community pharmacy sector in Northern Ireland. As part of this strategy, UCA is currently developing a membership section for non-contractor pharmacists.


Having a shared belief in the Pharmacy profession I


n its recent strategy document, Ulster Chemists’ Association pledged to represent and support pharmacies and pharmacists to fulfil their potential within the primary and


pharmacists to develop new representation and support structures within the UCA to help bring this about.”


Here’s what two of them had to say:


Adrienne Clugston, UCA Operations Manager explains, “Pharmacists across the profession have been telling UCA that it lacks a clear and collective voice and pharmacists feel that their views are not being heard or acknowledged in the decision making process and sometimes they seem to be working against each other.


“However, the common ground all pharmacists share is their passion and belief in the value of their profession. By representing all pharmacists, UCA aims to bring the profession together and give it a stronger voice. The Executive Committee are currently working along with a dedicated group of employee


“The future is changing, it is a crucial time of reform and transformation for pharmacy within Northern Ireland. Therefore, it is of great importance that we undergo pivotal changes. By exploring innovative ideas we will continue to further the pharmacy profession. A more holistic approach, encompassing the voices of all our working professionals is required in order to support our workforce in improving services and, of course, patient care.


“I am pleased to say that the UCA has formed an employee pharmacist committee aimed at achieving these goals. I am also honoured to have been selected as a committee member and look forward to collaborating with colleagues and stakeholders to ensure our profession moves forward for the betterment of those we serve.” Madeeha Malak, Pharmacist, Randalstown Pharmacies


“Pharmacist Membership of the UCA is a great idea because currently only contractor pharmacists can avail of the services provided by UCA membership and considering that the vast majority of pharmacists are employees there is a need to address the imbalance.


“All pharmacists, from all backgrounds including primary and secondary care, academia and industry all need representation and the support structure offered by the UCA.


“This Pharmacist Membership would be the initial stepping stone to driving the development of the UCA to enhance its service provision to cater for the day to day needs and respond


to the concerns of individual pharmacists as well as the pharmacy business.


“Now is the time to act to make this a core focus of our day to day practices. We all have a voice, and this could be a very appropriate vehicle to utilise, to have our own concerns realised and acted upon.


“I personally feel we have much to gain by being part of the UCA development of pharmacist members and kick on to deal with the big issues affecting pharmacy as a bigger, stronger unit inclusive of everyone’s opinions.” John Hamill, McMullans Pharmacy, Belfast


Call to Action!


Employee and locum pharmacists are invited to register their interest in Pharmacist membership. An invitation is being sent to every pharmacy in Northern Ireland through the Sangers totes explaining the aims of the group and calling all pharmacists to come forward to help shape the profession for the future. Look out for the red envelope!


UCA Development Initiatives for 2016


The UCA Executive along with its employee pharmacist development group has been reviewing the representation and support we provide to pharmacies and pharmacists. Pharmacy in Focus now contains this new 4-page section which will help us to communicate with pharmacies and pharmacists and hopefully demonstrate clearly what we can offer through UCA membership. Over the coming months a number of new services will be launched which will provide you with value for money and help support you in your day to day work.


Access NI UCA can now apply for Access NI checks on behalf of member pharmacies. Any pharmacy that needs to have an Access NI check for a member of staff should contact Adrienne Clugston for more information.


Research & Development UCA is currently working on research and development projects aimed at either providing an evidence base to support community pharmacy bids for new services, or to develop new and improved services deliverable through the pharmacy network. If you would like to take part in a research project or if you have a special interest or expertise in any area, the UCA


Emergency First Aid at Work Training Belfast & Enniskillen Dates to be confirmed Suitable for new First Aiders & those needing a refresher course Register your interest by emailing: support@uca.org.uk


would love to hear from you. Just contact Mairead Conlon, UCA Representation Pharmacist via mairead@uca.org.uk.


Education & Training UCA’s Pharmacy Management & Leadership programme got off to a great start in February. Participants are working towards their Institute of Leadership Management Level 5 Certificate.


There are 6 days in the UCA programme which will be repeated each year so anyone wishing to participate can join the programme at any time and simply complete the other modules in year 2. There are still a couple of spaces left, so if you are interested please get in touch on 028 9065 6576.


UCA Local meeting Making the Most of MURs for people with Diabetes: A Community Pharmacy Workshop Wellington Park Hotel, Belfast 7pm, 23rd February (Refreshments on arrival) Open to all Pharmacists working in a community or primary care setting.


UCA Local Meetings in Fermanagh and Belfast including CPD on Atrial Fibrillation and Diabetes MURs were well attended and we are currently planning further UCA Local meetings and CPD. We would encourage you to contact us and suggest training topics for our UCA Local meetings.


Health Promotion UCA is developing a range of health promotion presentations for members to use when talking to patient groups, schools and businesses. The first presentation is on ‘Colds & Flu’ and the next in the series is on ‘Smoking Cessation’.


Pharmacy Management & Leadership


Training Programme DAY TWO Understanding Financial Management Strand House, Holywood Road, Belfast 2nd April Suitable for Pharmacists and non-Pharmacists in a management position wishing to develop their management & leadership skills. PLACES STILL AVAILABLE Register your interest by emailing: adrienne@uca.org.uk


Tel: 028 9065 6576 www.uca.org.uk


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