The Pharmacy Planet Podcast

The Future of Independent Pharmacy in the UK [ Boo X Baba Akomolafe ]

In this episode of The Pharmacy Planet Podcast, Boo sits down with pharmacy owner and entrepreneur Baba Akomolafe to explore the future of independent pharmacy in the UK — and why the sector must evolve, collaborate, and diversify to survive.From studying pharmacy at the University of Lagos to moving to the UK and eventually building Christchurch Pharmacy, Baba shares his journey through community pharmacy, business ownership, and leadership within the sector.The conversation dives deep into the challenges facing UK pharmacy today, including NHS funding pressures, operational sustainability, digital transformation, and why relying solely on dispensing is no longer enough.Baba also shares his vision for a more connected future for independent pharmacies — comparing the industry to platforms like Uber Eats and the World Wide Web — and explains why unity, digital infrastructure, and collective thinking could reshape the profession over the next decade.💡 Whether you're a pharmacy owner, pharmacist, healthcare entrepreneur, or simply interested in the future of healthcare services in the UK, this episode offers a bold and thought-provoking conversation about where community pharmacy goes next.🎧 What this conversation covers:• Baba Akomolafe’s journey from Nigeria to UK pharmacy ownership• The realities of community pharmacy in the UK• Why the NHS alone cannot sustain independent pharmacy• Diversifying beyond dispensing and NHS income• Private services, domiciliary care & new pharmacy models• The importance of digital transformation in pharmacy• Why independent pharmacies need to collaborate, not compete• The “single digital front door” vision for UK pharmacy• Aggregator platforms, Uber Eats comparisons & tech disruption• Leadership, branding & building a pharmacy identity• The future opportunities for independent contractors• Charity fundraising & giving back through healthcare🔗 LINKS👉 Baba Akomolafe💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/baba-akomolafe/🌐 CPNBS: https://cpnbs.com👉 Pharmacy Planet🌐 https://www.pharmacyplanet.com/👉 Boo Dhaliwal📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boo_pharmacyplanet/💼 LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/boo-dhaliwal-85680b136🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@boo_pharmacyplanetIndependent pharmacy in the UK is at a crossroads.As NHS pressures continue to grow, pharmacies are being forced to rethink how they operate, deliver services, and remain financially sustainable. This conversation explores the opportunities available to pharmacy owners willing to adapt — from private clinical services and digital innovation to collaborative pharmacy networks and patient-centred care models.#PharmacyPlanetPodcast #IndependentPharmacy #UKPharmacy #CommunityPharmacy #DigitalHealth #PharmacyBusiness #HealthcareInnovation #PrivateServices #PharmacyLeadership #PharmacyFuture #HealthcarePodcast #PharmacyOwners #NHS #HealthTech #fyp #pharmacyplanet

Bowel Cancer Symptoms, Survival & Prevention | Dr Anisha Patel | Ep 20 | Pharmacy Planet

