Taking into account the ageing UK population, higher demand for medical treatment and an increase in the price of drugs, the government is working hard to ‘balance the books’. While the decision to give GPs greater influence and move away from Primary Care Trust structures was contentious, the figures for 2011-12 suggest substantial savings have already been made.

Recurrent savings required
The Department of Health estimates that the NHS needs to make recurrent savings of up to £20 billion over the next four years. This is equivalent to efficiency savings of 4% per year. Figures show that the NHS made efficiency savings of £5.8 billion in 2011-12; however, while this is a good start, it remains to be seen whether these savings are sustainable.

The Department of Health reports: “We estimate that up to £520 million of the reported savings for 2011-12 were non-recurrent (one-off in nature), meaning the NHS will have to find replacement savings in future years. The need for the NHS to make up to £20 billion of savings is based on the savings being recurrent.”

It goes without saying that the NHS has focused on making the ‘easiest’ savings first, benefiting from the public sector pay freeze and action taken by the Department of Health to control prices. It has also made efforts to reduce back-office costs and the use of temporary staff.

During the current year, a third of healthcare providers plan to make savings of 5% or more of operating costs but evidence suggests that year-on-year savings of more than 5% have not been achieved in any other hospital sector.

Positive signs
The NHS lived within its budget in 2011-12, reporting an overall surplus of £2.1 billion. However, 21 NHS foundation trusts and 10 NHS trusts finished the year with a combined deficit of £307 million. Performance standards for waiting times – particularly in hospital settings – were achieved and rates of healthcare-associated infections continued to fall. Furthermore, patient surveys show that patient experience was either maintained or improved.

“The NHS has made a good start and clearly delivered substantial efficiency savings in 2011-12,” says the report. “These savings will need to be maintained and built on if up to £20 billion is to be generated by 2014-15."

“For the NHS to be financially sustainable and achieve value for money in the future, it will need to quicken the pace of service transformation and make significant changes to the way health services are provided.”

The NHS white paper arguably represents the largest single change made to the NHS since its inception in 1948. While politicians still disagree over the GP consortia, figures for 2013-14 will be the acid test of whether GPs can really manage local NHS services more efficiently.

What are your views on managing the cost of NHS treatment?  Join the debate and share them below.

Here are a few tips to help you decide whether you need private medical insurance, and how find the right policy for you:

1. If your employer (or your partner’s employer) already has private medical insurance cover for all employees, you probably don’t need your own policy
2.  Make sure you can afford to keep up with the premiums or your cover will be cancelled
3. Certain factors such as age, medical history and whether or not you smoke may affect your policy price
4. Be aware that you may have to pay for treatment upfront and claim it back from your private medical insurance provider, and there may also be a qualifying period before you can make a claim
5. Exclusions may apply and there may be an upper limit to payouts. Make sure you read the small print before you buy

If you’ve decided to take out a private medical insurance policy, make sure you shop around online to find the best deal. Price is an important factor, and can vary significantly from company to company, but it is also worth finding out what benefits are included. It is vital that you disclose your full medical history when you sign up, as failure to do so may invalidate your policy.

Once you’ve bought your policy, you can make savings by shopping around for any medication you need. With a NHS prescription, patients pay a flat rate of £7.85 per item. On a private prescription, however, the patient has to pay a dispensing fee and the full cost of the medication.

If the medication you require is not covered by your policy, or you have to pay for it and claim it back, it is worth making sure you get the best available price. This is also the case if there is an upper claims limit to your policy, as it means you will be able to get as much medication as possible before that ceiling is reached.

Online pharmacies are often the cheapest places to fill private prescriptions. Internet pharmacies in the UK must be registered with the General Pharmaceutical Society and display their registration number on the website. Visit www.pharmacyregulation.org if you need further confirmation of a site’s authenticity.

In the current tough economic climate, individuals and families can save money by shopping around for private medical insurance and for many types of medication.

If you've ever had a problem with your private medical insurance, or saved money on your private prescription by using an online pharmacy, share your experiences with our readers and help them avoid any potential pitfalls.

Research from Bath Spa University showed that an unusually high number of volunteers were able to match pictures of dog owners to their pets,
suggesting that there can be a visual similarity between the two.

