2014 - the year of light, love and hope

Special thanks to Neil Ingebrigtsen for taking this photo

Tonight, I was fortunate enough to find myself a part of Edinburgh's annual torchlight procession. It's the first time I attended the event and I didn't even expect to go at the start of today. But tonight's event brought home some very important thoughts with just one more day left until the start of 2014.

The event to me is symbolised by light, love and hope for the future. It heartened me when I came to that conclusion as the night progressed. There were approximately around 30,000 people who took part in the event tonight in the city centre and it was just such an innocent, family orientated and happy occasion - truly Scotland's capital city found itself on winning form once again, especially at this time of the year.

I've had a very interesting year over those last twelve months. There were many highs. For example, starting work for the first time as a self-employed registered pharmacist, driving my own car for the first time and making major progress in my life within the media and as a broadcaster. 

I also had the lucky opportunities to travel once again this year, making my second visit to Dublin and visiting Derry/Londonderry for the first time in Northern Ireland and taking part in all kinds of event (my highlight was the emotional final ever recording of "Who Wants To Be a Millionaire?" in Elstree). My own personal growth was so joyful to experience and I know that I have a lot of potential within myself to be a massive success story in the future years ahead, God willing. 

But there were some lows as well. The year got off to a very bleak start where I struggled to get off the mark in the job market. It was so bad that I even ended up on the news (in many parts of Scotland only). I also have to admit that I came to really realise over these many months how badly my own social life had been knocked over the last few years - a difficult thing to mention in public, I know, but I don't apologise for it. 

A lot of my close friends from university moved all over the country and seeing them now is very difficult these days. However it's reassuring to have made some new friends back at home and I really think we should step things up in 2014 when it comes to organising social gatherings and events. I love people and keeping in contact with as many people as possible is very important. I also admit that I could have achieved more within my professional life this year, but then again, am I asking for too much?

So, to conclude, what do I want from 2014? To keep going in the right direction with regard to my career and become more and more of an attractive asset. Socially, there are many people I still want to meet and get talking with again. I have an incredibly social personality, despite my setbacks, and I know that. And finally, to love myself more than ever before. 

You may find that last sentence as an arrogant thing of me to say, but it really isn't. Confidence is one of the most important attributes that any individual can have and it means a lot to me to be confident. Because without confidence, nobody else will show that confidence in me to be a successful human being in this world. When I leave this world, I want my family, friends and those who know me to remember me as a man who shows nothing but love for everyone I meet, everything that I do and to show respect, even if difficulties step into my path. I want to thank all of you for being part of my year for 2013 and a special thanks to my family, friends and everyone that I know and have met in 2013.

And finally, tonight love, light and hope symbolised all the fun in Edinburgh. And it will symbolise 2014 for me. Have a very happy Hogmanay and a successful 2014.

This is the news with Anas!

A new portfolio showcasing the broadcast journalist skills of Anas Hassan has been launched.

The demo, which is now available to view above, shows Anas demonstrating his abilities on screen and on radio. Earlier this year, Anas successfully completed two work placements with STV News and Kingdom FM where his broadcasting horizons dramatically expanded and new learning experiences were gained. 

Speaking about the new demo, which has been online since last night, Anas said: "I am absolutely ecstatic about finally making my new demo available for everyone to view. Many people I hope will appreciate how much time and effort has been invested into producing it and it's certainly easier said than done when it comes to fully producing a portfolio, despite it only being just over five minutes long."

Despite being many months on since his time at STV and Kingdom FM, Anas still values both of his experiences at both the television and radio stations: "I had a fantastic time both at STV and Kingdom FM. I loved every second of both work placements. It made me a better broadcaster and has really helped me improve the quality of my programming at Victoria Radio Network, where I still present regularly."

Anas welcomes any constructive comments on his new demo. For more information about Anas Hassan, please see his biography by clicking on the relevant link above on the menu bar. The demo is also available to view through the "Showreel" link.

In loving memory of Madiba

Glasgow was the first city in the world to honour
the former President of South Africa

Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela. Around 24 hours ago, he left this world leaving an impact on it which, in future, will be impossible to match.

Many people from all walks of life have paid tribute to the former President of South Africa. Never again will we ever see a politician or a figure of public life ever make as significant a difference to the world than him. I could go on and lavish my cynical opinion about the state of politics today but, in my opinion, that would not be respectful towards a man who's life was all about dignity, humility and making a difference through constructive solutions.

As a Scotsman, I totally recognise the strong links and affection that my home country has towards Mr Mandela. Glasgow was the first city in the world to give him the freedom of their own city (St George's Place in 1986 was renamed to Nelson Mandela Place in Scotland's biggest city). Aberdeen followed with a similar honour and Dundee also granted the former South African President with a similar honour also. Edinburgh had a room named in his honour inside the City Chambers.

Nelson Mandela shares many of the qualities of us Scots. Compassion, kindness and a sense of tranquility. I was hardly five years old when Nelson came to Glasgow in 1993, but I can tell you that it felt like he was really one of our own. I would even go further and regard him as an honorary Scotsman.

The uncompromising love shown to Madiba tonight in Glasgow, London and Soweto (and no doubt in many other parts of the planet) was heart melting. It is really sad that he has left this world for good. But let's also be honest, he really did live his life.

His legacy should teach us all that there is no time in this life to procrastinate and play yourself down, regardless of what you do. Life is so short, so never underestimate yourself and always maintain a sense of humility. Yet at the same time, fulfil your potential and always achieve success.

Nelson Mandela, thank you for being such a heart warming influence on this world. May God bless you.

In memory of those who have lost their lives in Glasgow

Most of you reading this blog entry do not need me to remind you what hit Scotland's biggest city last night. It was a horrific night and the last 24 hours have been very somber.

I would like to pay my personal respects to all of the victims of last night's helicopter crash and may God bless their families with mercy and support during this difficult time. At the same time, I want to lavish praise upon everyone who came to the rescue of those affected last night, whether it was the civilians of Glasgow, all of the emergency services and everyone else involved. They have shown that Glasgow is a city of loving humanity. They did everyone proud for the way they reacted in the face of adversity.

