The Co-operative Pharmacy latest news

Smokers’ friendships go up in smoke

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 15:11:00 GMT

The secret to quitting smoking is to stub out friendships as well as cigarettes if people are to succeed in giving up, according to new research. A study by The Co-operative Pharmacy * has revealed that almost one in five smokers (19 per cent), avoids their friends who tempt them to smoke as well as socialising in pubs to help them break the habit. More than two out of five smokers say that whe...

Co-operative Pharmacy launches modern apprenticeship

Fri, 08 Mar 2013 13:51:00 GMT

The Co-operative Pharmacy has announced today, in the run up to National Apprenticeship Week (11-15 March), that it is offering branch colleagues the opportunity to complete a modern apprenticeship that covers retail skills and customer service. The modern apprenticeship has been built around the Pharmacy business’ internal colleague training content and can be completed by new and existing...

Smokers you might as well face it you’re addicted to....

Thu, 31 Jan 2013 09:35:00 GMT

Smokers trying to quit readily cave in to their cravings – and blame it all on their ‘addictive personalities’ - despite taking heed of health messages, trying alternative therapies and wanting to save cash by giving up. And even after successfully giving up, one in three former smokers admits they get addicted to something else. The survey of 2000 smokers* conducted by The Co-operative Pharmac...

Outbreak risk from rise of ‘workers-flu’

Mon, 05 Nov 2012 12:08:00 GMT

More than one in three people fear new strains of flu and a possible outbreak of the virus, new research reveals. A study by The Co-operative Pharmacy* has highlighted that workers would contribute to the spread of any flu outbreak by going to work ill and still can’t recognise all of its symptoms. Men would be the worst culprits for spreading what they think is the virus as more than half...

COPD pilot service launched in Co-operative Pharmacies

Fri, 26 Oct 2012 00:30:00 GMT

An innovative health service for people with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) has been launched by The Co-operative Pharmacy and the Met Office in preparation for winter. The service, called Healthy Outlook®, is being introduced as a pilot scheme which is being funded by the Department of Health National Innovation Fund across 26 pharmacies in Lancashire. If the pilot is successful...

The Co-operative Pharmacy raises over £100,000 for UNICEF

Tue, 25 Sep 2012 11:26:00 GMT

The Co-operative Pharmacy has raised £101,000 for UNICEF, the world’s leading children’s organisation, at a recent charity dinner. The fantastic sum was generated by holding a black tie dinner with generous table sponsorship from colleagues and suppliers of The Co-operative Pharmacy. The event was held at The Banqueting House, Whitehall, London, on Thursday 13 September 2012. UNICEF UK...

The Co-operative Pharmacy becomes carbon neutral

Mon, 13 Aug 2012 10:54:00 GMT

The Co-operative Pharmacy has become the first retail pharmacy chain in the UK to become carbon neutral. The Co-operative Pharmacy has achieved this status by reducing its greenhouse gas emissions, purchasing electricity from renewable sources, and offsetting the remaining emissions by supporting projects that either absorb or avoid the equivalent amount of greenhouse gas emissions released by...

One Careplast Plasters - one year on

Thu, 26 Jul 2012 16:13:00 GMT

One year on from the launch of One Careplast Plasters into The Co-operative Food and Pharmacy stores nationwide, the three A-Level students behind the “One Big Idea” have travelled to Malawi to see the difference that has been made from the sales of their product. Emmie Rayat, Taylar Leak and Deryn Hertz, from Bushey Meads school in Hertfordshire, beat hundreds of entries to design a product th...

It’s crock ‘N’ roll at this year's festivals

Thu, 21 Jun 2012 14:49:00 GMT

Festival-goers this summer are more concerned with personal hygiene and keeping clean than letting their hair down and partying hard, according to new research issued today (20 June 2012). And music events are being invaded by an ageing generation of ‘crock stars’, with one in six festival-goers being over the age of 45 this year. The study by The Co-operative Pharmacy among 2,000 festival-goer...