Dr Lance Workman, one of the researchers, said: "There is a little bit of truth in the theory that owners look like their dogs.”

He added: “If you are of a robust build you will probably have a more robust dog, so that you can get lots of exercise. If you are more slightly built, you may want a poodle as you think it needs less exercise."

Some claim pet owners, particularly dog owners, choose their animals because they have a similar hair colour, build or face shape. However, others believe personality and lifestyle has a greater impact on their choice of pet. Some good examples can be seen on Nedra Hardy's Pinterest board.

A more recent study from the Bath-based university suggests that the breed of dog chosen may reflect the pet owner’s personality. It split a range of dog breeds into seven categories and then analysed their owners’ personalities.

It appeared to show that owners of pastoral and utility breed groups (such as German shepherds and bulldogs) were more extroverted, while owners of gundogs and toy dogs (such as golden retrievers and chihuahuas) were more agreeable, and owners of hound dogs (such as greyhounds) were more emotionally stable.

Dr Workman said: "This study indicates that we might be able to make predictions about someone's personality based on the breed of dog that they choose to own. It seems that likely that personality types are subconsciously drawn to certain breeds."

However, he also suggested that behaviour and habits could have an impact on people’s dog choices. "The differences in personality factors found between owners of different breeds might arguably be related to the lifestyle of the owner.”

As obesity levels increase in humans and animals, it is possible that this has a bearing on the appearance and lifestyle of pets and their owners. If one has an aversion to exercise and a penchant for the sweeter things in life, there is every chance their companion will eventually feel the same way.

Whatever type of pet you own, it is really important that he or she eats appropriate foods at the right times. Diet can affect a pet’s weight, health and appearance, and it is vital that we help our pets to live long, healthy lives. Regular exercise is also of benefit to most pets, although some need more than others. The RSPCA has lots of useful advice about caring for your pet.

Do you look like your pet (or vice versa)? Did you deliberately choose a pet that looks like you or have you become more similar in appearance over the years? If you are overweight, do you and your pet look alike because of a high-calorie diet or a lack of exercise?

Unfortunately, the same does not apply when it comes to buying medication for pets. Veterinary care can be very expensive, and vets often create their own system of charges rather applying a set price. As a result, some pet owners may find themselves paying over the odds for pet healthcare.

Veterinary costs have risen sharply over the years, but until recently, buying direct from the vet was the only available option. There is good news, however. Buying pet medicines online is now a reality, and it can save pet lovers significant sums when it comes to caring for their animals.

Here are a few advantages to buying pet medicines online

Internet pet medication sales are well regulated
The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) started inspecting all online suppliers of pet medicines in 2011. Approved websites now display an official VMD logo so that pet owners know that the drugs they are buying are legitimate.

Online purchases tend to be cheaper
Buying pet medicines online tends to be cheaper than buying direct from a veterinary practice. However, it is worth remembering that pet owners still need to pay the vet for the prescription (although Vets are not allowed to discriminate between clients who do / do not get their medicines from the practice), so this cost must be factored into the overall price of the medication.

Insurance doesn’t cover everything
Pet insurance prices have soared in recent years, forcing some pet owners to make difficult decisions when their beloved animals become ill. When accident or injury occurs, many find that their pet insurance policy does not cover the treatment they need. In some instances, buying the necessary medication online is the only affordable option.

It gets delivered straight to your door
Rather than having to wait around at the vet’s or returning when the medication is available, owners can simply order what they need from the online healthcare provider once they have the prescription. Stock levels are usually higher online than at a local veterinary practice, so it often saves time and proves more convenient to buy from an internet-based pet medication company.

Spending less on pet medicines reduces the cost of owning an animal when it comes to buying preventative medicines or medical treatments for your pets. Buying pet medication online can make an insurance policy stretch further and online pharmacies can often supply medicines at lower prices. DrugsDirect takes this one step further and supplies medicines to holders of their Dispensing card at trade prices.

Have you bought pet medicines online?  If so, what has your experience been?

Consequently, the idea of an ‘internet pharmacy’ is an anomaly for many. It is a significant departure from the local store with its familiar personnel. But as the future of pharmacy is clearly online, it is our job to explain exactly how it works and why it is even more effective than the established model.

