NEWS IN BRIEF: Price concessions; Scottish integration; Hollowood; Co-op; Blood pressure monitors

Further price concessions announced by PSNC

The Department of Health have granted ten price concessions for October 2015. No endorsements are required as these prices will automatically be applied to this month's prescriptions.

NCSO/price concession October 2015 (further update): The Department of Health granted the following price conc... https://t.co/AmZJsI4n65

— Doncaster LPC (@DoncasterLPC) October 27, 2015

Scotland unveils new plans to support integration

Increasing the number of GPs in training will support the integration of pharmacists into ‘community health hubs’, Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has announced.

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During the inaugural Health and Social Care Alliance lecture in Edinburgh, Sturgeon said GPs are at the heart of multidisciplinary teams that include pharmacists and other specialists as part of the transformation of primary care.

The number of training places for GPs will increase from 300 to 400 a year from next year with the help of £20m investment while £16m is earmarked to recruit 140 pharmacists into the integrated workforce.

GP: Nicola Sturgeon to unveil 33% rise in GP training posts in Scotland https://t.co/HGGryySjU9 — Omnia-Med (@OmniaMedUK) October 27, 2015

Hollowood Chemists continues rapid growth

Hollowood Chemists have bought six WA Salter (Chemists) premises across Lancashire and Merseyside in a multi-million pound deal.

The acquisition increases the size of the independently owned group of pharmacies to 17 establishments.

In August 2014, the Cheadle-based pharmacy group added five pharmacies to its books after buying shares in J Simpson Chemists and Clamary.

Kuits advises Hollowood Chemists on acquisition of North West pharmacy portfolio: https://t.co/GDoDvzJGrh

— Kuits Solicitors (@KuitsSolicitors) October 26, 2015

Lincolshire Co-op multi-purpose site to include pharmacy in proposed £750,000 revamp

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A planning application to integrate a pharmacy and post office into the existing Lincolnshire Co-op premises has been submitted.

The £750,000 plans incorporate the nearby pharmacy in Holbeach as part of the project that will also see a food shop, library and post office housed under the same roof.

The Co-op already runs the existing pharmacy and an application will be made to NHS England for its relocation.

Revamped Holbeach shop will contain post office, pharmacy and library https://t.co/xUHbqj4aMO — Jeremy Ransome (@lfpeditor) October 26, 2015

Blood pressure monitors approved by hypertension societies

Following testing, Alvita’s arm and advanced arm blood pressure monitors have been clinically validated to meet the British and European Hypertension Society standards.

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The European Hypertension Society standard has been given to Alvita wrist, arm and advanced arm blood pressure monitors.

The British Hypertension Society (BHS) standard has been given to the Alvita arm and advanced arm blood pressure monitors. The BHS does not endorse wrist monitors.

Ritu Bhardwaj, senior product manager for Alvita, said: “This gives pharmacists and their patient’s confidence in our products and the Alvita brand, to ensure this high-risk condition can be effectively and efficiently monitored at home.”