Co-operative Pharmacy partners with Bupa home healthcare

Tue, 29 May 2012 16:38:00 GMT

- Pharmacy extends outpatient dispensing service; Home healthcare offering launched with Bupa - The Co-operative Pharmacy and Bupa Home Healthcare have entered into a new partnership which will see The Co-operative Pharmacy extending its hospital outpatient dispensing offering. The partnership will deliver benefits to both patients and Hospital Trusts and means that in addition to offering an...

Cost of a good night’s sleep rises to £50M

Fri, 11 May 2012 09:13:00 GMT

The NHS in England is spending almost £50m each year to ensure the nation gets a good night’s sleep as job insecurity and money worries bite during the economic downturn, according to new research * out today (11 May 2012). Insomnia is a significant problem which now affects more than one in three adults ** . The Co-operative Pharmacy has investigated the provision of sleeping pills by the heal...

Inhaler take back scheme launched in Scotland

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 14:17:00 GMT

Innovative environmentally-friendly disposal scheme comes to The Co-operative Pharmacy throughout Scotland People in Scotland who use respiratory inhalers to treat their asthma and COPD can, for the first time, take steps to reduce their carbon footprint by returning their inhalers to a local Co-operative Pharmacy for recycling. Complete the Cycle, is an innovative respiratory inhaler take back...

Dark clouds hang over UK smokers

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 15:04:00 GMT

Smokers in the UK are cutting down on the amount they light up when dark clouds loom above, according to new research by The Co-operative Pharmacy. A survey of 2,000 smokers’ workplace habits including builders, office workers, school teachers and health workers* has found that almost half (47 per cent) wouldn’t be prepared to brave the elements for a cigarette. Younger smokers were more likely...

Co-operative Pharmacy wins outpatient dispensing contract

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 11:36:00 GMT

The Co-operative Pharmacy has been awarded a five year outpatient dispensing contract with Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. This follows a formal tender process with an option to extend the contract for another two years. The service will be delivered for Accident and Emergency patients and outpatients from two pharmacies, one at Bradford Royal Infirmary and another at St Luke...

The Co-operative Group delivers solid results in line with expectations

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 07:00:00 GMT

Preliminary results for The Co-operative Group for the 52 weeks ended 31 December 2011 The Co-operative Group continues to invest through the economic downturn Financial performance 2011 2010 % change Gross sales £13.3bn £13.1bn +1.0% Group operating profit £585m £582m +0.5% Profit before tax and member payments (equivalent to the pre-tax profit of a plc) £373m £396m -5.8% Net borrowings £1.49...

Brits use rogue websites for prescription medicines

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 09:25:00 GMT

#7 Brits are unwittingly putting their health at risk by purchasing medicines from rogue* internet sites, according to research out today (27 March 2012). A study from The Co-operative Pharmacy** has found that over 50 per cent of people who purchase drugs and other health remedies on the internet won’t or don’t know how to check they are using a reputable and regulated pharmacy. The majority o...

New outpatient dispensing contract for Co-operative Pharmacy

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 16:09:00 GMT

Following a formal tender process The Co-operative Pharmacy has been awarded a seven year outpatient dispensing contract with Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust. The service will be delivered for Accident and Emergency patients and outpatients from a purpose-built pharmacy at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary and from a newly refurbished area inside Calderdale Royal Hospital. The award...

Co-operative Pharmacy’s first outpatient dispensary officially opened

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 12:18:00 GMT

The Co-operative Pharmacy’s first outpatient dispensary at Doncaster Royal Infirmary was officially opened this month by Chairman of Doncaster and Bassetlaw Hospitals Foundation Trust, Chris Scholey and Managing Director of The Co-operative Pharmacy, John Nuttall. Following a competitive tender, a seven-year contract was awarded to The Co-operative Pharmacy last August. Expected savings to the...

