Community Pharmacy NI urges patients to plan ahead as winter pressures intensify

Community Pharmacy NI urges patients to plan ahead as winter pressures intensify

Community Pharmacy NI is urging the public to be patient and respectful with pharmacy staff in the run-up to Christmas, as winter pressures continue to impact the entire health service, including community pharmacies across Northern Ireland.

With increased levels of seasonal illness, including flu and other respiratory conditions, community pharmacies are experiencing a significant rise in demand for medicines, clinical advice, treatment and vaccinations; just in recent weeks there has been a three-fold rise in enquiries and the number of vaccinations administered by community pharmacy teams.

Gerard Greene, Chief Executive of CPNI said,

“Community pharmacy teams are working incredibly hard to ensure patients can access the medicines, advice and care they need. More and more people are turning to and presenting at their local pharmacy with respiratory illnesses and other winter health conditions, adding to the workload and strain on already busy teams.

Community Pharmacy NI is asking patients to plan ahead where possible to help manage demand during this busy period. Patients are encouraged to check their current medicine supplies and order repeat prescriptions in good time, allowing pharmacies 72 hours after the prescriptions are released by the GP surgeries to prepare and dispense medications.

While patients may experience longer waiting times than usual to speak with a pharmacist, Community Pharmacy NI has emphasised that pharmacy teams are doing everything possible to see patients as quickly as they can.

“Pharmacists and their teams are committed to playing their part in supporting the health service this winter,” Gerard Greene added. “Community pharmacy teams are a core component of primary care and the winter vaccination programme, supporting the wider health service at one of its busiest times of year.  Almost 50,000 people have received their winter flu vaccinations from local community pharmacies, reflecting both the accessibility of pharmacies and the increased demand for NHS vaccinations this year, compared with previous winters. This reach also extends to some of the most vulnerable people in our society as 99% of local care homes have been visited by community pharmacy teams, to vaccinate residents and staff under this year’s winter vaccination programme*. 

 “All we ask is that patients are mindful of the pressures being faced and show patience, understanding and kindness to pharmacy staff, who are working tirelessly to care for their communities.”

Community Pharmacy NI has reiterated that community pharmacies remain a vital and accessible part of the health service and will endeavour to continue supporting patients throughout the winter period.

* Notes to Editors

Every care home in Northern Ireland has been contacted by a community pharmacy to plan the vaccine programme for their residents and staff since it commenced in early October.