Flu vaccines administered by community pharmacy in winter 24/25 at highest rate outside of pandemic
Community pharmacy administered over 4 million flu vaccines across England in the 2024/25 winter flu season. This is the highest...
News
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Challenge of providing Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM) could mean reduced access to Pharmacy First for patients
The forthcoming requirement to provide a ‘bundle’ of three clinical services to receive threshold payments could lead to unintended consequences,...
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Assisted Dying Bill: Reaction to passing of amendment exempting pharmacists and pharmacy technicians
Today, an amendment was passed on the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill which would, amongst other things, exempt...
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England faces an expected shortfall of 16,000 community pharmacists by 2036/37 unless the NHS takes action now
The NHS is unlikely to meet its own target to expand the community pharmacy workforce by over 16,000 full-time equivalent...
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CCA comment on pharmacies offering NHS weight loss injections
Weight loss injections could be offered on prescription at community pharmacies, the Daily Mail reports. Following this report, Company Chemists’...
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CCA Statement: 2025/26 community pharmacy funding announcement
On the new funding for pharmacies, CCA Chief Executive Malcolm Harrison said: “We are encouraged that the Government has committed...
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99% of pharmacies in England are unsustainable in the long-run
An independent economic analysis of the community pharmacy sector in England commissioned by NHS England, published today, finds that: Around...
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Penny-pinching is leading to avoidable medicine shortages
A longstanding drive to save money on the medicines bill is leading to easily preventable medicine shortages and avoidable harm...
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New report calls for community pharmacies to be harnessed to combat falling vaccine uptake
With UK vaccination uptake falling and concerns that it could fall further, a new report urges that pharmacies are harnessed...
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CCA welcomes DHSC announcement encouraging further reclassification of medicines including POM to P switches
The DHSC announcement was underpinned by the work of the Conditions and Categories working group, a workstream of the Reclassification...
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CCA Statement: GPhC guidance for online pharmacies
Commenting on the General Pharmaceutical’s updated guidance to all online pharmacies to ensure the safe supply of medicines, a CCA...
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CCA statement: Community pharmacy contract negotiations begin for 2025/26
Following the announcement that discussions have started on the 2024/25 and 2025/26 funding contractual framework, Malcolm Harrison, Chief Executive of...
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CCA submits evidence to the APPG Pharmacy inquiry into medicine shortages
The CCA has submitted its response to the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Pharmacy’s inquiry into medicine shortages which examines the...
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CCA press release: Pharmacy First consultations 10% higher in week leading to Christmas
Pharmacy First consultations amongst Company Chemists’ Association members saw a 10% uplift in the week leading up to Christmas, the...
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Pharmacies integral to preventing ill health if PM’s plans are to succeed
Community pharmacies are integral to the Prime Minister’s ‘Reforming Elective Care for Patients’ plan, the Company Chemists’ Association says. The...
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Lincolnshire Co-op joins the Company Chemists’ Association
The Company Chemists’ Association (CCA), the trade association for multiple pharmacies, is delighted to announce that Lincolnshire Co-op will be...
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Pharmacy First: pharmacists treating their role as antimicrobial stewards with the utmost seriousness, new CCA analysis shows
A new report by the Company Chemists’ Association (CCA) outlines how pharmacists are acting responsibly as antimicrobial stewards through the...
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CCA statement: New workforce plan expected in summer 2025
Following the announcement that a refreshed NHS workforce plan would be unveiled in summer 2025, Malcolm Harrison, Chief Executive of...
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CCA press release: Funding an essential building block if pharmacies are to play a leading role in supporting healthcare shifts
The CCA has submitted its evidence to the 10-year plan outlining how community pharmacy can deliver the Government’s three shifts...
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Budget to cost pharmacies £200 million without mitigation, pharmacy bodies warn
Increases to employers National Insurance contributions and the National Living Wage will cost community pharmacies £200 million a year in...
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NHSE must commission pharmacies to administer more vaccines to reverse worrying trends in uptake
A new report by the Company Chemists’ Association urges NHS England to commission pharmacies to deliver more vaccinations, to reverse...
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Statement on the Autumn Budget 2024
Following the Autumn Budget 2024, Malcolm Harrison, Chief Executive of the CCA said: “Pharmacy businesses are very concerned about how measures...
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Press release: Over 6 million hours of pharmacy access lost due to closures and reduced opening hours
Almost 64,000 hours of community pharmacy weekly opening hours were lost between September 2022 and June 2024 – equivalent to...
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Statement: Community Pharmacy Workforce Survey 2023
The CCA issued the following statement in response to the Community Pharmacy Workforce Survey 2023: Malcolm Harrison, Chief Executive of...
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Pharmacy First threshold for October 2024 lowered to 20 consultations
Following the news that the Pharmacy First monthly threshold has been lowered to 20 for October 2024, Malcolm Harrison, Chief...
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Delays to implementation of hub and spoke dispensing
Following the news that hub and spoke dispensing will now no longer be implemented from 1 January 2025, CCA Chief...
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CCA statement – Healthwatch England report on pharmacy closures
Following publication of Healthwatch England’s report on pharmacy closures, Company Chemists’ Chief Executive Malcolm Harrison said: “Healthwatch’s report rightly highlights...
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Pharmacy First – Insights from the LPC network
Earlier this month, the CCA convened a virtual roundtable to examine the best practice undertaken by a cross-section of LPCs...
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CCA report calls for pharmacy-led national diabetes screening service – saving NHS £50m each year
A Company Chemists’ Association (CCA) report urges the NHS to commission a community pharmacy diabetes screening service which would save...
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CCA statement: response to the Darzi report
Malcolm Harrison, Chief Executive of the Company Chemists’ Association (CCA) said: “We welcome the publication of the Darzi report and...
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CCA supports Reform report calling for pharmacies to become first port of call for many common ailments and long-term condition management
The CCA was interviewed as part of think-tank Reform’s report on primary care reform. It notes that: Elevating the role...
