Pharmacy owner, Siobhan McNulty, and her team introduced the advanced point of care diagnostic service over the past year after investing in the Getain 1106 analyser. This has allowed staff at the pharmacy to offer a wide range of blood tests via simple finger prick sampling. Results are analysed onsite and are securely provided to patients by email while they wait. The service allows for conditions such as raised cholesterol, diabetes and vitamin deficiencies to be identified quickly so patients can receive immediate counselling, lifestyle advice and onward referral where appropriate.


Melvin Pharmacy also introduced an atrial fibrillation analyser, allowing rapid, on the spot screening to identify patients with previously undiagnosed irregular heart rhythms. This ensures patients can quickly be referred for onward care and support as well as reducing the risk of preventable complications such as a stroke.


Providing essential care locally


These innovative practices have significantly improved the provision of pharmaceutical care within the region by allowing for earlier detection, personalised interventions and improved accessibility for patients. This has been particularly beneficial for patients who may have otherwise faced long waits for GP appointments. Additionally, the introduction of an earwax microsuction service has provided essential care locally, preventing patients, particularly older adults, from travelling long distances to access treatment, as well as improving comfort and adherence.


When it came to designing this range of new services, accessibility was a key driver as the team wanted them to be available to patients of all ages. This meant offering the services on a weekend and removing barriers often associated with GP appointment availability. So further innovation was embraced with the introduction of an online booking system and WhatsApp for Business. This improved patient access and convenience and allowed appointments to be booked outside traditional hours.


The team overcame a number of challenges to implement the new services, most notably around training, workforce capacity, and financial investment. As some of the technology introduced was highly specialised, suitable training was not available locally and Siobhan had to travel outside of Northern Ireland to complete comprehensive training on the blood testing analyser. She also undertook phlebotomy training to support the introduction of additional blood tests planned for later in the year. Having undergone this training, she then cascaded her knowledge to the wider pharmacy team through structured in-house training, ensuring staff competence and confidence.


Business growth and long term sustainability


The introduction of advanced diagnostic equipment required significant financial investment so Siobhan and the team proactively sought external support and were successful in securing funding through an Invest NI Innovation in Technology grant. This funding enabled the pharmacy to adopt the technology to deliver the innovative services, while maintaining financial sustainability.


In addition to improving patient accessibility and outcomes, the services have also led to business growth through diversified income streams and increased footfall. For example, the addition of the earwax microsuction service attracted patients from a wider geographical area, contributing to sustained growth and long term service sustainability.


From a workforce perspective, staff have been able to expand their skills and confidence which has improved job satisfaction and team retention.


Together, these initiatives have positioned Melvin Pharmacy as trailblazers and strengthened their reputation as a modern, patient centred healthcare hub making a massive difference to patients’ lives.


“These innovative practices have significantly improved the provision of pharmaceutical care within the region by allowing for earlier detection, personalised interventions and improved accessibility for patients...”


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