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.

What makes a great football manager?

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Tonight sees one of the biggest games of the season in world football. Manchester United host Real Madrid in England and both teams will be competing for a place in the final eight of this season's Champions League.

Future manager of Manchester United one day perhaps?
I took a seat on the Man Utd bench during a tour of Old
Trafford last summer.

But its not really about what's happening on the pitch that is going to fascinate me. This match will be won or lost on the touchline. Tonight will see two of the world's best managers in Sir Alex Ferguson and José Mourinho outwit each other. Who will utilise tactics effectively enough to win? Who will keep calm and carry on to victory? And who will be able to take the initiative to win?

Although the players are in control of the ball during 90 minutes, a manager's decisions make the difference in the end. In both the Scottish and Portuguese managers, we have two gentlemen who are precise in detail when it comes to outlining how to win and two managers who take mental attitude equally as seriously as physical ability. 

Let's also remember that a game can also be won in the media suite. The role of the media is vital and both managers have mastered the art in talking a good game, in order to win a game. But they have also mastered the art in producing a thought provoking performance in front of the cameras and microphones and Mourinho especially has proven this before tonight's tie and on many other previous occasions.

But Sir Alex's experience counts for everything and he's been at this stage of the Champions League many, many times. That doesn't mean Manchester United will prevail by default later on but its certainly an advantage.

Whatever the strengths and weaknesses of both men, it is clear that tonight's match will not necessarily be won on the pitch. It'll be won on the touchline.

Which drug could be next for the CD cabinet?

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BBC News has reported that the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs' chairman, Professor Les Iversen, has recently recommended that the pain relief drug, Tramadol, should be re-classified as a class C drug.

Image courtesy of voraorn / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

The drug is often prescribed for moderate to severe pain and acts on the central nervous system. It normally comes in the dosage form as capsules, but can come in tablets and in an effervescent form. In the UK, however, they are normally dispensed as capsules. Its side effects can include an increased heart rate, causing extra pressure on the cardiovascular system, fever and hallucinations.

A potential re-classification could potentially impact on the way pharmacists dispense the drug in future. The ACMD's report on the consideration of tramadol has also suggested that tramadol should fall under schedule III of the Misuse of Drugs Act, meaning that any potential change in the regulations could see pharmacists being legally required to keep the more commonly prescribed synthetic opioid in the CD cabinet. Other drugs that fall under schedule III of the regulations include buprenorphine, phenobarbital and temazepam.

If such a change takes place then that will mark a significant change in the way tramadol is dispensed and pharmacy will witness one of the most radical changes in drug/medicine legislation in many years. It will mean regular trips to the CD cabinet just to dispense the drug in accordance with a prescription because it is being prescribed more and more often. In fact,  But there is evidence to suggest why such a change may take place.

Between 1998 and 2009, the number of deaths caused by use of tramadol rose from just 2 fatalities to 111 - a dramatic rise of 5,550%, over a period of a decade. As terrifying that percentage figure may be, it just goes to illustrate how major this issue has become. It could be linked to the increasing number of times the medicine is prescribed, but this is unclear.

And with major concerns building up constantly about whether the drug is being used appropriately, technically nobody from ACMD can be blamed for suggesting such a legislative move. But in reality, it'll increase the workload and responsibilities of pharmacists and any re-classification of tramadol may open the way for other drugs to be covered by further regulation in the future.

Scotland's pharmacists are having a ball!

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Last night in the Scottish capital was home to a nationally prestigious event in the Scottish healthcare calendar. People from all over the pharmacy profession and beyond descended onto the Edinburgh International Conference Centre last night to celebrate the very finest talent and achievements of the pharmacy profession plus get together for, simply, a jolly good time. Almost 400 people approximately attended the event.

The Scottish Pharmacist Ball and Awards is a major occasion which brings out the feel good factor in everybody involved with pharmacy in Scotland. Taking place around about this time almost a quarter of the way through the year, approximately a dozen different awards are up for grabs and recognition of the talents and abilities of people in the profession is enshirned nationally and beyond. Categories included a clinical excellence award, community and hospital pharmacy teams of the year (separate awards), pharmacist of the future and health promotion.

Edinburgh International
Conference Centre

Twelve different categories of award were achieved last night alongside a special recognition award for outstanding contribution to pharmacy. The event was hosted by Capital Radio's Des Clarke who provided a lot of laughs as well as a dynamic delivery of the proceedings.

I was delighted to be in the company with the wonderful people of Strathclyde Pharmaceuticals Limited table, a pharmaceutical wholesaler based in East Kilbride. And my appearance at last night's awards was all last minute (just under two hours before it all began!) as the original member of their table was unable to attend therefore leaving me to fill the remaining vacant seat.

The Scottish Pharmacy Review will, without a doubt, feature comprehensive coverage and a list of all the winners from last night's awards so watch out for the next issue for many more details!

And if you're a pharmacy professional or involved in the profession in any way, then why not think about applying for next year's awards? Watch the Community Pharmacy Scotland website later on in the year for details about the 2014 awards. I may have a go myself, if I'm feeling lucky!

Exploring chronic pain in pharmacy

Last night pharmacists across the Kingdom of Fife and beyond congregated at Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy for a special seminar on chronic pain management. The event consisted of talks from specialists and a series of workshops where pharmacists and other personnel discussed issues ranging from the effectiveness of over the counter medicines for pain relief to more complicated treatments through exploring a series of pre-set case studies.

What was so striking about last night was the diverse range of opinion and personal learning experiences that participants shared, particularly during the workshop sessions. It became clear to me personally that pain relief is not just some sort of an irrelevant issue that can be brushed aside in pharmaceutical care. There's much more to it.

For instance, one of the consistent highlighted issues that kept coming up was attitudes towards over the counter treatments. It became apparent to me that many perceive simple and basic treatments, such as paracetamol over the counter (or even in a GSL pack) as ineffective and simply because they were being sold without a prescription.

A former British Prime Minister once used an infamous catchphrase, "back to basics". And as far as pain relief is concerned, maybe it is time to head back to basics. Even us pharmacists should become more aware of the opportunity that may arise through speaking with our patients about their medicines, in the fact that all our patients may require is just a chance to put their concerns and thoughts forward about what they are taking and how happy or unhappy they are with the medicines they have been prescribed to achieve the desired therapeutic outcome.

Its amazing how much one can learn from even an event like this. None of us have seen it all and there is always an opportunity to learn something new. It was a terrific night and was especially fun talking with fellow pharmacists about their experiences as well.