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CCA Statement – CCA support Tony Blair Institute report which advocates for a ‘Digital Health Record’ for every individual’s health and care data
The CCA was interviewed as part of the Tony Blair Institute’s (TBI) latest report which urges the creation of a...
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CCA submission to Darzi review urges recognition of the sector’s potential to tackle health challenges and health inequalities
The CCA’s submission to the Darzi review highlights how chronic underfunding and a broken Community Pharmacy Contractual Framework (CPCF) have...
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Letter by the Self-Care Strategy Group to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care
The Self-Care Strategy Group (SCSG), of which the CCA is a member, has written to the Secretary of State for...
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CCA statement – Impact of GP collective action on pharmacies
Following the confirmation that GPs will undertake collective action Malcolm Harrison, Chief Executive of the Company Chemists’ Association (CCA) said:...
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Reform report urges next CPCF to define all adult vaccinations as ‘advanced services’
A report on vaccine uptake by leading think-tank Reform calls for the next Community Pharmacy Contractual Framework (CPCF) to define...
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CCA statement: Decision to reduce August Pharmacy First activity threshold
Following the CPE announcement that the August activity threshold will be reduced from 20 to 15, Malcolm Harrison, Chief Executive...
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Wes Streeting appointed as Secretary of State for Health and Social Care
Commenting on Wes Streeting being appointed as Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Malcolm Harrison Chief Executive of...
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Sir Keir Starmer to become next Prime Minister
Commenting on Labour’s Party winning a majority at the 2024 General Election and Sir Keir Starmer becoming the next Prime...
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CCA calls for Emergency Hormonal Contraception to be commissioned nationally in England
The Company Chemists’ Association (CCA), the National Pharmacy Association (NPA), the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) and the Faculty of Sexual...
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CCA statement – Labour Party Manifesto
Please find our Chief Executive’s statement on the Labour Party Manifesto which pledges to, amongst other things: “Create a Community...
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CCA members celebrate hitting 200,000 Pharmacy First consultations milestone
Since launch on the 31st of January, CCA pharmacy teams have been working tirelessly to deliver the Pharmacy First service....
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CCA statement – Conservative Party Manifesto
The Conservative Party Manifesto which commits to: “Expand Pharmacy First, including for menopause support, contraception and treatment for chest infections, freeing...
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Statement: Allowing pharmacy technicians to supply and administer medicines under Patient Group Directions (PGDs).
Amendments to the Human Medicines Regulations were laid before Parliament at the end of May. The changes will allow registered...
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CCA statement: Liberal Democrat manifesto
The Liberal Democrats have published their manifesto earlier today and it pledges to: Free up GPs’ time “by giving more...
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Open letter urges political parties to adopt six-point plan for community pharmacy
The Chief Executives of Community Pharmacy England, the Company Chemists’ Association, the National Pharmacy Association and the Chair of the...
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Statement: Conservative Party pledge to expand Pharmacy First and contraception services
Commenting on the Conservative Party’s pledge to expand the Pharmacy First and contraception services, Malcolm Harrison, Chief Executive of the CCA...
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Pharmacy First: postcode lottery of provision already emerging
Analysis shows that patient engagement with Pharmacy First is quickly resembling a ‘patchwork quilt’ across the country. Patients in the...
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CCA statement: Health and Social Care Committee report on pharmacy
The Health and Social Care Committee has issued a report on pharmacy following the conclusion of their inquiry. The CCA’s...
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CCA Statement: Urgent action required on Designated Prescribing Practitioners (DPPs)
The CCA has been closely following developments regarding changes to the initial education and training of pharmacists that will require...
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CCA statement: Hub and spoke consultation outcome
Responding to the hub and spoke consultation outcome (13th May), CCA Chief Executive Malcolm Harrison said: “We welcome the long-awaited...
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Response: Community Pharmacy England medicine supply report
‘Responding to Community Pharmacy England’s Medicines Supply Report as part of their Pharmacy Pressures Survey 2024, Malcolm Harrison, Chief Executive...
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The NHS Pharmacy First Service – two months in: meeting patient need
The latest data collected by the Company Chemists’ Association continues to demonstrate strong patient demand for the NHS Pharmacy First...
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Press release: Record loss of 432 pharmacies over the past year
This past financial year (2023/24) saw a record net loss of 432 pharmacies in England1, meaning that an average of...
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CCA statement: Nuffield Trust report on medicine shortages
Following publication of the Nuffield Trust report on medicine shortages, our Chief Executive Malcolm Harrison said: “Pharmacy teams find themselves...
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CCA welcomes plans to harness pharmacy technicians
On 28th March, the Department of Health and Social Care announced plans to enable pharmacy technicians to administer and supply...
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First month of Pharmacy First shows the NHS service is enhancing patient access and directly tackling health inequalities
The first data of its kind shows strong patient interest in and demand for the NHS Pharmacy First service, despite...
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Pharmacy bodies launch manifesto ahead of next General Election
The Company Chemists’ Association, Community Pharmacy England, the National Pharmacy Association and the Royal Pharmaceutical Society have today (5 March)...
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CCA members get off to a strong start delivering Pharmacy First service
81% of CCA member pharmacies in England provided at least one Pharmacy First consultation in the first week of the...
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Community pharmacy hits milestone of 40m Covid-19 vaccines at the end of 2023
Community pharmacy surpassed the milestone of administering 40m Covid-19 vaccinations by the end of 2023. The news comes in the...
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Job advert: Communications Officer
Communications Officer (37.5 hours per week) Location: The role will predominantly involve remote working with occasional travel into London. Salary:...
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CCA support Daily Mail Good Health investigation of worst offending ‘pseudo-DSPs’ which reinforces NHS England inaction
The Company Chemists’ Association supported a Daily Mail1 Good Health investigation of ‘pseudo-DSPs’ breaching their NHS contracts, by failing to...
