CPNI advocates whole-system approach to beat winter pressures

Key Summary

• CPNI chief Gerard Greene met a group of MLAs to discuss measures to avert the health service crisis seen in previous winters
• Community pharmacies will be involved in the Covid and winter flu vaccination service from the autumn
• The vaccination drive will help avert flu outbreaks during winter and ease pressure on hospital services

Community Pharmacy Northern Ireland (CPNI) recently held a discussion with local political leaders about the need for a whole service, whole community approach to tackling this winter’s health pressures.

CPNI chief Gerard Greene met a group of MLAs cutting across party lines this week at Stormont and discussed funding opportunities within health service budgets to enable community-based health services to avert the health service crisis seen in previous winters.

Greene said the CPNI has been involved in the Department of Health’s winter preparedness planning over recent months, and thanked Northern Ireland health minister Mike Nesbitt and the officials for driving this forward.

“We are pleased that the value and contribution of Community Pharmacy is being recognised as a pivotal part of the Minister’s 'shift left' approach," he said.

Greene described winter as "a test for the whole health service" and said pharmacies are ready to step up.

“Through Pharmacy First, the Department of Health has invested in services aimed at keeping people well in their communities, close to home – and as a key way of alleviating the pressure from other stretched parts of the health service," he said.

Greene said community pharmacies can provide trained healthcare professionals who can advise and treat many common ailments.

"Pharmacy First services, such as advice and treatment when needed for sore throat, shingles, and urinary tract infections, mean that GP appointments are freed up."

Greene pointed out that last year the flu outbreak around Christmas had put pressure on the health service and vaccination drives before winter can be effective in preventing it.

He said community pharmacies will be involved in the Covid and winter flu vaccination service from the autumn.

This will help keep older people safe during winter and ease pressure on GPs and emergency hospital services.