The Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland has appointed former ombudsman commissioner Michaela McAleer as its new chief executive.

Ms McAleer, who will take up the appointment on December 5, is a non-executive director of the Independent Press Standards Organisation and previously was acting deputy commissioner for local government standards at the Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman. She replaces Trevor Patterson, who has held the post for 15 years.

She said: “I am delighted to be taking on the role of chief executive at this challenging time for pharmacists and the health system across the region.

“I am looking forward to working alongside the new president of the council and its members continuing and building upon the work of the current chief executive, regulating to ensure the delivery of safe and trusted care to the public by the pharmacy profession.”

PSNI vice president Jonathan Patton said: “Losing the constant and continuity of our 15 year serving Chief Executive ushers in a time of change and evolution for us as the Pharmacy Regulator. We are in the midst of a fast moving and changing environment as we implement continuous improvement. 

“The experience Michaela brings with her from her extensive roles in Regulation provides the Society and the public with the assurance that the evolution will continue at pace and that we will strengthen the already strong relationships and professionalism we bring to the world of pharmacy.

Mr Patton thanked Mr Patterson for his efforts during his tenure, saying he “brought fresh thinking and vigour to the Society and quickly established his credibility with pharmacists, Council, stakeholders and fellow regulatory bodies”.

He added: “Trevor has presided over tremendous change and development through his tenure with equal measures of professionalism and passion on creating safer protections for the public and ensuring pharmacists achieved world class standards in their profession.”