Menu
29/06/2022
New Regulations For NI Pharmacy Technicians
New statutory regulations are to be developed for Pharmacy Technicians by the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland, following approval by Health Minister Robin Swann.
The new regulations are to be developed following a public consultation launched in March 2022.
Approving the new regulations, Minister Swann said: "I am pleased to begin establishing pharmacy technicians as a regulated healthcare profession in Northern Ireland. This will be a key enabler to enhancing the contribution that pharmacy technicians can make to the delivery of healthcare across all settings. It will allow the regulator to strengthen its role in protecting patients and promoting high standards, thereby enhancing the public’s confidence and trust in pharmacy practice.
"While there are many practical issues to be worked through with stakeholders, and legislative change required, I have now instructed my Department’s officials to develop a detailed project plan to bring about the statutory regulation of pharmacy technicians by the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland."
Chief Pharmaceutical Officer Cathy Harrison said: "I welcome the publication of this consultation report, which is a further step towards meeting our ambitions for the development of the pharmacy workforce as set out in the Pharmacy Workforce Review, and I would like to extend my sincere thanks to everyone who took time to provide a response.
"Our population is best served by full utilisation of the skillset of all members of the pharmacy team to ensure that people get the most from their medicines every day. Progressing the registration and regulation of pharmacy technicians as healthcare professionals in their own right will support the transformation of pharmacy services by optimising skill mix and will help to maintain public safety and confidence in the pharmacy profession."
The new regulations are to be developed following a public consultation launched in March 2022.
Approving the new regulations, Minister Swann said: "I am pleased to begin establishing pharmacy technicians as a regulated healthcare profession in Northern Ireland. This will be a key enabler to enhancing the contribution that pharmacy technicians can make to the delivery of healthcare across all settings. It will allow the regulator to strengthen its role in protecting patients and promoting high standards, thereby enhancing the public’s confidence and trust in pharmacy practice.
"While there are many practical issues to be worked through with stakeholders, and legislative change required, I have now instructed my Department’s officials to develop a detailed project plan to bring about the statutory regulation of pharmacy technicians by the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland."
Chief Pharmaceutical Officer Cathy Harrison said: "I welcome the publication of this consultation report, which is a further step towards meeting our ambitions for the development of the pharmacy workforce as set out in the Pharmacy Workforce Review, and I would like to extend my sincere thanks to everyone who took time to provide a response.
"Our population is best served by full utilisation of the skillset of all members of the pharmacy team to ensure that people get the most from their medicines every day. Progressing the registration and regulation of pharmacy technicians as healthcare professionals in their own right will support the transformation of pharmacy services by optimising skill mix and will help to maintain public safety and confidence in the pharmacy profession."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
09 October 2008
High Street Backing For Breast Cancer Awareness
A chain of NI chemist shops has linked up with leading local cancer charity, the Ulster Cancer Foundation to encourage people to Think Pink! Throughout October the MediCare Pharmacy Group has agreed to encourage members of the public to show their support for the charity's awareness and fundraising initiative called 'Pink Link', which helps local w
High Street Backing For Breast Cancer Awareness
A chain of NI chemist shops has linked up with leading local cancer charity, the Ulster Cancer Foundation to encourage people to Think Pink! Throughout October the MediCare Pharmacy Group has agreed to encourage members of the public to show their support for the charity's awareness and fundraising initiative called 'Pink Link', which helps local w
16 January 2009
Pharma Group Celebrates Backing For UCF
An NI pharmacy group is being congratulated for its fund-raising efforts on behalf of cancer research and care. The MediCare Pharmacy Group has raised over £30,000 for the Ulster Cancer Foundation's (UCF) Think Pink! Breast Cancer Awareness campaign.
Pharma Group Celebrates Backing For UCF
An NI pharmacy group is being congratulated for its fund-raising efforts on behalf of cancer research and care. The MediCare Pharmacy Group has raised over £30,000 for the Ulster Cancer Foundation's (UCF) Think Pink! Breast Cancer Awareness campaign.
29 November 2024
New Pharmacy First Service To Ease Winter Pressures
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has announced the launch of a new 'Pharmacy First for Sore Throat' service, which will be available in community pharmacies across Northern Ireland from 1 December 2024. The service will offer advice, assessment, and treatment for people aged five and over who are suffering from a sore throat.
New Pharmacy First Service To Ease Winter Pressures
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has announced the launch of a new 'Pharmacy First for Sore Throat' service, which will be available in community pharmacies across Northern Ireland from 1 December 2024. The service will offer advice, assessment, and treatment for people aged five and over who are suffering from a sore throat.
07 April 2008
Boots Boosts Jobs
High Street retailer, Boots has increased its number of stores in Northern Ireland to 91 with the opening of a new store in Belfast. Generating 26 full time jobs, the store is located in the city's prime shopping destination at Boucher Shopping Park, Boucher Crescent. The new store offers a range of healthcare and beauty expertise for customers.
Boots Boosts Jobs
High Street retailer, Boots has increased its number of stores in Northern Ireland to 91 with the opening of a new store in Belfast. Generating 26 full time jobs, the store is located in the city's prime shopping destination at Boucher Shopping Park, Boucher Crescent. The new store offers a range of healthcare and beauty expertise for customers.
25 October 2021
Military Medical Technicians Help Ease Pressure On NI Hospitals
Military medical technicians have been praised for their help and support in easing the pressures on hospitals in Northern Ireland by Health Minister Robin Swann. Combat Medical Technicians (CMTs) have been deployed to NI three times since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Military Medical Technicians Help Ease Pressure On NI Hospitals
Military medical technicians have been praised for their help and support in easing the pressures on hospitals in Northern Ireland by Health Minister Robin Swann. Combat Medical Technicians (CMTs) have been deployed to NI three times since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:It will be cloudy. Also mainly dry at first this evening but then occasional outbreaks of rain developing overnight. Light southwest winds, and staying mild. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
