NEWS
eCHO network support of pharmacists proves great success
NPA IN FOCUS
Anne McAllister Northern Ireland Representation Manager
It’s always nice to be the bearer of good news, so I’m pleased to report that a new opinion survey commissioned by the NPA shows that the public value community pharmacies more than ever.
In June, we asked 1,000 people across the uK for their views on the coronavirus pandemic, and the future of community pharmacy within the NHs: 81 per cent have a favourable view of pharmacy, up fifteen per cent in the four years since we last conducted a comparable survey.
It seems likely that this rise is at least partly related to public perceptions of the heroic performance of pharmacies during the coronavirus pandemic.
Joe Brogan
To support community pharmacists to manage the challenges associated with COVID-19, the Health & social Care Board (HsCB) set up eCHO sessions, facilitated by Joe Brogan, Assistant Director Integrated Care, Pharmacy & Medicines Management.
The sessions were designed to enable community pharmacists across NI to connect virtually on a weekly basis to obtain updates and guidance and try to share and address queries and concerns pharmacists may have.
Topics covered included: • Infection control • sITReP process • emergency supply service • Prescription collection and delivery services
• Latest evidence • General medical services • Palliative care • shortages
each week there were short presentations from the HsCB Pharmacy & Medicines Management Team, as well as sessions on the community pharmacist perspective on service provision provided by a community pharmacist.
In session Two, for example, James McKay talked about the challenges experienced by community pharmacists on a daily basis, while Michael Cooper provided useful insights into the provision of the new emergency supply service. Guest
speakers were also invited to attend based on feedback from questions during the sessions.
The HsCB plans to continue to offer these sessions on Tuesdays from 7.30pm-9.00pm each week for as long as there is demand for them. Community pharmacists are encouraged to let us know if there are any topics they would wish to be included in the eCHO sessions. This can be done by contacting Teresa McAllister, HsCB Pharmacy Coordinator at
Teresa.mcallister@
hscni.net
Anyone who wishes to join the Community Pharmacy eCHO sessions must register at
https://tinyurl.com/t8644oj
Pharmacists only need to register once.
Copies of the recording and the presentation will be available on the ‘Community Pharmacy 2020’ eCHO network the day following an eCHO session at:
http://echonorthernireland.co.uk/ moodle/
Pharmacists will be required to log in using their username and password which were set at time of registration.
If you have any questions or queries, please contact the Project echo Team on 028 9558 2390.
PHARMACY IN FOCus - 43
Intriguingly, the survey showed that Northern Ireland had the highest percentage of customers who visit their pharmacy at least once a week, and the lowest who visit less than once a month.
The results reveal how people view independent pharmacies and multiples differently, but value both. Independents enjoy an advantage when it comes to emotional value-based associations such as friendliness, helpfulness, caring, and trustworthiness. The personal touch really matters to the customers and patients of independent pharmacies.
But we mustn’t draw a false distinction between the ‘human touch’ and the use of technology in healthcare. Technology has a big role in the future of community pharmacy, which is why the NPA is excited that the Health and social Care Board has commissioned Pro Delivery Manager (PDM) to assist in the management of deliveries to vulnerable patients in conjunction with volunteers and the Community Development Health Network (CDHN).PDM is now being used by more than 130 pharmacies in Northern Ireland. Pharmacies and volunteers are provided with a step- by-step guide to set up the service, with additional access to email and phone line support. Contact 01727 795911 for more details.
Another big positive for the sector is the £13.25m funding and commissioning agreement that was announced for community pharmacy in Northern Ireland, which is in addition to existing funding. Having played such a vital role during the coronavirus pandemic, this is well deserved recognition of community pharmacy. This backing will help the sector assert itself in the post-COVID health system, sustaining and developing services, as well as tackling challenges like workforce and financial pressures.
Finally, a heads-up about the NPA’s annual Ask Your Pharmacist Week, which raises awareness of the value of community pharmacy and pharmacy services. This year AYP Week will run from 2-9 November and will focus on community pharmacy’s position within the local healthcare team, working alongside GPs and others in the community.
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