Do you need a journalism qualification to make it in the media?

In the hot seat at STV News in Aberdeen last year

It's one of my worst kept secrets that I have an ambition to make it in the media north of the border. People look at me baffled when I tell them that my university degree was a science one and ask me why I didn't complete a degree in journalism or the media. But there is something beautiful about the world of journalism that appeals to me particularly.

It is the fact that, unlike in other professions or other fields of work, there is no official prerequisite for a journalist or broadcaster to have an educational qualification in that field. That said of course many go on to gain a qualification and build their careers in the aftermath of graduation. For many years, I was playing around with the idea of completing an MA in Broadcast Journalism (there are many successful journalists who have gained this qualification, or a similar one, and utilised it to beneficial effect in their careers).

But I'm more open minded now, for two reasons. Firstly, I am now aware of journalists who have never completed a qualification in that field and have managed to get into the media with the existing qualification that they have gained. For example, I know of journalists who have completed a degree in the law and yet they decided to become broadcast journalists instead, going on to fulfilling successful careers to date.

And secondly, the questionable cost effectiveness of going back to university to gain a second qualification. I've heard of many stories of people gaining their second qualification and heading to little or no success. Approximately £10,000 (tuition fees, living costs and other costs) is not pocket money to many and parting with that cash might not be the best idea in the context of things.

That said, there are many other options someone can pursue in order to gain some sort of a respect qualification in the field of journalism. Yesterday, I was discussing this issue with a friend of mine at the hospital radio station I currently present at. I came to the conclusion that my skills, experience and confidence was what mattered the most. The fact that I have now completed two successful work placements with STV and Kingdom FM is a major boost in my favour and something that I deeply value. I think I managed this because of my deep interest in journalism and my enthusiasm for what I do. It's vital that I keep this up.

I'm very engaged with what is happening in Scotland right now - not just in terms of current affairs, but culture, sport and many more issues. To me, what matters is that I keep my finger on the pulse when it comes to the latest developments across the country.

I reckon that I may be one of those journalists who did go to university, but not to do journalism instead becoming a graduate with a pharmacy degree. But that's no waste of time or money, because I had to do a lot of writing assignments during my studies anyway - whether it was writing my thesis, reflective commentaries or laboratory reports. And you couldn't just write an informal few lines and leave it there - you had to put an appropriate style and be concise in your writing.

I shall carry on gaining experience and building my growing skill set. I've learned so much over the last while and, in reality, know my self-worth (also knowing that it must increase at the same time). The only thing I need now is for someone out there to be won over and turn my life long passion into a fulfilling career.

One year today, I was a pharmacist out of work. Today, where am I?

Reflection is a key part of anyone's life. I've done lots of it.

Today is the 1st anniversary since my appearance on the STV News at Six where Political Correspondent, Claire Stewart, interviewed me about my desperate situation in being unable to find work at this time last year. After registering as a pharmacist in late 2012, I found myself unable to find the first step on the employment ladder and my case was featured in illustrating how I, and many other graduates across this country, have been affected by the damaged job prospects.

It's hard to believe that it's already been one year since I surprised many people (from what I anecdotally heard anyway!) by appearing on their television sets. But this week has been quite a surreal experience for me personally. It was only yesterday that I found myself in the public gallery at the Scottish Parliament, watching a debate taking place on the Scottish economy.

There was one dramatic moment during the proceedings which, for me personally, was of major significance. Angela Constance MSP, the current Scottish Government Minister for Youth Unemployment and Jenny Marra MSP, Scottish Labour's Shadow Minister for Youth Unemployment, were involved in heated exchanges over the current youth unemployment situation. It was at that moment that the jigsaw pieces fell together. A co-incidence in timing, probably, but I sensed some sort of a link between yesterday and my appearance on the television news at this time last year.

