Would an independent Scotland benefit pharmacy?

Today the Scottish Government agreed with the Electoral Commission's findings over the proposed wording of next year's question in the forthcoming Scottish independence referendum, due to be held in the autumn of 2014. Pharmacy in Scotland isn't exactly immune from the effects of the recession with pharmacies having to take on the effects of category M cutbacks and pharmacists, particularly newly qualified ones, struggling desperately trying to get their foot on the pharmacy employment ladder.

Would an independent Scotland pave the way for a creative new way to deal with the current issues that are overshadowing the pharmacy profession north of the border?

None of us know what an independent Scotland will really look like. But nobody can also doubt either the opportunity it may bring as well.

Frankly, nobody has the right to assert that Scotland is incapable of running its own affairs effectively. To suggest so would be petulant. Many newly formed independent nations have managed just fine since embracing their own independence and nobody can really deny that whether they support the union or independence.

But the choice next year will be really down to what is in Scotland's best interests. Whether Scotland is better staying together with the rest of the United Kingdom, hoping that the coalition's austerity measures will result in future economic prosperity. Or whether Scotland's position in the union is untenable and therefore being independent is the only way forward.

Scotland already runs its health service very differently from England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The major difference can be seen between the coalition government's proposal to radically reform the way the NHS is administered by allowing GP's more of a say in the way services are commissioned in England. Scotland, under the Scottish National Party run government at Holyrood, has ruled out the private sector from running any aspect of the National Health Service.

A lot of the arguments for independence are based on the way the economy should be run. Many people north of the border do not approve of the austerity measures being brought about by Westminster and want to go down an alternative route by administering their own affairs and economic decisions.

As pharmacy are concerned, I can imagine nearly every contractor up and down Scotland do not necessarily welcome the category M cuts with glee. Although health policy is different in Scotland, could general economic policy from Westminster be holding the profession back?

Or could even a lack of creative thinking be holding back the profession? Some people argue that we already have enough powers north of the border to take an alternative route when it comes to administering and satisfying the needs of the pharmacy profession, pharmacy contractors and pharmacists.

But some others argue that because the Scottish Government has to resort to only a grant from Westminster for funding of public services in Scotland, it doesn't hold enough power to raise the necessary capital to adopt a different economic policy, despite the fact that the Scottish Parliament has the power to vary income tax by three percent over or under the current levels of income tax.

I would quite like to see some sort of a national debate set up and run, for example by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society in Scotland, to see what everyone in the pharmacy profession in Scotland thinks about what Scottish independence could mean for the future of pharmacy in Scotland.

Please let me know what you think: anas@officialanashassan.com

Polypharmacy will eliminate pharmacist unemployment

Image courtesy of adamr / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Polypharmacy is defined as a scenario where a patient is on a high number of different medicines, some of which could be clinically deemed to be unnecessary for use therefore creating a burden on the patient in terms of adhering to compliance with prescribed medicines. And being on a high number of medicines can be clinically dangerous as a result of its continued use (due to drug-drug interactions or adverse drug reactions).

Unncessary polypharmacy isn't an ideal scenario for a patient's long term pharmaceutical care. Nor is it a help for the public purse especially in times of austerity like now where any savings in public spending will undoubtedly be welcome for taxpayers and the UK coalition government.

Last week in Edinburgh, I learned a little bit more about how pharmacists across Scotland are tackling the issue. Already to my understanding, NHS Highland, NHS Lothian and NHS Tayside seem to have made the most progress in starting to find solutions with other NHS health boards following suit. The recent "Polypharmacy Guidance" document, published jointly by NHS Scotland and the Scottish Government recognises the consequences of excessive polypharmacy which could cause patients problems.

The document also illustrates, in section 2.1, a criteria which makes an assessment of factors such as whether a medicine is being prescribed correctly, for instance, for a valid indication, at the appropriate dose, whether its clinically effective and whether a more cost effective treatment is available.

Later on in the document, it has been suggested that for 43,190 patients aged 65 or over with two unnecessary prescription items stopped over six repeat prescriptions in a year would bring annual savings of over £5,662,397. Compare that with an annual Scottish medicine bill of approximately £1.18 billion (ISD Scotland, 2011/12) that may only sound like a small drop in the ocean. The money saved could be utilised to either fund expensive treatments for specific groups of patients, for instance there has been talk of a possible cancer drugs fund for Scotland.

But what does it all mean for unemployed pharmacists? The savings made could be used to invest in employing nearly 222 band 6 pharmacists in Scotland. The facilitator/presenter of last week's seminar gave the impression that pharmacists are currently playing a major role in managing polypharmacy north of the border.

And who said that the pharmacist unemployment crisis wasn't solvable?

Why won't you promise us an EU referendum of our own, Alex and Nicola?

Source: Scottish Government (Flickr)

Lets be hypothetical for a second. Fast forward to eighteen months time and imagine that the Yes Scotland camp have won the independence referendum. 

David Cameron has, despite much criticism yet at the same time credit, offered the United Kingdom a referendum on the European Union after no doubt much pressure from his own backbenchers. The only thing is it isn't until 2017 which will undoubtedly create an aroma of uncertainty. And what if the Conservatives do not win the next election? There are still many ambiguities that are yet to resolve themselves.

But lets rewind back to this weekend. Ireland's Europe Minister, Lucinda Creighton TD, reportedly stated on Friday that an independent Scotland would have to apply for membership of the European Union and that the process of doing so would be "lengthy".

Fiona Hyslop MSP confirmed Lucinda Creighton TD wrote an e-mail to the Deputy First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon MSP, which emerged on the Scottish Government's Scottish Referendum website and in the press, with Andrew Kerr on Sunday Politics Scotland, accusing the BBC of "misconstruing" the Irish Minister's position before the programme replayed the interview with Dublin South East's Teachta Dàla.

I think rather than the SNP continuously assert that an independent Scotland would continue to play a role in the European Union, why don't they take a leaf out of David Cameron's book? After all, Scotland's view of the European Union isn't that different compared to the rest of the United Kingdom, as figures from a recent poll featured in a Guardian article late last year suggests.

