Category: News

By Gerard Greene, Chief Executive of Community Pharmacy NI

Coming a little over two years since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, this World Mental Health Week is an opportunity for us to take stock of the mental health of our community pharmacy teams across Northern Ireland. In what has been an extremely challenging period, in which the focus of the health service has largely been on the COVID-19 response, something which tends to get overlooked is that our health care professionals are not immune to mental health issues, and I’d like to draw attention to some of the key pressure points.

As a sector, community pharmacy has been under significant and ongoing workforce pressures for several years now. For many members of the public, it represents the front door to the health service, and with this, the sector is adjusting to increased footfall, staffing shortages and instances of staff burnout. On top of this, the spread of COVID -19 throughout our communities as well as self-isolation rules have placed an additional pressure upon the sector which has meant that all community pharmacy teams have experienced staffing shortages at some point in the last two years. At several points, we have had 30% of pharmacists self-isolating, meaning those still working were doing 70-hour weeks.

From the emergence of the pandemic, community pharmacies across Northern Ireland have been steadfast in their approach and rapid in their response. In addition to carrying out over a million dispensing episodes each week community pharmacy teams introduced services including the COVID -19 vaccination, the distribution of lateral flow testing kits, and the Emergency Supply Service. They worked additional hours, and showed an incredible level of commitment, dedication and professionalism towards their patients and their profession throughout.

This is illustrated well by the fact that community pharmacy in Northern Ireland has administered almost 350,000 COVID-19 vaccinations to date which is a huge achievement and a source of pride for the entire network. What tends to get overlooked is how hard the sector has worked in getting us to this point. In what has been, at times, an uncertain and exhaustive period for primary care, community pharmacy has been at the forefront.

The pandemic has underscored the vital link that exists between community pharmacy teams and their local community. More and more, we are seeing patients calling upon their local community pharmacist as a fixture in managing their everyday health needs. Of course, while this is a hugely positive indication of the direction of travel towards a community-facing model of healthcare, focus must go towards supporting our community pharmacy teams to manage additional post-pandemic demands.

In the long-term, we need to think strategically how we can support and build a robust community pharmacy network. Central to this is the implementation of the Community Pharmacy Workforce Review to ensure the workforce is of the right size and has the right skills. Many instances of burnout, fatigue and stress are a product of a stretched workforce and can be reduced significantly with the right long-term planning.

A major source of anxiety for community pharmacists comes with the worrying levels of abuse and violence inflicted upon the sector by some members of the public. Last year alone, there were reportedly 389 crimes within community pharmacies in Northern Ireland with around 50 of these violent. Regrettably this comes after more than the 1,000 crimes that took place in our community pharmacies in 2019 and 2020.

It was only March of this year during an incident of aggravated burglary, a pharmacist was stabbed and his pharmacy premises damaged. Due to the workforce challenges previously outlined, this community pharmacist had to return to work the following day.

This Mental Health Awareness Week, I would like to appeal directly to members of the public to continue to display the same level of patience and respect that they have done up to this point so that our community pharmacy teams do not have to feel anxious in doing their job. As the statistics show, these are not isolated incidences but unfortunately form part of a worrying trend. In response, a longer-term and concerted approach is needed to support safe staffing.

The last few years have seen the costs of providing community pharmacy services increase significantly. As detailed in a recently commissioned report, there was an increase of 21% in the cost of the between 2014/15 and 2020/21. Once we factor in the increased footfall and the soaring cost of living, we can begin to get a sense of some of the financial pressures that face our contractors.

As Mental Health Awareness Week continues, I want to reflect on the unwavering commitment shown by the entire community pharmacy workforce. Stepping up to meet pressures, they continue to be a source of certainty and provide a continuity of care to patients in their local community. I want to put on record my thanks for their incredible work to date. The last few years have shown that community pharmacy is resilient and strong but it is not unbreakable.

DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has visited a local community pharmacy to discuss the role of the sector as a key part of the party’s 5-Point Plan for Northern Ireland in the next Assembly mandate.

Speaking to pharmacy staff at Johnston’s Pharmacy in Dromore, the Lagan Valley MP and Assembly candidate discussed his party’s plans to build capacity in the health workforce, as set out in the DUP’s commitments to prioritise primary care for the next five years. The party calls for additional investment to modernise the health service, introduce the latest technology to community pharmacy, and support staff.

Transformation of the health service was also among the talking points as community pharmacies across Lagan Valley and throughout Northern Ireland continue to play an essential role in community-based care. Recent months have seen community pharmacies making the most of their accessibility to deliver over 330,000 COVID-19 vaccinations and over one million lateral flow testing kits while maintaining, on average, one million dispensing episodes each week in Northern Ireland.

DUP leader, Sir Jeffrey Donaldson said:

“It was great to visit Andrew and his team who continue to play an essential role providing the community with accessible health care. As patients from Dromore and the surrounding area have increasingly come to depend on their local community pharmacist, it was important to hear how staff have adapted and stood-up services to meet greater demand. Community pharmacy is an essential part of our health service with so much opportunity to unlock as we look ahead to rebuilding.