I'm incredibly glad I was invited by Claire to put my own personal story on the public record (and cannot thank her enough once again), because I want people to appreciate that, no matter what someone is trained to do or what talent someone may have, there will be times when life can get difficult and where help is necessary. Some may wonder what on earth a pharmacist was doing on the news last year, in the context of the tough jobs market, because many people think pharmacy is one of those professions where work is guaranteed after registering as a pharmacist.

It amazes me, with complete and utter disbelief, how many people think that pharmacists can still walk easily into a job without any form of disruption or difficulty. Within the last two or three years, pharmacy has been caught up in a volatile and damaging storm where more and more graduates are beginning to find that the supply of pharmacists is now exceeding demand for them. The Centre for Workforce Intelligence predicts that unless major action is taken then there could be an oversupply of as many as nearly 20,000 pharmacists in England by 2040.

If there is any lesson to be learned from what has happened in our economy over the last few years, it's that nobody is safe, nothing is guaranteed and no profession is immune to market forces in the economy. I may market myself well online and elsewhere, but I'm only human. I can't walk through this world on my own and, frankly, nobody else in this world can.

You may be wondering now as to what I'm actually doing a year on since my appearance on television. It's nearly been one year since I became self-employed. It's a new phase in my life and it's one that I've generally enjoyed. Because there are so few permanent jobs now for pharmacists (not just in Scotland, but across the United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland and many other countries), many newly qualified pharmacists go down the locuming route.

You work in all sorts of places, you meet different kinds of people and you see different ways of how things are done. I've been incredibly fortunate to work all over Scotland and really enjoy the constant change that being a locum brings. The work situation started off slowly when I became self-employed, but I got more and more busy as 2013 progressed. Now though, it's a little quieter now as many of the employers tend to hold on to their permanent staff at this early stage of the year before the year picks up momentum. On another note, Claire said something very powerful at the end of her report a year today: "...but he knows his future may not now lie in the career he's trained for."

If you know me well enough then you will no doubt know that I have my finger on the pulse when it comes to communication and the media. Whether it was my work placements at STV News and Kingdom FM, achieving my Competent Communicator award (public speaking) with Toastmasters International or presenting my weekly radio show on Victoria Radio Network in Kirkcaldy, I've got a desire to do well in the Scottish media. I cannot deny that, because if I did then I would be denying myself. You can never say never in life and it's important to engage with your own passions. I would say with confidence that I have a natural flair as a communicator and it's something I want to continue to grow and be continuously successful with.

And finally, if there is anything that I have learned in this last twelve months, it is the fact that no matter what people think of you, say about you or what opinion they hold of you, the only person who can make things work is you. Self-belief, self-confidence and self-determination go very far.

They aren't cringeworthy attributes to hold. Without them, there is no hope. These attributes are essential ingredients in creating a recipe for success.

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?

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.

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.

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

listen to ‘Sativex’ on Audioboo

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®.

Which drug could be next for the CD cabinet?

listen to ‘Tramadol recommendations’ on Audioboo

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!

listen to ‘Scottish Pharmacist Ball and Awards 2013’ on Audioboo

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!

Should the "Conscience Clause" be abolished?

Image courtesy of Idea go / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

"Our greatest happiness does not depend on the condition of life in which chance has placed us, but is always the result of a good conscience, good health, occupation, and freedom in all just pursuits." (Thomas Jefferson)

And how that above quote and principle one of the Medicines, Ethics and Practice Code of Ethics marry so romantically. Pharmacists are there to support patients and make them their first concern, no matter what else is going on.

As a qualified pharmacist and a man of Islamic belief, I don't ever intend to use the opt out option. That's not to say that I wouldn't enquire with a local doctor about the clinical effectiveness and safety of a patient's prescription, but when it comes to services like the emergency hormonal contraception then, as long as a legitimate need is there for EHC and the legalities of making a sale or supply are fully adhered to then there isn't a problem. 