Why can't Alex Salmond and Nicola Sturgeon surrender their will to the people of Scotland and come out and propose a Scottish referendum on the European Union straight after the independence referendum, if Scotland votes for independence?

Switzerland have a direct democracy model which has really put democracy into the heart of society and the role of the citizen. Republic of Ireland have referendums on a regular basis. An independent Scotland shouldn't shy from such a model of democracy. The citizen should have the final say, not the politician.

The First Minister continuously speaks about the 'community of the realm' and its about time he continued to be a full time defender of this philosophy on every issue, including on our future in the European Union.

What defines us as Scots?

Scotland is a small country in the north of Europe. Yet we are big people despite having just over 5 million inhabitants across our land. But on the weekend of the birthday of our national bard, Robert Burns, one may ask themselves this fundamentally intriguing question: what defines us as Scots?

And after making two contributions on BBC Radio Scotland's Big Debate with the ever canny Brian Taylor (how I love that Scots word), the answer, to me, is clearly not just a single one. The audience was diverse - we had indigenous Scots, Jamaican Scots, Middle Eastern or Arab Scots (such as myself), and Scots who were born or even brought up in another part of the UK such as England. Beyond that you have many other types of Scot who either live here or abroad. This diversity defines us.

The previous contributor early on in the debate (14:07) spoke about our nation being the best little nation on earth. His point was fantastic and illustrated what makes Scotland such a diverse yet united nation. I unapologetically went one step further and, with glee, described our nation as the "greatest nation on earth" (15:10). "No swagger here whatsoever", Brian Taylor declared but I went on to substantiate my point.

In all seriousness I really do believe we are the greatest nation on this planet because of this diversity. Any person can read Burns poetry. Any person can read Scots. Any person can put a saltire around their torso and wave it at Hampden Park or Murrayfield. There is no such thing as a "them and us" attitude up here because its not Scottish and it confronts our values as a people and nation. And whether you went to a faith, grammar, private or state school or whatever your ethnic or religious background, everyone is in the team and everyone counts. We are a canny people and take a broad minded view of life and the world around us and express ourselves so eloquently in many different ways, whether we are happy or sad.

And even abroad, look no further than the United States. Scotland isn't just a nation of 5 million people. There are at least five times more Scots in America, either by birth or ancestry and thankfully more and more people are tracing their ancestry to our country. Mitt Romney, who ran for the United States Presidency in November 2012, is technically one of ours because of his ancestry.

To put it simply, wherever you go, Scottishness is everywhere.

But what about recent times? Later on in the programme I put the question out into the open air asking whether regaining our Scottish Parliament or even the controversial years when Margaret Thatcher was British Prime Minister had increased our awareness and desire to defend and preserve Scottish culture (32:45)? Brian cleverly turned the direction of the question onto me.

There is no doubt that those periods in history let the genie of Scottish national aspiration out of the bottle. They were wake up calls. Now I'm not taking a stance on the Scottish independence debate here but events such as these provoked strong feeling and it isn't even thinkable to suppress those feelings, rather its actually an unhealthy thing to do. I don't think I've seen Scottish culture celebrated as much as now and I wonder if clinging on to our heritage is defining our politics today. The Yes side for Scottish independence may be way behind at the moment but who knows? Remember Liverpool beating AC Milan in Turkey nearly eight years ago?

And even events in our own personal lives can release our own genies from our own bottles. Like in my case, for instance, when I moved south to England on two occasions. Don't get me wrong, being in England was a extraordinary learning experience and in many ways enjoyable as well, particularly with regards to travelling around the nation of St George.

But you don't really realise what you've got until you leave. And once you do then you are desperate to come back and not just stay here, but contribute more than ever to Scottish society. That's certainly the case with me and, as I found out yesterday, many other people.

To finish off, I want to quote the current Irish President, Michael D. Higgins from his Christmas message last month where he said:

"As our economy has contracted in recent times, many people are feeling the consequences, in terms of employment or income. However, our economic condition does not, on its own, define who we are."

The same applies north of the border.

Alba gu bràth.

What is Islam? And who was Prophet Muhammed (PBUH)?

Today is Mawlid an-Nabi, the birthday of the Prophet Muhammed (Peace Be Upon Him). Celebrated by Muslims worldwide, it is a significant day in the Islamic calendar and a good day to show humility in reflection of the life of a very significant figure in world history, let alone religion.

You've probably heard of my religious faith in the press. And sadly for negative reasons. But let me assure you that it is not a negative religion. Actually, its the opposite and, frankly, liberalising in many ways. You and I are equals in this world and that's how Islam sees all of us. Nobody is better than anybody else and we are all unique in this world.

So what is Islam? It is an Abrahamic religion, like Christianity and Judaism and monotheistic. All Muslims, i.e. followers of Islam, make a simple declaration where they say in Arabic:

 لَا إِلَّهَ إِلَّا الله مُحَمَّدٌ رَسُولُ الله

There is no God but Allah and Prophet

 Mohammed (PBUH) was the messenger of 

God.

Islam is a way of life for Muslims. To put it simply, its about self-control, being modest and adopting a positive mental attitude to life. We don't drink alcohol, we should strive to be polite and fair in our manners always, us men to treat women properly and with respect and women to be enabled the freedom to go from strength to strength in their careers and education. A few examples nonetheless but I hope I've illustrated a positive, and true vision of Islam.

There are five pillars in Islam. Shahada, as stated above. Salah, where we pray to Allah five times a day from a timescale ranging from early morning to the end of the day. Sawm, where we fast from sunrise to sunset for each day in a period for a month. Zakat, where we donate a certain sum of money to charity. And Hajj, where each Muslim should peform the pilgrimage at Makkah in Saudi Arabia, at least once in their lives if physically and mentally to do so.

The Muslim population was at 1.1 billion in 1990 and has grown dramatically since and will continue to do so, according to TIME. Many of those Muslims are reverts and they are all over the world, including across these islands and beyond.