Co-operative Pharmacy extends flu jab scheme

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:38:00 GMT

The Co-operative Pharmacy is making extra stocks of the flu vaccination to its branch network in preparation for a surge in flu following recent outbreaks in Europe and in Mexico. Community pharmacies have been given an extra 30 days to vaccinate customers until the end of March in a bid to encourage people to get the jab. The latest figures show that just over half of those under 65 classed a...

Smokers ‘banned’ from lighting up at home

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 06:30:00 GMT

The smoking ban and stigma of lighting up has created an army of secret smokers across the UK with people claiming to have been banned from their own homes, according to new research. A study of 2,000 people by The Co-operative Pharmacy * has revealed that since the smoking ban came into force across the UK in 2007 (2006 in Scotland), one in 12 have a home smoking ban in place. More than half o...

‘The economic downturn’ leads to £1bn worth of angst

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 10:34:00 GMT

Anti-depressant and anxiety drug use has risen 26 per and cost the health service over £1billion since the start of the economic downturn in 2007, according to research issued today (30 December 2011). A study by The Co-operative Pharmacy into antidepressant and anxiety drug dispensing across over 150 primary care trusts in England found that in 2010/11 49.8 million items were prescribed, up fr...

Cold and flu remedies get unwrapped at Christmas

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 09:40:00 GMT

Christmas will be a time of happiness and joy but will drive many to stock up on remedies for the medicine cabinet from today (Monday 19 December 2011). Office parties and family gatherings take their toll on people who are as likely to require a cold and flu cure as opposed to celebrating with mulled wine, according to new research by The Co-operative Group . Figures from over 3,800 The...

The Co-operative Pharmacy launches new pre-registration website and revamps placement schemes

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 16:31:00 GMT

The Co-operative Pharmacy is targeting pharmacy students with two new work experience programmes after listening to what individuals really want from their on-the-job training. The business has also launched a new website to make it easier for students to apply for the schemes. There are two training programmes: Recruitment is now underway for the 2012 summer placement which will offer a...

Brits turn to drastic weight loss methods

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 00:30:00 GMT

A new study has today (Monday 21 November) highlighted the worrying lengths that Brits will go to, when it comes to losing weight. According to research* conducted by The Co-operative Pharmacy , one in 10 people would starve themselves to lose weight and another one in 20 would consider bariatric surgery such as a gastric band to shed the pounds. Disturbingly, the number of those willing to g...

Co-operative launches Europe's largest private flu jab scheme

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 11:56:00 GMT

Over 100,000 Co-operative Group employees are set to receive a free flu jab in Europe's largest ever private sector flu vaccination programme. Absenteeism from colds and flu costs UK businesses £1.1bn* each year, according to Co-operative estimates. The staff, who work in more than 4,500 locations across the UK, will be offered the jab either at 42 workplace clinics** or via 400 of The...

Interim results for The Co-operative Group for the 26 weeks ended 2 July 2011

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 07:00:00 GMT

Results in line with expectations: The Co-operative Group continues to invest and modernise Financial performance Financial and operational highlights Peter Marks, Group Chief Executive Contact details Financial overview Financial performance H1 2011 £m H1 2010 £m Group sales (incl. VAT) 6,891.7 6,950.9 Underlying Group operating profit* 275.1 308.1 Underlying profit before payments to and on...

Shirley Valentine moments lead to sexual infections

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 00:30:00 GMT

Summer thrills are leading to unwanted souvenirs for travellers seduced by the sun, sea and the promise of sex, according to research out today (18 August 2011). A study by The Co-operative Pharmacy , part of The Co-operative Group , shows a 22 per cent summer surge in visits to sexual health clinics from May to September* while more than one in three** Brits abroad admit to having had...

One in six face weight discrimination

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 00:30:00 GMT

Brits are turning to obesity drugs to beat the bullies as one in six claim to have faced discrimination because of their weight. Research1 by The Co-operative Pharmacy has revealed almost one in five people aged between 18 and 35 years old have been victimised over their weight with women the most likely to be ridiculed about their bodies. Depression and stress was the greatest influence to...

