Corneas made in the laboratory, produced from synthetic collagen, have markedly improved the sight of 10 Swedish patients with signification vision loss. These implants could now offer the possibility for a replacement to human donor tissue. The custom made corneas work by prompting regeneration of the nerves and cells in the eyes and this is […]

Clinical Excellence and Distinction Awards recognise and reward the exceptional contribution of NHS consultants over and above that normally expected to the values and goals of the NHS and to patient care. The awards were first introduced in the 1940’s and have remained largely unchanged. However there will be a UK wide review which will […]

A Pharmacy campaign promised in the 2008’s pharmacy white paper is set to be launched in the four PCTs granted funding. The campaigns will be delivered locally with all four trust designing their own versions to reflect pharmacy services in their regions. NHS Portsmouth aims to increase uptake of pharmacy services and raise public confidence […]

The RPSGB has approved a scheme as part of a 5 year partnership with Lloyds Pharmacy and the NHS Foundation Trust. Pre-Registration pharmacists will be given the opportunity to gain experience in the community and hospital pharmacy sectors, working 6 months as trainees in both areas. At the end of the pre-registration year the trainees […]

The GDC is aiming to replace two current sets of their dental education guidelines. They have stated that education is central to regulation and every member of the dental team shares the responsibility of ensuring patient safety. From this, the GDC would like to hear the views of the dental team on the future of […]

Pharmacy bodies have opposed plans from the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPHC) to pay for the regulation of controlled drugs with a hike in premises fees of £45 a year. The GPHC comments that the rise would generate around £45,000 to fund controlled drugs monitoring and inspections; making future regulations independent of the government. The PDA […]

Our new and Exclusive Job Banner links are working well within search engines and are receiving some great feedback from candidates and clients. Our most recent example of this on flame health is our latest Exclusive Job Banner Opportunity from our Optometry Division, who are currently working on behalf of a specialist provider of ophthalmic […]

From October, the enhanced smoking cessation service, which is provided by 120 pharmacies in Surrey, will be cut by the PCT. The cuts come despite more that 3,100 patients successfully quitting across Surrey in 2008-2009. 300 of whom accessed the service through pharmacies. The news follows reports from Numark of widespread cuts to pharmacy minor […]

RPSGB members may be called to vote whether non pharmacists including pharmacy students, pre registrations pharmacists and pharmaceutical students can join the professional body. The eligibility of each category would be decided on separate ballots issued at the same time. Flame Health are keen to hear your views on this. Do you support this possible […]

The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPHC) have proposed £262 renewal fee for pharmacists for 2011. The RPSGB national boards have blasted the new GPHC for failing to justify these proposed fees, stating that the fees were ‘contradictory’ and ‘hard to justify’.  The fee is £160 less than the current RPSGB retention fee; however the society levy […]

The European medical agency has approved Ozurdex as the EU’s first licensed treatment for macular oedema in patients with retinal vein occlusion. Manufacturers of the injectable steroid implant with extended drug release, Allergan, claim the implant slowly releases dexamethasone into the vitreous which acts locally to control the oedema and reduce inflammation around the occlusion, […]

Dental care professionals who missed the 31st July annual retention fee deadline still have a chance to register with the GDC. Being GDC registered is a legal requirement for all dental care professionals, dental nurses, dental therapists and hygienists and clinical dental technicians. Those who failed to pay their fee on time have been removed […]

From April 1st 2010 all primary dental care services that provide regulated activities, whether NHS or private, must be registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) Registration is a legal licence to operate. If you are an individual partnership or organisation that provides dental services, you must show that you meet essential standards of quality […]

A new test for oral cancer that produces results within 20 minutes is to be developed. A research team including scientists from the University of Sheffield and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, has been awarded $2 million from the USA’s National Institute of Health to develop the test. The test will involve removing cells […]

The University of Michigan will be conducting one of the largest clinical studies using genetic testing to assess the risk of gum disease. This study will be a way to use genetic testing to personalise dental treatment plans and the frequency of dental care visits. The study will examine 15 years of patient clinical outcome […]