NORTHERN IRELAND SEES RECORD PRESCRIPTION DISPENSING AMID CHANGING PHARMACY LANDSCAPE
Beyond the cost of ingredients, the BSO processed £125.2 million in payments to pharmacy contractors for a range of essential services. These payments cover crucial contributions such as minor ailment treatments, smoking cessation support and vaccination programmes, highlighting the expanding scope of pharmacy practice beyond traditional dispensing.
It is also worth noting that, as of the most recent UK-wide figures (2023/24), Northern Ireland had the highest ingredient cost per person at just over £262, a significant 37% higher than England’s £191. This disparity warrants further discussion regarding funding models and the specific healthcare needs of our population.
The Evolving Pharmacy Network and Accessibility The report also sheds light on the structure and accessibility of the community pharmacy network. At the close of the financial year, there were 508 community pharmacies operating in Northern Ireland. This represents a slight decrease of three pharmacies compared to the previous year and a 4.9% reduction since 2014/15
Ingredient cost per person across the UK, 2023/24
Pharmacies per 100,000 population across the United Kingdom, 2023/24
when there were 546 active contractors. While the number of contractors has remained relatively stable in recent years, this gradual decline underscores the pressures faced by the sector.
Despite this slight reduction, Northern Ireland maintains a concentration of 26.6 pharmacies per 100,000 people. However, the report highlights significant regional variations in access. For instance, Fermanagh and Omagh had the highest per capita concentration of pharmacies (39.3 per 100,000 people) but still presented the longest average travel distance to a pharmacy at 1.6 miles, compared to the Northern Ireland average of 0.9 miles. Conversely, Lisburn and Castlereagh had the lowest concentration with 17.3 pharmacies per 100,000 people.
While over 99% of the population lives within five miles of a pharmacy, these regional disparities in proximity and travel distance are crucial considerations for equitable access to services, particularly in rural areas.
Insights into Prescribing Patterns and Demographics The detailed analysis of prescribing patterns offers invaluable insights into the health challenges and demographic needs of the Northern Ireland population. The report identifies the ten most commonly dispensed medications, which collectively accounted for over one-quarter (25.5%) of total drug dispensing. Atorvastatin, typically used to treat high blood cholesterol, was the most commonly dispensed medication, with
just under 1.8 million items. Omeprazole and Co-codamol followed, reinforcing the prevalence of conditions requiring these common treatments.
In terms of therapeutic categories, approximately one-quarter (25%) of all items dispensed in 2024/25 were categorised as treating conditions of the Central Nervous System. These items also accounted for over one-fifth (21%) of the total ingredient cost, highlighting the significant burden of neurological and mental health conditions.
Demographic analysis reveals that a substantial 46% of prescriptions were dispensed to patients aged 65 or over, while over one-third (34%) went to individuals aged 45–64. This underscores the increasing healthcare needs of our aging population and the critical role pharmacies play in supporting older adults with their medication management.
The report also highlights the impact of deprivation on prescribing patterns. The number of items dispensed in the most deprived areas in Northern Ireland was around 48% higher than in the least deprived areas. Interestingly, the average ingredient cost per item was 20% higher in the least deprived areas, suggesting differences in the types or complexity of medications prescribed across socio-economic gradients.
A particularly striking finding relates to mental health. Anti-depressants were dispensed to 398,448 people in Northern Ireland in 2024/25, >
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