Helping you deliver patient-centred care with the latest news and essential information about key products and developments in store.
Service updates
It's that time of year where we start preparing for the Winter Flu Jab Service, and your help is crucial for us to build on the brilliant success of last year's service. Click on Winter Flu Jab Service below to find out how you can support this.
We've also got an update for you on the prescription delivery proposition, which is changing to become more efficient and sustainable. For full details, click on Prescription Delivery Proposition below.
Pharmacy in Northern Ireland
This month, we continue our interview series focusing on pharmacy in different areas of the UK. We chat to Marie Smith, Country Pharmacy Manager Northern Ireland, about how pharmacy there differs from the rest of the UK, and how teams in Northern Ireland have gone above and beyond to support their communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Click on the Interview below to check it out.
Click the boxes below for product updates and news.
FEATURED BRAND
Avène Cleanance
Item codes: Cleansing gel: 29-95-360, 11-54-656; Comedomed: 88-21-941
Cleansing gel and anti-blemish moisturiser for oily, blemish-prone skin
Avène Cleanance Cleansing Gel gently removes impurities.
- Deeply cleanses the skin and mattifies
- May help to prevent blemishes and excess sebum
- ComedoclastinTM ingredient reduces excess oil
- Avène Thermal Spring Water provides softening and soothing properties
- 27 per cent sebum reduction after 14 days*
- 85.7 per cent of people asked said it was immediately mattifying*
Directions for use: Apply morning and/or evening to wet skin, rinse well, then dry.
Avène Cleanance Comedomed is an anti-blemish moisturiser that can help to reduce the appearance of blemishes and limits their reappearance.
- Can reduce blemishes from seven days and prevent their reappearance†
- Clinically proven for clearer skin in four weeks‡
- Skin is 45 per cent clearer after two months‡
- Proven anti-reappearance action after one year§
- 77 per cent improvement at six months**
- Can be used alone or in combination with medicinal acne treatments (should not be used with oral isotretinoin).
Directions for use: Apply to the face morning and evening as a daily moisturiser after using a Cleanance cleansing product.
*Tolerance and efficacy study carried out on 50 subjects, two applications per day for 28 days.
†Clinical study, reduction of blemishes observed under dermatological control with 51 subjects. Use of Cleanance Comedomed twice a day for 56 days.
‡Evaluation according to the IGA score observed by a dermatologist - Applying Cleanance Concentrate twice a day for eight weeks, 56 subjects aged 18 to 35 years with mild-to-moderate acne on the face. Evaluation taken at D1, D8, D28 and D57 - noting IGA score decreasing by Grade 1. Highest significant (p<0.0001) vs untreated.
§International observational clinical study, 85% of patients without acne reappearance at T12 months (according to the definition in the GEA protocol >=3 requiring the introduction of a medicinal treatment - oral or local), 48 subjects, 2 applications per day of Cleanance Comedomed during 12 months.
**International Observational Clinical Study, 90% of patients without acne relapse at T6 months (according to the definition of relapse in the GEA 3 protocol requiring the introduction of a medicinal treatment - oral or local), 48 subjects, two applications per day of Cleanance Comedomed for six months.
Salonpas Pain Relief Patch (GSL)
Methyl salicylate; levomenthol
Item code: 78-73-360
An anti-inflammatory patch for pain relief of muscle and joints associated with strains, sprains, backache and bruises.
Salonpas Pain Relief Patch:
- Delivers the active ingredients directly to the site of pain with less systemic exposure
- Works for up to 12 hours
- Stretchable and flexible
- Can be used on and around joints
- Easy to apply.
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.
See below for product information.
Boots Saline Nasal Spray
Item code: 88-41-187
Helps unblock the nose and provides relief from congestion due to a cold, sinusitis, hayfever or a dry nasal passage.
- Clears and cleanses
- Rapidly decongests the nose
- Steroid and drug-free
- Suitable for adults and infants.
Directions for use: Shake bottle and spray one to two times into each nostril, for as long as needed. Advise customers to read the product packaging for full directions.
