Helping you deliver patient-centred care with the latest news and essential information about key products and developments in store.
Delivery charges
As you will be aware, there have been some changes to delivery charging in English stores. We spoke to John Howard, Senior Manager for Core Items and NHS Contracts, all about the changes and the different options that are now available for customers. Click on the interview to find out more.
Breast cancer awareness
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual campaign to highlight education around breast cancer and raise money to help fund important research. The charity Breast Cancer Now aims to get as many people as possible involved in raising awareness of symptoms to aid early detection and therefore better outcomes. For more information about the campaign, visit breastcancernow.org
Click the boxes below for product updates and news.
FEATURED BRAND
The Robitussin range
From the number one recommended cough brand in pharmacy,1 the Robitussin range includes three different formulations to provide effective relief from chesty and dry coughs.
Robitussin Chesty Cough Medicine (GSL)
Guaifenesin
- Contains guaifenesin, which loosens mucus
- Thins the mucus in the airways, making it less sticky and enabling the customer to cough up mucus more easily
- Soothing effect
- Non-drowsy.
Robitussin Mucus Cough and Congestion Relief (P)
Guaifenesin; pseudoephedrine
- Contains pseudoephedrine, which clears blocked nose and sinuses
- Shrinks the swollen tissues in the nasal passages, allowing air to flow freely through them again2
- Loosens mucus.
Robitussin Dry Cough Medicine (P)
Dextromethorphan
- Provides relief from persistent, dry, irritant coughs
- Dextromethorphan acts on the cough reflex to decrease the frequency of the cough
- Soothing effect.
See below for product information
References:
1. Impact Research Ltd Recommendation Study, May 2020.
2. Martindale. 39th Edition 2017.
PM-UK-RBS-20-00004
Deep Heat
Item codes: See Boots.com
Deep Heat Pain Relief Heat Patch provides relief from muscular pains, strains and joint stiffness for up to 16 hours.*
Product features:
- Long-lasting adhesive patch
- Dual action: pain relief and heat therapy
- Drug-free
- Odourless
- Designed to be used for back, hip, thigh, calf, arm, neck and shoulder pain.
This product is suitable for adults aged 18 years and over. For usage and directions, read the product pack and leaflet. Customers should be advised to use no more than two plasters in 24 hours. The patches should not be used for more than three days in a row.
Deep Heat Muscle Massage Roll-on Lotion is a non-medicinal lotion that provides targeted warming relief to ease tight, knotted muscles.
Product features:
- Combines massage with heat therapy
- Designed to relieve muscular tension
- Herbal fragrance
- Drug-free
- Easy and convenient to use
- Can be used before or after exercise.
Advise customers to refer to product packaging for directions for use.
* Patch provides penetrating warmth for up to eight hours. Once removed it can continue to provide pain relief for a further eight hours.
PaediaSure Shake
Item codes: See Boots.com
A nutritional supplement drink for children who are going through a fussy eating phase or recovering after feeling under the weather.+
PaediaSure Shake contains protein plus 26 vitamins and minerals to support growth and development:‡
- Vitamin D contributes to the normal function of the immune system
- Essential fatty acids to support growth and development‡
- Protein is needed for normal growth and the development of bone in children
- Iron contributes to normal cognitive development.
Available in vanilla, chocolate and strawberry flavours.
For directions for use, see product pack.
Date of preparation: July 2020
UK-PDSHK-2000050
+ PaediaSure Shake is a food supplement. It may be used while working towards a healthy balanced diet.
‡ The beneficial effect of essential fatty acids is obtained with a daily intake of 10g linoleic acid and 2g alpha-linolenic acid.
Boots Saline Nasal Spray
Item code: 88-41-187
Boots Saline Nasal Spray helps unblock the nose and provides relief from congestion due to a cold, hayfever or a dry nasal passage. The spray is steroid- and drug-free. It is a medical device suitable for adults and infants.
Directions for use:
- Ensure the hands are clean and dry before use.
- Shake well.
- Shen using for the first time, push down on the nozzle three to four times.
- Spray one to two times in each nostril for as long as needed.
- If symptoms persist, consult the pharmacist or a doctor.
Boots Acid Reflux 20mg Gastro-Resistant
Tablets (GSL)
Omeprazole
Item codes: 88-64-314; 88-64-306
A proton pump inhibitor for the effective relief of heartburn and acid reflux. Helps reduce the production of excess stomach acid and can last for up to 24 hours.
These packs will be replacing the 10mg so make sure to check the dosage information when speaking to customers. Available in pack sizes of seven or 14 tablets.
Directions for use: Adults should take one tablet per day. Customers may need to take tablets for two to three days in a row before symptoms improve. If symptoms do not improve or worsen after 14 days, customers should consult their GP.