In this powerful episode of The Lifestyle Prescription with Pharmacy Planet, host Rena Dipti Annobil sits down with Dr Anisha Patel — GP, bowel cancer survivor, and advocate for awareness through Doctors Get Cancer Too — to share an honest and deeply important conversation about early-onset bowel cancer. Diagnosed with stage 3 rectal cancer at just 39, Dr Anisha opens up about the symptoms that were missed, the reality of being both a doctor and a patient, and the life-changing impact of a cancer diagnosis. Together, Rena and Dr Anisha explore why bowel cancer rates are rising in people under 50, the role of diet, fibre, and ultra-processed foods, and why understanding your body — including what’s “normal” for you — could be life-saving. This episode also sheds light on the emotional aftermath of cancer, including anxiety, PTSD, fear of recurrence, and the long-term side effects patients are often not warned about. From breaking the taboo around bowel health to empowering women with knowledge about cancer screening and symptoms, this conversation is essential viewing for anyone wanting to take control of their health. ⚠️ Please note: there are some minor audio issues in parts of this episode — thank you for bearing with us. • Dr Anisha Patel’s bowel cancer journey and diagnosis at 39 • Early symptoms of bowel cancer and why they’re often missed • Why bowel cancer is increasing in younger people • The impact of diet, fibre and ultra-processed foods • Being a doctor and navigating cancer as a patient • Mental health after cancer: anxiety, PTSD and fear of recurrence • Long-term side effects of treatment • Breaking the stigma around bowel health • The BOWEL acronym and key symptoms to look out for • Women’s health inequalities and under-researched conditions • Cancer screening in the UK: what you need to know • Lifestyle Prescription: why fibre matters more than you think 0:00 Introduction 0:17 Meet Dr Anisha Patel – GP & Cancer Survivor 2:10 Bowel Cancer Symptoms & Missed Signs 3:39 Stage 3 Rectal Cancer Diagnosis at 39 5:45 Risk Factors: Diet, Fibre & Lifestyle 6:24 Why Bowel Cancer Is Rising Under 50 7:33 Research: Bacteria & Ultra-Processed Foods 15:08 Being a Doctor and a Cancer Patient 17:28 Long-Term Side Effects of Treatment 18:44 Cancer & Mental Health 20:09 Fear of Recurrence 21:17 Life After Cancer: Diet & Self-Care 22:46 Dr Anisha’s Book 26:40 Know Your Normal: Bowel Health Awareness 27:24 The BOWEL Acronym Explained 28:44 Breaking the Taboo Around Bowel Health 34:05 Women’s Health Crisis 38:40 5 Gynaecological Cancers to Know 42:25 Cancer Screening in the UK 44:57 Bowel Cancer Screening Explained 46:06 Lifestyle Prescription: The Power of Fibre 👉 Dr Anisha Patel 🌐 https://dranisha.co.uk/ [https://dranisha.co.uk/] 📸 https://www.instagram.com/doctorsgetcancertoo/ [https://www.instagram.com/doctorsgetcancertoo/] 📸 https://www.instagram.com/renadannobil/ [https://www.instagram.com/renadannobil/] 📸 https://www.instagram.com/sisterhoodofmummyimperfect/ [https://www.instagram.com/sisterhoodofmummyimperfect/] 🌐 https://www.pharmacyplanet.com/ [https://www.pharmacyplanet.com/] 📸 https://www.instagram.com/pharmacyplanetuk/ [https://www.instagram.com/pharmacyplanetuk/] 🎧 Spotify Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/1xs0BApZk55bgrQz7PN7VW [https://open.spotify.com/show/1xs0BApZk55bgrQz7PN7VW] #BowelCancer #CancerAwareness #WomensHealth #GutHealth #Fibre #EarlyDetection #LifestylePrescription #PharmacyPlanet #CancerSurvivor 🎧 What This Episode Covers⏱️ CHAPTERS🔗 Guest Links👉 Follow Rena Dipti Annobil👉 Pharmacy Planet🔖 Hashtags

Fashion Psychology, Confidence & Mindful Shopping | Dr Dion Terrelonge | Ep 19 | Pharmacy Planet

