One Size FIts All

Among baggage reclaim carousels across the globe, passengers are reuniting themselves with exactly the same luggage in one country as they so trustingly parted from in another.

The Direct Approach

In a bid to raise awareness about the breadth, variety and indeed complexity of services offered throughout community pharmacies in Northern Ireland, pharmacy contractors Lee Dearn and James McKay joined David McCrea in Dundela Pharmacy to welcome the Health Minister.

The Right Formula

First the Albert Clock was treated to a reinvigorating cleanse, then the Merchant Hotel opened one of Belfast's premier jazz bars but the redevelopment of High Street doesnít stop there. Formula Healthís face-lift has turned heads of customers, commercial businesses and the Lord Mayor alike.

News in Brief

Cost Of A Pint

The 'shocking' cost of alcohol misuse in Northern Ireland was highlighted by Health Minister Michael McGimpsey in June after estimates that its cost to society equates to £679.8million with a range of £500million to £884million. "This research shows that the cost to the Health Service alone may be as high as around £160million each year with a further cost of £82million to Social Services,î the Minister said. ìThese figures are particularly pertinent in the context of my Departmentís very challenging financial situation because this is money that could be spent providing key frontline services."

Heart In Hands

The British Heart Foundation Northern Ireland is appealing to fundraisers to help it reach its target of £80,000 by August. The campaign is to recruit more heart nurses to support patients throughout the province and to reduce secondary care admissions.

Haiti Fundraising

Staff at Holly Villa in the Tyrone and Fermanagh Hospital have raised over £320 for a group who are travelling to Haiti in October to build houses following the earthquake. The Tyrone Haiti Build is a project in conjunction with the Haven Partnership to support those affected by the disaster.

Secondary Care Supported

A new hospital in Omaghs fight for funding has been supported by Health Minister Michael McGimpsey. Speaking at a meeting with the Omagh joint liaison group, the Minister said: "I am fully committed to the development of the new Omagh hospital and will continue to press for the essential funding needed to make this a reality."

Commissioning Together

Pharmacists and GPs must work together to define the gaps in commissioning data, review how they can be filled and to determine the correct level of care provision for a particular area, according to Stephen Foster, the head of the new Healthcare Professionals Commissioning Network. The network is open to any health or social care professional who would like to engage in commissioning. tinyurl.com/HCPnetwork

Public Power

Friday, 04 September 2009 08:55

What more genuine testimony and greater endorsement for your pharmacy than a nomination for the Pharmacy in Focus Commitment to Health and Social Well-being Award?

Commitment to Health and Social Well-Being Award

Supported by Danone Baby Nutrition

This publicly-voted Award, the first of its kind in Northern Ireland, was introduced last year and yielded an overwhelming number of nominations. It is designed to give customers the opportunity to nominate those who know them best as both patients and people for a prestigious Pharmacy in Focus Award.

It's no secret that some of pharmacy's biggest advocates are patients. With repeatedly and exceptionally high results from patient satisfaction surveys and footfall continuing to increase annually in Northern Ireland, it is clear why patients and customers are so trustingly dependent on the services and expert advice found in their community pharmacy.

Our 2008 winner, Aghalee Pharmacy, was lauded by one of their regular customers who trusted and depended on the advice and pharmaceutical care both him and his wife received on a daily basis. Mr Paddy Sutton cares for his wife Irene, who now lives permanently at home following a stroke. He commended Zita Graham and her team for their outstanding service and relies upon their daily assistance with Irene's medication, as well as his own healthcare needs.

Pharmacist Lorna Kelly, who accepted the Award at last year's event, said that the whole team were absolutely delighted to have been commended by their customers. We have all worked so hard to ensure that all of our community's healthcare needs are met locally, conveniently and effectively, she said. This is obviously recognised by our customers due to the nature of the Award, The fact that we are always willing in whatever way we can to help our customers is where our success is rooted and as we are based within a small community, we're often always the first port of call ñ not just for health queries but for all sorts of things people need to discuss.

The determination shown by pharmacists in Northern Ireland to continue to provide extended services, such as needle exchange programmes, methadone substitution or allergy testing, in the face of adversity such rising costs, economic cutbacks, professional uncertainties and cuts in funding, deserves more than just applause.

A province-wide press campaign will shortly be unveiled, to encourage the public to vote for their local community pharmacy and supporting literature and entry cards can be found within the forthcoming September edition of Pharmacy in Focus. These are key in promoting the Award and encouraging entries, so display them with pride!