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** 18 March 2025
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** UK
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** Pharmacies warn of reduced services without urgent NHS funding (#1)
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** Kent study reveals number of youth vapers (#2)
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** Operation CeCe leads to £186,000 worth of illegal tobacco seized in South West (#3)
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** NHS watchdog calls for regular BMI checks for patients with long-term conditions (#4)
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** UK
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** Pharmacies warn of reduced services without urgent NHS funding
Independent pharmacies in England have been advised to reduce their opening hours unless the government provides additional funding to cover rising costs. The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) has urged its members to take collective action for the first time, warning that without financial support, patient services could be jeopardised. Many pharmacies have already closed, with 1,300 shutting since 2017, and further reductions in services could include shorter hours, the end of free home deliveries, and the withdrawal of smoking cessation services. The NPA and other industry leaders stress that without urgent intervention, more closures will follow, increasing pressure on the wider NHS. The government has stated it is in discussions with the sector to develop a long-term funding plan.
Source: The Guardian, 18 March 2025
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** Kent study reveals number of youth vapers
A survey of 5,493 pupils across 33 schools in Kent has revealed that 10% of students currently vape, with 562 identifying as regular users. The research found that 49% purchase vapes from corner shops and 36% from specialist vape outlets, with TikTok cited as a key platform promoting vaping products. A local GP in Rochester warns of the unknown long-term effects of vaping. The government will introduce a ban on disposable vapes in June 2025, aiming to curb youth access and reduce environmental waste. The council is planning a follow-up study in 2026 to assess the impact of the ban.
Source: BBC News, 17 March 2025
Editorial note: The write up by Kent County Council states that: “due to the differing survey methods, the data cannot be used to compare with the national YouGov online survey data and the survey outcomes for Kent cannot be used to benchmark against the national average.”
See also: Kent County Council – Vaping Survey Repor ([link removed] 7 Vaping Survey Report.pdf) t ([link removed] 7 Vaping Survey Report.pdf) | ASH - Use of vapes (e-cigarettes) among young people in Great Britain ([link removed])
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** Operation CeCe leads to £186,000 worth of illegal tobacco seized in South West
A significant crackdown on illegal tobacco and vape products in the South West of England, under the framework of Operation CeCe, resulted in the seizure of items worth around £186,000. Trading Standards South West (TSSW) and police officers targeted 50 premises between the 10th and 14th March, recovering 127,371 illegal cigarettes, 65.94kg of hand-rolling tobacco, 4,490 illegal vapes, and 2.5kg of shisha. The operation spanned several areas, including Devon, Somerset, and Cornwall.
Source: BBC News, 17 March 2025
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** NHS watchdog calls for regular BMI checks for patients with long-term conditions
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has recommended that individuals with long-term health conditions in England and Wales undergo annual BMI and waist-to-height ratio checks. The proposal, which aims to prevent obesity-related issues such as heart disease and diabetes, would impact 13 million people. Those with a BMI over 35 would be assessed at every GP or hospital visit, while others with specific conditions would have both measurements monitored. The initiative focuses on early intervention and encouraging healthier lifestyles through sensitive conversations with healthcare providers.
Source: The Guardian, 18 March 2025
Editorial note: Media stories covering prevention of ill-health are being included in ASH Daily News because policy change in these areas is indicative of the Government’s position on prevention and their attitudes to harm-causing industries.
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