How an internet pharmacy works

An online pharmacy provides the exact same service a community pharmacy, including the procurement, storage and dispensation of over-the-counter medication and prescription medication, as well as providing consultation. It may also offer medication for pets as well as non-medical purchases such as cosmetics.

Why it works.

Using an internet pharmacy is much more convenient than using a physical store. Consumers can buy from the comfort of their own homes at whatever time of day or night they like. There is no need to wait in a queue because the medication is delivered direct to the customer’s door or agreed address. Furthermore, prices are more competitive; a key factor for regular users of medication and pet owners.

Evidence it works

According to industry expert James W Dudley, mail order and internet pharmacies account for approximately 25% of the non-institutional healthcare market in the US. Success is based on their ability to offer convenience and confidentiality, as well as providing prescription medication to patients with chronic conditions at discounted prices.

Although Europe has been less willing to embrace the online pharmacy concept, it appears attitudes are starting to change. According to the Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee (PSNC), the UK is experiencing significant growth in the number of internet pharmacy licenses. The pharmaceutical sector, it seems, is following the pattern of general retailers in the UK, who are increasingly growing their online presence in favour of their bricks and mortar businesses.

A recent Sempora survey shows that 13% of all UK pharmacy users already buy online, with 25- to 34-year-olds leading the way, and around 36% of current users say they will purchase more from an online pharmacy in the future. Furthermore, the survey’s findings suggest that around 5% more new customers will use an online pharmacy for medical purchases going forward, while roughly 12% more will buy non-medical products at an internet pharmacy.

Have you ever bought drugs for yourself or a pet online, and if so, what has your experience been?

Rescue case or pedigree animal, owning a pet does come with certain responsibilities. Any new animal should be checked over by a veterinary surgeon to assess the overall health of the animal and identify any problems. This usually involves advice and routine inoculations, and the vet recommending the necessary products for regular health care such as parasite control.

This is when pet ownership can begin to bite financially, as caring owners commit to providing the best possible veterinary health care and maintenance for their animal. Worming, aural and oral hygiene, flea and tick control are all a routine part of that package.
Unfortunately, each prescription issued by the veterinary surgeon has a value that is calculated to ensure the drug manufacturer, wholesaler and dispensing veterinary pharmacy all make a profit. For the pet owner, this means they have to fork out cash to cover a substantial mark-up on the trade price.

DrugsDirect, a licensed and approved online pharmacy regulated by the General Pharmaceutical Council, offers reassurance to pet owners that they can still do the best by their pets without breaking the bank. DrugsDirect offers prescription and pharmaceutical medicines for pet health at trade prices, and it does this by supplying the prescribed drugs directly from the manufacturer to the pet owner, with zero mark-up.
Routine veterinary prescriptions and health products are expensive enough, but what happens if a beloved pet develops an illness or condition that requires specialist veterinary drugs or therapies? A Petplan Pet Census revealed that a hefty 29% of pet owners have to medicate their pet on a regular basis.

Young animals, as well as old, can unexpectedly present with conditions that necessitate specialist therapeutic medicines; digestive ailments, heart problems, diabetes, cancers, geriatric and arthritic conditions can all require expensive and ongoing veterinary prescription drugs. This can take owners by surprise, and puts many in a difficult position, as they struggle to finance the recommended drug therapy for their friend and companion.
When DrugsDirect customers invest in a Dispensing Card, they can enjoy the benefit of having access to an unlimited range of the necessary veterinary prescription drugs at trade prices. DrugsDirect is offering customers a limited opportunity to take advantage of a symbiotic crowd funding investment with their company. For a nominal fee of £250 for one pet, £350 for two pets, customers enjoy an equity share in DrugsDirect and a Dispensing Card valid for three years. The investment can then be retained, or monies returned, at the end of the three-year period. This represents a potentially colossal saving for pet owners.
Should the drug therapy no longer be required for any reason during the three-year period, the Dispensing Card can be transferred to a friend or charity, free of charge, with full equity retained.

DrugsDirect is affiliated with CrowdCube, the first Financial Services Authorised (FSA) crowdfunding platform to allow investors to become direct shareholders in UK businesses. Click on the link to find out more about this amazing crowd funding opportunity with DrugsDirect  http://www.crowdcube.com/investment/drugsdirect-12313
Prescriptions issued by a veterinary surgeon can be presented to any independent pharmacy to be dispensed, and DrugsDirect offers a significant saving for both pet owners and the pet insurance company that may have to cover these costs.

