The National Pharmacy Association held a meeting (Monday 30th July) with a range of stakeholders to discuss the Healthy Living Pharmacy (HLP) initiative and how this concept could be rolled-out in Northern Ireland.
Representatives from Ulster Chemists Association (UCA), Community Pharmacy Northern Ireland (CPNI) Health and Social Care Board (HSCB), Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSPS), Local Commissioning Groups (LCG), Primary Care Partnerships (PCP) and Pharmacy Forum attended the meeting, which was held at Hilton Hotel, Templepatrick.
In a series of table discussions led by Deborah Evans, Director of Pharmacy at the NPA, the group debated the benefits that implementing the HLP model in Northern Ireland could bring to the public, community pharmacy and the health service.
Mike Holden, Chief Executive of the National Pharmacy Association who chaired the meeting said:
“There was a real buzz around the HLP concept at this meeting – someone described it as a “must do” for Northern Ireland. Amidst all the difficulties for community pharmacy in Northern Ireland, this could be a unifying and really positive platform on which to deliver public health outcomes and build a sustainable future. The next step is to agree a clear vision amongst all stakeholders and then action to make it happen.”
