NEWS


NICPLD LAuNCHes NeW PRe- ReGIsTRATION DeVeLOPMeNT PROGRAMMe


The Northern Ireland Centre for Pharmacy Learning and Development (NICPLD) has announced the launch of a new, enhanced Pre-reg Development Programme (PRDP), which incorporates the mandatory elements set by the Pharmaceutical society of Northern Ireland (PsNI) alongside a new programme commissioned by the Department of Health to help prepare students for the Common Registration Assessment, which will take place in June 2021.


For more information, visit nicpld.org.


LINDsAY GRACeY


The passing of Lindsay Gracey at the beginning of July has shocked everyone in the world of pharmacy, both in Northern Ireland and further afield.


Lindsay’s contribution to the profession and to patients was immense, whether as a contractor; Board member and Chairman of PCC/CPNI; Director and Chairman of Northern Pharmacies Limited; an innovator in bringing a medicines pouching system to pharmacies and patients across Northern Ireland; or in caring for the pharmaceutical needs of many patients in residential and nursing homes across Northern Ireland.


Lindsay was known for his endless energy, enthusiasm and passion, be that in pharmacy or otherwise. He was generous with his time and would often go out of his way to help others in need.


First and foremost, Lindsay was a family man and his passing will be felt most by his wife Gillian, his children, Gareth, Ruth and Naomi, and his grandson Ben, and the thoughts and prayers of everyone associated with uCA-NI, CPNI and Pharmacy in Focus are extended to Gillian and the family at this time. May he rest in peace.


4 - PHARMACY IN FOCus


Mayor praises work of Kells & Connor Pharmacy during pandemic


The Mayor of Mid and east Antrim Borough Council, Councillor Peter Johnston, has awarded Kells & Connor Pharmacy with certificates of recognition for their tireless work throughout the coronavirus pandemic.


Councillor Johnston offered his sincere thanks and congratulations to the local volunteers, who had come forward to offer support to the local community pharmacy by way of completing mass deliveries of prescription medication to those shielding.


‘I am excited to be touring across Mid & east Antrim to personally offer my thanks - and those of the - Council to more than 500 volunteers who have been nominated for their efforts during this difficult time,’ Councillor Johnston said.


William McCaughey, Business Manager at Kells & Connor


Pharmacy, said he was extremely proud of his local community. ‘The offers of support have been warmly welcomed by our team,’ he said, ‘and they came in abundance, so much so that I was able to encourage volunteers to also support our local grocery store to help ensure people shielding had access to food as well as medication.’


Kells & Connor is one of nine local community pharmacies that are supported by Mid & east Antrim Agewell Partnership (MeAAP) through the Community support for Community Pharmacy scheme. The scheme was developed and commissioned by the Health and social Care Board (HsCB) and is being coordinated by the Community Development and Health Network (CDHN).


‘Contact tracing to become part of everyday life’


That was the message from the Health Minister, Robin swann, while on a recent visit to a newly- established Contact Tracing Centre in Ballymena. Now, only four weeks later, the Minister’s words have already rung true.


The new centre, which opened at the start of July, is an important part of the wider Test, Trace, Protect programme managed by the Public Health Agency.


‘Test, Trace and Protect has a vital role to play in helping us move forward into recovery,’ Robin swann said during his visit to the centre, which opened at the start of July, and which is an important part of the wider Test, Trace, Protect programme managed by the Public Health Agency. ‘This, along with other key public health measures, such as social distancing and ensuring good hand and respiratory hygiene, will help us to reduce community transmission of Covid-19.


‘For Test, Trace and Protect to work, everyone in Northern Ireland must prepare for the possibility of having to self-isolate and be tested to help protect ourselves, our families and our communities.


‘This is likely to become part of everyday life for the foreseeable future until an effective vaccine for Covid-19 is developed and a vaccination programme delivered.’


‘The initial pilot phase of Covid-19 contact tracing began in Northern Ireland on 27 April,’ added Olive MacLeod, Interim Chief executive of the Public Health Agency, ‘and, as of 18 May, we have been tracing all positive cases. Northern Ireland was the first part of the uK to have this service established and operational.


‘Our contact tracing team is made up of trained staff who contact the person who has tested positive; identify those people with whom they have had close contact and could be at risk of developing Covid-19; and, in turn, contact them to advise them on the appropriate next steps.’


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