Rest In Peace to the victims of last night's awful tragedy.

EXCLUSIVE: Round 2 with Mr Dispenser

Who hides under a hoodie
like this?

Yes, the world's most talked about pharmacist is back. Since my last encounter with the man behind "Pills, Thrills and Methadone Spills" earlier this year, he's brought out a second version of his much celebrated, talked about and read book.

"Pills, Thrills and Methadone Spills 2" is a sequel to the original. He launched it at the recent annual Pharmacy Show in Birmingham and overwhelmed his fans with a delightful presence in the NEC. Once again, anecdotes and much hilarity is shared in the second version of this successful book.

The reader is once again taken in the world of a dispensary but in a way that entertains and informs with much hilarity. Already since it's launch, it has received positive feedback and much has been made of the comedy element of the book. This is a must read for anyone who is a pharmacist and for those who work in a pharmacy, regardless of their role in the dispensary.

But, arguably, the biggest winning point about this book is the unifying force it has to bring many people within the profession together and to relate to the experiences shared in the book. Never has such a phenomenon achieved so much in common between people, especially within a profession where inter-connectivity between people within the profession across a local area or nationally can be limited.

I had the pleasure in talking to the man behind "Pills, Thrills and Methadone Spills 2":

Q1: So I remember all those months ago you and I chatting away with anticipation over the release of the first edition of your new book - you are back again for more with a second edition now. What are you aiming to achieve this time around?

MR DISPENSER: I am aiming to make people laugh again and raise more money for the Pharmacist Support Charity. The first book caught people by surprise.

Q2: There's no doubt that you were very popular at the recent Pharmacy Show in Birmingham. Apart from all the positive appreciation shown towards your first book, what kind of feedback did you receive?

MR DISPENSER: At the Pharmacy Show, feedback mainly consisted of ‘I thought you’d be taller’.

Q3: Your identity must have been obvious in Birmingham, surely?

MR DISPENSER: Well clearly, people saw my face but my badge said Mr Dispenser on it. In the majority of photographs that were taken my back was to camera. I was surprised that most people didn’t actually ask my real name.

Q4: Are you planning to take up new initiatives or activities such as a national tour so that pharmacists everywhere can see you?

MR DISPENSER: It’s not quite a national tour but I am planning to visit a few universities. I attended the Huddersfield University Oath ceremony on Friday and gave a short speech to all the students. It was one minute inspirational and four minutes of stand-up. I can generally be found at most pharmacy conferences too.

Q5: Will we see a third edition of your book?

MR DISPENSER: I genuinely don’t know at the moment. I promised myself whilst editing the second that I wouldn’t do a third but I normally lie to myself. If I think that I can make it as good as the first two, then I will do a third. At the moment, I can’t guarantee that.

A major thank you to Mr Dispenser for answering more of my inquisitive questions. His book is now available to buy as a paperback or on Kindle. 

And, yes, the mystery remains. Who is the person behind Mr Dispenser?

Alex Salmond vs David Cameron: Why it MUST happen

Today marks the final day of the Scottish National Party conference in Perth - the final conference before next year's vote on Scottish independence.

One can fairly analyse that it has been a spiritually uplifting experience for the party and Yes Scotland. Naturally so, because after all they need to be confident about the future, despite the polls generally suggesting that Scotland will probably vote to stay in the union.

But the one thing that really continues to baffles me is why the British Prime Minister seems to not feel as anxious as he really should be about the potential prospect of the termination of one of the most well known and appreciated economic and political unions of all time. It's too easy to suggest that the reason he doesn't want to debate is because, he doesn't need to.

If that is the case then that suggests gross complacency. Just look at what happened across the Irish Sea a few weeks ago when Taoiseach Enda Kenny refused to debate his opponents over the abolition of the Seanad (the Irish equivalent of the UK House of Lords). He lost the vote. And, dare I say this, he deserved to. If you cannot, or aren't willing, to go live on television and defend your stance over an issue then frankly you deserve no room to complain if you lose.

While David Cameron is more than happy to declare his willingness to debate Ed Miliband and Nick Clegg before the next UK General Election, he has turned his back on a political duel with the First Minister of Scotland, Alex Salmond. And if the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (including Scotland, still) continues to keep the door closed on First Minister Salmond, then he may look back on this period of history with severe regret.

Because Prime Minister Cameron will send out a message implying that defending the United Kingdom in its current form is somehow not a matter of high importance to him. He stands at the dispatch box down at Westminster continually saying that he is passionate about the United Kingdom.

Well if he is that passionate then let me make a suggestion to him - reverse your indefensible stance over the referendum debate, get yourself up to Edinburgh and take on the First Minister in front of the television cameras.

Despite the Conservatives remaining unpopular, Scotland's people, as a whole, will not automatically write off David Cameron. It is appreciated that he represents the UK as a whole and his presence will suggest that he does genuinely want to do everything in his power to persuade enough people in Scotland to vote against independence.

A live, televised debate between the heads of the Scottish and UK Governments is essential for everyone who plans to cast their vote on the 18th September next year. Voters are fed up of the backstabbing between politicians in the media. Voters want the main stakeholders to debate each other directly. It's in the best interests of both sides, the voters and the future of our country. So why not have a major debate live on either the BBC, STV or Sky News - or maybe even all three broadcasters?!

And finally, does David Cameron really want to go down in history as the British Prime Minister who lost Scotland on his watch? Such an event would be damning.

Women are leading and ruling the world!

listen to ‘Women rule the world!’ on Audioboo

"Image courtesy of fotographic1980 / FreeDigitalPhotos.net"

There are many very talented women who lead countries, are the chief executives of major companies and who take the initiative in life in all sorts of leadership roles. But frankly, there still aren't enough of them in such roles.

This month has seen the release of exam results across these islands where, generally, once again the females have outperformed the males. And the female to male ratio at university clearly tips in favour of the women. I graduated with a Masters in Pharmacy where us men were clearly in the minority. But I'm not complaining at all nor am I surprised.

