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Changing pharmacy ownership regulations may make it harder for pharmacists to deliver the integrated health services called for by the Government, the Pharmaceutical Society says. 

The long running shortage of metoprolol succinate is over, after Pharmac announced the drug will return to stat dispensing from May 1 this year.

The Nelson pharmacy sector has lost a familiar face with the retirement of Stuart Hebberd, the owner of Prices Pharmacy.
 

The group who will work out the terms of this year's Community Pharmacy Services Agreement has finally been announced and already held its first meetings.

The results of the latest Pharmacy Quality Audits are out and, at first glance, compliance appears to be worsening but the regulator says the change is due to new auditing criteria rather than slipping standards.

Devonport pharmacy staff are mourning the loss of a local cat and well-known character, Benjamin, who was run over last week.

Kaikoura GP Chris Henry could well be the new “pinup boy” for rural general practice; his efforts in the aftermath of last November’s earthquake epitomising all that is good in rural practice – adventure, emergency work, a wide scope of practice and good people.

Changes are coming to the Community Pharmacy Services Agreement, but it's not clear whether next year's new contract will be very different from the current model.

The authorities are urging pharmacists to report any health stores or other businesses illegally selling pharmacy-only medicines, in the wake of a widespread scandal uncovered by Pharmacy Today.