The Pharmaceutical Society NI and the Pharmacy Forum NI have welcomed the publication of draft legislation from the Department of Health and Social Care following the 2023 consultation on pharmacy supervision.
The proposed amendments to the Medicines Act 1968 and the Human Medicines Regulations 2012 represent a significant step forward in modernising pharmacy practice and making better use of the skill mix within pharmacy teams.
In Northern Ireland the legislation will enable trained team members to hand out checked and bagged prescriptions, aligning legislation with current practices such as home delivery and lock box services.
There are additional changes made by the amending legislation relating to pharmacy technicians. At present these will not apply in Northern Ireland until pharmacy technicians become a regulated profession.
Only the provision allowing trained pharmacy team members to hand out pre-checked and bagged prescriptions in the temporary absence of a pharmacist will apply once the legislation comes into effect. This change is intended to support safe and timely access to medicines for patients.
Dr Geraldine O’Hare, President of the Council of the Society and Sheelin McKeagney, Chair of the Pharmacy Forum Management Board made the following statement regarding the legislative change:
“We welcome this important step forward in the development of pharmacy practice. While full implementation in Northern Ireland will follow the regulation of pharmacy technicians, we are encouraged by the progress being made to support safer and more accessible services for patients.
“These changes will enable pharmacists to focus more on clinical care and direct patient services.
“We encourage Pharmacists registered with the Pharmaceutical Society NI to familiarise themselves with the changes, and we look forward to working with colleagues across the UK to create guidance that reflects the evolving pharmacy landscape and ensures consistent care for patients.”