ULSTER CHEMISTS’ ASSOCIATION IN FOCUS


president's Welcome I


the latest cohort of new pharmacists has just hit the register, but I know I am still feeling the


pinch when it comes to hiring a locum. I know from the phone calls - some getting more and more desperate for cover - that I am not alone! With the uptake of over 100 practice-based pharmacists and more than 200 posts still to potentially fill, it can only mean that the community pharmacy workforce becomes more and more stretched. this has implications, not only for our current services, but also the potential new service delivery with any new contractual arrangements.


With this in mind, it was timely that I recently met with mark timoney at the Department of health. I was able to update the chief pharmaceutical officer on the serious workforce problems community pharmacy was


facing. pharmacists struggling to get holiday cover; no locum availability and an already-pressurised workload were just a few of the issues that we covered.


I listened as mark explained how a workforce and skills/needs assessment has been instigated by the Department. the realisation that the problem is acute was acknowledged, along with the long-term implications for recruitment in community and primary care pharmacy. We are very clear that a return to over-supply in the pharmacy market was not desirable for the profession, let alone individual pharmacists. there are many stakeholders and factors involved in the discussion, including the universities, pre-registration training providers and the number of overseas students who find getting a visa for pre-reg employment impossible.


the Uca is happy to be part of this discussion and will contribute in a constructive manner. It is, however, essential that the short term issue is recognised and solutions such as ‘return to work’ support courses mean that those who have emigrated, taken maternity leave or retired can be helped back into the northern Ireland workforce.


at the meeting we also discussed the ongoing security concerns for many pharmacists. the Department and board have sent out a quick survey to gather baseline information on the scale of the problem. It will only take a few minutes to fill in. Just follow the link below: https://www.survey monkey.co.uk/r/communitypharmacy Securityassessment. It is important that we have a truly representative sample of replies to further the discussion and solution provision.


my new pre-registration student has just started his year and is already getting stuck in to service provision in


PROMOTING AND PROTECTING COMMUNITY & PRIMARY CARE PHARMACY IN NORTHERN IRELAND


the pharmacy. I have noticed a definite change in attitude in my recent students. an expectation of a more clinical-based year focused on service provision and positive patient outcomes is to be encouraged. an adequate number of properly trained pharmacists is needed if we are to finally deliver on all the potential in community pharmacy. I have already enrolled my student on the newly- revamped Uca pre-registration course, which is full of practice-based information and - of course - help and support with the exam at the end of the year. If you are interested in getting involved, we still have a few places available on our belfast and cookstown courses, contact natalie mulholland at the Uca office for details.


clIff mcElhInnEY, prESIDEnt, UlStEr chEmIStS' aSSocIatIon


rEprESEntatIon pharmacISt’S DIarY


by mairead conlon Welcome pre-regs!


So, with the summer holidays drawing to a close, we welcome our new preregistration pharmacists who are getting to grips with life in the working world. I hope you are settling in well and enjoying putting into practice all that you have learnt over the last four years. this also means that it is time to begin a new year of the Uca preregistration training programme. I am really looking forward to meeting you all in September at our belfast and cookstown training venues.


over the early months of the summer, I spoke to dozens of tutor pharmacists and one thing is very clear - you are passionate about providing the best training environment that you can for your new employees; which probably


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


pharmacY In focUS - 23


explains why the numbers of students enrolled on the Uca course is growing year on year.


Sharon mcEvoy and I have spent considerable time working on content and building upon your feedback from last year. the course this year has lots of new aspects. We now have expert community pharmacist speakers every single day, who will share their knowledge on a wide range of topics including: coding correctly, pain, diabetes, public health, sexual health and business basics. We have listened to what you have asked for and we will deliver.


Each month we will have exam preparation sessions, which will ensure that students work continuously throughout the whole year. results will


be fed back to tutors after each open and closed book paper and this should ensure that every student should be confident on the complete syllabus for the registration exam next June. We have lots more interactive sessions, group work and opportunities to practise presentation skills, as well as a challenge after christmas, which will show who has been putting their learning into practice. Watch out for more details throughout the year!


Several tutors have told me - in dismay - about having to use locums over the last few months, who have displayed poor communication and business awareness and even, in some cases, clinical skills. this course will demonstrate the Uca’s commitment to our members, to ensure that our new pre-registration pharmacists will be both competent and


confident once they join the register next summer, and will be the best newly-qualified pharmacists in northern Ireland. my role is shaped by the needs of our members, so, if you need me, please do not hesitate to get in contact and I will endeavour to help!


contact the Uca office on 02890656576 or email mairead@uca.org.uk


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48