It's a final look back to 2011 today as our latest poll results show that is wasn't exactly a vintage year for C+D readers. Almost two thirds of pharmacists responding to C+D's online poll said 2011 was worse that expected.

Just 12 per cent said it was better than they expected and 24 per cent felt that it went as well as they had anticipated.

But in other news, it's new year, new update for the Drug Tariff: the wording for Part VIIIB has been changed following discussions between PSNC and the Department of Health.

The update, which was effective from January 1, 2012, relates to the need to obtain Certificates of Analysis (COA) or Certificates of Conforming (COC) for imported unlicensed produces not listed in Part VIIIB.

When invoicing, at the end of each month contractors should send a copy of the appropriately endorsed COA/COC/invoice to the PCT of the prescriber, therefore allowing the PCT to match expenditure to the special supplied.

According to the update, contractors should make "every reasonable effort" to obtain the certificate but where they are not available, the contractor must stamp, date, initial and endorse the invoice with the invoice price minus the discount and the prescriber's details.

Elsewhere, 2012 heralds a new start for Catherine Cox, who has joined the Co-operative Pharmacy healthcare services team as primary care services manager. She joins the business from Trafford Primary Care Trust (PCT) where she was head of primary care and her new role will involve overseeing the development of paid for services in Co-operative Pharmacy branches such as flu vaccinations.

Finally, good news for Brennan's Pharmacy, which officially opened a new pharmacy with a cutting edge robotic dispensing system officially opened in Swadlincote, Derbyshire. Brennan's Pharmacy has invested in the £125,000 technology, and will now offer free collection and delivery of prescriptions, smoking cessation support and chlamydia testing, among its many services.