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

Get Ready

Written by Laure James - Editor Pharmacy in Focus
Monday, 07 June 2010 14:19
The final day of the UCA Pre-reg Training Programme 2009/10 was held last month, and this time it focused on one key subject area - business management. Anne McAlister, Pharmacy Services Manager with NPA, delivered the seminar covering a variety of business topics with most relevance to pharmacies and the pre-reg exam syllabus. VAT, recruitment and employment guidelines plus consumer protection such as data protection & freedom of information acts and how they relate to pharmacy. Anne also covered the latest legal change affecting pharmacy, the Vetting and Barring legislation coming into effect in July. When covering decision making and business planning, the presentations became more interactive, with the students enjoying an exercise in negotiation using toy construction blocks! Anne looked at how to market a pharmacy and its services and the importance of looking ahead at new developments politically, socially and professionally so as to adapt the business accordingly. ìI was delighted to have the opportunity to present guidance on business management, delivered through a variety of training materials and practical worked examples which helped to provide students with an introduction to business management skills,î Anne told NIPinF. ìSome of the information was designed to be of immediate use to students as they prepare for their exam. However, the course also hopes to provide some guidance to students as they move into the professional arena as fully fledged pharmacists, and equip them with skills to have confidence in managing their career and participating in a wide spectrum of activities.î As part of her presentation, Anne examined how to appropriately make a business plan to expand a pharmacy business or to establish a new service, as well as how to market these effectively. Such advice offered students the fundamentals in how to collate a business or commissioning plan, and to develop this into a pharmacy service. ìStudents were also given the opportunity to apply theory through a series of case studies and were introduced to the wide range of NPA resources that support the development and implementation of pharmacy services,î Anne added. ìBasic business law including Data Protection, consumer law, Freedom of Information and VAT are all essential items listed on the Pre-registration syllabus and students were supplied with brief revision notes and links to further information.î The programme also looked at details on major employment issues, including recruiting and staff management. ìIt is also important to reiterate the significant recent and pending legislation including Responsible Pharmacist and the implications this has on their practice as they become registered pharmacists, and Vetting and Barring Regulations,î Anne added. ìNPA are delighted to be involved in the pre-reg training programme by providing an Introduction to Business Management. I am very pleased that the day helped to assist students and their tutors in meeting their regulatory responsibilities and developing their business.î The day ended with a presentation on Health Safety from Anne and guest speaker, Gillian McEvoy, environmental health officer with Belfast City Council. This covered all aspects of Health and Safety which must be observed in a retail pharmacy setting. Students were also given the chance to review their obligations in line with the recent Standards for Retail Pharmacy Premises issued from the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland. ìI would like to take this opportunity to thank all the students who attended the UCA programme for their hard work and their tutors for their support,î said UCA secretary Adrienne Clugston. ìBest wishes to all pre-reg students for your exam and we look forward to seeing you all at the UCA Pre-reg Seminar on June 12.î The UCA Pre-reg Training Programme for 2010-11 will be launched in June and all tutors will receive programme information and booking forms soon.