And who was Prophet Muhammed (PBUH)? As the Shahada states, he was the final messenger of God. He was a humble, sincere and pious individual and unified the whole of Arabia under Islam, in a peaceful manner, despite major hostilities. And his influence and his values shown in his practice, otherwise known as the Sunnah, have spread worldwide and over many centuries to this very day.

I'm no religious scholar but I just wanted to give you a brief history about my religion. Whatever your take on it, all I hope to have achieved in to have enlightened you and, more importantly, removed any myths about Islam and shown that we are, contrary to what others may say, humble, pious and sincere individuals.

IRELAND 2012: Dublin

The world famous city of Dublin is the capital of the Republic of Ireland and the heartbeat of the nation. A cultural, traditional and vibrant city it attracted 3.5 million visitors from abroad in 2010 according to Visit Dublin's website.

And I stayed here every night during my holiday and travelled from here everyday to all the locations I visited across the island. Frankly, I felt like a travelling boomerang!

One of the things I find strangely amazing is the ability to learn a city's geography very quickly upon arrival for the first time. Arriving into Dublin's Busaras, I honestly didn't have a clue where I was (obviously I knew what city I'd arrived in!) in terms of where in the city centre I was. So I walked around like a lost soul for an hour in circles round O'Connell Street and back to the Busaras again and so forth!

Until I finally figured out which bus to take for my hotel. That was a relieving moment because I did think at one point that I wasn't going to get there and my phone battery was running very low. It was a desperate time but sitting on the bed in the hotel room was a glorious moment. Especially when you take into account that I refused to fly to Dublin and instead travelled from Fife all the way to the Irish capital via various forms of transport.

But I saved Dublin until the end of my time in Ireland. The day after I went to Anascaul in County Kerry, I paid a visit to the country's most important sporting venue. Not just for sporting reasons but obviously for historical reasons as well. Cue in Croke Park.

Croke Park is symbolic of Ireland's unique sporting culture. Unlike in other countries, the Irish nation holds very dearly to their hearts the sports of Gaelic football and hurling. We had a charming, energetic and informative tour guide who took us round the stadium and took us back in time, especially to the time when Ireland went to war with Britain to secure its independence.

Croke Park and that silver desk where the trophies are presented

The visit was well timed too as it was the moment when I declared my support for County Kerry GAA. Its obvious why I did that.

On another note, what I most loved about the stadium was not only the extraordinary capacity of the ground but the views you can get of the whole city of Dublin facing west. Take a look at the picture below, it will make you awe.

View of Dublin's landscape from Croke Park

Next I paid a brief visit to Dublin Mosque. The city has a strong and vibrant Muslim community and the main mosque used to be a Roman Catholic church before it was converted. Although its not as big as the main central mosques in Glasgow and Edinburgh in Scotland, it still attracts many visitors every Friday and throughout the week. I went inside to have a look and spend some there in contemplation and reflection.

Dublin Mosque

On the Saturday, I also toured the Aviva stadium where Leinster Rugby play their home matches and where the Irish national rugby union and soccer (see you've got to be careful here because if I stated football then you'd be thinking Gaelic football) teams play their home matches as well. Formerly known just as Lansdowne  Road stadium which, before it was transformed, was relatively small. Now though, this stadium has a capacity of just over 50,000, similar to Hampden Park in Glasgow. But it is much smaller than Croke Park which can seat over 80,000 fans.

Later in the day I toured Trinity College and had a glance at the Book of Kells. Ireland's answer to St Andrews University, its traditions and workings fascinate not even just the visitors but the current students of the educational institution. I have to admit being the sort of person who watches a lot of TV, I couldn't get Gay Byrne out of my head. I think those of you in Ireland know fine well what I'm talking about!

I also walked along the quayside of the Liffey and was so lucky to have the sun shining as I managed to get some excellent pictures of the new Samuel Beckett Bridge. I also took some time to inspect the famine memorial by the river. Its so hard and scary to believe that it was only over 150 years ago when this disaster struck Ireland seeing approximately a million people dying from the macabre effects of the famine and a further million people emigrating.

Samuel Beckett Bridge

Finally, it was time to wave Slán as the ferry took me home back to Holyhead in Wales before I set on my train journey back north to Scotland.

REVIEW: BBC's The Big Questions in Glasgow, January 2013

Glasgow's Clyde Arc

Well can you believe it? Today marked probably my dozenth ever appearance on a television screen. You couldn't make it up!

The BBC hit show, The Big Questions, is produced by Mentorn Scotland and came to one of Scotland's most prestigious schools - Hutchesons' Grammar School, located in the south of Glasgow. Back for its sixth series, the show continues to be a successful hit with viewers across the UK and is full of lively, and sometimes, controversial debate.

After being full of nerves and being unable to sleep until nearly 1am this morning, I woke up just before 6am, beautifying myself before making my way to appear on BBC One this morning. Backstage in the waiting room I went on to my second cup of tea of the day and it was hardly just past 8am. But what I loved about today was how incredibly friendly everyone was. There's a strange yet sweet sense that we're all like a little family.

Because lets be honest the size of the audience on the programme isn't actually that big. We're talking about approximately 50 people (count the number when you watch the show), a crew of about 15-20 people including producers, the directors, researchers, studio runners and of course the ever canny Nicky Campbell.

After a briefing from Nicky and his colleagues we then had a warm up debate to get us all going. Particularly regarding the fact that it was bitterly cold outside so having a more than warm studio was much welcome.

10am, showtime! Hyped up and ready to go, there is no doubt that nobody can say that I was anything less than excitable. Clapping vigorously like a crazy football fan watching his team winning 5-0, the lights, music and the atmosphere were enough to overwhelm myself inside. And I say that being passionately interested in broadcasting.

To my surprise, even to this minute, Nicky was brave enough to let me speak on not one but two occasions. Firstly, by accident. Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson MSP made one of the best points of the show when she said that successful male role models shouldn't be the alpha male stereotype but instead courteous, polite gentlemen.

