notes will be not be processed for credit and the goods will be sent back to customers.

The portal provides customers with a simplified approach to access multiple Alliance Healthcare systems and order products online, including surgical orders from NWOS and other functionalities.   

As part of our digital evolution of using ‘Returns’ online, customers will see the following benefits:

-  Saves time – automatically completes sections of the returns note for you e.g. name and address details, along with product searches

-  Visibility of returns claims online – for ease of reference

-  Efficient process - No need to call Customer Service, authorisation to return specialist handling products* can be completed on line. (*a few exceptions apply)

-  One claim for all - no need to separate out product types when submitting claims

-  Guidance on specific product returns  -  clearly explains what to do if you have faulty items, quality issues and recalls

-  Removes confusion – clear information on our terms & conditions for returning products

-  Access from anywhere – you just need to be online

Over 19,000 customers have now registered with myahportal. Marta from Ashtons Hospital Pharmacy, Brighton said: “It is very easy to fill all the necessary fields and the reference return number given at the end keeps my files in order. I am very pleased that Alliance Healthcare keeps trying to improve their ways of working and that they are listening to their Customer’s feedback.”

The portal is accessible at myahportal.co.ukand customers can self-register in just a few minutes.

To support customers during the registration and in using the portal, a ChatBot system has been enabled that offers instant question and answer support for the user. Online support is also available via email at: customerportal@alliance-healthcare.co.uk, and a helpline on 0330 100 0448 - option 8, for any technical support and assistance.

The old paper ‘Returns’ system will close from 31 January.

We’re still here to deliver!

Alliance Healthcare are continuing to support community pharmacy and the NHS in the ongoing fight against COVID-19. It’s important that we ensure our customers know we are still here to deliver!  Please see the attached flyer informing customers of our support.

AmerisourceBergen and Walgreens Boots Alliance announce strategic transaction

AmerisourceBergen Corporation (NYSE: ABC) and Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (Nasdaq: WBA) today announced strategic agreements under which AmerisourceBergen will acquire the majority of Walgreens Boots Alliance’s Alliance Healthcare businesses for approximately $6.5 billion, comprised of $6.275 billion in cash and 2 million shares of AmerisourceBergen common stock.

AmerisourceBergen’s acquisition of Alliance Healthcare will provide even stronger support for pharmacies and pharmacists across the globe and integrated solutions for pharmaceutical manufacturers.  Walgreens Boots Alliance will be able to increase its focus on expanding its core retail pharmacy businesses, bringing even greater healthcare offerings to patients and customers and further accelerating its progress on its clear set of strategic priorities.

In addition to this transaction, the two companies have agreed to strengthen their strategic partnership by extending and expanding their commercial agreements. Their US distribution agreement will be extended by three years until 2029 and their partnership is being expanded to include a commitment to pursue additional opportunities in sourcing and distribution. Furthermore, Alliance Healthcare UK will remain the distribution partner of Boots until 2031. Together, these agreements are expected to create incremental growth, synergies and efficiencies.

“This strategic agreement with AmerisourceBergen, which we consider to be the world’s leading pharmaceutical wholesaler, is a very positive development for the two companies. This deal will enable significant value creation for both companies and will generate new synergies in addition to those already captured. It is a logical step following the success of our long-term strategic relationship with AmerisourceBergen which has been a strong and trusted partner since 2013,” said Stefano Pessina, Executive Vice Chairman and CEO, Walgreens Boots Alliance. “The transaction will fuel higher future investments to grow and transform our core retail pharmacy and healthcare businesses, and is EPS accretive long-term for Walgreens Boots Alliance.”

“AmerisourceBergen’s vital role in the health system as a key pillar of pharmaceutical innovation and access has been on full display over the past year,” said Steven Collis, Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer of AmerisourceBergen. “AmerisourceBergen’s financial and strategic position enable this next evolution of enhancing our ability to provide healthcare capabilities across regions and deliver innovative solutions for our upstream and downstream partners. Today’s announcements will expand our reach and solutions in pharmaceutical distribution and add to AmerisourceBergen’s breadth and depth of global manufacturer services, supporting our ability to create differentiated value for all our stakeholders. I look forward to extending and expanding our successful partnership with Walgreens Boots Alliance and welcoming the industry-leading team at Alliance Healthcare to AmerisourceBergen. Together, we will fulfill AmerisourceBergen’s purpose of being united in our responsibility to create healthier futures.”

These announcements between the two global enterprises continue to build on the close partnership and strong foundation that began in 2013. Walgreens Boots Alliance is the largest shareholder of AmerisourceBergen with a stake of nearly 30 percent, and Ornella Barra, Co-Chief Operating Officer, Walgreens Boots Alliance, is a Board Member of AmerisourceBergen.

Further information can be found here

Alphega Pharmacy Members Win at Prestigious Pharmacy Awards

Two Alphega Pharmacy members triumphed at this year’s Chemist and Druggist awards: Jackie Lewis, Lewis Pharmacy, and Graham Phillips, Manor Pharmacy. Jackie and Graham have been recognised at one of the highest pharmaceutical industry levels for their remarkable efforts in assisting early diagnosis of cancer, diabetes and associated diseases.