See below for product information
Product information
Name of product: Robitussin Chesty Cough Medicine. Active ingredient(s): Guaifenesin Ph Eur 100mg/5ml. Supply classification: GSL. Indications: Expectorant for the treatment of coughs. Information about this product, including adverse reactions, precautions, contraindications and method of use can be found at: http://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/medicine/15688 or from Pfizer Consumer Healthcare, Walton Oaks, Surrey, KT20 7NS, UK
Name of product: Robitussin Mucus Cough and Congestion Relief 20mg, 6mg/ml Oral Solution. Active ingredient(s): Guaifenesin 100mg/5ml, Pseudoephedrine hydrochloride 30mg/5ml. Supply classification: P. Indications: Nasal decongestant and expectorant for the symptomatic relief of respiratory tract disorders. Information about this product, including adverse reactions, precautions, contraindications and method of use can be found at: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/5339/smpc or from Pfizer Consumer Healthcare, Walton Oaks, Surrey, KT20 7NS, UK
Name of product: Robitussin Dry Cough Medicine. Active ingredient(s): Dextromethorphan hydrobromide Ph Eur 7.5mg/5ml. Supply classification: P Indications: For the relief of persistent dry irritant coughs. Further information about this product, including adverse reactions, precautions, contraindications and method of use can be found at: http://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/medicine/15685 or from Pfizer Consumer Healthcare Ltd, Walton Oaks, Surrey, KT20 7NS.
Boots Acid Reflux 20mg Gastro-Resistant Capsules (GSL) contains omeprazole. Indications: For the short-term treatment of reflux symptoms (e.g. heartburn and acid regurgitation) in adults. Legal category: GSL. Information about this product, including adverse reactions, precautions, contraindications and method of use can be found at https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/11558 Marketing authorisation number: PL 14017/0277. Further information is available from Licence Holder: Dexcel® Pharma Ltd, 7 Sopwith Way, Drayton Fields, Daventry, Northamptonshire, NN11 8PB, UK. Last revised: August 2020.
WINTER IMMUNITY
This winter, many customers are understandably concerned with keeping themselves and their families well. Our Winter Health & Wellness Campaigns have a key focus on immunity.
Over a million customers are expected to receive the flu jab in Boots pharmacies this winter as part of our efforts to keep customers well. After customers have their flu jab, they should be given a booklet with immunity advice and vouchers for selected winter wellness products and supplements, such as vitamin D.
Vitamin D plays an important role in bone and muscle health and contributes to the normal function of the immune system. Our body creates vitamin D from sunlight on the skin, but in autumn and winter, we don't always get enough sun to meet our vitamin D needs.
The latest government advice recommends that adults and children over one year should consider taking a daily 10mcg vitamin D supplement, particularly during autumn and winter.*
To help you deliver this message, there is a range of immunity training available, including the new HUG3 immunity module you can access on BootsLearning. Once you have completed all the relevant training, you will earn an immunity expert badge so customers can identify you and ask you about immunity.
*Some groups of people should take a daily 10mcg vitamin D supplement all year round. The guidelines for children vary based on age and diet. See the NHS website for details.
SCORECARD: DRIVING PERFORMANCE
Following an incredibly challenging year for pharmacy, it has never been more important to make sure every store is focused on growing and protecting their business.
To help you identify opportunities to maximise performance, we have created a diagnostic tool. These opportunities could include text messaging or sign ups to a nominated pharmacy.
There is also a monthly action plan available for teams to fill out to keep you on track. It's important that you understand your role in delivering this action plan - speak with your pharmacist or store leader to understand how you can help. You can make a real difference to your store's performance; it's all about having quality conversations with customers.
Remember that every opportunity counts. The diagnostic tool, monthly action plan and other resources are available on the Core Items Homepage on BootsLive and are coming soon to Pharmacy Unscripted.
INTERVIEW - JOHN HOWARD
Future-proofing delivery
John Howard, Senior Manager for Core Items and NHS Contracts, gives us the update on changes to delivery charging in England.
Why have there been changes?
Starting in July last year, we introduced delivery charging for customers who wanted their prescriptions delivered to their home addresses from stores. This step was necessary to ensure that delivery was sustainable so that we could continue to provide this important service in the future.
But in March, when a high population of customers were shielding or self-isolating due to Covid-19, we took the decision to waive delivery charging for all customers. This was supported by the government, who provided funding to pharmacies to help cover the growing costs of delivery, but this funding ceased at the end of July in England. We therefore took the difficult decision to reintroduce delivery charging from August to ensure the service remains sustainable for the future.
It is important to us to ensure that we are protecting the most vulnerable members of our communities
How are vulnerable customers being supported?
It is important to us to ensure that we are protecting the most vulnerable members of our communities, which is why we have chosen to align ourselves to the government guidance that was issued during the lockdown period. We will be continuing to offer free delivery to those customers that qualified for the Advanced Pandemic Delivery Service during that period. Certain other groups of customers will also be exempt from delivery charging, for example, those requiring urgent end of life care. Colleagues have received guidance outlining those customers who will continue to receive free delivery.
What are the options for customers?
If customers are not exempt, they can choose from the following options:
- Collect from store
- A representative, such as a family member, can collect from store
- If their medication doesn't require refrigeration or safe custody, they can use our digital pharmacy option and receive their medication via Royal Mail
- Pay for one-off delivery (£5) or an annual subscription (£55 for the year).
Any customers who already have an annual subscription will have their subscription extended by four months to cover the period in which we had waived the delivery charge.
What do colleagues need to do going forward?
It's important for colleagues to familiarise themselves with the exemption criteria, conversation flowchart and customer support leaflets.
Using the conversation flowchart, colleagues should have the relevant conversation regarding the reintroduction of delivery charging as part of the phone call to a customer prior to a delivery. Depending on their preferred choice, add a support leaflet to their dispensing bag.