Buccastem M Buccal Tablets (P)
Prochlorperazine maleate
Item code: 25-54-801
Helps to relieve nausea and vomiting associated with migraine.
The tablets are placed high up along the top gum under the upper lip, so the active ingredient is absorbed directly into the bloodstream, with no need to swallow.
Directions for use: Adults aged 18 years and over should use one or two tablets twice a day. Place the tablet high up along the top gum under the upper lip. Do not swallow or chew the tablet. Read the product leaflet for full directions for use. Not suitable for customers under 18 years.
JB-000995. Date of preparation: June 2021
See below for product information.
BP Catarrh Pastilles (GSL)
Eucalyptus oil; menthol; pumilio pine oil
Item code: 10-87-908
Provides soothing relief from chesty coughs and catarrh.
- The pastilles contain eucalyptus, menthol and pumilio pine oils which relieve chesty coughs. Eucalyptus and pumilio pine oils also have antiseptic properties
- Effectively relieves symptoms of catarrh, coughs and colds
- Not suitable for children under 12 years.
Directions for use: Adults and children aged 12 years and over can suck one pastille when needed. Customers should not take more than 20 pastilles in 24 hours.
See below for product information.
Salonpas Pain Relief Patch contains Methyl Salicylate; Levomenthol. Indications: For the symptomatic relief of pain of muscles and joints associated with strains and sprains. Legal category: GSL. Information about this product, including adverse reactions, precautions, contraindications and method of use can be found at https://mhraproductsprod.blob.core.windows.net/docs-20200204/3fb5807bbe852cb8f876082cf692e17676d812bb Marketing authorisation number: PL 23168/0001. Further information is available from Licence Holder: Hisamitsu UK Limited, 5 Chancery Lane, London WC2A 1LG, UK. Last revised: February 2020.
Buccastem M Buccal Tablets (prochlorperazine maleate). Indication: For nausea and vomiting in previously diagnosed migraine, in adults aged 18 years and over. Legal Classification: P. Marketing Authorisation Holder: Alliance Pharmaceuticals Limited, Avonbridge House, Bath Road, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN15 2BB, UK. Information about this product, including adverse reactions, precautions, contraindications and method of use can be found at https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/478. Adverse events should be reported. Reporting forms and information can be found at https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/. Adverse events should also be reported to Alliance Pharmaceuticals at pharmacovigilance@alliancepharma.co.uk
Boots Catarrh Pastilles Active ingredients: Levomenthol 0.813 % w/w, Pumilio pine oil 0.604 % v/w, Eucalyptus oil 0.022 % v/w. Also contains: Sucrose, Liquid Glucose, Modified Starch (maize, tapioca), Thymol, Marshmallow Root Liquid Extract, Carmoisine E122, Vegetable Oil, Carnauba wax, Water. Indications: For the symptomatic relief of catarrh, coughs and colds. Legal category: GSL. Information about this product, including adverse reactions, precautions, contraindications and method of use can be found at https://mhraproducts4853.blob.core.windows.net/docs/78d7e070c254581181768617ea758a0c15894f07 Marketing authorisation number(s)/Product Licence (PL) number: PL 00094/0009. Further information is available from Licence Holder: Ernest Jackson & Co Ltd High Street Crediton Devon EX17 3AP UK. Last revised: 21/10/2015
WINTER FLU JAB SERVICE
To build on the brilliant achievement of last year, we have an ambition to deliver over three million flu vaccines in the 2021/22 season. Your support can help us achieve this goal.
The COVID-19 pandemic has amplified the awareness and importance of vaccinations. COVID-19 continues to put additional strain on health and social care systems, but we can help alleviate some of this pressure by helping to protect vulnerable people against flu.
Last year, our experience demonstrated once again that customers look to Boots as the place for their health and wellbeing needs. We know there were challenges, but we've learnt from the experience and feedback and are making things better for patients and colleagues this year. Some improvements include a smoother supply chain, increased appointment availability and an easier journey for corporate customers and stores.