Co-operative Pharmacy expands services for Muslim community

Tue, 26 Jul 2011 15:27:00 GMT

The Co-operative Pharmacy is extending its dedicated healthcare service for members of the Muslim community by offering a meningococcal (ACWY) vaccination package to pilgrims travelling for Hajj and Umrah. The service is in partnership with Novartis Vaccines and The Muslim Council of Britain. In addition to offering tailored medicine checks and stop smoking advice throughout the rest of July an...

Reducing needless A&E visits could save NHS millions

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 00:30:00 GMT

Nose bleeds, stubbed toes and sprained muscles are among ‘emergencies’ Brits would attend A&E Departments for treatment, according to research issued today (14 July 2011). An analysis by The Co-operative Pharmacy of A&E attendances over four years has revealed that each year two million* Britons visit A&E Departments unnecessarily, costing the NHS £136 million** - the equivalent of employing...

Sick Brits ‘dying of embarrassment’

Mon, 09 May 2011 09:14:00 GMT

Embarrassing health problems are driving Brits to desperate measures according to research out today (9 May 2011). The Co-operative Pharmacy study* has revealed that two in five people would rather go untreated for a health issue because they are uncomfortable asking for help, with teenagers the most likely to suffer in silence. Fear of a humiliating trip to the pharmacy has led to many people...

The Co-operative urges consumers to “join the revolution”

Mon, 07 Mar 2011 00:30:00 GMT

The Co-operative today (7 March) launched a major new communications programme calling upon consumers to “join the revolution” and help secure a more balanced and sustainable future for the UK

The Co-operative launches most radical corporate ethical plan and encourages customers to join the revolution

Fri, 18 Feb 2011 00:01:00 GMT

The Co-operative Group encourages customers to Join The Revolution as it announces the most radical sustainability programme in UK corporate history that will spearhead its membership drive and help build a more sustainable economy.

Children in the UK lack basic knowledge to avoid serious illnesses

Thu, 03 Feb 2011 10:30:00 GMT

Children continue to be at risk of catching serious illnesses such as Swine Flu because they have not been educated about the simplest and most effective protection – hand washing - according to research released today (3 February 2010). The study, commissioned by The Co-operative Pharmacy , has revealed that nearly two in three parents fail to ask their child to wash their hands when carrying...

New inhaler recycling scheme is a breath of fresh air

Wed, 02 Feb 2011 16:56:00 GMT

People with respiratory illnesses can now recycle their inhalers thanks to a new initiative launched by The Co-operative Pharmacy and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK). The scheme – a first in Europe – is part of an initial six-month trial in partnership with eco-friendly manufacturer, TerraCycle UK. Approximately 35 million GSK respiratory inhalers, including 25 million Ventolin packs are used in the UK...

Unsafe sex the night before leads to morning after pill

Sat, 01 Jan 2011 00:30:00 GMT

Thousands of women risk waking up on New Years Day with more than a hangover as over one in five blame partying with drink or drugs for not using contraception with a new partner, figures* reveal today (1 January 2011).

Risky Christmas cocktail of frisky fifties and unsafe sex

Mon, 06 Dec 2010 16:12:00 GMT

The stereotypical image of sexually promiscuous teenagers has been dispelled as a myth today (6 December 2010). New research reveals that the current crop of youngsters are four times more likely to hold on to their virginity than older generations. A study* ahead of the Christmas party season into the sexual habits of 3,000 people by The Co-operative Pharmacy shows that one in five teenagers...

Co-operative Pharmacy wins national award

Wed, 24 Nov 2010 14:25:00 GMT

A Co-operative pharmacist and her team from Fife are celebrating after winning a prestigious national award. Pharmacist Lucia Castagnetti and the team from The Co-operative Pharmacy in Crossgates received the accolade for Pharmaceutical Care at The Scottish Pharmacy Awards held recently at The Thistle hotel in Glasgow. Lucia was a joint winner at the awards which were organised by pharmacy...