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Company Chemists’ Association and National Pharmacy Association issue open letter to pharmacy teams across England
The Company Chemists’ Association and the National Pharmacy Association have today issued a joint open letter to pharmacy teams across...
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Launch of the Pharmacy First service in England
The launch of Pharmacy First today (31st January 2024) represents a landmark moment for the community pharmacy sector and the...
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CCA statement on the DHSC consultation on supervision
Following publication of the Department for Health and Social Care’s consultation on supervision, our Chief Executive Malcolm Harrison said: “We...
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The impact of pharmacy closures on health inequalities: one year on
Last year the CCA published a report on the impact of pharmacy closures on health inequalities. This revealed a worrying...
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Company Chemists’ Association CEO Malcolm Harrison appears before Health and Social Care Select Committee
Malcolm Harrison, the Chief Executive of the Company Chemists’ Association (CCA), appeared before the Health and Social Care Select Committee...
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CCA statement following the confirmation that LloydsPharmacy has sold all its branches
Following the news that LloydsPharmacy has confirmed the sale of all its branches, Malcolm Harrison, Chief Executive of the Company Chemists’...
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CCA Chief Executive to appear before Health and Social Care Select Committee on Tuesday 21st November
Next Tuesday, Malcolm Harrison, Chief Executive of the Company Chemists’ Association (CCA) will be giving oral evidence to the Health...
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CCA statement: Rt Hon Andrea Leadsom appointed as new Pharmacy Minister
Commenting on the appointment of the Rt Hon Andrea Leadsom MP as Pharmacy Minister, the CCA’s Chief Executive Malcolm Harrison...
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CCA statement – Funding for the Foundation Training Year 2025/26
Commenting on the decision to increase the level of funding for each site employing a foundation trainee pharmacist in the...
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CCA statement – 46% (£387m) of all ARRS money spent on recruitment of pharmacists
In a parliamentary question, Sir John Hayes MP asked about the cost to the public purse of the Additional Roles...
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CCA attends the Pharmacy Show 2023
The CCA attended the two-day annual event – the Pharmacy Show. It was held at the NEC Birmingham on Sunday...
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CCA comment – lowest level of community pharmacies offering key NHS services since 2015/16
Photo by Dima Mukhin on Unsplash MailOnline exclusively reported on the steepest drop yet in the number of pharmacy chains....
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Pharmacy2U join the Company Chemists’ Association
Today Pharmacy2U, the UK’s largest online pharmacy, has joined the Company Chemists’ Association (CCA). First established in 1898, the Company...
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The underdog that came out on top – pharmacies have delivered nearly half of all COVID vaccines in 2023
Community pharmacies have played an ever-growing role over the course of the COVID vaccination programme. We are now fast reaching...
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Shadow Health Secretary calls for greater role for pharmacy
Shadow Health Secretary Wes Streeting told delegates at the Labour party conference that he wanted to see a ‘greater role’...
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Reverse Mentoring at Superdrug – NHSE Inclusive Pharmacy Practice bulletin
The Company Chemists’ Association (CCA) is a proud partner of NHS England’s (NHSE) Inclusive Pharmacy Practice (IPP) Programme. The IPP’s...
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The CCA celebrates World Pharmacists Day!
Today (25 September 2023) on #WorldPharmacistsDay, we celebrate and are thankful for all pharmacists. Pharmacy is integral to a well-functioning health...
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The CCA welcomes Matt Barclay as the next CEO for Community Pharmacy Scotland
The Community Pharmacy Scotland (CPS) Board has unanimously recommended the appointment of Matt Barclay, CPS’s current Director of Operations, as...
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CCA comment – Nuffield Trust and The King’s Fund ‘A vision for Community Pharmacy’
Nuffield Trust and The King’s Fund have published ‘A Vision for Community Pharmacy’. It sets out the scale of ambition...
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CCA comment: Backbench Business Committee debate on community pharmacy
On Thursday 14th September, MPs warned of “pharmacy wastelands”, amid the growing pharmacy closures. The Westminster Hall debate was arranged...
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CCA comment: The impact of increasing pharmacist roles in general practice on the community pharmacist workforce
The number of advanced pharmacist practitioner roles in general practice in England has nearly doubled in the last year, while...
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CCA responds to the Flu and COVID autumn vaccine programmes being brought forward
Yesterday (30 August) the Government and the UKHSA has recommended NHS England to bring forward the start of the Flu...
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CPWDG: Reflections on the national workforce survey
The Community Pharmacy Workforce Development Group (CPWDG) has analysed the 2022 Community Pharmacy Workforce survey for England which shows a...
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CCA comment: New training launching to expand pharmacy technician role
In September, up to 840 pharmacy technicians will be able to apply for the training – NHS England announced yesterday...
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CCA comment: Autumn/Winter (AW) 2023-24 Flu and COVID-19 Seasonal Campaign
NHS England has confirmed that flu vaccination appointments that have already been booked for September will proceed. All new appointments...
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CCA responds to the launch of the Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Advanced Service Specification
It is critical that any changes are confirmed quickly so that decisions can be made. Community Pharmacy England yesterday (8...
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CCA comment: NHSE service specification for the 2023/24 Covid vaccination programme
NHS England (NHSE) has published the service specification for the 2023/24 Covid vaccination programme, which includes a reduction in fee...
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Job vacancy: Policy and Programmes Manager (37.5 hours) – Fixed term contract, 12months (maternity cover)
Employer: Company Chemists’ Association Location: Home based (the CCA meet in person regularly, travel to a London location is expected...
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The CCA welcomes the Community Pharmacy Workforce Survey 2022
The CCA issued the following statement in response to the Community Pharmacy Workforce Survey: Malcolm Harrison, Chief Executive of the CCA...
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The CCA welcomes the Supervision Practice Group Report
The CCA welcomes the publication of the Supervision Practice Group’s report. We are pleased to see the sector and profession...