While we all hope that our pet never needs veterinary intervention, DrugsDirect can lighten the financial load for pet owners so they can better afford both routine veterinary prescriptions, and vital drug therapies, to care for their pet when the need arises.

A diagnosis of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has that inevitability, but it does not mean that living a good life is beyond the horizon. Although a definitive cure has yet to be discovered, the progression of the disease can be arrested, and there is ongoing investment into pharmaceutical and medical research that bodes well for the future.
Drug therapies and treatments for HIV are rapidly evolving, and it is now possible to live a long and relatively healthy life when infected with the HIV virus. It certainly won’t happen by itself, but with the best personal and medical care, balanced with cutting-edge drug therapies, things are looking really much brighter.

Antiretrovirals are one class of drug used to treat HIV, and are usually taken as a combination of three or more. These are very expensive High Cost/low volume medicines which work by inhibiting the damage that the virus does to the immune system. The current incarnation of these drugs has proven itself more effective, less toxic and easier to take than previous treatment regimens, and in clinical trials the next generation of drugs are showing even greater potency against the effects of HIV.

HIV treatment also helps to prevent the onward transmission of the virus, and the National AIDS Trust (NAT) is calling on the NHS to allow people with HIV to start treatment early in order to protect their sexual partners after two leading HIV clinical bodies authoritatively set out the scientific basis for HIV treatment as prevention. By using HIV drugs to reduce the levels of the virus in their system people with HIV can become virtually non-infectious. This is of immense importance to those carrying the virus, and protects their partners and children.

Accessing the best drugs at the earliest opportunity is not always straightforward. NHS local prescribing decisions and procurement budgets define which pharmaceutical companies they deal with, and the HIV drugs they buy. Unlike most long-term conditions, the drugs for HIV treatment are not covered by NICE (National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence) guidelines, so a decision about the prescribing of HIV drugs is down to the individual clinician.

Circumnavigating the system via a private HIV clinic is one possible route for patients who are seeking access to the most potent drugs, quickly.

DrugsDirect, when presented with a private prescription, can provide the full range of branded and generic HIV drugs at ‘Trade’ prices. We display the ‘Trade’ price of all prescription and pharmacy medicines on our website. Our ‘Trade’ prices are transparent and verifiable and are updated weekly by Chemist & Druggist (C&D).

DrugsDirect, an online pharmacy approved and regulated by the General Pharmaceutical Council, supports the aims of private HIV clinicians by dispensing the entire available spectrum of HIV treatment drugs at ‘Trade’ prices. This is achieved by supplying the required pharmaceuticals from the manufacturer directly to the patient.

Patients subscribing to DrugsDirect are provided with a DrugsDirect prepayment ‘Dispensing Card’, and without limitations on quantity and value, have access to all the best HIV treatment options, when prescribed by their private doctor.

HIV treatment is an ongoing concern, and patients considering private treatment might wish to take advantage of a limited opportunity to participate in a crowd funding investment option with DrugsDirect. For a nominal investment of £250 DrugsDirect customers can enjoy an equity stake in the company, and a ‘Dispensing Card’ valid for three years.
With unlimited access to prescribed HIV drugs (and other prescription mediciation) at ‘Trade’ prices for the full three years, this presents an astute investment and an opportunity to make substantial savings.

After the three-year period, the original investment is returned, or the customer can choose to renew their Dispensing Card for a further two years in return for their shares. Alternatively, they can simply continue to invest in the pharmacy.

DrugsDirect is affiliated with CrowdCube, the first Financial Services Authorised (FSA) crowdfunding platform to allow investors to become direct shareholders in UK businesses. Click on the link to find out more about this crowd funding opportunity with DrugsDirect.com
http://www.crowdcube.com/investment/drugsdirect-12313

Veering away from the conventional profiteering associated with the supply of pharmaceuticals to the public, DrugsDirect is applying sound ethical and moral principles to ensure that patients can afford the medications they need and deserve.

