LISTEN: NI Community pharmacists vote to commence industrial action

by Q Radio News

Community pharmacists in Northern Ireland have voted to take industrial action over major concerns relating to contractual and patient safety issues. 

It follows a closed meeting in Belfast last night, which was attended by 95 contractors representing 418 pharmacies across the region.

98% of those in attendance voted for action. 

Community pharmacists say they have reached "breaking point" and have major concerns about how to maintain the safe and on-going supply of medicines, as a result of serious underfunding.

They also say there is a work-force crisis in the sector due to a shortage of pharmacists and locums.

The decision on what action will be taken will be formalised in the coming weeks. 

Loretto McManus, a community pharmacist in Enniskillen, told Q Radio moral is "at an all time low" across the sector particularly due to working extended hours. 

Ms McManus says the Department of Health must acknowledge there are serious issues within the sector, which has led to the decision to take action. 

Meanwhile, Chief Executive of Community Pharmacy NI, Gerard Greene said, “We have been warning the Department for years of this growing crisis.

"A litany of unresolved issues stemming from sustained underfunding now means that community pharmacists have reached breaking point. 

“The decision to take action is not one reached lightly and we regret that the refusal of the Department to address this crisis has brought us to this, but our network is at the point where the safe delivery of crucial frontline services for patients could be compromised.

“Over 123,000 people visit pharmacies in Northern Ireland every single day. The ability to access this service and professional advice keeps people out of GP surgeries and hospitals.

“Community pharmacists already play an enhanced role in transforming our health service but until the Department engages in meaningful talks to stabilise community pharmacy funding and address the current issues, then it is only paying lip service.”