7.6 million working days lost due to flu

Mon, 18 Oct 2010 15:15:00 GMT

A total of 7.6 million working days are lost in the UK because of flu each year, costing the British economy £1.35bn according to new figures released today (18 October 2010) by The Co-operative Pharmacy . A survey of more than 3,000 people by one of the UK’s leading pharmacies reveals that last year, flu accounted for the most number of days lost (1,141) among short-term illnesses. After flu,...

The Co-operative Pharmacy raises £100,000 for UNICEF

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 14:18:00 GMT

The Co-operative Pharmacy has raised £100,000 for UNICEF, the world’s leading children’s organisation, at a recent charity dinner hosted by ITV Granada journalist and presenter, Paul Crone. The fantastic sum was generated by holding a raffle and auction amongst staff and suppliers at Manchester Cathedral last Friday (24 September). UNICEF UK ambassador, Ewan McGregor, thanked The Co-operative...

Rother Valley MP, Kevin Barron visits The Co-operative Pharmacy

Wed, 22 Sep 2010 11:42:00 GMT

Rother Valley MP, Kevin Barron, visited The Co-operative Pharmacy’s Bawtry Road branch in Wickersley on Tuesday (21 September). Mr Barron, who is also Chair of the All-Party Pharmacy Group and Co-chair of the Associate Parliamentary Health Group, listened to staff and observed the pharmacy’s health services in practice which include medicine use reviews and a minor ailments scheme. With a new...

Mobile phone hygiene risk to millions of people in the UK

Mon, 16 Aug 2010 00:30:00 GMT

New technology, from smart and mobile phones to laptops, could be spreading illnesses and potentially killer diseases because of poor hand hygiene, according to research released today (16 August 2010) by The Co-operative Pharmacy . Each year, more than 750 people die and almost one million people ¹ are ill with bugs which can be passed on or contracted by not washing hands. As part of its...

The Co-operative urges fasting Muslims to quit smoking during Ramadan

Mon, 02 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The Co-operative Pharmacy is extending its award winning Ramadan campaign to encompass stop smoking advice to Muslim patients during Ramadan. A total of 82 Co-operative Pharmacies located in areas with a high proportion of Muslim customers, have been specially trained to offer a free tailored “medicines check” service which now incorporates stop smoking advice. Although Muslims who are ill can...

Co-operation helps homeless stay safe in the sun

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 14:46:00 GMT

A unique scheme to protect homeless people against the health risks associated with sun exposure is now underway. The Co-operative Pharmacy with the organisation, Sunwise, is supplying free factor 30 sun cream and after sun to the homeless in 14 UK cities during the summer months, to help shield them from one of the fastest growing forms of cancer in the UK – skin cancer 1. Following the initia...

The Co-operative Pharmacy trial contactless payments

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 11:26:00 GMT

The Co-operative Pharmacy is to trial contactless payment in its branches after joining forces with Barclaycard.

New study highlights global sanitation gap

Mon, 05 Jul 2010 00:30:00 GMT

UK and Togo worlds apart on a basic human function The stark contrast in sanitation standards between the UK and developing countries was underlined today (5 July) when research revealed that one in five of British single householders have at least two toilets, in comparison to residents of Togo, West Africa, where only 32 per cent of families have access to, or are able to use latrines. This...

Nottingham pharmacy technician wins industry award

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 15:56:00 GMT

Sally Clarke of The Co-operative Pharmacy in Aspley has been crowned ‘Pharmacy Technician of the Year’ in the 2010 Awards run by the leading weekly magazine for retail pharmacists, Chemist+Druggist (C+D). Sally picked up her trophy at a glittering ceremony in London’s Mayfair in front of an audience of around 500 people, including representatives from community pharmacy, wholesaling, the...

