CPNI has developed a short patient survey to better understand:
The extent to which patients rely on community pharmacies
Whether difficulties accessing GP services are influencing pharmacy use
Patients’ confidence in pharmacists managing minor conditions
Appetite for expanded services in community pharmacy
Why this survey is important
This survey will provide CPNI with valuable evidence on patients’ experiences and stories about the role of community pharmacy. This evidence will support the ongoing work CPNI is undertaking and will help to inform engagement with political representatives, as well as provide opportunities to highlight the value of community pharmacy through media and social media activity.
About the survey
The survey is short and should take approximately 3–5 minutes to complete.
It will be available in two formats:
Digital format: via a Microsoft Form accessible through a link or QR code
Paper format: a single double-sided A4 sheet when printed
A QR code poster and a short paragraph explaining the survey have also been developed to help promote the survey and encourage patient participation.
How contractors can support the survey
We recommend that pharmacy contractors:
Print paper copies of the survey and ask pharmacy counter staff to encourage patients to complete the survey while they are waiting for prescriptions or waiting to speak to the pharmacist.
Print the QR code poster and display it in the pharmacy to promote the survey.
Share the survey link and QR code on your pharmacy’s social media platforms.
The survey will run from Monday 23 March for a period of four weeks. We recognise that this coincides with the Easter holiday period, which is a particularly busy time for community pharmacy teams. However, this may also present an opportunity due to increased patient footfall. We would strongly encourage the use of pharmacy counter staff to ask patients to complete the survey while they are waiting for their prescription or to speak with the pharmacist.
What pharmacy contractors need to do
Print paper copies of the patient survey or request copies to be posted from the CPNI office.
Print the A4 QR code poster and survey summary, or request copies from the CPNI office.
Place the survey and QR code poster on the pharmacy counter and ask staff to encourage patients to complete the survey while waiting in the pharmacy.
Print the QR code sheet and cut into individual QR codes (if desired) to place in prescription bags.
Place QR codes in prescription bags to promote the survey.
Share the survey link and QR code via your pharmacy’s social media platforms (suggested social media post linked here).
Completed paper surveys can be posted back to the CPNI office, or pharmacy staff may choose to enter responses directly into the Microsoft Form.
Kind regards,
SENT ON BEHALF OF GERARD GREENE Chief Executive
Dear Contractor
This is a reminder for community pharmacies to ensure they have submitted their mandatory Complaints Returns via the online form by Tuesday 24 March 2026.
SUMMARY
Contractors are reminded of the following:
To submit the monthly complaints return by Tuesday 24 March 2026
The March return covers all closed complaints for February 2025.
A NIL return is submitted if there are no closed complaints.
Please bring this to the attention of your pharmacy team(s).
Kind regards
SENT ON BEHALF OF Gerard Greene Chief Executive
Dear Contractor,
The Northern Ireland Primary Care Network (NIPCN) was set up in 2025 to support primary care stakeholders to play a key role in the delivery of the reset plan for health and social care (HSC) in Northern Ireland. CPNI is a member of NIPCN.
NIPCN are building a new contact base for the Northern Ireland Primary Care Network to help it share updates, events and opportunities to support colleagues across general practice, community pharmacy, dentistry, and optometry.
By signing up, you’ll receive clear, relevant information on system developments and ways to get involved in the work of the Network. This will also include invitations to NICON webinars, engagement sessions, and leadership events, offering opportunities to hear directly from system leaders, share learning, and contribute to conversations shaping the future of primary care in Northern Ireland.
Action:
If you’d like to be connected, you can sign up to the NIPCN mailing list here.
NIPCN will only use your details for NIPCN communications, and you can update your preferences or unsubscribe at any time.
Kind regards,
SENT ON BEHALF OF GERARD GREENE Chief Executive
Dear Contractor
SPPG have issued correspondence on 12 March 2026 providing an update regarding the Pharmacy First Sore Throat Service.
SUMMARY
Recurrent funding for the Pharmacy First Sore Throat Service has been secured and any pharmacies not contracted to provide the service who now wish to do so, can submit a contract via MS forms to SPPG.
Resources for the Pharmacy First Sore Throat Service can be found on the BSO website.
The PGDs for the provision of antibiotic treatment are currently under review and will be made available soon to use from 1 May 2026.
Current PGDs found on the BSO website should continue to be used until 1 May 2026.
To operate under the updated PGDs, all pharmacists providing the service must complete the following additional training:
Pharmacists may wish to take this advance notice to complete the required on-line training before 1 May 2026.
SPPG will also provide further training at a future ECHO session on Tuesday 28 April 2026 at 7.30pm. Further details of this will be issued in due course.
Claims for all Pharmacy First Services should be made on a monthly basis and should be submitted by the 5th working day of the month to ensure payment within the same month.
ACTION
Contractors are asked to read the SPPG letter regarding the Pharmacy First Sore Throat Service and share with relevant members of the pharmacy team.
Queries in relation to Pharmacy First Services can be directed to local SPPG Pharmacy Advisers.
Kind regards
SENT ON BEHALF OF GERARD GREENE Chief Executive
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