So why isn't it a problem for me? As far as my religion is concerned, the vast majority of scholars permit contraception. And think about the name of the service provided - Emergency Hormonal Contraception. Conception is stopped by inhibition the process of ovulation. The pregnancy begins when the implementation process has taken place. EHC, such as levonorgestrel 1500mcg, cannot be taken after 72 hours since unprotected sexual intercourse has taken place. Although it isn't exactly known when implantation takes place, it is very unlikely to be in that 72 hour period.

When the pharmacy code was reviewed a few years ago, the decision was made to continue to opt out option for pharmacists who may want to take the option of refusing to sell or supply certain medicinal products. It left organisations such as the National Secular Society disappointed as they had called for the clause to be removed.

But think about it. How many pharmacists have you seen, either as a patient or whether you are involved in the profession, actually refuse to supply a medicine because of personal beliefs? In my experience, the answer is none. I imagine there may be a handful of pharmacists across these islands and beyond who opt out of providing certain services. But again, its only merely a handful and this has provoked some people in the profession to question the legitimacy of there being a "conscience clause". In fact, some may ask what is the point of having one?

But there is no need to abolish the "conscience clause" because we already have a strong code of ethics that actually guides us and defines the number one priority is as a pharmacist - our patients. And what's more, it is not my place to turn around and start dictating what a person's personal beliefs should be. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that we are acting in the patient's best interests but it is also the responsibility of the individual to reflect on past actions and critically examine whether they possess a legitimate reason not to provide a certain service or whether their personal beliefs compromise patient care. Pharmacists who choose not to provide EHC are still strongly advised to refer any patient in need of the service to the nearest pharmacy who provide it or, in some cases, an appropriate healthcare practitioner. 

It is a controversial issue that will never go away, whether it stays or goes. But what's certain is that nothing can compromise principle one of the code of ethics. Not even a person's own set of personal beliefs.

Smart drugs aren't so clever

Image courtesy of digitalart / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Yesterday, I read this weekend's edition of the Pharmaceutical Journal about the use of certain drugs by students in order to increase their ability to perform well in examinations at university. There is no doubt that university is a colourful part of someone's life and not only for the reasons of going out and building a sustainable social circle and enriching yourself in it.

But then of course there is the continuous number of assessments that just keep coming and coming. There are products available which an increasing number of students over the years have started to take in order to enhance their performance, like cognitive enhancers. And some of those students have even stated their approval for using those drugs as it has improved their performance in exams.

But I'm sceptical. As the saying goes, "don't judge a book by its front cover".

Because this whole issue boils down to one thing - safety. The side effects of drugs like methylphenidate and modafinil are very unpleasant and can dramatically affect the cardiovascular system and the brain. Too many people see the short term benefit and snub the long term damage that inappropriate use of those medicines can cause. We are jumping into the swimming pool with two feet and not anticipating ourselves for getting the dive right and avoiding anybody who may happen to be in our way when we head for the pool.

Personally, the growing use of cognitive enhancers, without a proper diagnosis, has been caused by a fear of failure in life, which has arisen due to the fact we have refused to see beyond the boundaries of academia. Academia has almost become a prerequisite for success in life and that certainly isn't the case. Life is bigger than that.

And, as far as exams are concerned, I don't really think there is a need to chase so enthusiastically after those medicines for the purposes of simply getting an extra five marks in an assessment. Its not worth it at all and not even for half a mark. The whole purpose of studying a course at university is not to solely become an exam passing machine. It is to enlighten a person about the subject being learned and to achieve new skills which are essential for employment and further advancing someone's career.

For too long, there has been too much emphasis and, dare I say this, panic about simply passing exams. Its become too much of, "you must get an A" or "you must get better marks than the person or group of people you loathe in your class". We need to realise that in each of us the only competition is simply ourselves and nobody else. Not everyone is an academic genius and I don't think the "you must go to university or you are surplus to life's requirements" attitude that has been indoctrinated into people's minds in the last fifteen years has any credibility whatsoever.

