Every year the Nottingham based society holds numerous events showcasing the talents and skills of their own members as well as those from other universities. Through these events they look to not only support their members’ hobbies and skills but also to create a sense of unity amongst their members and to educate them on African and Caribbean history. It was these initiatives and enthusiasm that impressed everyone at Crescent Pharma and made them happy to offer their support.

On behalf of the society Shuenesu Badza says, ‘As a not-for profit student society, we look to sponsorship to ensure that all areas within the ACS are to a certain, acceptable standard. It is only through sponsorship that we can maintain standards of our society and ensure we continue to gain that status and recognition of Best ACS in the country. In particular we are extremely proud of the current structure of the ACS football team, and this upcoming year we are expecting a very promising and exciting season throughout the whole sports department of the ACS. We are also looking to go on tour with both the football and netball teams next year to Italy, where we will be involved in tournaments with other teams across the continent. This is just a small example which shows our vision and how serious we consider sport within our society.’

The money that Crescent Pharma has donated has been used to purchase full football kits along with printed names and squad numbers. Any remaining funds have been put towards the purchase of equipment required to aid the running of training sessions.

Chief Executive of Crescent Pharma Mohammed Al Doori says ‘We are very pleased to be in a position to support the IPF; independent pharmacy is key to the continued growth and development of the pharmaceutical industry and it is important that their political interests are properly represented. By helping to relaunch the IPF as a subscription based organisation the board will be able to carry on their important work in a sustainable manner and to help them to do more in the future.’

The event, which took place at the House of Commons yesterday, was attended by heads of pharmacy bodies, GPs, politicians and manufacturers. Its relaunch, following its original formation in 2006, marks a strong a statement of intent given that it now boasts a political punch, with Labour MP Claire Ward at the helm as the body’s new chief executive.
“It’s a difficult time for community pharmacists. At first (the IPF) didn’t have the organisational support or funding to do what we wanted to do for community pharmacists. We wanted to get together to relaunch the IPF with that organisation,” she said. “We want to ensure there’s an exclusive and stronger voice for independent pharmacy.”
IPF chairman Fin McCaul added: “We’ve been considering how to secure clinical input at all levels (for pharmacists). We are almost a dying breed. We were once 80% of the sector. Now, we are down to 40%. What we’re passionate about is working collaboratively to improve outcomes for patients. Independents have provided innovation in the past and we continue to promote that.”

Financial backing for the IPF is crucial for the body to function effectively and, at the time of the event, Sigma Pharmaceuticals managing director, Bharat Shah, revealed that three companies had pledged funding – Sigma, Crescent Pharma and Genus Pharmaceuticals.
He was, however, concerned that much is still to be done for pharmacy to gain the recognition it deserves. “We’re not even recognised as important enough to be on GP consortia,” he said. “We lobbied to change the name of GP consortia. It gives the impression it’s a club for doctors.”

The IPF also revealed in a survey that a staggering 98% of independent pharmacists do not believe that the current structure of GP consortia provide the scope to maximise pharmacy’s skills in a reformed NHS.

www.pharmacy.biz

Published 16/06/11

http://www.pharmacy.biz/independent-pharmacy-federation-relaunches-to-bolster-sector-834.aspx

‘Standards for pharmacy owners and superintendent pharmacists of retail pharmacy businesses,’ which were laid down by the General Pharmaceutical Council in September 2010, state that pharmacists must ‘Ensure products with a marketing authorisation are supplied where such products exist in a suitable form and are available, in preference to unlicensed products or food supplements except where an exemption has been authorised.’

Calcium and Erogocalciferol tablets are available through most major wholesalers including: AAH, Unichem, Phoenix, Sigma, Day Lewis Group, Lloyds and a range of other small wholesalers.

Calcium and Ergocaliferol is listed in part VIII of the Drug Tariff.

Pip Code: 1125608
Format/pack size: The medicine is available in a blister pack size of 28 tablets
License Number: PL 20416/0033
Telephone: 01256 772730
To request a copy of the SPC or for further questions email: info@crescentpharma.com