Alliance Healthcare continues to support pharmacies during the COVID-19 pandemic

To support the mass vaccination agenda, our services arm, Skills in Healthcare will be delivering interactive COVID-19 vaccination training sessions to all healthcare professionals eligible to administer COVID-19 vaccines, as well as vaccination support workers in the lead up to their anticipated involvement in the vaccination programme.

Skills in Healthcare is delighted to be offering support to community pharmacists by providing these informative webinars, in collaboration with Charles Bloe Training. In 2020, Charles Bloe Training won Coursecheck’s ‘Brilliance Award’, the highest rated training provider in their medium-sized organisation category.

The virtual sessions aim to complement their mandatory COVID-19 e-Learning and/or practical training to ensure they have the knowledge, skills and confidence to fulfil their vital role in the programme when the opportunity arises. Healthcare professionals and vaccination support workers are receiving expert knowledge and practical demonstrations, delivered by specialist nurse trainers who are administering the vaccine at present.

Sanjay Pathak, National Pharma Services Manager Skills in Healthcare, said: “As part of the Alliance Healthcare team, we are committed to supporting community pharmacy where we can. We are proud to be helping our Pharmacy COVID-19 heroes with their vaccination training and education in readiness for when their involvement in the programme begins”. 

For more information on our COVID-19 vaccination training webinars, please click here. 

Alphega Pharmacy helps vaccinate the nation with launch of around 60 COVID-19 centres

Alphega UK has started delivering COVID-19 vaccinations to communities across the UK. Over 40 members are administering the vaccine from consultation rooms within their independent community pharmacies, with another 20 to open in the next few weeks.

Alphega Pharmacy is a leading European network of independent pharmacists. Throughout the pandemic, it has helped members by supporting application and submissions to become certified COVID-19 sites, providing over 30,000 pieces of social distancing material, launching a COVID-19 hub with resources, toolkits and signage, providing more than 3,000 face visors and over 800 digital tablets to allow pharmacists to carry out remote patient consultations, and giving practical support to customers in reception and recovery areas.

Raj Nutan, Head of Alphega Pharmacy, said: “Alphega is incredibly proud to be part of this national effort to protect our local communities against COVID-19.  Community pharmacies are often at the heart of areas where there are higher levels of health challenges and vaccine hesitancy.”

Dhimant Patel, Pharmacist and owner of Healthways Pharmacy in Harrow, London said: “We have all seen the effect that COVID-19 has had on our local communities across the UK. As primary healthcare providers, independent pharmacies are well established in their local areas and are ideally placed to help in the fight against the virus.

“We’re delighted to be part of the solution to fight the coronavirus pandemic. We have long been a partner to the NHS and we believe that this vaccination programme is something we have a key role to play in, particularly in reassuring patients, dispelling myths and misconceptions about COVID-19 vaccines and boosting uptake.”

Patients will be invited directly by the NHS to book their vaccination appointment at Alphega pharmacies.

Stay alert online

Important notice: Please be extra careful with all online activity and remember that Alliance Healthcare will never inform you solely by email message of changes to our bank account details. Please report any suspicious email, call, or communication by calling 0203 0440 8928.

Alliance Healthcare supports mothers and children at risk of malnutrition in partnership with Apprenticeship Recruitment Services

In honour of this year’s International Women’s Day, Alliance Healthcare and its Apprenticeship Recruitment Services partner are supporting Vitamin Angels via donation.

The donation will help Vitamin Angels to provide life-saving vitamins to 10,000 mothers and children under five who are at risk of malnutrition, which is one of the causes of preventable child deaths.

As part of International Women’s Day, Alliance Healthcare is hosting a selection of internal events that explore key themes, such as allyship, wellbeing, and career development. In addition, talented female leaders will be celebrated throughout the week, 8 to 12 March, and there will be an inspiring panel session with senior female leaders.

Natasha Wilson, Acting HR Director, said: “I’m delighted that we are able to support Vitamin Angels with the vital work they do to help mothers and children, and break the cycle of malnutrition. At Alliance Healthcare we are fortunate that our workforce is diverse and rich in culture, with many women leading the way across our business. As a senior female leader, it’s important for me and all of my female colleagues to act as role models for women in business.”

Myrtle Northage from Apprenticeship Recruitment Services said: “Apprenticeship Recruitment Services is proud to support this year’s International Women’s Day. Equality and diversity is something that we take very seriously. Since the inception of the business we have insisted that apprentices and staff are treated fairly, with equal treatment and access to apprenticeship opportunities and resources. All of our apprenticeships are gender diverse and we work with Alliance Healthcare to ensure that access is available to all. In sponsoring this day we hope to raise the profile of women and celebrate their successes so that they become role models for future employees.”

Alliance Healthcare continues to champion essential activities that will help its people fulfil their potential. There is a professional leadership programme that drives leadership skills and capabilities for both women and men, and 74 females (43% of all delegates) are enrolled. A further 118 women are also studying for apprenticeships in a range of subjects including team leadership and management, project management and customer service.

Alliance Healthcare thanks its sponsor Apprenticeship Recruitment Services for their generous support.
 

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.