From my own personal experience, I was never an academic genius and proved this during my school years and time at university. There were always people out there who would beat me 999 out of a 1,000 when it came to examinations. Yet, so far, I can say I've done fairly alright in life. And there are many people who have been incredibly successful who never even went to university. Look no further than the entrepreneurial stars of Dragons' Den.

Life's real test hasn't been about how many marks you can accumulate in an assessment, and frankly never will be. Its about how brilliant of an individual you can be. I'm not suggesting that academically bright people can't go on to become awesome individuals but its about time we embraced individualism on a full time basis and accept that everyone is different and has something special in them to be successful in life.

And finally, as far as achieving employment is concerned, what is the whole point of studying for an academic award when you aren't preparing yourself for the long term and connecting your abilities with the needs of the workplace? We are human beings and not exam passing robots. We are all unique and not monotonous.

And we are all uniquely brilliant in our own ways.

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 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.

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.

"The Anas Hassan Show" comes to a screen near you!

Brace yourselves ladies and gentlemen, I'm arriving onto a TV, laptop, computer or smartphone screen near you!

Because I have a new and exciting show lined up for the YouTube airwaves! My new show, "The Anas Hassan Show" is a show for Scotland and the rest of the world, made in Scotland. The show will aim to cover many aspects of life such as current affairs, culture and travel. Plus we will be having interviews with the stars of today and tomorrow.

The show also aims to create a positive image of the Scottish nation and the can do attitude that makes us so great as a nation and people. For too long Scotland has been unfairly associated with negative connotations. However, although I'm only one person, I hope to reach out to audiences worldwide by providing entertainment and information that engages the viewer, regardless of who they are and where they are watching.

On the first episode next Saturday 12th January 2013, available from 6pm, we have an interview with one of the most talked about people in the pharmacy profession worldwide. Mr Dispenser, as he is known, has published a new book called "Pills, Thrills and Methadone Spills". Join me as I chat with him about his new book and about him as a person. And I also take you on a tour of Alloway, South Ayrshire - the birthplace of our national bard, Robert Burns, as Burns Night is only a few weeks away.

Should you have an idea for the show, comments, concerns, feedback or questions then please do not hesitate to contact myself at: anas@officialanashassan.com

I really hope that you can join me for my first show next weekend.

Pharmacy student? Pre-reg? Maybe even newly qualified?

Image courtesy of Salvatore Vuono / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Pharmacy student? A pre-registration pharmacist? Or maybe even just newly qualified?

I would like to hear from you as I plan to carry out a personal investigation into the growing crisis facing the pharmacy profession with regards to pharmacist unemployment and particularly our young people in the profession who's futures matter for the future evolution of pharmacy.

And this is where your important role comes into play. I want to hear from you with regards to your hopes, aspirations, concerns and even fears about where your future is going.

I would also welcome any input from the General Pharmaceutical Council, Royal Pharmaceutical Society, academics, community, hospital and industrial pharmacists, pharmacy leaders and entrepreneurs, managers, journalists within pharmacy/healthcare or any other person directly or indirectly related to the pharmacy profession.

Your time and input will be hugely valuable to me as I hope to seek solutions and answers with regards to this growing crisis and also instil hope for everybody so that a bright, positive and prosperous future exists for the pharmacy profession.

If you are interested in helping me then please e-mail me: anas@officialanashassan.com

I look forward to hearing from you.

Latest Scottish Pharmacy Review magazine

I am delighted to announce that just a few minutes ago, I discovered that my article regarding why politicians do understand community pharmacy in Scotland has been published in the latest edition of the Scottish Pharmacy Review.

To take a look at it, please visit: http://www.pharmacy-life.co.uk/ and head to the 'Magazines' section.

Please note that only suitable healthcare professionals within the pharmacy sector will be permitted to access this section of the website.

Then make your way to the latest magazine. I feature at the end of the magazine.

Alternatively, if you are expecting a copy at your community pharmacy place of work then you can check me out in the magazine too! Print or online, I'll be there!