I came across a really interesting blog on the Daily Telegraph website which put forward to assertion that the world of work was becoming a woman's world. Although I am still furious that female graduates are still reportedly being paid less then their male counterparts, I am deeply heartened to see women are finally beginning to lead the world as well as continuously succeed in their careers as we go deep into the 21st century. It is simply something we all should celebrate and be very happy about. For too long, they have been held back and forced to settle for second place in life and it is really only now where they have finally overtaken us.

But let's also remember that each and every individual is important. I am also not talking us men down; I am simply acknowledging the fact that the world is more accepting and appreciating of women for all the good they bring to the world than ever before.

The Daily Telegraph blog painted some sort of a picture that the end was inevitable for all men in this world. I don't know if that's the impression that Fraser Nelson of The Spectator magazine was wanting to bring across in the blog but he isn't wrong to mention that it is the men who are having to re-adapt and accept the newly changed world that we live in.

I think there is still a perception amongst some men that they feel threatened by the rise of success from women. The fear of feminine power dominating the world. There is nothing to be scared of. In fact, if anything, the values of femininity are making the world a much better place to live and work in and, personally, for me it is this that drives and motivates me to make the most of my talents and abilities to succeed in life. There are many amazing female role models, many of which I admire.

Women don't want men in this world who are only half bothered about where they are going in life, especially now when they are outperforming us in many professions and other aspects of life. And Fraser mentioned about the idea of men being snubbed because they weren't seen as steady and reliable when it came to romantic partnerships and building a family. We men need to accept now that the idea of not being the breadwinner always isn't a bad one as long as we make the most of our talents and abilities for the good of ourselves and others.

And, to conclude, there's everything right with having a desire to find a woman in life who is a natural leader and takes the initiative.

Fellow blokes, your successful wife or girlfriend is the Queen in the relationship. Show her respect.

Opioid replacement programmes benefit society overall

listen to ‘Methadone policy in Scotland’ on Audioboo

"Image courtesy of Fireflyphoto / FreeDigitalPhotos.net"

The Scottish Drugs Strategy Delivery Commission has set out it's recommendations and vision for methadone policy in the future north of the border. Sir Harry Burns, the Chief Medical Officer for Scotland, has acknowledged the effectiveness of opioid replacement therapy and the use of methadone in reducing the spread of diseases such as AIDS and hepatitis.

A community pharmacist myself in Scotland, I am, unapologetically, a strong supporter of the methadone programme and opioid replacement therapy in Scotland. It benefits patients and the public. Patients benefit from it because they receive therapy through a legal source. In nearly all cases, patients receive their therapy from a community pharmacy where pharmacists can supply the medicine in accordance with a legally valid prescription signed by a legally appropriate prescriber. It benefits the public because such programmes have been shown to bring a reduction in crime, as demonstrated in the tablet on page 24 of the report. Those who say that such programmes should never exist need to imagine what the serious consequences of abolishing those programmes would bring to society. On this issue, you've got to be careful for what you wish for.

But despite my support for opioid replacement therapy, I can totally understand some of the criticism that is made of such programmes. There has always been a common assertion from many that patients are left "parked" on methadone. There is no denying that in such cases that patients have been enormously let down and questions will have to be raised as to why this is happening in some parts of the country. The report released today certainly suggests, under 'recommendations 1-2' on page 107, that there should be a focus on increasing the cohesion the different approaches in order to reduce drug misuse. I agree. I have to admit that all of us in healthcare should be doing more to work together in tackling the ongoing issue. Success of those programmes should always be based on how many patients we can get drug free rather than just how many people we can get on it in the first place.

The report mentioned the word "enmity" on page 106. None of use can afford to engulf ourselves in any form of enmity with regard to opioid replacement therapy. Doing this is dangerous and benefits absolutely nobody. And it will certainly hinder any future progress that is needed in order to improve the quality of services that are provided to patients who need all the support necessary in order to help improve their lives.

All patients who use opioid replacement therapy are human beings after all and should never be snubbed by society. Rehabilitating those people who are suffering with substance misuse brings economic benefit, reduces crime and makes our country a much safer place to live.

Scottish pharmacy - moving on up

listen to ‘Wilson Review’ on Audioboo

The Wilson Review's recommendations, published yesterday, into the provision of pharmaceutical services in Scotland are encouraging. I personally give the thumbs up to the report released yesterday and believe that the report yesterday paves the way for pharmacy to move onto the next stage in it's evolution of providing excellent, quality healthcare for patients in Scotland.

There are four areas I want to specifically focus on in this blog post with regard to pharmacy in Scotland and this specific review from Dr Hamish Wilson and Professor Nick Barber.

1. Public relations

This is an area which is growing in importance and needs to be given high priority. In recent times, we, as a profession, have faced some very unfavourable headlines/press stories, whether it's the Which? survey findings or the highly controversial and infamous 'Methadone Millionaires' story.  In point 19 of the report, the image of the community pharmacy being seen as 'commerical' is mentioned and concerns were raised about staff changes and lack of continuity in terms of patient-pharmacist interaction when it comes to specifically communicating with the same pharmacist on a regular basis.

There is no doubt that community pharmacies have to be financially healthy in order to continue provision of the services they have to offer. They are not directly part of the NHS, but do provide NHS services which they are reimbursed for. Operating at a loss is no viable option. Community pharmacy contractors need to become profitable in order to survive. And I would go even further - the NHS can look to community pharmacy at a time like now when financial resources are becoming more finite than ever before. Community pharmacy provides excellent public health services to the public whilst at the same time maintaining a successful business model. Community pharmacy has nothing to be ashamed of when it comes to being branded as 'commercial', as long as it maintains it's professional and ethical commitments to healthcare and pharmacy service provision and remains within legal and ethical boundaries.

However, we pharmacists overall need to do a lot more when it comes to promoting a positive image of what we do and of ourselves. Operating within a new system which allows us to provide a consistent and high standard of quality, as suggested in point 19, is a very worthwhile suggestion and should be looked at further. The idea of a pre-booked appointment with a pharmacist within a system that fully supports this mechanism is understandable and I can see the logic behind this.