I agreed with that so much that I went "hear, hear" and it provoked Nicky to turn the microphone onto myself. Rather than writing my opinion of what I said on here, I'd rather you saw it for yourself (from 29:00) but what I will say is - chivalry rules.

And then my second contribution (from 47:15) was regarding whether it should be legal to get high. Now when I watched this back earlier this afternoon, I cringed. I have to admit it wasn't my finest hour at the dispatch box.

However, it wasn't completely bad. But, on the negative side, I would have rather used the word "preparations" and not "stuff" and actually wish I had answered Nicky's last question more directly. My adrenaline rush took control and drove me in the wrong direction when it came to getting the right words out. A learning experience gained I think.

On a separate note from the running of the show, I wanted to clear one or two things up from the show. I have to admit I'm a little uncomfortable with the idea of pharmacies supplying "legal highs" because I think it sends the wrong message to the public. We are responsible healthcare professionals and frankly we are talking about substances like cocaine, ecstasy and even LSD - they are extremely dangerous.

I was very intrigued to hear from all the other contributors about the issue and can completely understand their points. However, I still think the bottom line is - these substances are intoxicating and can have some extremely serious negative effects for an individual and their health.

But of course, on another separate note, there are drug rehabilitation programmes involving methadone dispensing in pharmacy, permitted under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, where patients are normally monitored on their level of consumption and then work is done to ensure that they can reduce their need and dose until they are drug free.

We should all aim to eliminate the problems that illicit drugs cause and I strongly support well co-ordinated rehabilitation programmes in the NHS and healthcare plus education as well, particularly for our young people. But that does not mean the law should be liberalised to a degree where it sends out the wrong message to people about drugs.

However, I was relieved to have made the point outlining a pharmacist's responsibilities and opening up in saying that there is a lot of debate going on in pharmacy and beyond regarding addiction to over the counter medicines.

Overall, it was well worth travelling on a 100 mile round journey to Glasgow and back to be on the show. I absolutely loved it. Being on such programmes, getting involved in the broadcasting industry and championing pharmacy's cause is what wakes me up in the morning.

IRELAND 2012: Cliffs of Moher

Myself at the Cliffs of Moher

The Cliffs of Moher is one of the natural highlights of the Irish Republic and somewhere that I very strongly recommend visiting if you ever fly across the Irish Sea. With an extraordinary view of the Atlantic Ocean and some of the world's most incredible natural landscapes, no human being who visits here could ever feel an atom's worth of disappointment.

And once again on this occasion I toured with Paddywagon Tours. We drove from Dublin to County Clare in Connacht where the cliffs are located. Over 200m high, the cliffs are home to many species of birds, for example like the Atlantic Puffin, Chough birds and the common gull. Views of the Aran Islands can be made too.

I think on this occasion words are not going to capture the mood and imagination of what the cliffs are really like. So rather than continue on, I'm going to cut my own input short and show you some amazing pictures of the place. I hope you enjoy them (and I'm sure you will too!).

One amazing day in Northern Ireland

Victory! I make it onto Carrick-a-Rede island after getting
through the challenge Carrick-a-Rede bridge!

I only spent one day in Northern Ireland when I was on the Emerald Isle. Its a fascinating part of the world. And how I wish I could have stayed longer.

Despite all the negative news coming out regarding the protests and what not, don't let it put you off from coming to Northern Ireland and spending your money there. There's a lot to see! 

Going on a tour with Paddywagon Tours we were taken from Dublin, all the way up the M1 to Dundalk before we drove past Newry and all the way up north to Ballintoy in County Antrim near where the famous Carrick-a-Rede island is situated. And you guessed it, I went over the bridge.

It is very tough. You have the gusty winds blowing into each side of your body. Its cold, damp and very turbulent and that's even if the sun is shining. Wrap up warm. One mistake and you are in very serious trouble. People have dropped mobile phones, cameras, their wallets and much more going over that bridge. I was determined not to fall victim to such an unfortunate occurrence. And thankfully, I got through to the island without any major hiccups. 

And you are rewarded with some incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean, the coastline of County Antrim, Rathlin Island and even...Scotland! Who said you were ever far away from home on the Emerald Isle?

Giant's Causeway

Next, we moved on to the Giant's Causeway, a World Heritage Site. This visit had a personal touch for me as a Scot because there's a lot of history between the Emerald Isle and Scotland. In Irish mythology, Fionn mac Cumhaill was said to have built a causeway to Scotland. This part of the world is blessed with lots of natural beauty. 

And finally we headed for Belfast. What really struck me was how unbelievably friendly the people there were. You would have probably been forgiven for thinking that no trouble had ever existed in Northern Ireland down the years. Its a dynamic city with a great future ahead of it. Belfast City Hall is a must for its architecture and even a walk around it. But the biggest winner about Belfast and the whole of the province of Ulster, and the rest of the island, is its people - ten out of ten to them. You've got to give them massive respect really especially when you put history into context.

So next time you watch the news and, God forbid, its a negative story from Belfast or anywhere else in Northern Ireland, don't be put off. Because my God it is not a dangerous place really. Its a fantastic place!

Belfast City Hall

IRELAND 2012: Cork City and Blarney Castle

Myself at University College Cork

In Scotland, we have our national capital Edinburgh. And then we have Glasgow, our other main significant city on the central belt.

In the Irish Republic, there's Dublin which is the capital. And then there's Cork - regarded as the second biggest city in the Republic of Ireland.

But why do you think I tried to draw a comparison between Scotland and the Irish Republic's main cities? You may have already guessed but, like in Scotland between Edinburgh and Glasgow, there's a little rivalry between the Irish Republic's two main cities.

Since the Irish liberated themselves from British rule, Cork has been popularly referred to as "the real capital" because it was the central point where opponents of the Anglo-Irish treaty were based during the Irish Civil War nearly a century ago.