In this thought-provoking episode of The Lifestyle Prescription with Pharmacy Planet, host Rena Dipti Annobil sits down with Dr Dion Terrelonge (BSc Hons, MSc, DECPsy, CPsychol), fashion psychologist, to explore the powerful relationship between what we wear, how we feel, and how we show up in the world.Are you dressing for yourself — or for approval?What do your clothes say about you before you even speak?And how much of your wardrobe is influenced by psychology, society, or even marketing tactics?Dr Dion breaks down the science behind fashion psychology, explaining how clothing can impact mood, confidence, behaviour, and identity. From the influence of the male gaze and historical expectations, to the rise of fast fashion and overconsumption, this episode challenges the way we think about style and self-expression.Together, Rena and Dr Dion explore how to become more intentional with what you wear, how to break free from external validation, and how small changes in your wardrobe can lead to greater confidence and alignment.This episode is essential viewing for anyone interested in confidence, identity, mindful shopping, body image, and the psychology behind fashion choices.🎧 What This Episode Covers• What fashion psychology is and why it matters• What your clothing communicates before you speak• Dressing for yourself vs dressing for approval• How clothing affects mood, confidence and performance• The influence of society, culture and the male gaze• Retail therapy, fast fashion and overconsumption• Psychological tactics brands use to drive spending• Body image, “flattering” clothing and self-perception• The benefits of secondhand and mindful shopping• Practical steps to feel more aligned with your style• Dr Dion’s lifestyle prescription for long-term changeCHAPTERS0:00 Introduction: Are You Dressing for Yourself or Others?1:24 What Is a Fashion Psychologist?2:46 What Your Clothes Say About You Before You Speak3:31 Dr. Dion's Personal Relationship With Fashion5:33 How to Tell If You're Dressing for Yourself or Approval9:08 Fashion, Freedom, and the Male Gaze: Are We Regressing?11:10 Why Women Have Dressed to Please Men Throughout History12:22 How What You Wear Affects Your Mood, Behavior, and Performance14:02 Can Fashion Lift Your Mood? The Psychology of Feel-Good Dressing23:06 Retail Therapy and Overconsumption: The Real Cost of Fast Fashion32:35 Mindful Shopping: How to Break the Cycle of Impulse Buying34:18 Psychological Tricks Fashion Brands Use to Make You Buy More36:14 What Does “Flattering” Really Mean? The Body Image Problem40:22 Why Secondhand and Vintage Shopping Is Better for You and the Planet43:23 One Small Step to Feel More Aligned With What You Wear46:06 Dr. Dion's Lifestyle Prescription: Educate Yourself to Shop Less🔗 Guest Links👉 Dr Dion Terrelonge – Fashion Psychologist🌐 https://www.thefashionpsychologist.co.uk/📸 https://www.instagram.com/thefashionpsychologist_/💼 https://uk.linkedin.com/in/dr-dion-terrelonge-cpsychol-0b202a25👉 Follow Rena Dipti Annobil📸 https://www.instagram.com/renadannobil/📸 https://www.instagram.com/sisterhoodofmummyimperfect/👉 Pharmacy Planet🌐 https://www.pharmacyplanet.com/📸 https://www.instagram.com/pharmacyplanetuk/🎧 Spotify Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/1xs0BApZk55bgrQz7PN7VW🔖 Hashtags#FashionPsychology #Confidence #MindfulShopping#BodyImage #WomensHealth #LifestylePrescription #PharmacyPlanet

Rapidly scaling within the UK: The Deltera Health-Tech Journey [ Boo X Daniel Wright ]