I would also suggest more of us should become media trained or develop an increased awareness of how to engage with the local and national media. Journalists will not just dismiss us hastily just because we happen to be pharmacists. They will listen if we have something worthwhile to offer them in terms of an enlightening story or development about what we can offer the public in terms of providing healthcare services.

Personally, as a presenter of a weekly radio show on Victoria Radio Network, I ran a regular feature up until July called 'Healthy Matters' where I enlightened listeners of the station in hospital, across Kirkcaldy and online about popular topics surrounding health such as healthy eating/living/exercise, smoking cessation and how to deal with the hot weather. Creativity goes a long way in any area of life and pharmacy is not exempt.

There are many ways for us to promote positive health and we pharmacists are blessed with the knowledge and ability to enlighten the public in a positive and helpful manner. And it will improve their perception of us as a profession.

2. Education/development

Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians have a professional obligation to commit to continuing professional development. NHS Education for Scotland, in my personal opinion, provide many excellent learning opportunities for pharmacists and after my pre-registration placement was completed south of the border, I benefited enormously from the seminars they had on offer towards the end of 2012 and in the early stages of 2013. I have no doubt that I will not be the only pharmacist who forms such an opinion or a similar assertion. Their support is vital and I am confident that it shall continue for a long time to come.

But the biggest challenge and worry for me is the lack of inter-professional networking. There is frankly next to none of it and sadly very little window for opportunity to enhance such opportunities to engage with other kinds of healthcare professionals. I recall at university taking part in inter-professional networking events which I found welcoming because it gave me the opportunity to talk to other healthcare professionals and share thoughts and ideas. But it isn't just the lack of inter-professional networking that worries me. I feel I'm not getting to know my other fellow pharmacy professionals in areas that I work in. And that's a shame because loneliness isn't exactly a comfortable feeling to experience. I like talking to new people and engaging with other people and that motivates and re-invigorates me. One of the benefits of the seminars provided by NES was that you got to communicate with other pharmacists and pharmacy professionals/employees.

The recommendation in bold on point 51 of the report is one of the most important - local networks, organised by local NHS boards, is an excellent idea. It will bring professionals and employees together, create new links and is especially important, because we have to remember that not every pharmacist or person involved in pharmacy is necessarily a member of the recently formed Royal Pharmaceutical Society. The fact that not everyone needs to sign up to the professional body means, inevitably, networking opportunities can only go so far. A recognition of the necessity for closer integration of pharmacy professionals can only be welcomed and seen as positive step forward, if the recommendation in point 51 is implemented.

3. Challenges for the profession

Point 60 highlights the need for pharmacists to be inter-connected with other healthcare professionals when it comes to accessing relevant information about a patient's medicines and care. The biggest drawback for pharmacists in community is a lack of access to doctor's notes and records for patients which limits our ability to make fully rounded and sound decisions in the dispensary. I haven't personally had much experience in hospital pharmacy but I can only imagine that they are more integrated into the healthcare team in hospital and that they are able to readily access patient notes, enabling them to make more substantiated decisions about a patient's pharmaceutical care.

There is no doubt that the Chronic Medication Service is an enabling platform for pharmacists to develop care plans and work more closely with GP's and provide long term care for patients who are taking specific medicines in the long term. But in reality, the service hasn't really taken off nationally and many issues remain and need to be resolved if CMS is to take off and become an overall success. It can still be an overall success but many issues need to be discussed and resolved in order to enable the service to flourish.

One of the other big issues that we face is tackling non-adherence to medicines. It is in the interest of the whole NHS that medicines prescribed and dispensed are used to it's full clinical effects in order to enhance clinical outcomes for patients and deliver value for money for our health service. Point 9 in the report states up to just over 15% of hospital admissions are a result of non-adherence to medicines and monitoring issues. Again we need to constantly remind ourselves in pharmacy that our role is not to be underestimated. We are the medicine experts after all.

4. The future

Despite the ongoing challenges and issues we face in pharmacy and healthcare in Scotland, I am very reassured by this honest, insightful and enlightening report. The duty for all of us in pharmacy is to constantly engage with stakeholders and our political representatives to push pharmacy up the political agenda and constantly reassure our colleagues across healthcare and society that we have a role in the nation that is worthwhile.

But we can be very proud of the health of the pharmacy profession in Scotland. Quite frankly, we are blessed north of the border with one of the finest contracts for community pharmacy that has ever been devised and implemented anywhere in the world. And I say that with no apology whatsoever. Smoking cessation, the minor ailment service and the provision of urgent supply - just a selection of some of the unique services we offer in Scotland that have benefited patients in the Scottish National Health Service.

I take my hat off to all past and current Scottish Governments for recognising our value in healthcare and continue to urge them to engage and listen to what we have to say for the future of pharmacy healthcare provision in Scotland. Many countries, worldwide, are taking a look to Scotland with interest and, dare I say it, envy and will no doubt be inspired by how far pharmacy has advanced in Scotland.

NEW website to launch this summer

It may only have been eight months since I launched my own website online but it's onwards and upwards as I'm pleased to announce that I will be launching a refreshed and improved website later this summer.

Since November 2012, this website has attracted well over 18,000 hits worldwide and I thank all of you for taking the time to visit my website again and again. I know I haven't provided any updates for a while but it's imperative for me to regularly review whether I'm providing the best possible experience for everyone.

Although I'm delighted with the response I have received so far since late last year, I want to make the experience better for everyone. My ambition for my newly refurbished website is to provide more video, more interactive material and more direct input from me. The written content is all well and good but people like audio and video as well and I want to provide more of that.

And also on top of that a much more gorgeous looking website with lots of colour and interesting content.

Please keep visiting and I'll keep you informed when it comes to relaunch for me.

But for now, thank you for your time and visit and please keep coming back.

Royal Pharmaceutical Society's Faculty - what is it and how can it benefit you?

© Royal Pharmaceutical Society (used with their permission)

In the coming months, a brand new development will commence and be up and running - Faculty from the Royal Pharmaceutical Society.

And what is it? It is a new programme which recognises the development and progression of pharmacists. It aims to be a simple yet effective professional programme which helps pharmacists identify what they require in terms of knowledge, expertise and experience at different levels of practice.

