Skip to content
Search
Please enter at least 3 characters.

Latest Stories

Over 37k certificates purchased under HRT prepayment certificate scheme

The new Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) prescription pre-payment certificate (PPC) has witnessed more than 37,000 purchases both via online website and in-person in pharmacies since its launch on Saturday (1 April).

As of 12pm today (4 April), 37,240 HRT PPCs have been bought online and 501 in-pharmacy, totalling 37,741 certificates.


Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) estimated women have saved over £1.13 million in prescription charges for the year, with the average person saving £30 for a year’s supply.

The new prescription pre-payment certificate is also predicted to enable around 400,000 women to have cheaper access to menopause support.

On the launch of the scheme on Saturday, the huge demand for the much-anticipated certificate meant some patients were unable to access the website on the morning of 1 April.

“The NHS Business Service Authority has ensured that the site has been working, allowing thousands of women to continue to successfully purchase a prescription for a year’s worth of hormone replacement therapy products which help treat the menopause,” said DHSC.

Minister for Women’s Health Strategy, Maria Caulfield said: “Over 37,700 women have come forward to claim cheaper HRT this weekend alone, showing what happens when we listen to what women want.

“Delivering on our promise to make women’s health a priority comes with challenges – but it is hugely important to everyone, and I am massively proud of the work we have done.”

Michael Brodie, chief executive of the NHS Business Services Authority, said: “It’s great to see how many people relying on HRT are already benefitting from a more cost-effective way of accessing it.

“We are proud to be delivering the HRT PPC, which is a great addition to the range of NHS services we offer to help people manage their health costs."

The NHS England National Menopause Care Improvement Programme is working to improve clinical menopause care in England and reduce disparities in access to treatment. The NHS is also developing an education and training package on menopause for healthcare professionals.

To ensure all women get the support they need, DHSC recently announced a £25 million investment in women’s health hubs. Women’s health hubs provide integrated services for women in the community, enabling easier access to essential women’s health services such as menstrual health, contraception, pelvic pain and menopause care.

More For You

Royal College status: The PDA calls for ‘meaningful and collaborative dialogue’

The profession’s success will depend on collaboration across all sectors, says PDA.

gettyimages

Royal College vote: Less than 7% of GB pharmacists in favour, says PDA

The Pharmacists’ Defence Association (PDA) has criticised the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) for moving too quickly to a ballot on its proposed transition to a Royal College, arguing that it resulted in low participation from pharmacists in Great Britain.

Announcing the results of the special resolution vote, the RPS said that the outcome was a “clear mandate” in favour of the transformative change.

Keep ReadingShow less
RPS Wales calls for urgent investment in pharmacy workforce at Senedd meeting

Third from the left: Eluned Morgan, First Minister of Wales

Photo credit: RPS

Invest in pharmacy workforce: RPS Wales urges Senedd members

Members of the Senedd (MSs) were briefed on the increasing pressures facing pharmacy teams and the urgent need for action to support their health and wellbeing at an event hosted by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) Wales.

The event, held on Wednesday, brought together MSs, including first minister Eluned Morgan, to discuss the findings of RPS’ latest Workforce Wellbeing Survey.

Keep ReadingShow less
Imported dengue reach record high, warns UKSHA

Most dengue cases were linked to travel to Southern and South-Eastern Asia.

Getty Images

Imported dengue cases hit record high – Consult your pharmacist before you travel

The UK Health Security Agency (UKSHA) has warned that imported dengue cases in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland (EWNI) have reached their highest level since dengue surveillance began in 2009.

New data from the agency reveals that 904 dengue cases were reported among returning travellers in these countries in 2024, a sharp increase from 631 in 2023.

Keep ReadingShow less
Henry Gregg named as new NPA chief executive

Henry Gregg (left) with Sir Chris Whitty

Pic credit: Henry Gregg/X

Henry Gregg named as new NPA chief executive

The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) has announced Henry Gregg will be the organisation’s new chief executive from May.

Gregg, who is currently director of external affairs at Asthma + Lung UK, replaces Paul Rees who departed in January.

Keep ReadingShow less
Community pharmacist accessing GP Connect Access Record on Cegedim Rx platform

GP Connect Access Record will make a patient’s relevant medical information available to pharmacy.

Getty Images

Cegedim Rx activates GP Connect Access Record

Community pharmacy IT supplier Cegedim Rx has made GP Connect Access Record functionality available across its clinical services platform, providing registered pharmacy professionals with enhanced access to patient medical information.

The new feature, now live on Cegedim Rx’s Pharmacy Services platform, allows community pharmacies to retrieve relevant medical data when delivering NHS clinical services.

Keep ReadingShow less