Newry Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Naomi Bailie has shown her support to the National Pharmacy’s Association (NPA) ‘Ask Your Pharmacist’ initiative.
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Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Cllr Naomi Bailie, right, visited Strangford Pharmacy recently as part of ‘Ask Your Pharmacist Week’ and is pictured with Strangford Pharmacist Shane O’Hare and Dispensary Assistant Danielle Sharvin.[/caption]
The theme of the awareness week which starts on Monday 9 November is ‘Medicines and More’. The annual campaign is encouraging the public to think of their pharmacy as the first contact point for advice on medicine and common health concerns and not just a provider of a range of healthcare services.
Speaking during a visit to Strangford Pharmacy, Councillor Bailie said: “I am delighted to support the ‘Ask Your Pharmacist’ initiative and want to thank Strangford Pharmacy for inviting me here today. Local pharmacies are such a vital resource particularly in rural areas across the Newry Mourne and Down area in offering not just medical assistance but are very often a social contact for the most vulnerable people in our communities.
“In recent years, community pharmacy has expanded its role, and pharmacists across Northern Ireland will be reminding the public during the awareness week about the wide range of clinical and public health services, within easy reach of the people who need them most.”
Community pharmacist for Strangford Pharmacy, Shane O’Hare, said: “Most people go to their pharmacy for medicines and medicines advice, and many don’t know about the range of other healthcare services on offer in pharmacies. For example, 18% of GP appointments are for minor ailments, your local community pharmacy team can help to treat these complaints conveniently and effectively. Interested in quitting smoking? Community pharmacy is the largest smoking cessation provider in NI, supporting 67% of quit attempts.”
Anne McAlister, Representation Manager NI, from the National Pharmacy Association added: “Pharmacists are medicines experts with high levels of knowledge… they are available without appointment and can deal with a wide range of ailments as well as offering uniquely accessible advice on maintaining and improving your health.
“Pharmacists are also trained to know when to refer on to another healthcare professional, such as your GP, so you should feel confident to make community pharmacy your first port of call for healthcare advice.”
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