Pharmacists across the UK are raising the alarm over a critical shortage of Creon, a pancreatic enzyme treatment essential for people living with pancreatic cancer, chronic pancreatitis, and cystic fibrosis. The ongoing supply crisis is forcing some patients to ration their medication - at times even skipping meals - just to make their prescriptions last longer.

Creon helps individuals digest food, and without it, patients struggle to maintain weight and strength, which is vital during treatments like chemotherapy. Over 61,000 people in the UK rely on this medication. The government has acknowledged that the shortage stems from Europe-wide production and supply chain issues, with limited access to raw ingredients and manufacturing delays cited as key factors.

Pharmacists say current measures to manage the shortage are failing, and the National Pharmacy Association reports a growing number of patients having to travel far or go without doses altogether. The Department of Health and Social Care has extended a serious shortage protocol to allow for substitutes, but professionals warn that alternatives are also scarce.

Health campaigners and medical charities are calling for immediate government intervention to boost supplies. They argue the prolonged lack of access to such a vital medicine is jeopardising patient wellbeing and compromising their ability to undergo life-saving treatments.

A new digital intervention combining gaming and therapy is being offered to children in Gloucestershire to help tackle rising anxiety levels. Lumi Nova, a mobile game rooted in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), is designed to help children face their fears through engaging quests.

Initially commissioned in 2023 by the NHS Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board and Gloucestershire Healthy Living and Learning, the game was developed in response to growing concerns around children’s mental health following the Covid-19 pandemic. The initiative aims to provide early access to support amid increasing demand for services and long waiting times.

The app, available free to local families, uses personalised challenges to gradually build confidence and resilience. These tasks can include creative activities, watching short videos, or completing small steps towards overcoming specific anxieties in real life. It is designed to be used without referral or prescription, making support more accessible and immediate for children experiencing emotional difficulties.

Early feedback from a local survey of 50 families has shown encouraging results, with over 70% of children who used the app needing no further intervention. The success of Lumi Nova highlights the potential of digital solutions in addressing mild to moderate mental health concerns and supporting children’s wellbeing within their own environment.