Chemist On Call Newsletter October 2011


Company News

New website is a year old...

It has been an incredible year for Chemist On Call, with the new website not only providing more intuitive medication checks, but also allowing customers to handle both single and multiple medications online in one place. We have seen a significant increase in medication checks, as individuals realise the importance of checking ALL medications for risk of side effects and contra-indications.

The new website is designed to help your staff avoid medications that cause restrictions as well as providing important health and wellbeing information.


Absence Management - Nurses On Call has the answers

Have you thought about the costs of absence? Whether multiple single days or several longer periods, each day costs your business money. Nurses On Call is a nurse-led absence management service that guarantees to reduce your costs and improve your staff wellbeing with a balanced approach to caring and performing. Come and meet the Managing Director at the next Employment Law and Wellbeing Breakfast Briefing – Wednesday 9th November 2011 at 7 Bedford Row, London, WC1R 4BS.


The Infrastructure Show - 17-19 October 2011

Our associated company Healthcare Connections will be exhibiting at The Infrastructure Show, 17-19 October 2011, NEC, Birmingham. The team would be delighted to welcome you to stand AH01, where you will be able to discuss the full range of innovative occupational health services from the group, including:


For free entry, you can register in advance using priority code TISX at www.infrastructure- show.com.

Seasonal Flu

An extremely contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza A, B or C viruses appears most frequently in winter and early spring. ‘Flu is transmitted by either droplets due to coughing/sneezing or direct nasal or eye contact with hands carrying the virus. Good hygiene is most effective at preventing the spread of germs, always make sure you wash your hands regularly with soap and water, clean surfaces like your keyboard, telephone and door handle regularly to get rid of germs, use tissues to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze and put used tissues in a bin as soon as possible.

Symptoms include the sudden onset of high temperature, severe aches and pains in the joints and muscles and around the eyes, generalised body weakness, headache, cough, sore throat and watery discharge from your nose and the appearance of warm, flushed skin and red, watery eyes.The symptoms usually peak after two to three days and you should begin to feel much better within five to eight days. However, you may have a cough and still feel very tired for a further two to three weeks.

To prevent or alleviate symptoms and return to work sooner consider these treatments:

The ‘Flu Vaccine can provide protection against ‘flu and is available free to the following high-risk people: aged 65 or over, pregnant women, those with a serious medical condition, or living in a residential/nursing home, carers of people at risk of ‘flu complications and healthcare professionals. Individuals not in the above risk groups can have a ‘flu vaccine privately through company occupational health schemes such as the one offered by Healthcare Connections.

Antiviral Medication is available should you have been exposed to the ‘Flu virus or are in a high risk group. Your business may benefit from supplying staff with their own supply of antiviral medication as part of a business continuity programme to minimise absence. Medication to ease ‘flu symptoms includes over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen or paracetamol – to lower high temperature and relieve aches, antihistamines and decongestants to help with congestion. Ideally drink lots of fluids, get plenty of rest and keep warm.

Every medication, no matter how insignificant you feel it might be, must be checked with Chemist On Call. You could be surprised at how many cough mixtures/decongestants restrict duties and quite simply, you may have picked up the version that causes drowsiness.

Nurofen Plus Update

Last month we alerted all our customers to the news of contaminated Nurofen Plus packets, where it appears that an error or sabotage happened within a warehouse, causing anti-psychotic medication to be placed in the anti-inflammatory medication packs.

All Nurofen Plus were subsequently withdrawn from the market.

Following an investigation and redesign of the packs, Nurofen Plus will go back on sale in tamper- proof packs in early October, however individuals must still exercise caution when choosing this medication as it has both health and safety advice and will show within a drugs screen.

New Standards for Drivers with Diabetes Mellitus

If you suffer from diabetes, either newly diagnosed Type II (medication treated) or Type I (insulin treated) there are many potential risks to your ability to carry out safety critical duties and in particular your ability to drive.

The DVLA has updated its requirements for approval to drive Group 2 vehicles. Read more about the restrictions and requirements to request authority to drive.

Dedicated Service for Independent Contractors

Independent contractors need to adhere to the Railway Group Standards and must have a mechanism in place to check their medication.

Until now, our service has only been available to companies, but with the success of the new website, we are delighted to launch a Pay As You Go scheme whereby a credit card payment secures access to our 8 – 5 p.m. service. Call now to set up your account on 08456 773002 – speak to Bookings.