Minor Ailments

The entire dynamic of pharmacy shifted last month when the Department announced its pre-orchestrated attempts to reform the Minor Ailments Scheme. Contractors, backed by the Ulster Chemists’ Association (UCA) and the Pharmaceutical Contractors’ Committee (PCC), withdrew from the service en masse much to the Department’s pr...

Feeling The Pressure

With high blood pressure thought to affect as many as one in five people in Northern Ireland, thousands of people throughout the country could be suffering from the condition without realising it. Gordons Chemists have made blood pressure testing a priority for their health promotion strategy, introducing free testing events at ...

News in Brief

Minister Backs Awards

Health Minister Michael McGimpsey has pledged his support for 2008’s Integrated Health Award, an accolade run by the Foundation for Integrated Health, championing an integrated approach to health. “I welcome my Department’s continuing support and sponsorship of the Northern Ireland category of the Integrated Health Award,” he commented. Closing date for applications is 29 August.

Don’t Start, Kids

NICE has issued guidance for healthcare professionals focusing on the mass-media and point of sale measures to prevent uptake of smoking by children and young people under 18. Particularly recommended for pharmacists who can appropriately employ mass-media intervention, the guidance is designed to highlight the dangers of smoking and related illnesses.

GSK Opt For DTP

From 1 November 2008, GSK will supply prescription medicines via AAH Pharmaceuticals and Unichem. The NPA have vowed to “drill into the specifics” of the arrangements according to NPA chief executive John Turk.

‘Grave Concern’ for MAS

The NPA Board has spoken out against the DHSSPS’ plans to cap MAS. NPA chairman Paul Bennett said; “The PCC and UCA have called upon the NPA to support the resolution already carried by their members. The unanimous response of this Board is to recommend that all NPA members withdraw from the scheme in Northern Ireland with immediate effect.”

Alzheimer’s Breakthrough

A recent study has revealed that methylthionium chloride (Rember) can be key in reducing brain deterioration in Alzheimer’s patients. Trials have indicated an 81 per cent difference in the rate of mental decline compared to those without treatment.

Winnie's Prescription for a Long Career

Written by Laure James - Editor Pharmacy in Focus

Friday, 01 August 2008 13:58

Long-serving Winnie Johnston has been rewarded for looking after the health of people in Northern Ireland for 60 years. Winnie, who began with The Co-operative Pharmacy aged just 16 in July 1948, joins the NHS in celebrating sixty years of ensuring health is at the forefront of community care.

Dedicated to pharmacy She worked first at its city centre branch in York Street, Belfast, before moving to the branch in her home town of Ballynahinch, County Down, 18 years ago and now, aged 76, still works full time as a pharmacy assistant at the Main Street outlet.

Speaking as she was presented with flowers, champagne and chocolates by her colleagues, Winnie said; “When I first began, I was very nervous because I really wanted the job, but I never expected to still be working for the same business 60 years later.”

There have been plenty of changes in pharmacy since Winnie began her career. When she started, extemporaneous dispensing was commonplace and like other assistants, Winnie had to learn the Latin names for the ingredients. While working in Belfast, Winnie and her team often quickly responded to helping wounded victims of the Troubles, treating patients alongside other healthcare professionals.

“They were difficult times but we had a great team and all the staff pulled together,” she remembers. “I love working in the pharmacy. I’m now part of a great team of people here at Ballyhaninch. Every day I enjoy coming to work, being part of the team and meeting the customers. I’ve got no plans to retire just yet.”