But despite being smaller in terms of population of the current capital, Dublin, it remains as a major city in the country attracting investment from all over the world and housing a substantial proportion of the Irish population in the south of the country at approximately over 100,000 people.

Flowing through the middle of the city is the River Lee, dividing the city yet a super help if you're looking for a artistic view of the city centre. Particularly when the sun is out.

Sadly, again, this was another day of my trip when the sun just wasn't prepared to pop through the skies. But that didn't stop me from walking around the city centre, University College Cork and even making a trip to Blarney Castle in County Cork.

There's quite a fair bit to do in the city centre. You could treat yourself to some home made produce in the English Market. It is very popular not just amongst local people but tourists as well. Whether you want some fresh organic produce, fresh items from the bakery or even something delicious from the fishmonger then look no further.

Blarney Castle, County Cork

If you love spending your money then Cork is blessed with a centre full of shops. But the highlight of the city, in my humble opinion, is walking to one of its most famous institutions - University College Cork. Its been around for over 150 years and is a highly regarded educational institution across these islands. It is the educational heart of the province of Munster. The quad area on campus is blessed with some extraordinary architecture. It even reminds me a little of St Andrews in Fife.

And finally, Blarney Castle. The home of the world famous Blarney Stone. Sadly I didn't get to kiss it, because I'm such a coward. I was frozen with fear when I reached the top of the castle only to find that I was exposed to a major height down below if I had to kiss the stone. Even though the lovely gentlemen at the top tried to encourage me to do it, I just couldn't. But I still got to see it. Does that still count?

Is love pointless?

Image courtesy of thanunkorn / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Tonight I'm in a pretty dark mood. So, brace yourself.

Being in your 20's isn't easy. Particularly when you are lonely. Its a good thing I'm a media junkie and have a television to keep me entertained. With live sport, STV's Scotland Tonight and maybe even a cheesy late night documentary or film on before the early hours, what have I to complain about? Why do I even need to give up being single?

This last week I haven't kept my mouth shut about graduate unemployment, particularly within my profession. Which really means I have to prioritise my career and professional life over many other things in life particularly, for example in my own case, where you are stuck in the gravel trap and want to get yourself back onto the track.

I frankly cannot afford to even contemplate the idea and luxury of having that special person in my life to talk to when I'm at my most vulnerable emotionally. Nobody's interested in someone who isn't even remotely interested at all in romance when frankly, virtually nobody else is. And its not just me but an increasing number of people everywhere.

A Guardian article last March showed that a market research firm called Euromonitor International found that the number of singles worldwide had almost doubled in fifteen years between 1996 and 2011. And, according to the very same article on The Guardian website, over a third of households across the United Kingdom had only one person living in them. 

Sadly, this is an inevitability. We've become too interested in our own selves rather than other people. And yes sadly that's me included. Its not something I'm particularly proud of. But in a volatile economic world and after so many years of hard work, fighting to keep your career floating above water, is it any wonder that people my age have bigger and bolder priorities? The fact it, life has changed.

And not necessarily for the better. I believe some people can live alone and feel happy. But for the rest of us, its a status we don't really want. I posed the question a few weeks ago whether singles were hated? People tend to think slightly less of us when they learn of our martial status.

Which is a shame, because actually its not really our fault. Its just that...life has radically changed for many of us. And its not really benefiting us in terms of increasing our happiness. Living healthily and happy is the key and I believe a strong and stable love life is key.

But modern life has made achieving such stability too complicated. Its so expensive and when you're in major difficulties yourself then it feels almost impossible to find the person of your dreams.

Which is why, sadly, at times you inevitably ask yourself - what is the point?

IRELAND 2012: Wexford

Near Wexford Harbour

The south east of Ireland is blessed with a town that has been visited by people like former US President John F. Kennedy. Located near the major seaport of Rosslare Europort and approximately two hours south of Dublin, Wexford is well regarded as a peaceful and tranquil part of the Irish nation.

It was founded by the vikings over a thousand years ago. There are pretty views of Wexford Harbour where I observed the variety of different boats. I also had a walk on the Wexford Bridge where you are rewarded with picturesque views of the town.

Heading towards Ballybrack on the train - stunning
view of the Irish Sea!

Like much of the full week I spent across the Irish Sea, it was overcast and disappointing not to have the rays of the sunshine beaming down on the earth. But, as you can see from the photos, I still managed to capture one or two good shots of Wexford.

Main Street is full of variety when it comes to dining. And shopping also - there is nearly a mile's worth of retail therapy. Pretty impressive I would say for a town with just a population of approximately 20,000. I know of many towns with populations far higher but with little difference when it comes to the distance of their main shopping street.

What I loved especially about the day I went to Wexford was the train journey from Dublin Connolly. The views you get rewarded with during the journey are unbelievable. Some of the best in the world frankly. And despite the weather, I was lucky enough to see the sun peek through the clouds on occasions as I moved south.

Don't underestimate the journey. You get your money's worth frankly. The journey is no ordinary train journey.

Wexford

Why the pharmacy student cap will not really be fully effective until...the end of the decade.

Image courtesy of Salvatore Vuono / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

The Conservative Universities and Science Minister, David Willetts, and the Conservative peer, Lord Howe, announced earlier this month that there will be a cap on pharmacy student numbers in England, according to the Pharmacy Life website. The aim of the cap is to bring about a re-balance between the number of pharmacy graduates and NHS-funded pre-registration placements.

As welcome as this cap may be, it frankly is too little, too late. This is a measure that should have been implemented years ago. Pharmacy has, thankfully, finally caught up with dentistry and medicine in ensuring a balance is maintained between supply and demand. If I predict correctly that the cap will be effective from the next academic year, 2013/2014, then next year's graduates have a much better chance of securing a pre-registration placement in approximately a year to eighteen months time. 

But what about when they go on to qualify as newly qualified pharmacists, when they need to find secure work? This is where the main problem really exists. Right now, many pharmacists are, if they are really lucky, only able to secure occasional shifts often finding themselves heavily underemployed.