Faculty will be aimed at those who have completed their first years of practice as a pharmacist and as the Faculty develops, facilities will also be made available to newly qualified pharmacists as well. The Faculty will enable a pharmacist to demonstrate to patients, the public and employers, their capability of delivering services at a recognised level. A pharmacist will also be able to network with other fellow Faculty members to share their knowledge and experience as well.

Next Monday, 22nd April, at the Novotel, Edinburgh Park in the west of the Scottish capital, a major launch event is due to take place in order to enlighten pharmacists across the East of Scotland Local Practice Forum area about Faculty and it is set to be a very well attended event. It will begin at 6:30pm for 7pm with a buffet included and a set of speakers from across the profession and beyond. It is an open event so anybody can come.

If you are a pharmacist or involved in pharmacy, why don't you come and join too? It's sure to be an event not to be missed.

Scottish football's future is damaged

Whilst the game south of the border continues to attract more and more fans all over the world, football north of the border is continuing to throw itself into more and more chaos, particularly in the eyes of the public.

Stewart Milne, Aberdeen FC chairman, is absolutely correct to strongly advise the media to strongly investigate into why St Mirren voted in the way they did. And the media should also strongly probe Ross County into why they decided to stop those badly needed reforms from going through.

Everyone knows that the national game across Scotland needs to be reformed now. The game has become monotonous for far too long. It is in the Scottish national interest to ensure that our national game is in a healthy state and not in a position where fans snub their local clubs in favour of bigger teams.

The only objection I had was the number of teams in the top league. Frankly, there should have been far more. I'm talking about 20 teams - much like the English Premier League. It would be better to see each team play each other only twice, instead of four times. But compromise matters and if I had a vote then I wouldn't reject the overall proposals because of that one area.

If the Scottish game does not get reformed in the next twelve months then it is with deep sadness, but it would become inevitable that Scottish football will be permanently damaged and will hurt the reputation of the Scottish nation.

Thank goodness for such an action packed weekend in the Scottish Cup. At least there is some hope.

Are prescription charges in England fair?

listen to ‘Prescription charges in England’ on Audioboo

Should English MP's be only allowed to vote on English
matters?

Patients on the NHS in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland do not have to pay for their medicines. However, NHS patients in England will still have to pay for their medicines, unless they are officially exempt. And with prescription charges per item rising to £7.85 this month, many people south of the border are still questioning why the levy still exists and whether it should go.

Earlier today, I tried to obtain statistics online to find out how many patients in England are exempt from the levy for prescriptions. But sadly the publications hosted by the Health and Social Care Information Centre with those details were unavailable.

However, to illustrate the overall situation regarding prescriptions in England, the Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee have a graph titled "12 Month Rolling Items Dispensed" which shows that at around November 2011, the number of prescription items dispensed broke through the 900 million item mark. And that figure is slowly escalating to a billion. And in my experience working in England last year, the majority of patients do not pay for their prescriptions.

If this is generally the case across England, then I suppose one can be forgiven for questioning the justification for a prescription charge. With the prescription item fee rise this month, it is very clear that the coalition at Westminster has no intention to review the levy. But, politically, you cannot blame some people for raising another issue of whether English MP's should only be allowed to vote on issues affecting England.

And I don't blame them for that. I think it is a major pity and, frankly, astonishing that politicians at Westminster have never considered raising the idea of installing a mechanism to ensure that England has the ability to fully decide on what policies they want implemented, without MP's from other parts of the United Kingdom voting also on those issues despite the fact it will have absolutely no relevance to their constituents.

The Royal Pharmaceutical Society's Neal Patel voiced his opposition to the 20p increase in prescription charges on behalf of the society. I can understand his comments and he is certainly not wrong to give the impression that the exemption system needs to be reviewed.

But in an age of austerity and cuts in public spending, rising costs for medicines and lower employment prospects for pharmacists, are free prescriptions across the whole of the UK really affordable?

Brian Taylor's Big Debate - on TV?

listen to ‘Brian Taylor's Big Debate - on TV?’ on Audioboo

It is one of the most relished fixtures in the BBC Radio Scotland weekly schedule and it's a programme that I have participated in, as a member of the audience, twice. And on one occasion, I even opened the programme with a question.

BBC Scotland HQ at Pacific Quay, Glasgow, on the left.
I visited the public area of it in January 2013. It's well worth
 having a look.

Brian Taylor's Big Debate, every Friday at 12pm, brings a panel of Scottish politicians, stakeholders and people from other walks of life together to discuss the big issues shaping the Scottish news agenda. The programme is held in various places across the nation including theatres, colleges and churches. Some may say it's the Scottish equivalent of BBC One's Question Time.

But I don't think so. Unlike Question Time, the programme has a distinct identity of it's own. And it's canny host, Brian Taylor, proves through presenting this programme why he is such a Scottish institution. 

In fact, I think the show is such an asset to the BBC north of the border that I often ask myself why BBC Scotland haven't experimented with the idea of transforming it into a weekly television programme instead. It would, without a doubt, be a popular fixture in the TV listings. When Brian fronted one of the Scottish independence TV debates on BBC Scotland, he clearly distinguished himself as a serious yet light hearted chairman. 

And what time should it be scheduled? Well BBC Northern Ireland produce a show called The Nolan Show which isn't the same format but does cover the main issues in Northern Ireland with a studio audience and studio guests. The show is normally broadcast after the BBC Ten O'Clock News in the middle of the week. They have shown that, with a popular host and a simple and effective format, broadcasting such a programme is achievable. 

Any initiative to increase and improve the quality of Scottish television output is welcome. And it is worth BBC Scotland exploring the idea of transforming Brian Taylor's hit radio programme into a potential TV institution. 

And to also give him another platform to cheer on his beloved Dundee United.

Margaret Thatcher, Scotland and the Scottish Conservatives

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Westminster

The news broke earlier today that the former British Prime Minister, Baroness Thatcher, had died. Provoking tributes, opinion and reflection, there is no doubt that Britain's Iron Lady has a place in history forever.

