Category: News

Health Minister Robin Swann has a launched a new campaign to help promote distance awareness.

The campaign uses a consistent and instantly recognisable symbol, the Distance Aware Shield to help remind people to maintain a social distance. Organisations and individuals can support the campaign by wearing a badge or displaying a poster with the Distance Aware Shield.

Launching the initiative Health Minister Robin Swann said: “The introduction of the Distance Aware Shield in Northern Ireland comes at a critical time for us. The progress we have achieved to date in our vaccination programme is very welcome but we cannot allow complacency to creep in.

“It remains as important as ever to follow the public health advice – this includes washing our hands, wearing a face covering and keeping our distance. The badges and posters will be a helpful prompt to maintain distance.”

The campaign will be promoted through community pharmacies, general practices (GPs), Health and Social Care Trusts, and in the voluntary and community sector through the Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action (NICVA). Northern Ireland sporting bodies and retailer Asda are also backing the campaign. Distance Aware badges will be available from information points in all Asda stores.

Minister Swann added: “The badge can be worn by anyone to signify that they wish to maintain social distancing and it is not meant to be an identifier of someone who has been shielding or may have any specific health condition. This is an opportunity for members of the public to become more involved in promoting the social distancing message and to help our efforts to halt the spread of Covid. There is a very simple message behind the scheme – show your concern and respect for other people by maintaining social distancing.”

Commenting on the new initiative Chief Executive of the Patient and Client Council Vivian McConvey said: “Our natural inclination is to embrace people when we see them, it’s part of our nature here, and at a time when we all really need some contact, we must go the extra mile to remain safe and be mindful of keeping others we care about safe too. The Distance Aware campaign launched today by the Minister will help with the collective efforts on this front.  Having been involved in the initial research, we welcome this initiative which provides a polite visual reminder to those we meet to ask them to respect our space.”

Olive MacLeod Chief Executive of the Public Health Agency said: “The PHA has partnered with over 500 community pharmacies across Northern Ireland to support this initiative. Pharmacies sit at the heart of local communities and they will be a great help in promoting the campaign and in distributing Distance Aware badges to members of the public, especially to those who are clinically extremely vulnerable. As lockdown measures start to gradually ease in the coming months, it is hoped that wearing the badge and signalling the need for distance will help reduce levels of anxiety experienced by members of the public around contracting the virus. Covid-19 will continue to be with us for quite some time. To help protect ourselves and others, we all need to keep following the public health advice.”

The Distance Aware campaign was launched in Wales last year and was adapted for use in Northern Ireland by the Department of Health, the Public Health Agency and the Patient and Client Council.

Date published: 22 February 2021

Health Minister Robin Swann has confirmed that the SSE Arena will be used as a vaccination centre for Northern Ireland’s adult population.

It is anticipated the SSE Arena will open in April as a facility for those 60 and under, not already vaccinated through the trust or GP programmes.

The Minister said:“The mass vaccination centre at the SSE Arena signals yet another significant step forward in the roll out of the vaccination programme across Northern Ireland.  The programme is continuing at pace and we are likely to begin vaccinating priority group 7, followed quickly by all other priority groups, starting in early April.  This will see everyone aged 60 and under being offered the vaccine – a monumental next step in a population-wide vaccination programme.”

In addition to the SSE Arena, Trusts will continue to operate large vaccination centres across Northern Ireland with GPs running local vaccination clinics. Access will then be opened further with community pharmacies providing vaccinations on the high street.

The vaccination programme recently opened to all carers aged 18 and over who are the main carer for someone elderly or disabled.  There is currently no definitive list of carers and there are many unpaid carers delivering a vital service in society.

The Minister said: “There are many elderly or disabled people who rely on carers to look after them and their welfare would be a risk if their carer took ill.  We must continue to protect the most vulnerable from the effects of Covid.  That includes doing the right thing and waiting your turn.”

Stormont MLAs have formed a new All Party Group to raise awareness of the role played by community pharmacists and their teams in Northern Ireland.

The group will be chaired by South Antrim MLA, Pam Cameron and will meet regularly to discuss the issues facing community pharmacists working in local communities across Northern Ireland.

At the group’s inaugural meeting, MLAs strongly condemned the recent attack on a female community pharmacist working in South Belfast last week.

Chair of the All Party Group, Pam Cameron MLA said:

“We are really pleased to be able to bring forward an All Party Group on Community Pharmacy at Stormont. This group is important because it will highlight the hugely important role played by community pharmacists in our local communities.

“Community pharmacists have been on the front line of delivering highly accessible services to patients during this pandemic, but their expertise should be always valued, even after we emerge from Covid. It has become clear to me and my MLA colleagues that there is a greater role for community pharmacists beyond Covid and this group will explore and raise awareness of that.

“On behalf of the new group, I would also like to reiterate our condemnation of the despicable attack on a community pharmacist in Belfast just last week. It is appalling that front line workers like community pharmacists are assaulted as they diligently carry out their duties, helping people who need them. Attacks on frontline workers are completely unjustifiable and we send our best wishes to the pharmacists involved in this attack.”

Chief Executive of CPNI, Gerard Greene said:

“We are thrilled to see an All Party Group established on Community Pharmacy at Stormont. In the past year, it is fair to say that community pharmacy teams have gone beyond the call of duty to continue to provide open and accessible services to patients who need their advice and support.

“Community pharmacy is ready and willing to do more and be a key part of how we transform our health service to cope with increasing demands on it. Working with MLAs at Stormont, we hope to be able to demonstrate the value of investing in community pharmacy services, making it part and parcel of health service transformation and ensuring that people can get access to us when they need us.

