PhARmACy SECURITy UCA mEmBERShIP S


eptember saw the hSCB, Dept of health, Police Service of NI and pharmacy organisations get


together to offer advice and support on violence and crime for community pharmacies. hSCB and the Dept of health took the opportunity to relaunch their zero Tolerance campaign across the health service.


whilst it is reassuring for the pharmacy owners and employees that the hSCB and Doh are standing with them against violent and abusive behaviour, there was less (reassurance) on the possibility of funding to upgrade essential security measures.


Ulster Chemists’ Association has written to the Chief Pharmaceutical Officer and the health & Social Care Board Pharmacy lead outlining security upgrades and training which we feel are necessary to minimise the risk to community pharmacies and prevent serious harm to staff.


Community pharmacies have in the past received funding to upgrade


shutters and install time delay safes and we are urging Doh/hSCB to support pharmacies with this essential investment now.


UCA outlined the safety and security measures including:-


• Alarm system BS EN 50131 compliant • CCTV BS EN 50132 compliant • Upgrade to time delay safes • Safety & security staff training • Reporting


It is really important that pharmacies report violent or threatening incidents to the Police Service, but we also understand that you are all very busy and often you just take it your stride.


But, constant abuse can grind you down and shouldn’t be tolerated. To help gather information and fully understand the extent of the situation, UCA will be contacting you on a regular basis by email to encourage you to report recent incidents. keep an eye on your inbox for the UCA email.


AgE NI fUNDRAISINg w


e are nearing the end of our three-year partnership with Age NI


but we’ve lots going on before the end of December!


A group of pharmacists hit the heights on Saturday 1 October by abseiling down Belfast Castle, raising a whopping £952 for Age NI. A huge thank you to Andrew Cheung from harrison healthcare; fiona Rodgers, pre-reg at mcCoubreys Pharmacy Plus; her friend lauren Roberts; and lee Dearn from Strandburn Pharmacy.


following the success of the Easter campaign, this year pharmacies can take an Age NI Christmas hamper which will create a great counter display and can be used to highlight the Age NI advice cards available through pharmacies.


Age NI will be launching their No-one Should have No-one campaign again this winter – and we are calling on pharmacies to take part and ensure that you give out Age NI advice cards


28 - PhARmACy IN fOCUS


SUPPORT SERVICES In uncertain financial times, all businesses need to keep control of their costs to try to maintain profitability. Pharmacies are no different, particularly at a time when contractual income is under constant pressure.


UCA member pharmacies can access a number of support services to help you “keep an Eye on your Bottom line”. As a support organisation, we are constantly looking for ways to help you improve your profit & loss sheet and sometimes, what can seem like a relatively small change can make a big difference.


COST REDUCTION SERVICE UCA has partnered with a number of suppliers covering key areas of expenditure. All suppliers have committed to offering high quality service, great ‘after-sales’ support and assistance and competitive prices too, obviously!


many of our members have already switched to our merchant Services provider, Paymentsense, and are enjoying the great rates on offer.


Other providers include telephone/broadband, electricity, energy efficiency, stationery and many more.


UCA has created its newest partnership with kerr Insurance who will be offering a comprehensive range of business and personal insurance products for members and their employees.


more details will be shared with you very soon, so watch this space. most importantly, the more switches you make, the more you will save.


to your older patients and customers and carers.


UCA and Age NI are also teaming up again on social media this winter - look out for our videos with messages suitable for health campaigns throughout the year -– you can like or share to spread the message about how pharmacy can help and support people.


lEARNINg & DEVElOPmENT we’re in the full swing of autumn and whilst the kids are back at school, now may be the time for you or your staff to think about learning something new.


UCA’s portfolio of educational and training programmes offer something for everyone- and all CPD worthy!


New pharmacists or those new to management can take our 2-day BUSINESS SkIllS fOR PhARmACy programme and then progress to the PhARmACy mANAgEmENT & lEADERShIP course.


This is perfect for pharmacists or non-pharmacist managers who would like to explore & develop their management skills with this 6-day programme.


Participants can earn an Institute of leadership & management level 5 accreditation.


If you want to develop your staff skillset, you can opt for one of the following courses:


• handling Difficult Situations • working in a Successful Team • health & Safety • Emergency first Aid at work


All courses can be arranged at a date & venue to suit your needs. for more information call UCA on 028 9065 6576.


APPRENTICEShIPS NI UCA has teamed up with global horizon Skills to deliver the new Apprenticeships NI. These courses, suitable for staff aged 24 or under, are fully funded by the Dept of Economy with a £500 employer incentive on completion.


There are a range of courses suitable for the retail environment and can include Essential Skills in maths and English.


The apprenticeships are delivered in the pharmacy in 1-hour sessions over twelve weeks with onsite assessments and learning sessions. Apprenticeships NI via global horizon Skills provide an ideal vehicle to improve and recognise the skills and experiences of your younger workforce.


For more information, contact Adrienne Clugston on 028 9065 6576.


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