“Our plan to fix the health service sets out our commitment to supporting community pharmacy for the next five years. We want to take steps to safeguard our health service into the future, through supporting our workforce and addressing long-term staffing pressures. Our community pharmacists, as frontline healthcare workers, have gone above and beyond what was expected of them and will continue to play an important role.”

General Manager of Johnston’s Pharmacy, Andrew Johnston said:

“Ahead of the election, today was an opportunity for us to highlight the role of community pharmacy up to this point and in the new Assembly mandate. As well as delivering our core services, like the dispensing of medicines, we also provide a range of additional services such as COVID-19 vaccination and Pharmacy First as part of our expanded role in primary care. Our message is that community pharmacy is a solutions provider, and if given the support, can play a focal role in the rebuilding of our health service in the short, medium, and long-term.

“It was encouraging to hear the DUP’s vision for the health service and the focus it places on workforce planning and healthcare transformation. As community pharmacists, we understand the needs of our patients and tirelessly step up to meet their demands. As attention turns to how we can improve our health service, community pharmacy will provide an important contribution to a new, shared healthcare model.”

Sinn Féin Vice-President Michelle O’Neill has paid tribute to community pharmacists across Mid Ulster for their efforts in supporting local communities over the past number of years at a pre-election canvassing visit arranged by the sector.

The former Joint First Minister visited Donnelly McAleer Pharmacy in her constituencyto hear from a local community pharmacy team on the important role community pharmacy plays in communities such as Coalisland.

Workforce planning, community pharmacy’s role in the transformation of the health service and making the most of the sector post-COVID were among the keys asks from lead pharmacist, Anne-Marie McGrath.

Sinn Féin Vice-President Michelle O’Neill said:

“I want to say a huge thank you to the team at Donnelly McAleer Pharmacyand all the community pharmacists across Mid Ulster and the North who have worked tirelessly for the last number of years under extremely trying conditions. Their role in meeting increased patient demands under unrelenting pressure has been immeasurable. Whether through the continued dispensing of medicines, the rollout of new services, or supporting our communities throughout the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, our community pharmacists have been there for all of us.

“As a former Minister of Health, I know that we have a dedicated and highly professional community pharmacy sector, but it is one that needs the certainty of long-term planning, investment, and resourcing. We know that there is work to do to rebuild our health service in the new mandate, and as valued members of the health and social care family, our community pharmacy sector will have an important role to play.”

Community pharmacist, Aisling McKeeman said:

“This election is an opportunity to put transformation of the health service firmly on the Executive’s agenda. The COVID-19 pandemic has totally changed how patients access healthcare and consequently, we have experienced an increased footfall and higher patient demand. To know that our team has been able to continuously meet these challenges and keep our communities safe is a huge source of pride.

“Today’s visit was a timely opportunity to emphasise our message that community pharmacists can and want to do more. If given the appropriate support in the next mandate, we can continue to expand services, take pressure away from other parts of the health service and prevent patients from having to use secondary care. The next five years will be a pivotal moment for our health service and community pharmacy stands ready with solutions.”

SDLP deputy leader Nichola Mallon has visited her local community pharmacy to highlight the importance of community pharmacies within the SDLP’s plan to support the health system in the new Assembly mandate.

The North Belfast Assembly candidate was speaking following a visit to Teagues Pharmacy on the Antrim Road in which she said that the SDLP will look to build upon the strong links that exist between community pharmacies and their surrounding communities.

Nichola Mallon supported calls from the sector for workforce planning to be prioritised in the next Assembly mandate to reduce staff shortages and ensure that pharmacy remains an attractive sector to enter and remain in. Staff at the community pharmacy also told the former minister of the need for the incoming Executive to make the most of the solutions and opportunities presented by the sector in the midst of lengthy waiting list crisis and overstretched emergency care.

North Belfast Assembly candidate, Nichola Mallon said:

“The community pharmacists here at Teagues Pharmacy are a real testament to the dedication and hard work of the entire community pharmacy workforce here in the heart of North Belfast. The last number of years have been fraught with challenges, most recently the COVID-19 pandemic, and yet our community pharmacists stood up to meet increased demands and supported our communities every step of the way.

“Reforming our health service will inevitably play a prominent role in the next Assembly mandate, so it was both timely and worthwhile to hear from people, like Conor and his team, on how we can get the best for both our community pharmacists and our communities. If we want to build a health service that works for communities here in North Belfast into the future, then we need to work with our frontline health workers in the new mandate and build a sustainably resourced and integrated community pharmacy sector.”

Conor McAreavey of Teagues Pharmacy, Antrim Road said:

“Today was a welcome opportunity to speak with the SDLP’s Assembly leader and highlight the everyday role played by community pharmacies here in North Belfast. Whether it is through the dispensing of medicines to meet increased footfall or the introduction of new pilot services, our teams have adapted to the changing needs of our patients. In recognising the hard work of our teams and their expanded role, we now need to be looking to attract, recruit and retain community pharmacists.  

“The new Assembly mandate also presents an opportunity to turn transformation plans into action and ensure that we have a sustainable health service for the foreseeable future. Community pharmacy has identified a range of different solutions and stands ready to support the transition from hospital-focused care to community-focused care.”

