NEWS Welcome
By Adrienne Clugston
Welcome to the fourth issue of 2026. It’s been a busy year so far for everyone working within the community pharmacy sector. The vaccination service is in full swing and the Christmas rush seems to get earlier every year!
At UCA-NI we are looking forward to the NI Pharmacy Brunch on Wednesday, November 4. Our theme is the changing workforce landscape. With the introduction of newly-qualified pharmacists with independent prescribing (IP) skills, plus the challenges around team recruitment, we are asking how new IP skills and capabilities can be introduced safely and effectively into community pharmacy.
We will also look at how we can utilise the skill-mix of the whole team to support new developments.
For more information see page 36 or visit:
www.pharmacyinfocus.co.uk/events/
In the new year, many pharmacies will find out if they have a Foundation Trainee for 2027/28. If you need support during the FTY placement period, please get in touch with UCA-NI. We offer an AccessNI check Umbrella Body service and can support their development through our Community Pharmacy Management Programme.
What has UCA-NI Ever Done for You?
We got a great response from our recent Support Survey, and it is clear that many pharmacies appreciate the local support, representation and communication from UCA-NI.
Support UCA-NI’s training programmes are designed to be community pharmacy focused, conveniently scheduled and good value for money. We continue to expand our training provision – just let us know how we can support your business.
Our business provider partners offer good service, competitive pricing and support. Remember, that all our partners pay a form of commission to UCA-NI, which contributes to the ongoing support we provide you.
Communication
UCA-NI’s partnership with PharmacyShows is going from strength to strength. The range of publications and events we work together on provides community pharmacists with good quality business networking events such as the Northern Ireland Pharmacy Show and our Pharmacy Brunch series, and important communications links. The Pharmacy in Focus Awards are also open for submissions. See page 37.
The print and online Pharmacy in Focus editions have been getting a refresh with new editor Shelley Gibbins and designer Vicky Duran. If you have a story you would like Shelley to cover, just get in touch with UCA-NI or email
Editor@pharmacyshows.com. If you’re not already receiving our UCA-NI newsletters, get in touch with us to sign up.
Representation
UCA-NI directors and staff represent the business and professional interests of the community pharmacy sector across a number of stakeholder groups. We work with Community Pharmacy Northern Ireland (CPNI) colleagues on communications and representation, consultations and attending events such as the University Careers Fairs.
What can you do for UCA-NI?
Would you like to join the UCA-NI Board of Directors and contribute to the support work it provides community pharmacies?
UCA-NI is expanding its Board of Directors with vacancies open for contractors or superintendents. If you would like to contribute to the strategic direction of your local support organisation, contact Adrienne Clugston or any one of the current directors for more information – Edel McMahon (Randalstown Pharmacies), Siobhan McNulty (Melvin Pharmacy, Garrison), Jonathan Lloyd (Health Centre Pharmacy, Carrickfergus) and David McCrea (Dundela Pharmacy, Belfast).
If UCA-NI can support you in any way, call or email Adrienne Clugston on 028 9065 6576 /
adrienne@ucani.co.uk.
We’re here to help!
Recruitment Services
UCA-NI and Pharmacy in Focus are working together to help you recruit pharmacists, team members and locums, through targeted promotion to the right audience. Recruitment is tough, but we have enjoyed a high success rate for permanent vacancies advertised through UCA and Pharmacy in Focus. Locum Pharmacists can
also sign up to view shifts on the LocumZone. The new LocumOnline services via Pharmacy in Focus offers pharmacies a cost-effective way to promote vacancies to active Locums. To find out more about the service, contact Martin Murphy by emailing
martin@pharmacyshows.com or contact UCA-NI.
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