Politicians DO get community pharmacy in Scotland

Forget recent negative comments about pharmacy, lets applaud our politicians in Scotland for showing insight into community pharmacy and what pharmacists can do for our communities.

Scotland has always led the way when it comes to taking the quality of our healthcare forward, particularly since devolution came to life in 1999. And Scottish community pharmacy has also led the way when it comes to showcasing the talent, ability and innovation that equates to the success story that is community pharmacy and our talented community pharmacists in Scotland.

The budget across the country in all areas of life is being squeezed year on year. But having said that, the publicity that community pharmacy is winning is a welcome boost for pharmacy in Scotland. The last few weeks has seen our profession attacked so unprovokedly, unnecessarily and unacceptably by a minority of elected representatives.

But if you take a look at the MSP's visit section of the Community Pharmacy Scotland website then it really is not fair to ignore the hard work MSP's are making to actually recognise the welcome value that pharmacists in Scotland bring to the NHS and healthcare provision.

And whether its Scotland's First Minister or members of all the political parties or none from Holyrood who take time out of their busy schedule to see community pharmacists in action, the work that they undertake on the observational visits is more than enough to combat the unfair accusation levelled at politicians that they seem to be doing 'nothing' about pharmacy.

Its also worth noting that pharmacy in Scotland is the envy of the rest of the United Kingdom and beyond. When the new pharmacy contract was implemented, it demonstrated that pharmacy in our nation was ready to elevate to the next level.

The Minor Ailments Service has enabled the much welcomed autonomy given to pharmacists to be able to directly support patients who may not have the time to see the GP but still receive appropriate treatment for a minor ailment. Whether its athlete's foot, a cough, eczema or even hay fever (the list is not exhaustive, see the full list here) then this much welcomed service has been a major success story in Scotland, enabling pharmacists to make full use of their patient-focused skills and freeing some of the GP's time. Some other parts of the UK are now implementing a similar kind of service, like Wales, however many more patients in other parts of these islands still don't benefit from such a service.

The Acute Medication Service see Scotland's pharmacies accepting GP10 prescriptions including barcodes on them. A patient with a prescription can wait less longer as all the pharmacy needs to do is scan the prescription, receive the content of the prescription electronically without the need to input data into the dispensing computer and then just get the pharmacist to check to clinically check the prescription before the patient receives their medicines. Convenient for patients. Convenient for pharmacies.

The Scottish pharmacy contract also contains an element which is the Public Health Service and this enables pharmacies to play a role in enabling their patients to be encouraged, educated and supported in self care. Pharmacies are expected to take part in campaigns run nationally (where they normally have to display a health promotion poster) covering public health issues such as smoking cessation, healthy eating and annual flu vaccinations.

And finally, the Chronic Medication Service. In England, these are called Medication and Use Reviews (MUR's). But Scotland has its own unique service. It is broken down into three stages. Stage I consists of the patient registering their interest, with full permission given by them, in using the service if they are taking medicines for long term conditions. Stage II involves the pharmacist using a pharmaceutical care plan in order to identify the needs of their registered patients regarding their care and addressing those needs. And Stage III involves establishes the integrated effort of care provision where the GP issues a prescription at appropriate time intervals over an agreed period of time where at the end of that period of time an 'end of care summary' is sent to the GP electronically covering issues such as compliance and any recommended courses of action that the GP may choose or choose not to take.

After all that detail, it is fair to say that our politicians, stakeholders and pharmacy leaders have gone beyond the call of duty when it comes to addressing the needs of patients who utilise pharmacies and also has enabled pharmacists in Scotland to make maximum use of their clinical and patient-focused skills within a nationally agreed framework.

Our elected representatives must maintain, sustain and protect the defence of the role of the pharmacist within the healthcare system in Scotland, and the rest of the UK. But in a time when one negative comment or assertion can ignite a passionate outcry of lack of fairness and a sense of victimhood, lets pay tribute for a change to the vast majority of our politicians for recognising the hard work that pharmacists perform in Scotland's National Health Service.