6 October 2008 

PHARMACEUTICAL SOCIETY OF NORTHERN IRELAND RESPONDS TO WHICH? MAGAZINE RESEARCH

The Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland has responded to recent findings by Which? Magazine. The research indicated unsuitable advice has been given in some community pharmacies in relation to both traveller's diarrhea and the sale of the migraine drug Imigran Recovery.

Society Registrar Brendan Kerr commented:

"Whilst the Which? Magazine investigation has shown significant improvement in a number of areas since a previous investigation in 2004, it remains a concern to us that staff in pharmacies are apparently not always achieving a consistent response on the advice and counselling offered on the sales of pharmacy medicines.

"As the regulator for pharmacy in Northern Ireland we will be considering what additional action is required to ensure pharmacies adhere to the established protocols for the sale of all medicines. We are also seeking to improve the education and development of pharmacy support staff by registering and regulating pharmacy technicians.

"We have requested the Department of Health and Social Services in Northern Ireland facilitate changes to legislation to enable the Society to extend its regulatory role to pharmacy support staff and hope progress can be made on this matter over the next year."

ENDS

Editor's notes

•1.       The Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland is the regulatory body for the pharmacy profession in Northern Ireland.

•2.       The Society's principle objective is the protection of patient safety in the provision of pharmacy services.

•3.       In carrying out this objective, the Society is responsible for ensuring that all pharmacists and pharmacy owners act in accordance with the Society's Code of Ethics and with the laws relating to medicines and poisons.

•4.       Society Registrar Brendan Kerr is available to interview by contacting the Society on the numbers given below

•5.       Improvements in pharmacy services highlighted by Which? Magazine include the use of private consultation rooms, the supply of Emergency Hormonal Contraception and Medicine Use Reviews

•6.       One interesting outcome in the research was how a pharmacist picked up on a Which? Magazine researcher's high blood sugar levels, leading to her being diagnosed with diabetes.

For further information contact:

Mark Neale

Head of Public Affairs

Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland

Office:               028 90 326 927      

Direct line:         028 90 267 932      

Mobile:              07854004884

E-mail:             mark.neale@psni.org.uk

Or

Richard Price

Policy Advisor

Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland

Office:               028 90 326 927      

Direct line:         028 90 267 933      

Mobile:              07739175325

E-mail:              richard.price@psni.org.uk