Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Community-Pharmacy Partnership programme receives funding to reduce health inequalities in NI

The 1000th Building the Community-Pharmacy Partnership (BCPP) programme in Centred Soul, Newry received funding from the Department of Health in Northern Ireland to improve the health and wellbeing of women in the local community.

BCPP programme is led by Community Development and Health Network (CDHN) in Northern Ireland and is funded by the Department of Health.


It supports communities and community pharmacists to address locally defined needs so that people make connections, listen to and understand each other better and work together to address the social determinants of health and health inequalities

Department of Health’s Chief Pharmaceutical Officer, Cathy Harrison said: “I am delighted to mark the 1000th project to receive funding to improve health inequalities in the Newry area.

“Since 2001 we have invested over £7 million in local community groups and pharmacy partnerships across Northern Ireland, to work together on a specific, local health need.

“The Centred Soul project is a great example of how BCPP Programme contributes to tackling inequality and improving community health and wellbeing locally.

“Centred Soul has developed a strong relationship with their local pharmacist McCartan’s, Newry and the CDHN project team.  By involving a range of local professionals, educators and service providers, the partnership delivers programmes tailored to nurture and provide holistic support to local women who have experienced challenging life experiences.

“With continuing demands on our health service, innovative approaches such as those delivered by Centred Soul can help to address locally defined needs and health inequalities which are seen too often in our communities.”

Joanne Vance, CDHN Director said: “Today marks an important milestone in the 22-year story of the Building Community Pharmacy Partnership programme; a best practice, cross-sectoral partnership model based on trust, common purpose and community relationship building.

During the event, Chief Pharmaceutical Officer met with women who are involved with Centred Soul.

Ms Harrison commented: “I was privileged to meet some of the women and to hear at first-hand of how they are benefitting, in a positive way from the programmes offered by Centred Soul.  This project provides an increased awareness of the choices available to local women through McCartan’s pharmacy and the wider local community.

“Empowering women and confidence building cannot be underestimated and I want to commend all those involved in delivering this collaborative programme of work.”

More For You

GPhC should consider reduced fees for pharmacists non-practising practising, says RPS

RPS responds to GPhC consultation on draft changes to fees

gettyimages

RPS urges GPhC to reduce registration fees for non-practising pharmacists

The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) has called on the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) to reduce annual registration fees for non-practising pharmacists — such as those on parental leave or with a long-term illness — in response to the regulator’s consultation on proposed changes to fees.

The GPhC is proposing a 6% increase in annual registration fees from September 2025 to cover the rising operational costs.

Keep ReadingShow less
Hay fever treatment: Dymista nasal spray now available in pharmacies without prescription

Hay fever affects one in four people in the UK

gettyimages

Hay fever treatment: First OTC combination nasal spray launched

For the first time, a double-action combination treatment for moderate to severe hay fever has been available over the counter across UK pharmacies, offering a new option for those sufferers who remain uncontrolled on a corticosteroid or antihistamine nasal spray.

Launched by global healthcare company Viatris, Dymista® CONTROL (azelastine hydrochloride and fluticasone propionate) nasal spray— previously only available via prescription under the brand name Dymista — can be accessed without a GP visit.

Keep ReadingShow less
Nick Kaye
Nick Kaye appointed as NPA's new chair
Nick Kaye appointed as NPA's new chair

Breaking news: NPA members advised against collective action

With the government’s recent announcement of increased funding to the sector signalling a ‘clear step forward’, the National Pharmacy Association (NPA) has today announced that it will not be recommending collective action to its members.

Last month, the department of health announced the Community Pharmacy Contractual Framework (CPCF) with an increase in funding for 2024/25 of £106m to £2.7 billion and simultaneously a further increase to £3.1 billion for 25/26.

Keep ReadingShow less
Slamannan Village Pharmacy sold after 31 years

Slamannan Village Pharmacy

Slamannan Village Pharmacy sold after 31 years

A pharmacy in a small village in Scotland that has served its community for 31 years, has been bought by a group that operates 43 pharmacies across Scotland.

Slamannan Village Pharmacy is heavily relied on by locals sourcing their prescriptions from the village’s sole GP surgery.

Keep ReadingShow less
Kinnock highlights employers’ role in making community pharmacy jobs attractive

The new funding uplift our commitment to rebuilding the sector: Kinnock

Kinnock: ‘Employers have a key role in making community pharmacy jobs attractive’

Health minister Stephen Kinnock has emphasised that employers have a crucial role to play in retaining staff and making careers in community pharmacy more attractive.

His comments came in response to a written question from Victoria Collins MP, the Liberal Democrat spokesperson for science and technology, who asked what steps the Department of Health and Social Care is taking to address staff shortages and prevent the closure of local pharmacies.

Keep ReadingShow less