Supplying both medical and veterinary pharmaceuticals directly from the drug manufacturer to the end user, DrugsDirect will significantly reduce the price of privately prescribed medicines to their customers in the UK and EU. Patients with a private prescription will have unlimited access to the entire pharmacopoeia at trade prices.

As an emerging company, DrugsDirect is turning to the power of crowdfunding to financially kick-start their business. Described in the media as “the birthing pool for enterprise”, this creative way of funding new projects and ideas brings together original ideas and insightful investors who want to be part of the journey.

Through the equity crowdfunding platform CrowdCube, the only FSA approved and regulated crowdfunding company in the UK that allows investors to become direct shareholders in the businesses in which they invest. Potential investors can peruse the DrugsDirect business plan and financial data, and then decide whether they might like to invest and become an equity shareholder. Many small investors pool their resources, giving this enterprising start-up company an opportunity to take flight.

Investors have the reassurance of an FSA regulated crowdfunding company to nurture their interests, with support and guidance along the way.

DrugsDirect is aiming for an investment target of £75,000 in the first instance, offering 7.5% equity and company rewards in return; armchair investors can examine their profile and invest online with Crowdcube http://www.crowdcube.com/investment/drugsdirect-12313.

The DrugsDirect mission is to reduce the cost of private prescription only medicines (POMs) and pharmacy medicines (Ps) for people and their pets. The premise is that any patient that wishes to obtain prescription drugs at trade price, for themselves or their pet, simply has to purchase a DrugsDirect ‘Dispensing Card’. The cards vary in price according to the type of card; individual patient, individual pet, combined patient and pet, conjoint card or family card. All offer a significant financial saving to the card holder.

DrugsDirect aims to sell in the region of 20,000 Dispensing Cards inside the first three years of trading.

DrugsDirect offers a safe punt for potential investors. With personal savings already invested, the company has a support team on board with a wealth of experience as an online retail pharmacy (LifeShield), and a proven track record.

Backing DrugsDirect through crowdfunding offers substantial benefits to an investor. Accessible to anyone, a nominal investment of £250 not only provides an equity share in the company, but a DrugsDirect Dispensing Card valid for three years. This gives the cardholder the ability to obtain privately prescribed medicines for themselves, or their pets, at trade price. Not a bad deal when you consider the Dispensing Card itself is worth more than the investment figure.

This stands alone as a sound business investment, but crowdfunding also draws individuals that have empathy for a business idea. In this case it may be of particular interest to patients and their pets requiring long-term medication, ongoing veterinary drug therapies, access to cutting edge treatment drugs not normally available on the NHS or perhaps couples having to finance their own IVF programme.

Should the Dispensing Card become unnecessary during the course of the three years, or is not something the investor particularly needs, it can easily be transferred. As the investor, you can name a family member, friend or charity to make use of the card, without charge. The investor still retains their equity share as before.

During the three-year investment period the investor has direct access to the in-house pharmacist for help and advice, regular updates on company progress as well as voting rights. As an added bonus, tax relief may be available to individuals who subscribe for shares in an Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS).

Exiting the investment at the end of the three-year period is hassle free, if that is what the investor wishes to do. The investor simply receives the full value of their initial investment in exchange for their shares. Simple.

As an alternative, the investor can retain their Dispensing Card for a further two years, in exchange for their shares. Thereafter, the card can be extended for a further five years at a greatly discounted rate, with this gesture being a token of appreciation from DrugsDirect for being a part of their journey.

Investors in for the long haul can opt to retain their shares after the three year period and await an offer from the company to buy shares back, or an exit should the company receive an offer.

DrugsDirect encourages all interested investors, whether their investment is £250 or £5,000, to be a part of this exciting business venture and realise an excellent return on their investment. Once DrugsDirect launches and establishes itself as a trusted and reputable brand, delivering only the highest level of customer service, profitability will come as a matter of course. Make sure you were one of the first investors off the blocks.

What’s in cigarettes?

Cigarettes contain arsenic, lead, cyanide, carbon monoxide, ammonia and 43 cancer-causing agents. They also commonly contain urea, a chemical compound that is a major component in urine that is used to add “flavour” to cigarettes!

How bad are they?