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‘Pseudo’ Distance Selling Pharmacies are threatening your local pharmacy
The CCA has published a paper on the impact of ‘pseudo-DSPs’. MailOnline exclusively covered our paper, read the article below:...
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CCA statement: Health and Social Care Committee Prevention in health and social care: vaccination
The Health and Social Care Committee is undertaking an inquiry into prevention and has issued the first in a series...
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CCA statement: Health Select Committee Expert Panel
The Health Select Committee Expert Panel has today published its review of Government progress on pharmacy services in England. This...
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Pulling together the pieces of the NHS’ plan to transform community pharmacy
The CCA has taken stock of longstanding and recent announcements related to community pharmacy and identified the various pieces of...
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The Pharmacist Interview with Malcolm Harrison
Chief executive of the CCA, Malcolm Harrison was interviewed exclusively by Joanna Robertson from The Pharmacist. ‘Malcolm Harrison shared why...
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The CCA supports the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change
PHOTO TAKEN FROM THE TONY BLAIR INSTITUTE FOR GLOBAL CHANGE The CCA supported the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change...
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‘Pharmacies could save 20 million GP appointments a year.’ says Dr Nick Thayer
ILLUSTRATION BY RYAN TODD As part of the Mens Health magazines series exploring solutions to the NHS crisis – our...
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Joint NPA and CCA statement reacting to the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan
The NHS Long Term Workforce Plan announced: It also reaffirms existing plans around Independent Prescribing, the use of technology in...
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CCA statement: Policy Exchange ‘Medical Evolution’ report
Commenting on the Policy Exchange Report ‘Medical Evolution’ Dr Nick Thayer, Head of Policy, The Company Chemists’ Association said: “Policy Exchange’s timely...
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CCA statement reacting to the BHF cardiovascular disease analysis
According to the British Heart Foundation analysis published on 22 June, nearly 100,000 more people with cardiovascular disease than expected...
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‘Pharmacy First’ could be a game-changer for primary care if Government and the NHS demonstrate ambition
Company Chemists’ Association (CCA) analysis shows an ambitious Pharmacy First service in England could free up 30m+ GP appointments each...
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CCA statement reacting to the MPs inquiry to examine the role of pharmacy services in future NHS
On Thursday 8 June, the Committee launched its much awaited inquiry into pharmacy. Malcolm Harrison, Chief Executive of the CCA...
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The pharmacy paradox: matching ambition and reality
The CCA’s pharmacy paradox paper featured in the Health Service Journal. Read our paradox paper below: The government’s planned £645...
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Labour’s Health Mission paper
Labour’s Health Mission paper announced the following plans to harness community pharmacy: Further expand the role of community pharmacy: Whilst...
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CCA statement reacting to the ARRS recruitment target being hit a year earlier
Yesterday (18 May), the Department of Health and Social Care announced that the Government had met its commitment to recruiting...
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Sky News interview with Malcolm Harrison on the ‘Pharmacy First’ service launch in England
Following the announcement of the ‘Delivery plan for recovering access to primary care’ on Tuesday 9 May – CEO of...
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CCA statement reacting to the ‘Delivery plan for recovering access to primary care’
The CCA clarified for The Sun what the ‘Pharmacy First’ service meant for their readers. You can read the article...
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NHS recruitment of pharmacists set to wipe out eight years’ worth of growth of the pharmacist workforce in England
The CCA’s workforce findings featured in The Mirror. You can access the CCA’s workforce paper here. CCA analysis shows that by 2024...
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CCA statement reacting to Shadow Health Secretary Wes Streeting speech
Shadow Health Secretary Wes Streeting outlined his plans for NHS reform in his speech today (Friday 21 April). He mentioned...
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Community pharmacies expected to deliver 15m blood pressure checks by 2026
The CCA’s hypertension findings featured in The Mirror. You can access the CCA’s hypertension paper here. Since October 2021, community...
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CCA statement reacting to the launch of the NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service
The NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service will allow women to get contraceptive pills from their pharmacist. NHSE has announced Tier 1...
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CCA statement reacting to PSNC’s Pressures Survey
The CCA issued the following statement in response to PSNC’s Pressures Survey: A CCA spokesperson said: “The results of PSNC’s Pharmacy...
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CCA statement reacting to the Hewitt Review
Commenting on the Hewitt Review of Integrated Care Systems, Malcolm Harrison, the Chief Executive of the CCA said: “We are...
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Save Our Pharmacies posters on the way
As part of the joint #SaveOurPharmacies campaign, the national pharmacy bodies have arranged for an A2 window poster to be...
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Save Our Pharmacies petition reaches 30,000 signatures
Pharmacy leaders are set to brief MPs on the severe challenges facing community pharmacies this week as part of a...
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Spring Budget: Measures to align VAT treatment follow concerted CCA campaigning
Photo by: HM Treasury The Spring Budget announced measures to align two measures VAT treatment and followed concerted campaigning by...
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CCA statement reacting to the NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service
The NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service will allow women to get contraceptive pills from their pharmacist. The service is due to...
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CCA hands-in letter signed by 50 Parliamentarians urging the Prime Minister to take action
The CCA, fellow pharmacy bodies and MPs handed in a letter to Downing Street signed by 50 Parliamentarians and urging...
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Pharmacy bodies launch Save Our Pharmacies campaign website
A Save Our Pharmacies campaign website has been created by leading national pharmacy bodies, to give new focus to calls for fair...
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CCA statement reacting to The Department of Health not assessing community pharmacy funding since 2019
DH has not assessed community pharmacy funding since 2019 – lead with ‘Responding to a parliamentary written answer which noted...
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CCA statement reacting to the NHS ‘Help Us Help You’ campaign launch
Following on from the NHSE’s decision to launch an ad campaign to encourage people to visit their local pharmacy first...
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1,000+ pharmacies and GP practices in England have permanently closed since 2015
The CCA’s primary care findings featured in the Daily Mail. Read our primary care paper below: The Company Chemists’ Association...
