Northern Ireland’s chief pharmaceutical officer Cathy Harrison has urged pharmacists “with any spare capacity” to assist colleagues in the hospital and community pharmacy sectors.

In a January 14 letter to pharmacists registered with the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland (PSNI), Ms Harrison said pharmacy services in Northern Ireland “are again under immense pressure” due to a spoke in infection.

“It is in this context that I am calling on those of you with any spare capacity, even for a morning, afternoon, evening or full day in any week, to help your professional colleagues in the hospital and community pharmacy sectors.” 

Individuals interested in assisting in community pharmacies are advised to contact the Ulster Chemists’ Association, while those who wish to support hospital pharmacy services, including the vaccination programme, are asked to register with the HSC’s workforce appeal.

Ms Harrison wrote: “I understand that this is a significant ask, I know that you are tired and I fully appreciate the challenges that all sectors are experiencing but at this time any help that you can provide could make a big difference to keeping our pharmacy services going. I ask that you give this request careful consideration.”