And many more are having to make serious decisions about their future. Does pharmacy even have a role in their future career and life? Its a tragedy that graduates across these islands are even asking themselves the previous question. How did it really all come to this? 

This is the reality that has shocked many newly qualified pharmacists everywhere. And we are not talking about people who, in footballing terms, would only find any hope playing in the reserves side of a football team. They are not write offs. They are talented people who have been unfortunate enough to find themselves in the middle of a volatile storm. 

I am no advocate of negativity. Nor do I scaremonger. But if we are really putting the worst scenario forward then it may not be until the end of this decade when real stability will resume in terms of ensuring a healthy balance is struck between the number of pharmacists available and pharmacist jobs and work. And that's if the economic crisis begins to finally properly ease for the first time since 2008.

How many people are going to really quit pharmacy as a profession after working for years to secure their degrees? How many people are going to stay in pharmacy no matter what stage they are currently at in their careers? These are not known and nobody knows how many qualified pharmacists exactly will be registered to practice in Great Britain, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland in the next few years. The job market is simply saturated. And deeply. Unless the amount of work available increases then there will be more unemployed pharmacists who will have to potentially make some life changing decisions.

Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are yet to implement similar measures. And as far as I am aware a similar measure does not exist in the Republic of Ireland. The other nations mentioned should implement such measures if they are to avoid worsening this employment crisis as what has unfolded in England. No country is immune from what has happened.

Just because we now have a cap on pharmacy student numbers, it doesn't mean that those who secure pre-registration placements from 2014 onwards will be guaranteed a job. Instead, they will simply have to slow down and join the long tailback on the pharmacy employment motorway.

IRELAND: The Wicklow Way and Kilkenny

At the Upper Lake near Glendalough

One of the first trips I made on the Emerald Isle was along the Wicklow Way. Blessed with amazing geographical scenery and history, this is a popular route taken by tourists and a very easy yet fulfilling trip to take at the beginning of any holiday on the Emerald Isle.

Rather than take the walking route, I travelled with a well known award winning tour company called Paddywagon Tours. Leaving Dublin early in the morning, our charismatic driver took us along round the M50, Dublin's orbital motorway before we headed down the route towards County Wicklow.

Our first stop was in a village called Glendalough. Located near the Glenealo Valley, this is an area blessed with some extraordinary scenery. Sadly the sun wasn't out but that wasn't enough to hinder my ability to appreciate the amazing green beauty of the Irish countryside. And this was the place where I had the first of many scones during my holiday. As I write more of these articles later on this week, you will not stop hearing me talk about scones. Don't be surprised if I start talking life a food critic soon!

Amazing Irish countryside with flocks of sheep everywhere
(can you spot them?)

And this trip was the first opportunity for me to properly understand Irish history. When you read Irish history, you will be captivated by how heartbreaking it is at certain points in time. County Wicklow saw. During the 1798 rebellion, it was the centre point of some of the clashes that took place between those who wanted to liberate Ireland from British rule at the time and the British army (see the BBC history article for more details). Over 200 years later tourists from everywhere, including myself, come to this part of the world unaware of what happened all those years ago until they are enlightened about it.

Brownshill Portal Tomb

Continuing on towards Brownshill Dolmen, in County Carlow, we stopped there to take a look at this fascinating monument which was said to have been built approximately around 5,000 years ago (see Discover Ireland article for more details). According to Discover Ireland, The Portal Tomb was said to have been used as a location for religious rites.

Finally, we headed to the capital of hurling. Kilkenny. Their hurling team, Kilkenny GAA, has clinched the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship 34 times in their history, including every year form 2006, apart from 2010. A stunning record if you ask me or anyone else. And walking around the town, you cannot escape the famous yellow and black colours of their team wherever you go. The people of Kilkenny take a sensational pride in their team. So much so that I found it infectious and nearly ended up purchasing a full size hurling stick. But I settled for a small sized one instead for decoration back home.

The other highlight of the town is Kilkenny Castle. It was built in 1195 and was once symbolic of Norman occupation. Today visitors flock to the castle and admire its amazing architectural beauty. And then there's a walk across the River Nore where you receive another stunning view of the castle Again the sun wasn't quite out on the day I was there but nevertheless it didn't hamper the trip.

And finally, a trip to Kilkenny isn't complete without visiting Ireland's most famous sweet shop - Kitty's Cabin. Full of amazing Irish confectionary and a wide variety of other choices, visitors to the shop are spoilt for choice.

I don't think I've ever spent so much money in a sweet shop in my entire life. As well as buying some gifts for my family back home, I bought myself a heavy yet diverse bag of pick and mix of sweets. Yum yum!

Kilkenny Castle

IRELAND 2012: The Dingle Way

Taken on the bus to Anascaul, the stunning Dingle Way

I'm not officially Irish. But I want to make a contribution throughout the whole of this week to the popular promotion of Positive Ireland. And for me there is no better way to do this than look back at my colourful time on the whole Emerald Isle last October.

Today, I start in County Kerry. My newly adopted home county. Why? Well my first name can be found in the name of a small and sweet village called Anascaul (or Annascaul), approximately 30km west of Tralee. And rather than be unfairly dubbed as vain, I'd rather revel in delight because this part of the world is absolutely fascinating.

My newly adopted Irish hometown

Sadly, I couldn't reach Dingle because I just had to get off at my newly adopted Irish home, hence taking up my time. But the journey along The Dingle Way provides nothing but extraordinary views of the country and the Irish coastline. And of course the chance to see Blennerville Windmill, the Republic of Ireland's biggest windmill. On the day I was there last year, I was very lucky. After a full week with overcast conditions, the sun decided to break its way through those clouds and shine on the south west of Ireland.

I want to head there again the next time I head to the Emerald Isle. The geography there is stunning. And it was one of the real reasons I decided to spend my money on the Emerald Isle. Ireland is full of breathtaking scenery and the Dingle Way doesn't disappoint.