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CCA prospectus – A future for community pharmacy
The CCA prospectus was covered by The Mirror. Read our prospectus here. Community pharmacies could release over 42 million appointments...
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Pharmacy leaders urge Rishi Sunak to invest in sector
A collective of community pharmacy national representative bodies, together with England’slargest pharmacy chains, have written to the Prime Minister, Rishi...
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Community pharmacy bodies launch joint influencing campaign
Leading national pharmacy bodies have agreed to work together on a programme of activities to lobby for fair NHS funding...
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CCA statement reacting to the Covid vaccinations delivered by pharmacies in England
A parliamentary written answer revealed that community pharmacies have delivered approximately 33m Covid-19 vaccinations up until 20th December 2022. Commenting...
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Open letter on Self-care
Chief executive of the CCA, Malcolm Harrison, has co-signed an open letter, published in the Times today calling on the...
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Funding gap in England equates to more than £67,000 per pharmacy
A written parliamentary answer has revealed the severity of underfunding for the community pharmacy sector in England. There is currently...
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CCA statement reacting to the Ipsos survey
Commenting on the Ipsos survey findings, the CCA highlights its concerns around the recruitment of pharmacists into Primary Care Networks...
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Pharmacy leaders join forces to write to the Secretary of State
Community pharmacy’s national representative bodies, along with the four largest pharmacy chains in England, have jointly written to the Secretary...
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Pharmacy leaders urge the Minister of State for a workforce plan in a joint letter
Pharmacy leaders have warned the Government about a lack of engagement with stakeholders around the development of its long-term workforce...
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CCA statement reacting to DHSC issuing SSPs to treat Strep A
DHSC issued SSPs regarding Strep A treatment. Pharmacists are able to supply alternative penicillin to treat Strep A. Malcolm Harrison,...
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Sky News Interview with Malcolm Harrison
Minister reportedly planned to count on pharmacists to ease the winter pressure, which will worsen with the strike action. Malcolm...
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Women in leadership
The Company Chemists’ Association (CCA) is a proud partner of NHS England’s Inclusive Pharmacy Practice (IPP) Programme. NHSE’s second IPP...
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CCA statement reacting to the Telegraph article ‘Pharmacies drafted in to break NHS strike’
Responding to the news that the Government is examining a Pharmacy First scheme, Malcolm Harrison, Chief Executive of the CCA...
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CCA Statement: Policy Exchange Report
Commenting on the Policy Exchange Report ‘A Fresh Shot: the future for vaccines policy in England’. Malcolm Harrison, Chief Executive...
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CCA statement on the Autumn Statement 2022
Following on from the Autumn Statement 2022 and the announcement of additional funding for the NHS, the CCA’s Chief Executive...
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CCA statement on nurses’ strike features in the Daily Mail
Featuring in the Daily Mail’s article on the upcoming nurses’ strike, the CCA’s Chief Executive Malcolm Harrison said: “A nursing...
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Dame Barbara Hakin appointed as Chair of the CCA
Dame Barbara Hakin, has been appointed as Chair of the Company Chemists’ Association (CCA). Having been both a Primary Care...
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CCA statement on the new Pharmacy Minister
Commenting on the appointment of Neil O’Brien as the new Pharmacy Minister, Malcolm Harrison, Chief Executive of the CCA said: ...
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CCA statement on the appointment of the Rt Hon Steve Barclay MP as Health and Social Care Secretary
Commenting on the reappointment of Steve Barclay as the Health and Social Care Secretary, a CCA spokesperson said: “We welcome...
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Minister Will Quince pays tribute to the dedication of community pharmacy
The Company Chemists’ Association was delighted to arrange a visit by the Pharmacy Minister, Will Quince MP to a Boots...
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CCA statement on the appointment of new Prime Minister
Commenting on the appointment of Rishi Sunak as the new Prime Minister a CCA spokesperson said: “We welcome the appointment of...
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40%+ of pharmacy closures in last seven years have occurred in the 20% most deprived parts of England
Research by the Company Chemists’ Association (CCA) has found that between 2015 and 2022, over 40% of permanent community pharmacy...
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CCA Statement: Health Secretary outlines ‘Our plan for patients’
The CCA issued the following statement in response to the Health and Social Care Secretary outlining announcing the Government’s plan...
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CCA statement: CPCF arrangements for 2022/23 and 2023/24
The CCA issued the following statement in response to PSNC’s press release on CPCF arrangements for 2022/23 and 2023/24: “The...
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CCA statement on the appointment of the new Health and Social Care Secretary
Commenting on the appointment of Thérèse Coffey as new Health and Social Care Secretary, CCA CEO Malcolm Harrison said: “We...
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CCA statement on new Prime Minister
Commenting on the appointment of Liz Truss as Prime Minister, Malcolm Harrison, CEO of the Company Chemists’ Association said: “We...
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CCA unite with sector bodies to launch petition to keep pharmacy staff safe from violence and abuse
The Company Chemists’ Association (CCA) is supporting an important petition calling for the Government and NHS leaders to act to...
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Statement: PDA story on temporary closures in Scotland
A CCA spokesperson said: “Our members have been serving Scottish communities and patients without issue for decades. Recent pressures, however,...
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Joint statement: Health Committee calls for funded workforce plan for pharmacy
Yesterday the Health and Social Care Select Committee backed the CCA’s call for a workforce plan for pharmacy to be...
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CCA statement: Health and Social Care Committee report on workforce recruitment and retention
The Health and Social Care Committee has today issued a report on workforce recruitment into the recruitment and retention of...
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CCA statement on PDA open letter
“All parts of the healthcare system are struggling to recruit staff and to assume that pharmacies would be immune to...
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CCA co-hosts Future of Pharmacy drop-in event in Parliament
The Company Chemists’ Association co-hosted a Future of Pharmacy event in Westminster to highlight the significant contribution of pharmacies to...
