The National Pharmacy Association is calling for negotiations for a new pharmacy contract in Northern Ireland to be accelerated now that court proceedings in the Judicial Review have come to an end.
At a Remedies hearing held last week (Tuesday 7th February) Mr Justice Treacy concluded
that the Northern Ireland Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSPS) implemented £38m worth of cuts to the community pharmacy budget inappropriately.
Anne McAlister, NPA Representation Manager in Northern Ireland said:
“Now that court proceedings have come to an end, we would like to see negotiations accelerated and meaningful talks started in line with the Compton Review of Health and Social Care which calls for an expanded role for pharmacy in public health and the management of long term conditions.”
To help pharmacists, the National Pharmacy Association, in conjunction with Ulster Chemists’ Association, is holding business-focused workshops in Northern Ireland to provide pharmacists with practical tips and advice on how to meet the changing needs during tough economic times.
The sessions, which are free to NPA members, include presentations on developing business, managing cash flow and dealing with HR issues. There will also be an opportunity for pharmacists to put questions to NPA staff.
Sessions will be held at Wellington Park Hotel, Belfast on Wednesday 29th February and Glenavon House Hotel, Cookstown on Thursday 1st March between 6:30pm and 10pm.