Smoking worldwide is estimated to kill one person every six second, with rates increasing according to the World Health Organisation. Scientists claim that the average smoker will lose 14 years of their life due to smoking. However, this doesn’t mean that a smoker will die ‘young’ – they may even live longer than the ‘normal’ lifespan – but shorter than they could if they were a non-smoker.

The immune systems of smokers are constantly stimulated by components of cigarette smoker, leading to a depletion of antioxidants. These chemicals help the body to detoxify waste and in the absence of antioxidants the body will age more quickly.

Tobacco-related diseases are one of the biggest killers of the modern world. Among the diseases that can be caused by smoking are hypertension, cancer, heart attacks and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

The rates of impotence are also 85% higher in smokers compared with non-smokers. Females are not spared either; smoking is harmful to the ovaries and can potentially cause female infertility. Smokers are 60% more likely to be infertile than non-smokers.

Tobacco has also been associated with cognitive dysfunction and there appears to be an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease in later life. Even in the young, smoking has been shown to cause reduced cognitive ability and memory.

The exact effects of smoking depend both upon the number of years of smoking and the quantity of cigarettes per day. Smoking from an earlier age, with a higher number of daily cigarettes increases an individuals risk. However, smoking ‘light’ cigarettes does not decrease the risk.

Is the damage reversible?

If somebody stops smoking then their chances of suffering ill-effects gradually decreases as the body repairs itself. A year after quitting, the risk of contracting heart disease is half that of a continuing smoker.

What about passive smoking?

Exposure to tobacco smoke from other’s can also be extremely detrimental. Children and infant’s from smoking parents have a far greater risk of infections, asthma and sudden infant death syndrome.

Whilst smoking bans in the UK met a large resistance, they have been effective in reducing the number of smokers and saving millions from the detriments of second-hand smoke.

Stopping smoking may or may not save your life. What is certain is that it will stop premature ageing, increase your immune system, decrease your risk of heart attack and save others around you from these deadly consequences.

Did you know…Chlamydia can be caught from vaginal, anal AND oral sex? In fact, no penetration at all can lead to Chlamydia if is passed from a mother to her baby, so you don’t even have to have had sex to have it!

Chlamydia is one of many commonly sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in humans. It is caused by a bacterium, Chlamydia trachomatis. More than half of women who get Chlamydia experience no symptoms at all, the ultimate silent disease. You could be walking around with Chlamydia right now, without even realising it.

Even if Chlamydia doesn’t cause you any problems when you first get it, it can lead to a serious ‘pelvic inflammatory disorder’, which has been linked to infertility, cervical cancer and painful urination. Boys are not safe either, as it can cause sterility in men and penile discharge. Furthermore, the complications don’t stop there, and women infected with chlamydia are up to 5 times more likely to get HIV if exposed!

The best thing about chlamydia is that it is incredibly easy to diagnose and cure. Simple antibiotics are all that it takes. Well worth a visit to your local clinic for testing.

Another common STI that you may have heard of is Herpes. The herpes simplex virus, causes this nasty one. It is the same virus that is responsible for cold sores, ‘oral herpes’. Like chlamydia, the herpes virus can be active on the surface of the skin without showing any signs or causing any symptoms. Genital herpes, when symptomatic, can cause sores on the outer surface of the genitals that occur 4-7 days after sexual exposure. Other common symptoms include itching, pain and burning.

Even condoms don’t offer full protection against herpes (although they do reduce the risk – so well worth wearing!). Condoms may not cover the full herpes infected area and so can’t be 100% effective. However, if you have ever heard that you can catch herpes from a toilet seat then this is wrong! The virus is fragile and dries out quickly when exposed to air, so unless you are super speedy to get to that toilet you are very unlikely to catch herpes.

Herpes may be more obvious than Chlamydia, but treatment is more tricky. It’s still worth getting it checked out though, as antiviral drugs can shorten and decrease the severity of outbreaks and even prevent them happening altogether.

What is the difference between ‘True Love’ and Herpes? Well, the answer is simple - Herpes lasts forever!

STIs are no joke. They are common, particularly in those aged between 16-24 and can cause a lot of damage. They can occur in anybody and you only need to have unprotected sex once to get one. So even if it was just that one time, you could still be infected.
If you think that you might have an STI, or that you are at risk of having one, then you can get tested for free at any sexual health clinic, which can be found by phoning your local hospital or GP.