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Pharmacy bodies highlight untenable funding and workforce challenges to Health Select Committee
Pharmacy bodies have written to the Health and Social Care Select Committee to highlight their continued concerns for the ongoing...
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Community pharmacies lead the way in blood pressure checks
The Company Chemists’ Association is proud to take part in the NHS England Inclusive Pharmacy Practice Programme. NHSE’s first Inclusive...
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CCA responds to the results of the Review Steering Group vote
Following the result of the contractor vote in support of the Review Steering Group (RSG) proposals, Malcolm Harrison, Chief Executive of...
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CCA responds to DHSC’s consultation on hub and spoke dispensing
We welcome the opportunity to respond to DHSC’s hub and spoke consultation. You can find the CCA’s response by clicking...
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CCA comment on PSNC’s Pharmacy Pressures Survey
Responding to findings from PSNC’s Pharmacy Pressures Survey, Malcolm Harrison, Chief Executive of the Company Chemists’ Association (CCA) said: “We...
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Job vacancy: Communications Officer
Communications Officer (37.5 hours) – Permanent Employer: Company Chemists’ Association Location: Central London Salary: up to £30k Closing date: Friday 6th May...
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CCA calls for evidence-based approach to Hub and Spoke dispensing proposals
The Company Chemists’ Association (CCA) welcome the long-awaited release of the Department of Health and Social Care’s (DHSC) consultation on...
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Job vacancy: Policy and Programmes Manager
Policy and Programmes Manager (37.5 hours) Employer: Company Chemists’ Association Location: Central London Salary: circa £40k Closing date: Wednesday 20th...
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CCA responds to Chancellor’s Spring Statement
On the Chancellor’s Spring Statement, Malcolm Harrison, CEO of the CCA said: Despite displaying tremendous resilience throughout the pandemic, community...
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CCA responds to withdrawn amendment which would have enabled pharmacists to refer patients to other health professionals
On 16 March, Lord Hunt tabled an amendment which would have obliged the DHSC to produce a self-care strategy. The...
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CCA responds to DHSC’s second consultation on hub and spoke dispensing
We welcome the opportunity to contribute to the DHSC’s second consultation on hub and spoke dispensing. We are currently reviewing...
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CCA urges PDA to stand united with sector on workforce shortage issues
The Company Chemists’ Association (CCA) is disappointed that the Pharmacist Defence Association (PDA) continue to claim that the very real...
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National pharmacist shortfall of over 3,000 poses significant risk to local pharmacies
Over the last 5 years an alarming shortfall of over 3,000 community pharmacists has developed in England. Pharmacies are struggling...
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CCA publishes Review of the Community Pharmacist Workforce in England
The CCA is aware of discrepancies in data used to identify the number of pharmacists in the community pharmacy workforce...
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CCA welcomes Janet Morrison as PSNC’s new Chief Executive
On the appointment of Janet Morrison OBE as PSNC’s new Chief Executive, Malcolm Harrison, Chief Executive of the CCA said:...
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CCA responds to NHS investment for new ICS clinical support
We welcome this investment from the NHS E/I. It is a positive step towards the greater integration of community pharmacy...
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CCA welcomes HEE’s Workforce Survey as a first step to quantifying workforce issues
In recent years, the CCA has become increasingly concerned about growing pressures on the community pharmacy workforce and its impact...
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Press release: Pharmacy leaders appeal to public to treat pharmacy staff with respect
Patients are today (6th January) being reminded to treat high street staff with respect, as they continue to face the...
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CCA welcomes new Welsh Contractual Framework and urges all pharmacies to adapt to the funding reconfiguration and focus on clinical service delivery
Details of the new Welsh Contractual Framework were today outlined following agreement between the Welsh Government and Community Pharmacy Wales (CPW)....
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CCA welcomes measures from NHS E/I and DHSC to reduce pressure on pharmacy teams
Following the announcement of new measures to “help ease immediate pressures” on pharmacy teams, Malcolm Harrison, CEO of the CCA...
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CCA responds to further booster roll-out
Following the recent announcement from the Government on the booster roll-out targets, Malcolm Harrison, Chief Executive of the Company Chemists’...
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Press release: High level talks underway on community pharmacy workforce shortage
The chief executives of the national community pharmacy bodies in England met with senior NHS England and NHS Improvement officials...
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CCA condemns abuse against pharmacy staff; takes action to ensure safe workplaces
The CCA stands alongside the General Pharmaceutical Council in condemning any abuse or violence against pharmacy staff. Pharmacy staff are...
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Blog: Future of pharmacy inquiry kicks off – CCA reflects on the priorities for community pharmacy
The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Pharmacy kicks off its inquiry into the future of pharmacy today focusing on making the most of community pharmacy...
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Press release: Government’s pharmacist strategy of robbing Peter to pay Paul will compromise patient access to medicines
Without action to address the pharmacist workforce crisis, there is a significant risk to patients’ access to care, medicines, and...
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The CCA calls for discounted business rates in Scotland
Today, the CCA along with 12 other industry bodies and business representative groups including the Scottish Retail Consortium wrote to...
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NICE: Integrated health and social care for people experiencing homelessness
The CCA welcomes NICE’s update to the guideline for integrated health and social care for people experiencing homelessness. In our...
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Level up community pharmacy sector to speed up Covid recovery, says CCA
The Company Chemists’ Association (CCA) and its members are acutely aware of the challenges facing the NHS and primary care...
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National self-care strategy blueprint launched by PAGB, CCA and partners
The CCA are proud to support the launch of a new blueprint for a national self-care strategy led by the...
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NHS England winter access fund 2021
Following the release of the NHS England’s new blueprint to support primary care the CCA examines the involvement of the...
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HM Treasury: Autumn Budget and Spending Review 2021
In the CCA response we present the benefits that additional investment into the community pharmacy sector will bring to the...