Storm warning for hay fever sufferers

Wed, 31 Mar 2010 08:52:00 GMT

Hay fever sufferers could be about to experience the "perfect storm" in 2010, thanks to the gathering forces of Mother Nature. The unusual combination of birch pollen levels peaking again this year, as part of a biannual cycle coinciding with a late spring, could cause mayhem for those with hay fever, according to The Co-operative Pharmacy . Lisa McCreesh, Clinical Governance Pharmacist, at The...

Pharmacists play crucial role in treating minor ailments

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 11:22:00 GMT

A leading UK pharmacy has today backed a new campaign which calls for a change in attitude towards the treatment of minor ailments, as too many people visit their GP with minor problems such as coughs and colds. The Co-operative Pharmacy has said that in the last year it has seen a notable rise in the number of customers using its pharmacies to receive common ailment advice. It is supporting th...

Yeadon pharmacy backs national no smoking day

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:57:00 GMT

A Yeadon pharmacy took up temporary residence at two local health centres in a bid to help members of the community stop smoking for this year’s national No Smoking Day (10 March). Following the success of last year’s event at Yeadon Health Centre, staff from The Co-operative Pharmacy in High Street extended their advice sessions to Silver Lane Surgery, to offer help on stopping smoking. In...

The Co-operative Pharmacy warns on sex infections danger

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 16:42:00 GMT

One of the UK’s leading pharmacies has issued a stark warning to older women about the dangers of unprotected sex - hot on the heels of a major national campaign to raise awareness of unplanned pregnancies among women over 35. The Co-operative Pharmacy , which has nearly 800 branches, has seized on the "Conceivable?" campaign , launched by the Family Planning Association (FPA) last week, to...

Open day at new-look Moffat Pharmacy

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 15:25:00 GMT

Members of the local community were invited to visit Scotland’s oldest pharmacy – Thomas Hetherington in Moffat – for the official unveiling of its new look last Thursday (21 January). After a consultation with the local townsfolk, the pharmacy’s owner, The Co-operative Pharmacy , has refitted the branch on Moffat High Street, to bring a number of improvements. These include a private...

Co-operative launches Gold Hearts Appeal

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 07:00:00 GMT

Co-operative stores across the UK are backing the 2010 Variety Club Gold Hearts Appeal , which has been officially launched by singer and TV personality Alesha Dixon. Alesha Dixon, who is the face of the 2010 Gold Hearts Appeal, has designed a limited-edition Gold Heart badge to raise money for The Variety Club Children’s Charity. The badges will go sale in more than 4,000 Co-operative Food...

Stevenage Co-operative Pharmacy staff help man who falls on ice

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 17:14:00 GMT

Staff at one of The Co-operative Pharmacy’s Stevenage branches came to the rescue of a passer-by when he slipped on the ice and hit is head during the ‘big freeze’ last week. After being alerted to the incident by a customer, supervisor, Sue Spicer, called an ambulance as the man had fallen over a low wall, injured his head and was losing blood. Dispensing assistant, Sarah Day, calmly followed...

The Co-operative Pharmacy launches Europe’s most advanced pharmacy distribution facility

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 16:56:00 GMT

The Co-operative Pharmacy has demonstrated its commitment to innovation with the launch of its £16 million distribution facility in Stoke on Trent. Peter Marks, Co-operative Group Chief Executive and Rory Delap, midfielder for Premier League team Stoke City FC, officially opened the facility today, Wednesday 28 October. The purpose built, highly automated, 190,000sq ft distribution centre...

Blackpool pharmacist wins Pride of The Co-operative Award

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 15:42:00 GMT

Pharmacist John Proctor from The Co-operative Pharmacy in South King Street, Blackpool, was presented with a Pride of The Co-operative Award at a London ceremony. John received the trophy prior to the prestigious Pride of Britain Awards, which was broadcast to six million people earlier this week. To celebrate The Co-operative’s sponsorship of the Pride of Britain Awards, the organisation...