I was born in Scotland's capital city during her final years as Prime Minister. I'm far too young to properly appreciate and understand how life changed under her leadership, how people completely reacted to her policies and direction and how seismic the change in society was during the 1980's.

Whether it was the poll tax, the closure of much of the manufacturing industry or her general economic policy, there is no doubt that much of the political debate in Scotland is centred around what happened three decades ago. The current debate on the prospect of Scottish independence is mainly based on past events that happened around that time and many people still talk about her, despite the fact that she left office 23 years ago. And that is down to a number of factors.

Firstly, those that lived under her tenure at Number 10 still reflect on what was happening in the

Is this the legacy of Margaret Thatcher's time as Prime Minister?

country. Secondly, the current policies from the coalition, led by the Conservatives, drive individual and political commentators to compare now to what was happening approximately thirty years ago. And thirdly, compared to other past Prime Ministers, she was truly unique in her style of leadership.

The United Kingdom had never seen a leader of the kind that Margaret Thatcher was. And Scotland's future was to be majorly driven in a direction which was inevitably affected by the policies she pursued.   Almost a decade after resigning as Prime Minister, the Scottish Parliament was reborn for the first time in 292 years. During a BBC documentary called 'Thatcher and the Scots', it's presenter Allan Little commented that:

"She let the genie of Scottish national aspiration out of the 300 year old bottle of British soveringty."

And that is what we are seeing today. Alex Salmond has been our First Minister since 2007 and after his Scottish National Party secured an overall majority at Holyrood in 2011, it has provided them the mandate they have long been seeking to achieve. Next September, the nation will have the chance to decide whether Scotland should stay in the United Kingdom or become an independent country.

And whatever the outcome, it will be truly historic. If Scotland votes to leave the United Kingdom, some may dare to say that Margaret Thatcher's political legacy in Scotland was not just the Scottish Parliament, but Scotland's independence. Others may disagree.

And as for the Scottish Conservative party, it's fair to say that they have never recovered from their downfall back at the UK General Election in 1997, despite increasing their share of the vote in 1992 under John Major. The party seem to have lost their ability to bounce back from their decline, despite increasing their share of the vote in Scotland at the 2010 UK General Election. They still only have just the one MP north of the border and failed to win more seats three years ago. This outcome can be interpreted as partly to blame for David Cameron falling short with the number of seats won at the election, failing to ensure that his party sealed an overall majority.

And as far as current polls show, David Cameron could well have to depart Downing Street in just over two years time as Labour are now 10 points ahead of the Conservatives. Thatcherism now shapes the political debate across the UK and what may happen in the next two years could well shape the destiny of these islands forever.

For now though, Baroness Thatcher's life and her time as Prime Minister will be spoken about for days, weeks, months and even years to come.

Reduce your blood pressure? Eat more bananas and fish.

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Image courtesy of Ambro / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

The British Medical Journal has published research which suggests that increasing the amount of dietary potassium and cutting down on salt intake will bring down blood pressure, according to an article published by the BBC News website.

Results from the research showed that a daily diet of 3-4g of potassium brought about a reduction in blood pressure. Foods such as chicken and fish are excellent sources of the mineral. Other foods that contain plenty of potassium also include bananas, kiwi fruit and potatoes.

But why is potassium so important for the body? As far as the heart is concerned, potassium's role is to protect the cardiovascular system by reducing the sensitivity of sodium. Salt mainly contains sodium and a reduced salt intake will cause the blood pressure not to go up drastically.

Increasing potassium intake to recommended levels joins other positive actions such as lowering caffeine intake, increased level of exercise and quitting smoking. Around a third of adults in Scotland were diagnosed with high blood pressure in 2008/2009, according to the Scottish Health Survey.

The MMR vaccine and the measles crisis in Wales

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Image courtesy of Keerati / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

It's the vaccine that has time and time again found itself in the centre of controversy. Ever since Andrew Wakefield led a study which linked autism to the MMR vaccine, parents have agonised over whether to permit children to have it. But despite many years of anxiety, uptake of the vaccine used to fight measles, mumps and rubella have recovered to an extent.

But what exactly is the MMR vaccine? The vaccine is composed of live measles, mumps and rubella viruses, but they aren't as potent as normal versions. When injected, it will provoke the body's immune system to produce antibodies. Their purpose is to fight infection by making bacteria and viruses much less harmful by recognising a special part of the bacterial or viral target called an antigen. Both the antigen and the antibody bind together which stops the bacteria or virus from causing harm.

The overall purpose of the vaccine is to ensure that any human being who is vaccinated, who happens to catch either one of the three types of virus then their immune system, will combat the viral infection.

Although many studies have dismissed any link between autism and the MMR vaccine, side effects can still occur and can include mild forms of measles. Signs of this include a rash, appetite loss and fever. This can last between 48 and 72 hours and can normally take place between 7 and 11 days after the injection, according to NHS Choices.

But the risks of those side effects are outweighed by the benefits of being vaccinated as being infected by either of the three viruses without the vaccination can be more severe. Measles can be fatal. According to the World Health Organisation, 158,000 died worldwide as a result of measles in 2011.

So why has a major crisis unfolded in Swansea and it's surrounding areas this weekend? So far, according to BBC News, just under 600 people so far have been affected by measles in many parts of Wales which has provoked a dramatic increase in the demand for the uptake of the MMR vaccine. And so far, 1,700 people have been vaccinated during emergency clinics held across hospitals in the south of Wales today. There is still a potential possibility that those figures could escalate even further in the coming days.

And could similar events break out north of the border? STV News reported on a measles outbreak that happened in Lanarkshire last November where nine cases of measles were confirmed, despite a very high uptake of the MMR vaccine.

Currently, there is no imminent threat of any form of an outbreak in Scotland. But there is certainly no room for complacency and events in Wales will, without a doubt, continue to be monitored very closely across these islands.

Has the new look BBC News overtaken Sky?

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The original BBC Broadcasting House in central London.

It was only last month when the BBC News Channel was aesthetically revamped and, more significantly, relocated over four miles east from the BBC Television Centre at Wood Lane to the newly revamped BBC Broadcasting House near Oxford Circus.