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Blog: Patient harm reduction: medications, substances, and community pharmacy
Today, 31st August, marks International Overdose Awareness Day. Overdose is an emotive topic, whether accidental or not. Community Pharmacy has...
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New legislation must integrate community pharmacies into local health systems to fully realise their potential
New legislation must integrate community pharmacies into local health systems to fully realise their potential, says CCA The Company Chemists’...
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Vacancy: Policy and Planning Manager, Wales – Part time
Policy and Planning Manager – Wales – Part time (15 hrs) Location: Home based, but able to attend meetings and...
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Blog: pharmacists reflect on year of offering Safe Spaces for domestic abuse survivors
During the first wave of the pandemic the domestic abuse charity UK SAYS NO MORE, in partnership with Hestia, asked...
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Blog – eliminating hepatitis C through the power of community pharmacies
As key providers of services which prevent hepatitis C transmission, community pharmacies are vital players in the UK’s efforts to...
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Extra Covid pharmacy funding in Wales needs to be replicated in England, says CCA
The CCA is extremely pleased with the Welsh government’s announcement that an additional £3.5m will be provided to cover community...
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POM to P contraceptive switch: what’s next for community pharmacy and patient consultations?
Women’s health hit the headlines recently with a proposed landmark change to access to contraceptives. The Medicines and Healthcare products...
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Blog: community pharmacy – a lifeline to those in need
Today is International Women’s Day and ‘No More’ week – a week organised by UK SAYS NO MORE to raise...
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Chancellor has “let down” community pharmacies at risk of closure, says CCA
The Chancellor has broken his promise to give NHS “whatever resources it needs” to deal with coronavirus and let down...
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New joint advice for pharmacies planning to provide COVID-19 vaccinations
Five national pharmacy bodies have jointly issued advice for pharmacies planning to provide COVID-19 vaccinations, after a new designation process...
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White Paper: enable community pharmacy to relieve pressure on rest of NHS, says CCA
Commenting on the publication today of the government’s White Paper, “Integration and Innovation: working together to improve health and social...
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Job vacancy: Policy and Planning Manager Local and Wales – full time
Policy and Planning Manager Local and Wales – Full time Location: home based, and once restrictions allow, the role can...
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Blog: Covid-19 – what are the lessons to be learnt? A view from community pharmacy
As we enter 2021, the joint Health and Social Care Committee and Science and Technology Committee continue to reflect on...
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Don’t delay making full use of community pharmacy network for Covid vaccines, CCA urges NHS
The Company Chemists’ Association today welcomes the opening of additional Covid-19 vaccine sites run by community pharmacies, and calls on...
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CCA calls on NHS to make more use of community pharmacies to vaccinate even more people against Covid
The Company Chemists’ Association (CCA) welcomes the news that the first six local community pharmacy sites will begin vaccinating patients...
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NHS must not miss opportunity to use community pharmacies to vaccinate up to a million people a week with the Oxford-AstraZeneca Covid vaccine
The NHS must learn from the process of organising the Pfizer Covid vaccine programme to ensure that the full potential...
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NHS must make full use of community pharmacies in rolling out the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine
The NHS must make full use of community pharmacies to roll out the Oxford University /AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine, according to...
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Government should consider more use of community pharmacies to deliver Covid-19 vaccinations
Commenting on the launch of the UK’s Covid-19 vaccination programme, Malcolm Harrison, Chief Executive of the CCA, said: “We are...
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World Diabetes Day 2020 – celebrating collaborative working to improve health equalities
In the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation, Ferguslie Park in Paisley, Renfrewshire, is identified as the most deprived area in...
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NPA and CCA promote community pharmacy careers in Scottish schools
NPA and CCA promote community pharmacy careers in Scottish schools A new support pack aimed at school children has...
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Jeremy Hunt MP receives his flu vaccine
We were pleased to arrange for Jeremy Hunt MP to receive his flu vaccination at a LloydsPharmacy in Haslemere on...
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Blog: why this year’s flu vaccine programme is different
The flu vaccination is one of the most effective interventions the NHS has to reduce pressure on the health and...
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Parliamentary Q&A event: how hub and spoke technology releases capacity
The Company Chemists’ Association (CCA) held a virtual Q&A event with parliamentarians about the use of hub and spoke technology,...
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Test & Trace discrepancies could close pharmacies down, warn industry leaders
Pharmacy leaders have this week (8 October) written to Ministers and NHS officials, with an urgent warning that Test and...
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Press release: The CCA and NPA issue service continuity guidance ahead of COVID second wave
The CCA and NPA issue service continuity guidance ahead of COVID second wave Today, 25 September 2020, The National Pharmacy...
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Joint National Statement of Principles for Inclusive Pharmacy Professional Practice
Today (25 September) we celebrate World Pharmacists Day, and this year feels more important than ever. As the sector...
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Increase in fees for pharmacy premises from April 2021 “could not come at a worse time”
The governing council of the GPhC has agreed to increase the registered pharmacy entry and annual renewal fees from £262...
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CCA calls for urgent change to the flu vaccine programme this winter
The CCA is today (10 July) calling for changes to enable more flexibility in where and how the flu vaccine...
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Press release: CCA welcomes Wright Review’s recommendations to improve PSNC resourcing and governance of LPCs
The CCA today (19 June) welcomes the publication of Professor David Wright’s report on pharmacy contractor representation and support. We...
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Press release: new NHS data shows record 93 million prescription items dispensed in March
93 million reasons to thank pharmacy heroes – new NHS data shows a record 93 million prescription items were dispensed...
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Blog: where next for the high street during the Covid-19 pandemic?
As the nation adjusts to this current phase of pandemic life, many retailers are carefully studying the government guidance to...
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CCA welcomes GPhC’s policy on provisional registration of pre-registration pharmacist trainees
The Council of the GPhC has agreed a policy for registering pharmacists on a provisional basis as part of the...
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How #pharmacyheroes are going above and beyond during the COVID-19 pandemic
The CCA’s members have been on the front line in the fight against coronavirus. Their teams across England, Wales and...
