AQW 14743/22-27 Written question to the Minister of Health
To ask the Minister of Health to detail the rationale for removing community pharmacies in Banbridge from Sunday and Public Holiday opening hours.
Asked by Eóin Tennyson MLA on 10 September 2024
- Answered
- Written
- Priority
- Tabled
- 10 September 2024
- Answer due by
- 13 September 2024
- Answered
- 12 September 20242 days after tabling
- Department
- Department of Health
- Priority question
- Yes
Answer
During 2023/2024, the Strategic Planning and Performance Group of the Department of Health (SPPG/DoH) in conjunction with the community pharmacy representative body, Community Pharmacy Northern Ireland (CPNI) completed a review of Community Pharmacy Rota provision across Northern Ireland to ensure that level of provision of community pharmacy services adequately meets the needs of the population.
The review process was informed by monitoring of activity during Sunday & Public holiday rotas and feedback provided from participating pharmacies via CPNI. As part of the review process, feedback on the proposed changes was obtained via a consultation process with the Community/Voluntary and Elected Representatives Engagement Forum.
As a result, it was proposed that there was no longer a need for a rota to be provided in Banbridge on Sundays and Public holidays. No objections to this proposal were received during the consultation period and it was, therefore, agreed to cease rota in Banbridge from 1st July 2024.