NHS statistics have revealed that the number of ophthalmic practitioners in England has increased by almost 4% during the 12 months to December. According to the new data at the end of 2010 there were 10,409 active ophthalmic practitioners, 386 more that 2009, which represents a 3.9% rise. In Wales there was a much sharper […]

An investigation into the success of free eye care in Scotland has been commissioned to the University of Aberdeen. Starting in July, the study will be conducted by a team of economists from the university and led by Alexandros Zangelidis to establish if the policy has meant an increase in the number of people going […]

As part of a public health campaign, Pharmacies in Wales will offer free diabetes risk assessments for two weeks in June. Pharmacists will offer a free paper-based type 2 diabetes risk assessment as part the initiative. The campaign, which works with Diabetes UK Cymru, aimed to take the delivery of public health campaigns to a […]

Bristol born businesswoman Dame Mary Perkins and her husband Douglas revolutionised the way Britains buy glasses, by making fashionable frames affordable, after the Government relaxed advertising regulations in 1984. The success of this has created a £1.15bn family fortune and has boosted their Sunday Times Rich List position from 73 to 56. Despite her fortune […]

According to the Report on Jobs published today by the REC and the KPMG, permanent staff appointments rose at a strong and accelerated rate in April, although growth remained below February’s tenth month high. Recruitment consultants reported a further improvement in the availability of candidates during April. Permanent staff availability rose marginally, while temporary/contract staff […]

A new study has shown that severe gum disease may cause a reduction in red blood cells leading to anaemia. Research published in the Journal of Periodontology found that over a third of people suffering from severe gum disease had haemoglobin levels below normal concentrations. Following a six month course of treatment to improve oral […]

A survey has shown almost two thirds of its members do not believe they are being paid accurately by NHS Prescription Services (NHS PS) Numark has now called for an urgent review of the government’s prescription payment system. 90% of Numark members unable to check payments said the uncertainty was caused by the lack of […]

Optometry and dispensing students can now renew their GOC registration online. All students must complete the renewal process by 15th July or face being removed from registers. It is a legal requirement to be registered with the GOC. To renew their retention students must complete an online application and pay £20 by the July deadline. […]

The University of Birmingham and the University of Durham may become the first in the UK to offer an integrated 5 year pharmacy degree, incorporating clinical practice when they are considered by the GPHC in June. The new five year programme would include two six month placements which would replace the requirement for the current […]

The British Dental Health Foundation asked 1004 people what made them more nervous from a list including heights, flying, injections, doctors, snakes, spiders, going to the hospital and visiting the dentist. Heights topped the poll closely followed by visiting the dentist. One in five people rated visiting the dentist as the thing that made them […]

A US eco dentistry expert has applauded the efforts of dentists here in the UK for spearheading ‘green’ practices in the surgery. In Pockrass, co founder of the US Eco Dentistry Association said, “The UK is ahead of the curve on capturing mercury containing dental materials before they enter the water supply. Without this local […]

A plumber from Bristol has spent £1000 for teeth tattoos for Prince William and Kate Middleton. Baz Franks, 29 spent 6 hours in the dentist’s chair while portraits of the happy couple were painstakingly added to his front teeth using stencils and ultrafine brushes. The tattoos are temporary and will last up to 3 months […]

Flame Pharma recognise the importance of Health Economics and Outcomes Research  as experienced candidates in this area are very much in demand. Outcomes research has changed the culture of clinical practice and health care research by altering how we assess the end results of health care services. In doing so, it has provided the foundation for […]

The REC has today challenged the findings of a British Chamber of Commerce (BCC) survey on recruitment services. The report focuses on the cost and time implications of recruiting new staff but fails to recognise the role that agencies can play. Tom Hadley, the REC’s Director of Policy and Professional Services said, “We agree that […]

Dental Experts expect Brits will eat more than 80 million Easter eggs over the holiday, little realising the link between excessive sugar consumption and gum disease. People may know that too much sugar is bad for the teeth but it is the damage to gums that is the big concern. Sugar fuelled plaque causes inflamed […]