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The CCA announces concern that emergency support will fall short of community pharmacy’s needs
Since the beginning of the coronavirus crisis pharmacy teams have been working tirelessly to ensure the public can get the...
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Press release: five national bodies urge public to treat high street pharmacy teams with respect
Patients are today (30 March) being asked to treat high street pharmacy staff with respect, as they deliver vital support...
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COVID-19 (Coronavirus): our latest updates
Last updated 25 September 2020 The CCA has been working with our members, other pharmacy representational bodies, and stakeholders such...
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Continuity of Pharmacy Services
Last updated 25 September 2020 The Company Chemists’ Association and the National Pharmacy Association have worked together to produce guidance...
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Press release: pharmacy leaders appeal to public to help them maintain vital supplies
UK pharmacy leaders have issued an open letter to customers, asking them to act in the interests of the whole...
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#EachforEqual: celebrating community pharmacists on International Women’s Day
To mark International Women’s Day on March 9, the CCA has been talking to community pharmacists at Rowlands about what...
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Blog: why community pharmacy is a great profession for women in science
Shannon Kennedy is a community pharmacist in Northumberland, and was voted Well’s Pre-Reg of the Year in 2019. Several of...
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Job vacancy: Professional Health & Policy Researcher
Are you a pharmacist with an interest in research and professional policy, looking to support the development of strategic solutions...
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More than 114,000 patients benefit from seeing community pharmacists this winter
Figures released today show that over one hundred thousand patients with minor illnesses or urgent medication needs have received same-day...
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CCA audit finds that pharmacy teams help protect unborn babies from harms of sodium valproate
Date: 28 November 2019 Nearly 6,500 community pharmacies have taken part in the two-part audit to explore the contribution of...
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CCA and AIM launch audit on non-supply of self-care products to patients
Date: 27 November 2019 The CCA and AIM are encouraging community pharmacies of all sizes to take part in a...
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Serious Shortage Protocols for fluoxetine
Serious Shortage Protocols (SSP) have been issued today (3 October) for three forms and strengths of the antidepressant fluoxetine. This...
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Joint statement on medicines supply
Co-signed by the CCA, AIM, NPA, PSNC and RPS We recognise that some patients and members of the public are...
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CCA supports cross-sector pharmacy prevention event at party conferences
Four organisations representing the entire community pharmacy sector are meeting with parliamentarians and other key stakeholders at this year’s party...
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Community pharmacy and sexual and reproductive health
This week marks Sexual Health Week. As a new member of CCA staff who joined from the sexual health charity...
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CCA supports new GPhC approach to publishing inspection results
The GPhC has today (17 September) taken a new approach to publishing the inspection results of licensed pharmacies. Malcolm Harrison,...
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Community Pharmacist Consultation Service (CPCS)
Community pharmacies in England are being encouraged to register to deliver the NHS Community Pharmacist Consultation Service (CPCS) from 2...
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Blog: early-days engagement journey with Primary Care Networks (PCNs)
Primary Care Networks, or PCNs, are the current big deal within Primary Care. They’re all about localism and grouping the...
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Joint statement on response to HMRC IR35 off-payroll working rules consultation
7 June 2019 Community pharmacy sector concerned about new tax proposals The Company Chemists’ Association (CCA), the National Pharmacy Association...
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Blog: business rates should reflect vital role that community pharmacies play
With the well documented challenges facing general practice, community pharmacy clearly has an ever greater role to play in the...
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Engagement event for CCA’s representatives in Scotland
The Company Chemists’ Association is running an engagement event in Scotland on Tuesday 4 June 2019 to support and develop...
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Blog: Why contraception in England needs national commissioning approach
The walk of shame or the stride of pride? Often the conversation about access to emergency contraception is positioned in...
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Blog: how community pharmacy can support people with mental illness
From left to right: Jasmeen Islam, Deputy Chief Pharmacist; Rebecca Hellier, Clinical Pharmacist/Teacher Practitioner; Gill Heron, Clozapine Clinic Team Member;...
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RPS National Pharmacy Board elections: candidates from CCA companies
Two candidates from CCA companies are standing for re-election to the RPS’ national pharmacy boards this year: Kathleen Cowle (Scottish...
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Blog: Making the case for advancing patient safety culture
From brain surgery, childbirth and hip replacements, to collecting a prescription from a community pharmacy, as patients we expect every...
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Blog: biggest game change for pharmacy?
I may not have known it at the time, but my university years definitely helped shape me into the studious-but-spirited...
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How the CCA is engaging with MPs on medicines supply and other key issues
Julie Cooper MP pictured with the team at the LloydsPharmacy branch in Burnley The CCA has been engaging with MPs...
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Blog: our plans for local pharmacy engagement
There’s still a lot of uncertainty for us, mainly because the community pharmacy contractual framework negotiations are still to begin, but it’s clear that community pharmacy has an important role to play in prevention and urgent care.
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Joint statement on medicines supply
Over the past months we have been working closely with colleagues from across the pharmacy sector, the Department of Health...
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Blog: DMIRS and the “Clapham omnibus”
What would the average person “on the Clapham omnibus” do if they were experiencing conjunctivitis? For those unfamiliar with this...
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CCA leads sector to deliver HMRC workshop on possible changes to locums’ tax status
The CCA will host a seminar today (13 February) with HMRC and representatives from across community pharmacy and other sectors...
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Community pharmacies can do more to detect high blood pressure if they are better commissioned to provide such checks, audit suggests
Community pharmacies can do more to detect high blood pressure if they are better commissioned to provide such checks, a...
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CCA comment: Government Spending Review 2025
The Spending Review sets out a 3% rise in funding for the NHS. The government is providing a £29 billion real...
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CCA response to shaping national cancer plan
The CCA welcomes the opportunity to submit evidence to the “shaping of the national cancer plan” consultation. We recognise the...