What can you do to make the service a success?
- Understand the service: speak to your team to understand your store's role in protecting customers
- Know the plan: speak to your Store Manager to find out about your store's flu plan and how you can help with the team's success
- Engage customers: tell your customers that, at Boots, we will be offering a flu vaccination service from September. Customers would often love to use Boots for their healthcare but they just don't know what we do. You have the ability to change that!
For more information, visit the Winter Flu Jab Service Hub on BootsLive. Check daily on the 'latest' section of the Hub for important updates. The Hub will also include useful information such as supply ordering and Appointment Diary guidance, and promotional materials.
There is also a Winter Flu Jab Service page on Yammer, where we want to hear from you - let us know your customer feedback and tell us your success stories; there may even be a competition or two!
CHANGES TO OUR PRESCRIPTION DELIVERY PROPOSITION
The prescription delivery proposition is changing, making it more efficient and sustainable - for both you and your patients.
Prescription deliveries will now be planned over an 'all day' window, rather than a morning and afternoon slot. To support this change, we have switched on an automated text message service to notify patients of a two-hour delivery slot the day of their delivery.
These updates to the prescription delivery proposition have benefits for both patients and pharmacy teams:
- Instead of having to wait at home for half the day, patients will now be allocated a two-hour timeslot for their delivery
- Patients will receive a text message to confirm the date and time of their delivery – these will be automated, as long as a telephone number starting with '07' is recorded on their PDC web record
- Each driver handover will only happen once per day, which will reduce disturbances in stores.
With these changes, we have broadened our exemption criteria; this means that we can offer even more patients a free delivery service. The delivery subscription is still available for those who want deliveries for the convenience it provides.
Visit the New Prescription Delivery Service Hub on BootsLive for full guidance on these changes.
You can also go to youtube.com/user/Boots and check out the 'Prescription delivery service' video in the 'Meet our Pharmacists' video series.
INTERVIEW - MARIE SMITH
Living well in Northern Ireland
Marie Smith, Country Pharmacy Manager Northern Ireland, talks us through pharmacy in Northern Ireland and how teams are supporting customers to live well.
How is pharmacy in Northern Ireland different from the rest of the UK?
There are a lot of similarities, but the main differences are our service offering and our lack of any electronic transfer of prescriptions. All prescriptions are still paper based so we have a greater presence in surgeries, picking up prescriptions at least daily, if not more often.
Our core services are Minor Ailments/Pharmacy First and substitution services. There is also a Living Well service that supports public health priorities.
What is the Living Well Service?
'Living Well' provides key public health messages and advice through community pharmacies that are contracted to provide the service. Through the Living Well service, pharmacies can help address risk factors which contribute significantly to the overall prevalence of disease in Northern Ireland. A campaign schedule has been developed that is aligned with public health priorities. Community pharmacists and pharmacy staff display and provide information, as well as giving advice on targeted campaign topics to patients presenting prescriptions and to other patients in the pharmacy. Topics to date have included sun care, obesity, mental health and alcohol consumption.
What are the most innovative things you're doing in Northern Ireland?
Most recently, the Department of Health and the Health and Social Care Board in Northern Ireland decided to offer the COVID-19 vaccination service, not in mass sites, but from within the consultation room in the pharmacy. We've had 52 pharmacies and two off-site non-contract stores actively offering the COVID-19 Vaccination Service since April 2021. This has been really well received by patients and other key stakeholders.
Our pharmacists and pharmacy teams have been a vital support to patients
What part has pharmacy played in the pandemic?
Community pharmacies in Northern Ireland have been publicly recognised by the Health Minister for the fantastic work they've undertaken right from the beginning of the pandemic. Our accessibility and availability have been instrumental in allowing us to support patients in whatever way they have needed. We increased our delivery service to support vulnerable or shielding patients and our new Emergency Supply service was introduced to support patients in need of medication. Our pharmacists and pharmacy teams have been a vital support to patients within their local community.