“Community pharmacy is often referred to as the front door of the health service and is not appointment led, meaning that the public have immediate access to professional advice when they need it. Over 123,000 people visit pharmacies in Northern Ireland every day. This in turn helps keep people out of GP surgeries and hospitals.

“The sector is also very keen to play a role in the Covid vaccination programme as soon as possible and look forward to that becoming a reality in the coming weeks as we work together to fight this pandemic and protect the most vulnerable.”

he Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging 50-64 year olds who have not yet had the free flu vaccine to get it soon.

The seasonal flu vaccination programme has been extended to include those over 50, which will help protect more people from flu and relieve further pressure on the health service.

Dr David Irwin, Consultant in Health Protection at the PHA, said: “Although flu levels are much lower this year than we have seen in previous years, it is essential that we don’t become complacent. The flu virus hasn’t gone away and could re-emerge at any time, so we must treat it with the respect it deserves and take steps to prevent catching and spreading it.

“Flu vaccination has been extended to include people aged between 50 and 64, who are now able to get it in their community pharmacy or GP surgery. While the flu vaccine won’t protect you from COVID-19, it may stop you from getting both illnesses together and putting strain on health and social care services, not to mention the importance to your own health.

“There should be a gap of at least seven days between getting the flu vaccine and getting the COVID-19 vaccine. So, while you may not yet be eligible to get the COVID-19 vaccine, you should get your free flu shot at the earliest opportunity so you do not have to delay in receiving the COVID-19 vaccine when offered it.”

Those who will be aged 50-64 by 31 March 2021 can avail of the jab from over 350 community pharmacies or through their local GP practice.

Louise McMahon, Director of Integrated Care at the Health and Social Care Board said: “We know that protecting against winter flu reduces pressures on hospital services. To make it easier for people in this age group to get the free flu vaccine this year, we are working with GPs and community pharmacies to support this effort.”

The flu virus spreads through the air when people cough and sneeze without covering their nose and mouth. The flu vaccine does not give you the flu. It is offered as the best protection. It’s free, it’s quick, and it could make a big difference to your health and the health of those close to you.

To find out what community pharmacies are participating in flu vaccine programme see: www.hscbusiness.hscni.net/services/3061.htm

People aged 65-69 can now book their Covid-19 vaccination appointments at one of NI’s seven regional vaccination centres.

The online booking is available at https://covid-19.hscni.net/

The Department of Health this week announced a twin track approach to accelerating NI’s vaccination programme – ensuring more people can take up the offer of vaccination and help protect themselves against Covid-19.

GPs will be focusing on the 70 plus age group, while the seven regional vaccination centres will in parallel be offering offer vaccination appointments to 65-69 year-olds.

Register your interest: here

UK-wide Ask for ANI (Action Needed Immediately) Codeword Scheme launched.

This domestic abuse codeword scheme is being established in pharmacies to enable victims of domestic abuse to access support within their community, from the safety of their local pharmacy.

Contractors wishing to participate in the scheme may access training materials and posters at the given links (Ask for ANI materials / Ask for ANI & Safe Spaces materials) and are asked to complete an online form to confirm their decision to provide the scheme and to ensure that staff watch the training animation and read the guidance.

The scheme will initially be available in Boots pharmacies, as well as a number of other independent pharmacies. Participating pharmacies will have promotional material on display in store to signal that they are taking part.

The ‘Ask for ANI’ scheme allows those at risk or suffering from abuse to discreetly signal that they need help and access to support. By asking for ‘ANI’, a trained pharmacy worker will offer a private space where they can understand if the victim needs to speak to the police or would like help to access the 24 hour Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline.

As a trusted source of advice and support in towns and villages across the country, and with specifically trained staff, pharmacies can provide a safe space for victims to sound an alarm if they are isolated at home with their abuser and unable to get help in another way.  

The Ask for ANI scheme was welcomed by Minister Swann: “I am acutely aware of how difficult lockdown has been for those affected by domestic abuse. A trip to the pharmacy may be the only chance victims have to access emergency support. My Department, along with the Department of Justice, has been working closely with the Home Office to help develop the Ask for ANI scheme so that victims can get that support safely and discreetly.

“For anyone who is feeling afraid within their own home because of domestic abuse, please reach out. You are not alone.”

Minister Swann added: “Our community pharmacies play an essential role in delivering health services to the people of Northern Ireland, and this has been particularly evident in the response to the Covid-19 pandemic with pharmacy teams rising to the challenges posed by the emergency to adapt and maintain their services.

“I am delighted that ‘Ask for ANI’ will be available from Boots pharmacies and some independent pharmacies in Northern Ireland and I would encourage other pharmacies to consider joining.”

The Justice Minister Naomi Long said: “Domestic Abuse is an abhorrent crime. The Department is fully conscious of the detrimental impact Covid-19 is having on victims of domestic abuse and their greater vulnerability during this period. The new environment has provided perpetrators with a greater opportunity and ability to enhance their level of coercive control on victims, as well as acts of violence. It is important that those suffering from abuse, violence or the threat of violence in their home reach out and seek help.

“I would encourage those affected by domestic abuse, and who may have limited opportunities to get out alone, to seek help by using this scheme. Through ‘Ask for ANI’ at Boots pharmacies victims of domestic abuse can get help to speak to the police or access the 24hr domestic and sexual abuse helpline.  It is particularly important for victims to know that help is available and that they will be believed and supported particularly with the current restrictions in place.”

There will be an ongoing sign-up process open to all pharmacies. Pharmacies that sign up will be provided with promotional material to display in store to signal that they are taking part.

Contractors wishing to participate in the scheme may access training materials and posters at the given links (Ask for ANI materials / Ask for ANI & Safe Spaces materials) and are asked to complete an online form to confirm their decision to provide the scheme and to ensure that staff watch the training animation and read the guidance.