Yet the transformation of the television news output from the BBC has been very clear to see. The new set doesn't feel so isolated any longer. The previous set in the west of London was frankly dull and very boring. The new set gives me, the viewer, an impression that there is some form of activity definitely taking place in what is now the "biggest newsroom in Europe". The news has livened up at the BBC once again.

As far as the content is concerned, not much has changed apart from the fact that a brand new extended newspaper review programme has been introduced nightly at 10:30pm and 11:30pm.

There is no doubt that the newsroom at Broadcasting House is absolutely enormous. Every hour, the channel takes deep pride in showing off it's brand new facilities to the whole nation, showing journalists and other BBC News staff concentrating deeply on their computer screens, quite probably researching content for the news, editing footage for news packages and doing other related activities.

I was lucky to go and see the building for myself at this time last year. Sadly, it wasn't fully operational but there's no doubt that I will want to head down south again to go and see the place being brought to full life. Nevertheless, the part of visiting Broadcasting House now that excites me the most is that anyone can actually watch the news as it broadcasts live from the public café.

Sky News underwent a slight revamp it it's on screen graphics nearly three years ago. Yet it's own set remained more or less the same. I've also noticed that Sky News has become less interactive than before prompting the question - is it time for Sky to play catch up with the BBC once again as far as news output is concerned?

How can we revive Scotland's press?

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Pondering at Holyrood.

Scotland Tonight, STV's relatively new and popular current affairs programme, posed the following question on Twitter tonight:

From STV's Scotland Tonight Twitter timeline

It is in the country's interest to ensure that our broadcast and print media is in as healthy a condition as possible. Anything less than that is bad news for our democracy. And I'm not even necessarily talking about politics, but a strong Scottish media matters to everyone in Scotland. Scottish life is reflected in many different areas, industries and public life in general. A few people on Twitter tonight, in response to the main question featured above, have indicated that the use of the Internet has changed the way they receive their news or even has always been a major way of receiving their news.

A healthy Scottish media especially matters for next year. The nation will face it's biggest decision in it's entire history. And regardless of what stance anyone takes on the referendum, it's in everyone's interests to ensure we are all enlightened with all the facts and figures about Scottish independence and Scotland's future in the United Kingdom.

Because when a voter goes into the polling station next year to cast their vote, then they want to be certain that the decision they take will be taken whilst all the arguments and facts have been absorbed and taken into consideration.

The news this week that as many as thirty jobs could go at The Scotsman and Scotland on Sunday is very worrying. That's as many as thirty livelihoods at risk. I know that might sound very potent but any job loss is damaging, not just to the individual involved but to the economy as well and even more importantly, it is damaging to the media industry in Scotland.

There is no doubt that the Internet has revolutionised the way we receive our news. Most content from newspapers are now available for free with just a couple of clicks. Some newspapers have even installed a paywall to ensure a stream of revenue flows from the readership of their publications. But according to The Wall Blog, The Times readership has dramatically fallen since their paywall was installed, whilst The Guardian and The Telegraph have higher figures.

Some people even have come to the conclusion that the newspaper industry is beginning to decline terminally. But I think that's a little harsh. Alternative ways of running newspapers will have to be sought. For example, the London Evening Standard is now available for free with a focus that has now shifted to increasing revenue from advertising. Will Scotland's newspapers have to adopt a similar model in order to survive or even revive themselves?

Also, events at BBC Scotland are a cause for concern as well. Despite mainly focusing on the newspapers in this piece, I primarily take an interest in broadcasting as far as journalism is concerned and it would be very unfair to forget about what has been happening at Pacific Quay. They will play an equally important role in delivering essential coverage of events surrounding next year's independence referendum and any potential job cut is enough to cause concern. There is no doubt the world faces an economic crisis, but it is people who make the world turn around and bring economic success and the broadcast and print media are of huge value and importance.

And there is no one right answer to how to solve the problem of reviving readership of newspapers. This is an issue that will only get bigger and creative solutions are now becoming more essential than ever before. But having said that, everyone surely must agree that it is in a democracy's interests to ensure that a free, diverse and healthy press flourishes and that applies to both broadcast and print media.

Multiple sclerosis medicine to become a Schedule 4 Part I controlled drug

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Image courtesy of adamr / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

A well known cannabinoid mouth spray is to have its schedule changed under the current Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001.

Sativex®, which was previously placed in Schedule 1 of the regulations, will now become a Schedule 4 Part I drug from next month. First licensed as a medicine obtainable on prescription in 2010, the medicine is designed to tackle spasticity and neuropathic pain in patients who are diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.

Sativex® will not have to be kept under lock and key and the spray will not fall under the normal prescription requirements for Schedule 2 and 3 controlled drugs. However, keeping records of the stocking and dispensing of Sativex® is still strongly recommended, despite not becoming a legal requirement from next month.

Source of information: Royal Pharmaceutical Society; click here for more details of next month's legislation changes regarding Sativex®.

A week in the STV newsroom

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Sitting in the STV News studio in Aberdeen.

Last week, I was absolutely privileged to make full use of the opportunity I was given to sample life in the newsrooms of STV in the north of Scotland. Normally, placements are allocated to journalism undergraduates or postgraduates and to other students who study a media based course. But my case was an unusual one. Already qualified as a pharmacist, why would I even bother taking a week of my time to sample life in a completely different working environment?

It is no secret to anyone that media has played a major part of my life since I was young. I have much experience of it, particularly in radio but also with experience on camera and in print. But until last week, I didn't experience the reality of working in a dynamic newsroom. It is a place bursting with energy, most of the time. And naturally, I fell in love with it.

My week saw me spend time in the Dundee and Aberdeen newsrooms. STV is now Scotland's main national commercial broadcaster, serving most of Scotland. It is split into two different regional stations - STV Central and STV North (formerly known as Scottish and Grampian Television, respectively). My week saw me spend time working within the broadcaster in the latter of the two regions.

In the early part of my week, I mainly learned about the planning and production of a typical news package - consisting of activities such as writing a suitable script for a news report, capturing appropriate footage, the art of interviewing and most important of all, telling the story as it is and enlightening the viewer.