Tralee is also a very lovely town. Known in Irish as Trá Lí, meaning the strand of the Lee (which is a river), it is home to one of the country's biggest festivals, attracting participants from every corner of the globe - The Rose of Tralee International Festival. Broadcast live on RTÉ One, participants take part in a contest based on their personalities and are seen as role models by others. They are seen as ambassadors for the nation wherever they are in the world. And this is especially important because the Irish family spreads from well beyond this fascinating island and beyond into millions and millions of people.

So what more do you want? Its a fabulous part of the world and especially when the weather is right, County Kerry is a fabulous part of the island. And its Gaelic football and hurling team rocks. And will win the All Ireland final in 2013.

Thought I'd just sneak that in before I end tonight.

My Irish name at the back of my own County Kerry GAA shirt

PRESS RELEASE: "The Anas Hassan Show" - Episode 1

Welcome to the first ever edition of "The Anas Hassan Show". Both parts of this month's show are below for you to enjoy:

PRESS RELEASE

"The Anas Hassan Show" - Episode 1

A new programme has been launched by newly qualified pharmacist and Scottish media personality, Anas Hassan, on his official website and his YouTube channel Anas TV.

"The Anas Hassan Show" is a feature programme which aims to cover areas such as current affairs, entertainment, history, sport and much more from a Scottish perspective. Anas also intends to bring unique guests from many walks of life to give them a platform to showcase their talent, work and their personalities.

On the day of launch of the opening episode of his new show, Anas said, "I am absolutely overwhelmed with delight about bringing a new show to the world. Today really marks a major step in my media career."

"For many years I have presented on the radio, written and edited magazines, developed my public speaking skills and now today I add a new dimension to my portfolio of work and experience. This show is about life, particularly with a Scottish dimension."

"Life is very broad and full of many things and although I'm not employed by a major broadcaster, I am very enthused by YouTube and how they enable people like myself to showcase our talent and ability to create something engaging, entertaining and informative for online audiences. I really hope people appreciate the work I've put in to creating this new programme and strongly encourage comments, feedback and questions, whether they are positive or negative."

Anas also specifically emphasised the importance of his country's contribution to broadcasting and his enthusiasm, "This is the country where one of my fellow countrymen invented the television. John Logie Baird has transformed the lives of so many people worldwide.

"Television has enabled a platform of media to emerge where talents all over the world can showcase their talent and innovation - whether its the next best music talent from a well known hit music reality programme or the creation of the world's most successful quiz show of all time."

"I take a passionate interest in broadcasting, particularly north of the border, and have done so since I grew up. Scotland has well and truly been part of the television phenomenon story. Whether its Taggart from Glasgow or Rebus from Edinburgh, Scotsport, Only an Excuse or Mrs Brown's Boys (its filmed in Glasgow by the way), my country has contributed brilliantly."

"And it continues to do so locally through the expansion of local services by both STV and BBC Scotland. I value the output that our broadcasting industry brings to the public. And although I'm not currently employed by any major broadcaster, TV or radio, YouTube has enabled me to add some diversity to the different variety of programming available from Scotland. I welcome the world to my YouTube channel and official website to see my work."

Tonight's opening episode features a well known pharmacist called Mr Dispenser where he comes on the show to be interviewed by Anas about his new book, "Pills, Thrills and Methadone Spills". Anas also tours Robert Burns' birthplace of Alloway in South Ayrshire ahead of Burns Night in just under two weeks time.

Anas commented, "I had the absolute pleasure to interview Mr Dispenser about his new book. He provides a unique insight into how and why he wrote the book. I really hope viewers and listeners will appreciate the hard work he has put into producing this very unique title. And the fact a portion of the sales will go to a good cause in the charity Pharmacist Support will undoubtedly be welcome too. I wish him every success in the world with his new book and thank him enormously for coming on the show."

"And I also took a tour of Alloway in South Ayrshire. This is a truly beautiful part of the world with a very strong heritage. Burns Night is under two weeks away and this month is a very fitting time to explore the humble beginnings of the life of one of the finest sons of our nation. I want to thank the National Trust for Scotland and the very supportive and wonderful staff for their hospitality and for enlightening me about our national bard during my time in Alloway."

The show is now available to watch above and on Anas TV on YouTube.

What is a stroke? And how you can prevent them from happening to you?

Image courtesy of ddpavumba / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Strokes are formally termed as cerebrovascular accidents. The blood supply to the brain is disturbed and this leads to the brain losing its ability to function properly and this can happen at a very frightening speed. Factors that are responsible for this are thrombosis i.e. a blockage of the blood supply, a lack of blood supply or even internal bleeding.

Strokes, no matter the level of severity, are extremely dangerous and can cause permanent injury to an individual and can even be fatal. When the brain becomes affected then functions such as being unable to move your limbs on either or both sides of your body, not being able to speak normally or understand speech and even vision can be affected.

Strokes can happen to anybody at anytime. According to The Stroke Association, 150,000 people across the United Kingdom suffer from a stroke and it is the third most common cause of death.

However, they are beatable and there is something you can do now to minimise the possibility of you suffering from a stroke. Lifestyle factors are critical - high blood pressure, smoking and a poor diet resulting in high cholesterol are major contributors to strokes. Preventative measures are essential and it doesn't require too much of an effort to make the necessary changes that will help you in the future.

Decrease the intake of fatty foods - cut down on your intake of takeaway food (you can still have the odd treat once a week!), eat less sweets and chocolate bars. And increase your intake of good food such as fruit and vegetables (remember your five portions a day). Have Scotland's finest breakfast - porridge! It is a super source of slow releasing energy and you can make it taste delicious too by having a different flavour of porridge every morning for instance.

Cut down on your smoking. The National Health Service now run smoking cessation clinics everywhere. Find out where your nearest one is by contacting either your local pharmacy (many pharmacies now run smoking cessation clinics) or GP practice. Did you know that, according to the National Stroke Association, smoking doubles the risk of a smoker when it comes to potentially having a stroke in comparison to a non-smoker?