Jackie Lewis, Alphega Pharmacy member and Pharmacist Director, has been at the heart of her community in Exmouth for over 20 years as owner and pharmacist at Lewis Pharmacy. COVID-19 changed the face of the world this year, and pharmacies were called upon to be part of their communities like never before - Lewis Pharmacy played its part by delivering all of its pharmacy services throughout 2020, to the benefit of the local community and UK patients.

At the end of what has been an extremely challenging year, Jackie has been awarded: “Community Pharmacist of the Year” at the reputable Chemist and Druggist awards, and is delighted to be recognised by the industry that she loves working in.

Over the last few years, Jackie has been increasingly involved in bringing community pharmacies to the forefront of assisting in early diagnosis of cancer by pharmacy teams. Working in collaboration with Macmillan, Cancer Research UK, British Oncology Pharmacy Association and now pharma industry partners, she started the year finalising the: ’Not Normal For You’ project within a group of local pharmacies. Jackie has since recruited a team of experts from all over the UK to work on a national early diagnosis project for pharmacy staff which will hopefully be released in early 2021.

Mike Smith, Alliance Healthcare UK, Non-Executive Advisor added: “Jackie (and Martyn Lewis) has looked after my wife Rosie and I for 10 years - the quality of her advice on medicines management is of the highest quality. The service from Lewis Pharmacy is second to none. This award proves how important the work you carry out really is, congratulations to you Jackie.”

Graham Phillips, Alphega Pharmacy member and Superintendent Pharmacist of Manor Pharmacy and ProLongevity Founder, was awarded: “Health Initiative of the Year” for his work with ProLongevity, a Diabetes Prevention Service. Graham said: “I am both delighted and humbled to receive such a prestigious award. Type 2 diabetes, and associated diseases such as obesity, cardio-vascular disease and dementia are a worldwide pandemic. Helping patients find sustainable solutions to preventing or reversing these long-term conditions by improving their lifestyles via the www.prolongevity.co.uk programme is truly a joy.”

Raj Nutan, Head of Alphega Pharmacy UK said: “All Alphega Pharmacy members demonstrate incredible support for UK patients, day-in, day-out, and we are very proud of all the efforts from community pharmacy, but in particular Jackie and Graham. Their commitment, energy and determination to help people in the UK live healthier and happier lives, and fight life-threatening diseases is truly incredible and I am delighted their efforts have achieved this level of recognition.”

Alliance Healthcare is proud to work with Alphega Pharmacy members and support their exceptional efforts.

Pharmacy Business Virtual Conference 2020

Like many events this year, the Pharmacy Business Conference took place in a virtual setting, as pharmacy leaders came together for two evenings on Tuesday 24th and Thursday 26th November, to discuss the future of community pharmacy.

Julian Mount, Managing Director, Alliance Healthcare joined the Pharmacy Leaders Panel, alongside Simon Dukes, PSNC, Mark Lyonette, and NPA, Ashley Cowen, AAH, hosted by Michael Holden, Associate Director, Pharmacy Complete.

Watch the highlights video of our involvement here

Alliance Healthcare and Boots UK Donate 500,000 Lifesaving Medicine, Almus Dexamethasone to the NHS

Alliance Healthcare, the UK’s largest medical wholesaler and partner to the NHS, and Boots UK, the largest pharmacy-led health and beauty chain in the UK, both part of Walgreens Boots Alliance, have donated 500,000 2mg Almus Dexamethasone tablets to the NHS in a joint commitment to the NHS and UK patients in support of the fight against COVID-19.

The decision came when UK experts at RECOVERY clinical trial[1] announced the benefits of Dexamethasone in June, describing how the low-dose steroid treatment can reduce fatalities by up to one third in hospitalised patients with severe respiratory complications of COVID-19.

Working together, Julian Mount, Alliance Healthcare UK Managing Director and Seb James, Managing Director of Boots UK and ROI, wrote letters to Sir Simon Stevens, Chief Executive Officer of the NHS and Matt Hancock, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with an offer to donate the lifesaving medicine to the NHS and support the major breakthrough in the fight against COVID-19.

Alliance Healthcare UK has recently completed delivery of the 500,000 2mg Almus Dexamethasone tablets to Public Heath England, who are holding stockpiles of medicines to be distributed to the NHS hospitals across the UK, as and when needed. Julian Mount commented: “The outcome presented a fantastic opportunity for Alliance Healthcare and Boots UK to further demonstrate their support and friendship to the NHS.”

John Southall, Senior Pharmacy Purchasing Technician at Mid and South Essex University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, said: “It was evident from early COVID-19 trials that Dexamethasone was very important in the treatment of severely ill patients as it was shown to improve symptoms very quickly in some patients, consequently preventing many patients progressing on to requiring costly mechanical ventilation and long term hospital care.”

Commenting on the donation John Southall adds: “It was very generous and civic minded of Alliance Healthcare to donate this quantity to the NHS. The quantity fed into the Central Stock Pile was vast, and exceeded actual requirements.”

Julian Mount said: “The hard work and dedication of the NHS to patients across the UK continues to amaze me and I hope the recent donation of Almus Dexamethasone will help to save lives and support the incredible efforts of NHS teams.”

Seb James added: “In times of national pandemic, and as we see incident rates rising, we believe that it’s the duty of all businesses to do what they can to support the national effort and fight against COVID-19. I believe that this donation is another way that we can practically offer our support to the NHS and Government, and we feel very proud to do so.”