Pharmacists in Northern Ireland have called for new powers to prescribe medicines, following a similar plan announced in England. The proposal aims to allow patients to access common prescription drugs directly from high street pharmacies without needing to see a GP.
Gerard Greene, chief executive of Community Pharmacy NI, told BBC Talkback that pharmacists are eager to do more to support health and social care. He stated, 'We are certain that similar arrangements for Northern Ireland would be incredibly beneficial.' However, he stressed that community pharmacy funding must be stabilised first, with systemic underfunding addressed urgently.
The NHS England plan, backed by £645m over two years, will enable pharmacies to prescribe for seven common ailments and provide oral contraceptive pills directly. It also allows self-referral for services like physiotherapy and podiatry. NHS England estimates this will free up 15 million GP appointments over two years.
Greene emphasised that local patients should not be disadvantaged and that the same services should be available in Northern Ireland. He added, 'There is much potential, but a long way to go. We want to work with the Department of Health to turn all of this into reality.'
The Royal College of Practitioners welcomed the initiatives but warned change would not happen overnight. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said the plan would 'end the 8am rush and expand the services offered by pharmacies.'