In this episode of The Pharmacy Planet Podcast, Boo sits down with Daniel Wright, founder of Deltera, to explore the intersection of pharmacy, health tech, and the future of private clinical services in the UK.Daniel shares his journey from community pharmacist to management consultant, and ultimately to building Deltera — a platform designed to help pharmacies launch, manage, and scale private services through digital infrastructure and clinical workflows.The conversation dives into the realities of building health tech in the UK, the challenges of working with the NHS, and why the future of pharmacy may lie beyond traditional dispensing. Daniel also shares insights from global health tech innovation, including AI trends seen at the Dubai World Health Expo, and opens up about his personal connection to brain tumour research.💡 Whether you're a pharmacy owner, clinician, healthcare entrepreneur, or simply curious about the future of pharmacy services, this episode offers a grounded and honest look at where the sector is heading.🎧 What this conversation covers:• Daniel’s journey from pharmacist to health tech founder• The shift from dispensing to service-led pharmacy models• What makes Deltera different in a crowded health tech space• The realities of building and scaling health tech in the UK• Why selling into the NHS is so complex (ICBs explained)• The global gap between UK and international health tech innovation• AI in healthcare: hype vs reality• The role of private services in the future of pharmacy• Daniel’s personal story and brain tumour charity workCHAPTERS0:00 Introduction & Meet Daniel Wright (Deltera)0:21 What Is Deltera? Pharmacy Services Infrastructure Explained1:21 Dan's Background: From Pharmacist to Health Tech Founder3:25 From Community Pharmacy to Management Consulting6:19 What Makes Deltera Different in a Crowded Health Tech Market8:39 The Future of Pharmacy: Dispensing vs. Private Services11:48 Is Health Tech Worth Building in the UK? Barriers & Opportunities16:59 Why Selling to the NHS Is So Difficult (42 ICBs Problem)22:24 AI at the Dubai World Health Expo vs. UK Health Tech Reality24:43 Brain Tumor Research: Dan's Charity & Personal Story28:41 Quick Fire Questions: Career, Food & AI in Healthcare🔗 LINKS👉 Deltera:Book a demo: https://deltera.uk/demoLearn more: https://deltera.uk👉 Brain Tumour Research:https://donate.braintumourresearch.org/page/donate-now?_gl=1*18dqfqg*_up*MQ..*_gs*MQ..*_gcl_aw*R0NMLjE3NzQ5Njc1NzQuQ2owS0NRanc0YTNPQmhDSEFSSXNBQ2hhcUpNRXd1TzY2RFNtVlpqdW40eHgzSEVOdWZNNF9vU25ET3lHMEVPRWJ5bUZFVWtBQnZ6UDhkVWFBaVdPRUFMd193Y0I.*_gcl_au*NDA2OTc0NjI1LjE3NzQ5Njc1NzQ.&gclid=Cj0KCQjw4a3OBhCHARIsAChaqJMEwuO66DSmVZjun4xx3HENufM4_oSnDOyG0EOEbymFEUkABvzP8dUaAiWOEALw_wcB&gbraid=0AAAAADjFFJ3lMScYHpEXo1ZLIz9MaZhld👉 Daniel Wright:LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/daniel-wright-cmgr-mcmi-mpharm-76b19056👉 Pharmacy Planet:https://www.pharmacyplanet.com/👉 Boo Dhaliwal:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boo_pharmacyplanet/LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/boo-dhaliwal-85680b136TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@boo_pharmacyplanet---Deltera is a unified platform and clinical growth engine that helps pharmacies launch, manage, and scale private services through digital PGD workflows and integrated booking systems.Deltera is a unified platform and clinical growth engine built to help pharmacies launch, manage, and scale their private services. By combining professional digital PGD workflows and seamless booking systems with the clinical tools required for independent prescribing, we remove the administrative friction that typically holds clinics back. Whether you are an independent pharmacy or managing a multi-branch group, Deltera provides the governance and digital infrastructure needed to safely expand your service revenue and modernise your patient care.Learn more at https://deltera.uk

Perimenopause, Hormones & Skin Ageing Explained | Dr Mandy Leonhardt | Ep 18 | Pharmacy Planet

