NI pharmacists back industrial action

The overwhelming majority of Communinty Pharmacy NI members balloted — 98% — voted in favour of industrial action at a closed meeting in Belfast last night.

A total of 95 contractors representing 418 pharmacies attended the meeting.

The exact form the strike action might take has not yet been decided.

A spokesperson for Community Pharmacy NI said: “The decision on what action community pharmacists will take will be formalised in the coming weeks with many stating that the severity of the situation will force them into actions that they have never taken before.”

The spokesperson added: “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 and a work-force crisis in the sector due to a shortage of pharmacists and locums.”

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.”

Mr Greene continued: “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.”

Community pharmacy contractor, Loretto McManus said: “Morale in the sector is at an all-time low, so the result of this ballot is no surprise. The refusal by the Department to acknowledge that there are serious issues in our sector is a significant problem and has led us to this outcome.

“Dispensing medicines is a role that is critical in maintaining the health of all the patients in our communities. It requires focus and attention to detail, when we have reached a point where we are now working excessive hours and the pharmacist’s health and mental well-being is compromised due to the unrelenting pressures, then we have serious concerns for patient safety that need to be put right immediately.

“Expert reports on transforming our health service say we must enhance community services to keep people out of hospital. The refusal to properly resource and support services like community pharmacy is a total contradiction of this.”