UUP leader Doug Beattie has visited a local Portadown community pharmacy to discuss the role of the sector as a key part of the party’s vision for the health service in the next Assembly mandate.

Speaking to pharmacy staff at Gordons Chemists in Portadown, Doug Beattie discussed his party’s plans to stabilise the workforce, as set out in the UUP’s ‘Build a Better Northern Ireland’ election manifesto. The party’s calls to deliver a workforce plan to reduce staffing shortages resonated with General Manger, John Clark who spoke of the need to address the continuing staffing shortfall in community pharmacy.

Transformation of the health service was also among the talking points as community pharmacies across the Upper Bann constituency and throughout Northern Ireland continue to play an essential role in community-based care. Recent months have seen community pharmacies making the most of their accessibility to deliver over 330,000 COVID-19 vaccinations and over one million lateral flow testing kits while maintaining, on average, one million dispensing episodes each week in Northern Ireland.

UUP leader Doug Beattie said:

“It was great to visit the pharmacy team today who continue to play an essential role providing the community with accessible health care. As patients from Portadown and the surrounding area have increasingly come to depend on their local community pharmacist, it was important to hear how staff have adapted and stood-up services to meet greater demand. Community pharmacy is an essential part of our health service with so much opportunity to unlock as we look ahead to rebuilding.

“Our election manifesto sets out our commitment to supporting the health service for the next five years. We want to take steps to safeguard our health service into the future, through supporting our workforce and addressing long-term staffing pressures. Our community pharmacists, as frontline healthcare workers, have gone above and beyond what was expected of them and will continue to play an important role.”

General Manger of Gordons Chemists, John Clark said:

“Ahead of the election, today was an opportunity for us to highlight the role of community pharmacy up to this point and in the new Assembly mandate. As well as delivering our core services, like the dispensing of medicines, we also provide a range of additional services such as COVID-19 vaccination and Pharmacy First as part of our expanded role in primary care. Our message is that community pharmacy is a solutions provider, and if given the support, can play a focal role in the rebuilding of our health service in the short, medium, and long-term.

“It was encouraging to hear the UUP’s vision for the health service and the focus it places on workforce planning and healthcare transformation. As community pharmacists, we understand the needs of our patients and tirelessly step up to meet their demands. As attention turns to how we can improve our health service, community pharmacy will provide an important contribution to a new, shared healthcare model.”

The COVID-19 spring booster vaccination programme will get under way in Northern Ireland in the coming days, so the Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging those eligible to get boosted.

People aged 75 years and over, residents in care homes for older people, and those aged 12 years and over with weakened immune systems will be offered a spring booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. It is advised that the spring booster should be offered around six months after an individual received their first booster dose.

Dr Jillian Johnston, Joint Interim Assistant Director in Health Protection at the PHA, said: “COVID-19 is more serious in older people and those with a weakened immune system. Protection from the vaccine may be lower and may decline more quickly in these people.

“Although vaccines are expected to provide good protection against severe COVID-19 disease, protection against mild infection with the Omicron variant seems to decline quickly, even after a booster dose, so the additional spring booster will help address this.

“This spring booster is being offered as a precaution to those at extremely high risk, most of whom received their first booster around six months ago. If the number of infections increases over the summer, this booster should help to reduce your risk of being admitted to hospital with COVID-19.”

Spring booster programme arrangements

• Care Homes: the spring booster programme will begin in care homes from the start of April and community pharmacies will complete this element of the programme. 
   
• Over 75s: GPs will invite all their eligible patients aged 75 years or older in for vaccination. In addition to being invited by their own GP to receive a spring booster, individuals aged over 75 will have the option to receive their spring booster vaccination via a participating community pharmacy or at a HSC Trust-led vaccination clinic.
   
• Vaccination centres: Trusts will continue to run some vaccination centres as well as mobile clinics/pop-up clinics.
   
• Housebound patients: Trusts (through District Nursing Teams) will continue to vaccinate the eligible housebound patients.
   
• Immunosuppressed individuals are also eligible for the spring booster but it is likely that many of these individuals will have only recently received their booster dose, 3 months after they had received a 3rd primary dose. These individuals should be offered the booster during the spring campaign providing there is at least three months from the previous dose. Trust clinicians should write to advise their patients of this. GPs should provide a “safety net” service. Practices can offer vaccination to any of their registered patients who meet the criteria as immunosuppressed at patient request or by practice identification.

“COVID-19 has not gone away and we would urge those eligible to come forward for the spring booster when invited,” added Dr Johnston.

Further info at www.pha.site/springbooster.

Find out more on how to get your booster vaccination at www.nidirect.gov.uk/covid-vaccine.   Further information

In relation to the spring booster dose, JCVI have advised that this should be offered around six months after an individual received their first booster dose.  JCVI have advised that the spring booster dose should be offered to:

• adults aged 75 years and over,
• residents in a care homes, and
• individuals aged 12 years and over who are immunosuppressed, as defined in the Green Book https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-the-green-book-chapter-14a .