Move over Angelina, there's a new action heroine in town...

Local charity find more ways to quit with pharmacy.

Women from North Belfast’s Ligoniel community recently benefitted when a collaborative Well Woman clinic was hosted, boosted by one pharmacist’s involvement.

What more genuine testimony and greater endorsement for your pharmacy than a nomination for the Pharmacy in Focus Commitment to Health and Social Well-being Award?

Pandemic flu has gripped the fear of parents globally and to minimise the risk of reactionary panic, safeguarding children has been one of the most important areas for those responsible for ensuring public confidence. While the virus has been shown to be a mild strain,  there are increased concerns from the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety that any second wave will most likely coincide with the normal seasonal flu in the Autumn and may emerge in a more virulent form.

One of the most significant contributors towards extended pharmacy services in Northern Ireland is not regional funding or private investment. The Building the Community-Pharmacy Partnership has enabled countless programmes to empower local communities, through health promotion activities.
The BCPP, part of the wider Community Development and Health Network (CDHN) was lauded for its outstanding contribution to pharmacy services at the Chemist and Druggist Awards, held at the lavish Grosvenor House Hotel in London and the accolade has since drawn praise from a number of pharmacy figureheads.

“This is recognitions for what is a unique community pharmacy programme across the UK,” said Dr Norman Morrow, Northern Ireland’s chief pharmaceutical officer. “It represents partnership at all levels, between CDHN and the DHSSPS and partnership between community, voluntary and pharmacy sectors at a local level. The impact that it has had on the lives of individuals has been impressive as has the level of commitment to ensure success. I warmly congratulate all those involved.”

Health Minister Michael McGimpsey also commended the BCPP on its dedication to improving community health and well-being, saying: “I want to acknowledge the commitment made at local level to make this programme a success and to pay tribute to the Community Development and Health Network who have worked closely with my Pharmaceutical Branch in facilitating almost 100 projects to date within the programme.”

Programme manager Sharon Bleakley, who has been involved in the co-ordination of BCPP since its inception said that she was delighted to see the programme acknowledged for its continued work. “Without the BCPP team and projects, their energy and commitment, this programme would not work,” she said. “BCPP has gone from strength to strength and has been a key agent for change in the health of local communities. Pharmacies and their staff are a key resource in identifying and working to address local health needs.”

Over 100 young pharmacists gathered at the Ramada Hotel in Belfast for a night of lavish dining, celebration and entertainment on Saturday 27 June.