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.

FIELD SAFTEY NOTICE - BD SYRINGES AND NEEDLES

BD has become aware that when syringes and needles are used for intraocular injections, the potential exists for “floaters” in patients’ eyes which are believed to be due to silicone. (Note: Syringes and needles manufactured by BD have silicone applied to the inside of the barrels to provide lubrication for the plunger stopper, allowing it to move easily). The potential hazard is deposition of silicone oil (SO) droplets in the vitreous.  The potential harm could be symptomatic “floaters” in the patient’s field of vision which, normally, are tolerable and resolve over a few months.  However, if sufficiently bothersome, floaters may lead to a vitrectomy for their removal

MHRA drug alert link: N/A              

This field safety notice is Advisory only so Alliance Healthcare are not accepting stock returns.

Should you have any questions or experience any issues associated with the product or issue described in this Field Safety Notice, please contact BDUKFieldAction@bd.com. BD has notified the appropriate regulatory agencies of these actions.

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.

COMPANY-LED DRUG ALERT - RESPREEZA 1,000 MG POWDER AND SOLVENT FOR SOLUTION FOR INFUSION

CSL Behring UK Ltd is recalling the below batches of Respreeza 1,000 mg powder and solvent for solution for infusion (EU/1/15/1006/001) due to a manufacturing deviation that occurred during the filling process. There is a risk of potential microbial contamination due to the failure of the HEPA filters at the manufacturing site and the batches are being recalled as a precautionary measure. This product is only supplied to Pharmacies and/or Hospitals Pharmacies and not to wholesale, via our 3PL partner Alloga UK Ltd

MHRA drug alert link: https://www.gov.uk/drug-device-alerts/company-led-medicines-recall-respreeza-1000-mg-powder-and-solvent-for-solution-for-infusions-eu-slash-1-slash-15-slash-1006-slash-001?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=govuk-notifications&utm_source=ea5d64be-6beb-4a4b-b8a9-a24edc5aeea8&utm_content=immediately              

Alliance do not stock this product and therefore we are not accepting stock returns.

Company Contact for medical information enquiries

For medical information enquiries, please contact: Jo Heaton (Head of Medical Affairs UK & Ireland, Commercial Operations United Kingdom) CSL Behring UK Ltd by emailing: Jo.Heaton@cslbehring.com

Company Contact for stock enquiries

For stock information enquiries, please contact: Karien Pietersen (Head of Quality) CSL Behring UK Ltd by emailing: Karien.pietersen@cslbehring.com

Service Disruption at Leeds Service Centre

There may be some delays to orders in the Leeds area today, due to the adverse weather conditions. We thank you for your patience and understanding. Please contact Customer Service with any critical requirements.

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

CLASS 2 RECALL - Sodiofolin 50mg/ml Solution for Injection 100mg/2ml

Further to Drug Alert EL (20)A/52 issued on 11 November 2020, medac Pharma LLP is recalling further batches of products following inspection of vials showing hairline damage to the shoulder of the vials. So far, the company has not received any reports of damage for marketed products. However, as this defect may impact on the sterility of the product, the below batches are being recalled as a precautionary measure

MHRA Drug Link: https://www.gov.uk/drug-device-alerts/class-2-medicines-recall-medac-gmbh-t-slash-a-medac-pharma-llp-sodiofolin-50mg-slash-ml-solution-for-injection-100mg-slash-2ml-pl-11587-slash-0005-el-20-a-slash-61?utm_source=84015acc-7689-472c-92fe-db322a8d4537&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=govuk-notifications&utm_content=immediate

Please note that Alliance Healthcare do not stock and we are not accepting stock returns.

For more information or medical information queries, please contact info@medacpharma.co.uk or telephone 01786 458086.

COMPANY-LED DRUG ALERT - INSTANYL 100MCG SINGLE DOSE

Takeda UK Limited is recalling the below batch of Instanyl 100mcg nasal spray solution (EU/1/09/531/015) due to the observation of cracked vials during inspection of the bulk vials and release testing of the finished products. So far, the company has not received any reports of damage for the marketed products. However, due to the low potential for breaking or cracking of the glass vial, which is contained within the plastic actuator casing and a potential risk of microbial contamination, the above batch is being recalled as a precautionary measure

MHRA drug alert link: https://www.gov.uk/drug-device-alerts/company-led-medicines-recall-instanyl-100mcg-nasal-spray-solution-eu-slash-1-slash-09-slash-531-slash-015?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=govuk-notifications&utm_source=a6ea9305-5a64-4dd6-ae86-912f9bbbe915&utm_content=immediately         

Alliance have not supplied this product and therefore we are not accepting stock returns.

Company Contact for medical information enquiries

For medical information enquiries, please contact: Takeda UK Limited by emailing medinfoemea@takeda.com

Company Contact for stock enquiries

Remaining stock of these batches should be quarantined and returned to Takeda for replacement stock where available.

For stock information enquiries, please contact: Alloga UK by emailing allogaUK.credit.claims@alloga.co.uk

Company-Led drug alert Sodium Chloride 0.9% Solution For Injection

Title:  Company-Led drug alert Sodium Chloride 0.9% Solution For Injection
Class type: Company-Led drug alert

Copy: Fresenius Kabi Ltd is recalling the below batch of Sodium chloride 0.9% Solution for injection (PL 08828/0178) which has a polish labelled ampoule within some of the cartons. As this does not impact the full batch, as a precautionary measure Fresenius Kabi are recalling all packs from this batch number. The outer carton is correct and includes the correct patient information leaflet in the English language. The ampoules are the correct composition and specifications as the UK licensed material, however during manufacture the incorrect ampoule label was used. The affected batch is being recalled and all stock will be replaced by corrected stock from Fresenius Kabi Limited.

The affected products' details are as follows:

Alliance do not stock this product we are not accepting stock returns.

For stock information enquiries, please contact: Fresenius Kabi Ltd customer services centre Email: Customer.Services-UK@Fresenius-Kabi.com

Recipients of this Drug Alert should bring it to the attention of relevant contacts.