So start making those simple changes to your life now and soon enough you will be living a happy and healthier lifestyle and thus minimising the risk of you having a stroke or something else that could badly affect your health.

Appearing on the STV News at Six commenting on graduate unemployment

Last night on the STV News at Six, across most of Scotland, I made a brief appearance in a report complied together by political editor Claire Stewart where I commented about graduate unemployment. If you weren't able to catch the news last night or didn't see it online then the report features in the programme through this link, approximately nine minutes into the programme. 

Claire interviewing me

So far, I've had quite a strong response from friends and family about my appearance last night. And thanks to the bulletin last night, its no secret now that I have struggled in recent months to find any work as a pharmacist and I'm now opening the doors to many other options. You cannot blame me really. Even as little as two years ago nobody in pharmacy really thought such a scenario would play out for many pharmacists, particularly the newly qualified ones. But how things have radically changed now and its unfortunate that such an employment crisis now exists. But its really important that nobody specifically should be blamed and that a way forward should be sought to fix this situation and prevent it from happening again.

The last thing any unemployed individual wants to do is to become inactive. That will lead to the unemployed individual falling behind everyone else in the jobs market and will damage their chances of achieving employment again.

I certainly don't regret taking part in the report. It is a major issue for pharmacists across the UK as well as Scotland and I'm definitely not the only one who is struggling. The jobs supply is running dry everywhere, regardless of where you are located.

Myself and STV cameraman Matt

I'm delighted that for the first time in a long time that this particular issue was highlighted on a major national news bulletin, because it will raise awareness of the problem in the public domain and, hopefully, lead to positive solutions in the not too distant future which will end the scandalous occurrence of unemployment for a profession which up to now has recorded impressive levels of employment statistics for pharmacists across these islands. I have no doubt that politicians, stakeholders within the profession and healthcare in general will have been watching last night's bulletin.

And don't forget that its not even just unemployed pharmacists who are affected. There are pharmacists out there who have found work but are not getting enough hours - they are underemployed. But for other pharmacists, they are very lucky people. And by all means have earned their success.

But I'm afraid ladies and gentlemen leads to one more strong point from me. And some of you won't like to hear it but if anything really irritates me then its when I hear someone, who is employed and in work, posting a status or tweet on social media showing feelings of negativity about the fact that they are working. Frankly, its offensive because whilst there are many talented, motivated and keen individuals out there really pushing to find work, it makes me sick to my stomach when I hear someone casually say how they aren't looking forward to going to work. Being grateful for what you have is key in life and remember that there are people out there who would love to be in the employed position like those who are lucky enough to be in work. Having said that though, I do understand that work isn't stress-free. Nobody likes stress and that's totally understandable. And not every place of work is a pleasant place either - there may be many underlying issues that exist which cause the feelings of negativity. I do understand such issues exist, so don't think I'm being unreasonable when I've made the points in this last paragraph.

The Scottish and UK governments have taken measures which have demonstrated that they are aware pharmacy graduate unemployment exists and needs to be tackled urgently. Later on this year the Holyrood government will hear a review carried out by Dr Hamish Wilson, with assistance from Professor Nicolas Barber of the University of London, about aiming to enhance the role pharmacists role in healthcare provision. I will be anxiously awaiting the results of this review and no doubt I'll report on it when it gets published, God willing.

Meanwhile, it was an absolute pleasure to be interviewed by a top class journalist who undoubtedly I'm a big fan of. I remember Claire Stewart from my university days as she was originally based at STV in Aberdeen. But now she's moved on to being political editor at STV in the central belt and no doubt will flourish in her career.

Matt, Claire and I

I also want to mention brilliant STV cameraman Matt who it was a pleasure in meeting as well for filming the images for the report. I don't think people behind the scenes get enough credit for the work they do in producing those programmes for the viewing public. Their job is much harder than people think. They've got to get the camerawork done perfectly and also ensure that it is done at a high quality to ensure any content created for broadcast is suitable to be broadcast.

And finally, Claire's final words in the report may well have struck a chord with many out of work. But lets just hope that, with time and action, we will see many people, undeservedly out of work, back into work and being successful once again.

Being a passionate romantic matters!

Image courtesy of mapichai / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

BBC Radio Scotland's Call Kaye programme on Monday posed the question of "How important is it to have romance in a relationship?" - my answer is that its fundamentally important.

Romanticism is the fuel to any successful relationship. Romanticism is like a car key - you can't start and drive the car without it. And without it, the relationship goes nowhere. And even if you feel it can go somewhere without it, then well, no it can't actually. Either it ends in misery, amicably or its just seems to be the most, I imagine, boring relationship in the world. And how miserable would any relationship be if it was just based solely on convenience, lust without love and/or nothing else?

And I mean what's more exciting than walking into the house after a long hard day at work and seeing your partner for the first time in hours? You can't help but smile at him or her. You can't help but give the love of your life a big kiss and a comforting, warm and happy hug. Its beautiful. Its the best part of the day and no human being can resist the heart warming effect that such activity has on a human being.

When your partner celebrates a success of your own or theirs and you share that joy, then that's romantic. When your partner is feeling not so good and is in need of help, it is only natural to rush to their aid and support them and that's romantic. When your partner and you talk to each other about your feelings, thoughts and fears then that's romantic. Love is romantic.

So all I'm going to say this week is two things. Firstly, if you think I'm absolutely insane and running away with myself then I'm afraid to disappoint you. You don't enter relationships as if its another life tick box exercise. Relationships are sensitive and precious things to have in life. If you cringe at the idea of being a romantic then you may well have major trouble ahead. So don't be afraid and learn the art of romanticism. It will benefit you hugely in the future.

But if you are a romantic person then you will absolutely be successful. Romanticism is a winner in any relationship and it has worked since human beings came to existence. Why should it stop now? Its human nature to show love to your partner. Its good for you, your partner and your relationship. Its fun. Its healthy. And it blesses you and those around you with happiness.

And as a Scot, I can only recommend reading some of Robert Burns' poetry if you need a bit of inspiration. After all romanticism rules!