Virtual Outcomes News

drugs in breast milk

Breastfeeding and Drugs In Breast Milk: What Pharmacists Need To Know

Breastfeeding is one of the most important things a mother can do for her baby but what about the concerns around drugs in breast milk? And why do 80% of mothers in the UK prematurely stop breastfeeding? Since many women have to take medication for certain conditions, they may be unsure whether it is safe… Read more »

NHS flu immunisation programme 2022-2023

Flu Vaccinations And Covid-19 Boosters

With winter fast approaching, here is everything you need to know about the 2022-2023 National Flu Immunisation Programme. It’s well underway with many flu vaccinations already being administered across the country. Last year, almost five million people received their flu vaccinations in community pharmacies and this year we could see similar numbers but perhaps even… Read more »

atrial fibrillation

Atrial Fibrillation Detection, Symptoms and Treatment

In an earlier article, we discussed hypertension and the role of pharmacies in performing blood pressure checks. Following on from the NHS blood pressure checks service is atrial fibrillation detection. Here, we look at what atrial fibrillation is, some of the common symptoms, its causes and when a patient needs to see a GP for… Read more »

Self-Care For Low Acuity Conditions

Self-Care for Low Acuity Conditions of the Ear, Nose and Throat

It is possible for patients to practise self-care for low acuity conditions, especially since approximately 80% of all care in the UK is self-care. At VirtualOutcomes, we strongly advise medical professionals to promote the benefits of self-care to the community they serve. GPs and community pharmacies should place the highest priority on providing the best… Read more »

hypertension

Hypertension: The NHS Blood Pressure Checks Service

The NHS commissioned a new advanced service, the Hypertension case-finding service on 1st October 2021. This followed a pilot programme by NHS England and NHS Improvement (NHSE&I) in 2020 where community pharmacies offered blood pressure checks to people 40 years and older. The plan was to pilot case findings for undiagnosed cardiovascular disease since it… Read more »

vitamin D

Vitamin D And The Vital Role It Plays In Our Lives

Vitamin D is one of the most important nutrients for our overall health. Not only does it regulate more than 2,000 of the 30,000 human genes but it also plays a significant role in immune function and physical performance.  In addition, Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium which promotes strong and healthy bone growth…. Read more »

IBD

IBD: Signs, Symptoms And Treatment Options

Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, is an umbrella term used to describe disorders causing chronic inflammation of your digestive tract. It’s mainly aimed at ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease which are both long-term conditions. Whilst anyone can get IBD, it’s usually diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 40. In this article, we delve a little… Read more »

Steroid Emergency Card

The New NHS Steroid Emergency Card

To support the early recognition and treatment of adrenal crisis in adults, NHS England and NHS Improvement’s national patient safety team have issued a National Patient Safety Alert. Supported by the Royal College of General Practitioners, the Royal College of Physicians and the Society for Endocrinology, here is everything you need to know about the… Read more »

C19 Lateral Flow Device Distribution Service UK

C19 Lateral Flow Device Distribution Service

The C19 Lateral Flow Device Distribution Service or LFD Distribution Service is a new advanced service that is available to community pharmacies. The service enables NHSE&I to distribute COVID-19 Lateral flow test kits to pharmacies to allow asymptomatic people to identify positive cases within the community and to break the chain of transmission.  All pharmacies… Read more »