In this episode of The Lifestyle Prescription with Pharmacy Planet, host Rena DiptiAnnobil sits down with Dr Mandy Leonhardt (DRCOG MRCGP DFFP), GP and women’shealth specialist, to explore the powerful link between hormones, skin ageing,brain fog, hair changes and overall wellbeing.   From perimenopause skin changes and hormonal acne to collagen loss, sleep disruptionand mood shifts, Dr Mandy explains how hormonal fluctuations affect far morethan we’re often told — and why many women struggle to get clear answers whensymptoms first appear.   Dr Mandy is the founder of Hormone Equilibrium, a clinic specialising in the holisticassessment and personalised treatment of hormonal imbalances throughout awoman’s life, including PMS, perimenopause and menopause.   Together, Rena and Dr Mandy discuss the science behind estrogen, testosterone andcortisol, the role of HRT, and how lifestyle, skincare and hormone balance caninfluence healthy ageing.   CHAPTERS: 0:00 Introduction – Sun Damage, Hormones & What ReallyAges Your Skin 0:24 Welcome to the Lifestyle Prescription – Meet Dr MandyLeonhart 2:09 Why GPs Know So Little About Women's Hormonal Health 4:11 How Hormones Control Your Skin: Estrogen, Testosterone& Cortisol 6:35 The Goldilocks Principle – Why Hormone Balance IsEverything 9:01 Perimenopause Skin Changes: Dryness, Sensitivity &Itching Explained 13:28 Hormones, Histamine & Why Alcohol Hits Differentlyin Perimenopause 15:51 Hormonal Acne in Perimenopause: Nodular Breakouts& Rosacea 10:57 Hair Shedding in Your 40s: Iron Deficiency, Stress& Alopecia 13:13 Brain Fog & Perimenopause – Is It Dementia orSleep Deprivation? 17:10 How Poor Sleep Drives Brain Fog, Weight Gain &Cognitive Decline 17:11 Anhedonia: Losing Your Sense of Joy in Perimenopause 19:10 Why Women Were Misdiagnosed with Depression Instead ofPerimenopause 22:24 Setting Boundaries & Protecting Your EmotionalHealth 23:05 HRT Explained: Contraindications, Who Can & Can'tTake It 25:28 Topical Estrogen for Vaginal Dryness – What Counts asHRT? 27:43 Bioidentical vs Body-Identical Hormones: Is It Just aMarketing Term? 27:44 What NHS HRT Actually Contains & Why CompoundedProducts Aren't Needed 27:42 What Does HRT Do to Your Skin & Hair? 28:36 The Collagen Timeline: Why the First 5 Years AfterMenopause Are Critical 30:36 Can You Reverse Collagen Loss? The Hard Truth 32:09 How HRT Can Benefit Skin Barrier Function &Moisture 32:51 Estrogen Creams on the Face – Trend or Risk? 38:07 Can You Slow Down Hormonal Aging Through Lifestyle? 39:49 Menopause as Liberation: The Positive Side NobodyTalks About 40:44 Sun Damage vs Hormones: The #1 Cause of Skin Aging 41:24 SPF 50 Every Day – Why Sunscreen Is Your BestAnti-Ageing Investment 43:21 Collagen Supplements: Are They Worth the Money? 44:38 LED & Infrared Face Masks: Do They Actually Work? 46:59 Retinol vs Tretinoin: What's the Difference &Which Actually Works? 49:32 The Best Skincare Routine for Perimenopause &Menopause 51:40 Vaseline, Glycolic Acid & Ceramides: AffordableSkincare That Delivers 55:14 Do Expensive Moisturisers Work Better Than Cheap Ones? 1:00:21 Dr Mandy's Top 3 Lifestyle Tips: SPF, No Alcohol& Better Sleep 1:01:30 Wrap-Up & Where to Find Dr Mandy Leonhart 🔗 Guest Links 👉 Dr Mandy Leonhardt – Women’s Health GP 🌐 https://hormoneequilibrium.co.uk/about/ [https://hormoneequilibrium.co.uk/about/] 📸 https://www.instagram.com/hormoneequilibrium/?hl=en [https://www.instagram.com/hormoneequilibrium/?hl=en] 👉 Follow Rena Dipti Annobil 📸 https://www.instagram.com/renadannobil/ [https://www.instagram.com/renadannobil/] 📸 https://www.instagram.com/sisterhoodofmummyimperfect/ [https://www.instagram.com/sisterhoodofmummyimperfect/] 👉 Pharmacy Planet 🌐 https://www.pharmacyplanet.com/ [https://www.pharmacyplanet.com/] 📸https://www.instagram.com/pharmacyplanetuk/ [https://www.instagram.com/pharmacyplanetuk/] 🎧Spotify Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/1xs0BApZk55bgrQz7PN7VW [https://open.spotify.com/show/1xs0BApZk55bgrQz7PN7VW] 🔖 Hashtags #Perimenopause #MenopauseHealth #HormoneHealth #WomensHealth #HRT #SkinAging #LifestylePrescription #PharmacyPlanet