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July 2014
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no.217 • £4.75
The Number One magazine for the care sector
Collaboration ‘can improve’ medicine use
By Dominic Musgrave
SPECIALLY trained pharmacists can play a positive role in collaboration with GPs, nurses and care home workers in better managing the appropriate use of antipsychotic medicines for people with dementia in care homes, a study has revealed. According to the results of a largescale audit of 463 care homes over a two-year service pilot, over one quarter (26 per cent) of residents reviewed did not have any symptoms which necessitated a regular anti-psychotic medication, and in almost two thirds (58 per cent) of cases the risk of the medication was deemed to outweigh the benefit. In addition, the audit resulted in over 20 per cent of residents having their anti-psychotic dose reduced, and more than 17 per cent realising antipsychotic medication discontinuation. The audit was undertaken by selected Boots UK pharmacists, some of whom had received additional Alzheimer’s Society training to enable them to better support people with dementia and carers. Alistair Burns, national clinical director for dementia at NHS England, said: “The prescribing of antipsychotic drugs in people with
dementia is associated with increased mortality and morbidity. “This exciting publication underscores the key role that pharmacists have in optimising prescription of medication in this potentially vulnerable population.” The study was commissioned by Boots UK in order to demonstrate the potential added value that community pharmacy can offer, and the significant contribution this service could make to the NHS. The pilot service demonstrates how the commissioning of pharmacy services could help further improve the care of vulnerable patients who live in residential care homes, working in partnership with other healthcare professionals. David Wright, professor of pharmacy practice at the University of East Anglia and one of the study authors, added: “Reducing the use of antipsychotic drugs for people with dementia is a government priority, and this audit has shown that collaborative working between pharmacists, GPs, nurses and care home staff is a key way of addressing this objective. Pharmacy is an underused resource within the NHS and this latest research demonstrates a valuable role community pharmacists can play in improving patient care.”
Hull chef is named UK’s best at final
Angela Rippon helped Bennfield House Nursing Home in Doncaster celebrate its 30th anniversary. The television star and Alzheimer’s Society ambassador toured the home and chatted with residents during her visit. She was joined by Doncaster resident Trevor Jarvis, who lives with dementia and is also an Alzheimer’s Society ambassador. Residents, families and staff at the home also enjoyed the celebrations with afternoon tea, the annual presentation of staff awards and entertainment by former X factor finalist Alan Turner. Angela is pictured with Bennfield House matron Penny Bennett.
JENNIE-MAY Smith, a chef at Berkeley House Care Home in Hull, was named the UK’s best care cook when she secured victory at the national final of the National Association of Care Catering’s care cook of the year competition. Jennie-May emerged triumphant against 11 other chefs thanks to her menu of smoked mackerel frittata, followed by lemon posset with hemp thins and berries. She said: “I am overwhelmed and shocked to have won. I have only been in the care catering industry for just under a year. I am very thankful for all the support I have received in achieving my win.” Giles Conroy of Sunrise Senior Living of Bramhall, Stockport, claimed second place and highly commended main, with Gareth O’Hara of Sunrise Senior Living of Cardiff taking third place and Becky Allcorn from Catering Academy Ltd at Rotary Lodge, Worthing, securing highly commended dessert.