Standing outside the STV News studio in Dundee.

In Dundee, I mainly shadowed Alan Jenkins who is one of STV's newest talents. On Monday, we spent time in Perth covering a story about a historic log boat being moved to a museum in Glasgow. But the following day, the news day went much slower than normal but I still spent some time in Arbroath covering the story about a missing Royal Marine.

From Wednesday onwards to the end of the week, I spent my time in Aberdeen's newsroom. This was the moment for me to consolidate all the knowledge I had gained about production and news reporting at STV and use that in combination with my existing media skills in order to establish my credentials.

Thursday saw Aberdeen FC's manager, Craig Brown, announce his retirement from football manager. The story broke at approximately 10am on Thursday and I seized the initiative.

I studied the official press release from the club released that morning and researched about the outgoing manager and his history in football, before going on to write up a script for a news package I was going to go on to produce. Jumping into the reporter's van with well known STV Sports Editor, Tyrone Smith, we headed to a scheduled press conference at Pittodrie and there I was finding myself taking my own notes, without being prompted, whilst Brown spoke to us all in the media. One can ask what on earth was I doing for all those years studying for a science degree?

Then I took my opportunity to do a piece to camera for my news package. I was very lucky to have Tyrone providing me excellent advice and a taste of the experience he has picked up over the years reporting on breaking sports stories in the north of Scotland. Fellow journalists, Steven McMenemy and Steven Brown, also played a major role in supporting me with regards to editing By the end of the week, I completed my first ever news package in just under a minute and twenty seconds.

Pitchside at Pittodrie, reporting on Craig Brown's retirement.

And finally, the other major highlight of the week took place on the Thursday of the week when I became an STV newsreader. It wasn't the first time I got to take part in a scenario where I had to read the autocue and look straight into the camera and radiate my charisma across the studio. You may already have noticed on my YouTube channel a video of me reading Sky Sports News at the O2 in London.

But this was different. In London, I was in a mobile studio in North Greenwich. This time, in Aberdeen, I was in a real studio. I was wired up, microphone attached and enlightened by the script I had to study before entering the newsroom. I was the equivalent of an airline pilot. Or so it felt that way anyway. And I was looked after and guided brilliantly by the gallery and by one of STV News' most well known broadcasters, Andrea Brymer. I also met Norman MacLeod who was also equally as generous with his advice and support.

I've heard much talk over the years from journalists about how difficult it can be having to keep yourself together whilst receiving instructions and trying to concentrate on reading the bulletin at the same time but I have to be honest and say that I didn't experience as much difficulty. Although concentration must be kept at maximum levels so that you don't go off tangent and keep yourself composed, especially if anything may go wrong.

I dreamt of this moment since I was a young boy.

I absolutely loved the experience of reading the news in the studio. It was a thrilling experience and the adrenaline rush you get from it is very enjoyable. And it is even more enjoyable when things go right and you passionately feel you have enlightened your viewers. Although my bulletin did not go out live on air, it was recorded and I will provide you with some footage in the very near future.

I think frankly a week was nowhere near enough time for to experience life at STV. It went too quickly. I simply had such a brilliant time and I pay tribute to every single member of the team at STV North for their kindness, support and for making me feel part of the team - including all of the broadcast journalists I met in Dundee and Aberdeen, the whole camera crew across Dundee and Aberdeen's newsrooms (particularly Bob, Jenny and Al) and all of the technical team at the gallery in Aberdeen who guided me through whilst I was in the studio (particularly Ruaridh (hope I've spelt your name right!) when I was presenting) and who collated my performances (a special mention to Ian, Ian and Donny for this in particular and also to Hazel for enlightening me about the gallery). Whether I've mentioned you or not, you all know who you are and are equally as worthy of a sincere thank you!

And I pay particular tribute to Donald John MacDonald and David McKeith for their confidence in my ability to prove myself at STV.

And I don't blame the many people there who asked me what on earth I was up to spending my time at a television station, despite the fact I'm qualified as a pharmacist. In fact, I'm an unusual case. The first pharmacist in Scottish broadcasting history to make the jump to broadcast journalism? Why not?

For now though, I'm not keeping all my eggs in one basket.

What does Saint Patrick's characteristics mean for Ireland today?

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The last few years for one of the most celebrated nations of the world have been painful. Unemployment remains stubbornly high, remaining at 14.1% (Central Statistics Office; February 2013), leaving many concerned about the future direction of the country's economic prospects, leading to many Irish emigrating. And, to many people's astonishment, the party who were primarily accused of bringing shame and humiliation on the country in early 2011, Fianna Fáil, have bounced back in some form in recent opinion polls, just only approximately two years after current Taoiseach Enda Kenny led his Fine Gael party to their first election victory since late 1982.

But Ireland is bouncing back. It may not feel like the good old days of unconstrained prosperity just yet, but figures published by the Quarterly National Household Survey show that employment increased for the first time since 2008. But there is a long way to go and the figures from the survey have shown not so encouraging figures for sectors including construction, defence and transportation and storage. The unemployment crisis, which has led to a dramatic rise in emigration, has seen families say goodbye to their loved ones, many Irish people forced to leave their country in order to earn a living elsewhere in the world and broken so many people's hearts. The economic crisis has hurt many people.

But what does Saint Patrick have to do with all this? Well, let's look at his character. If there's any attribute you can credit him with it was how courageous he was as a man. The Irish people are naturally courageous and that is reflected in how far they have gone in this world. They have faced crisis' of a similar nature in the 1950's and 1980's and are facing major issues such as a high rate of emigration, in combination with the current ongoing economic crisis, right now. They faced those problems before and won. And with their naturally positive and upbeat spirit, they will do so again.

To quote current Uachtarán na hÉireann (Irish President), Michael D Higgins:

"...our economic condtion does not, on its own, define who we are."

The Irish, at home and abroad, will never allow economics to compromise their identity as a people. And that's admirable. For as long as they stick to this, despite all the setbacks they have faced and may continue to face for some time to come, they will continue to prosper.

Lá Fhéile Pádraig Shona.