Eamon O’Donnell has been elected chair of Pharmacy Forum NI, the professional leadership membership body for pharmacists in Northern Ireland.

The decision to appoint Mr O’Donnell as chair was made at a November 11 board meeting and announced earlier this week.

He was elected vice-chair in 2020 and since then has overseen the organisation’s policy and practice committee. He has been instrumental in developing the forum’s equality, diversity and inclusion agenda and activity over the past year.

He replaces Sheelin McKeagney, who has held the chairship for five years.

Mr O’Donnell commented: “On behalf of Pharmacy Forum NI, I would like to thank Sheelin for his leadership and inspiration over the last number of years. During the pandemic, Sheelin has been a strong advocate for the profession and we are grateful for the work he has done and continues to do to advance pharmacy in Northern Ireland.”

“I am honoured to take up the position of chair of the forum. The profession is evolving at phenomenal pace and is doing so during an unusually challenging time that has seen pharmacists play a critical role within the health service in its handling of the pandemic.

“As the delivery of health services continues to develop, I will serve the profession as a passionate proponent for pharmacy and the pharmacists who work every day, putting their patients at the heart of everything they do.”

Outgoing chair Sheelin McKeagney said: ““It has been a pleasure to have served as chair of Pharmacy Forum NI. I am immensely proud of my profession but it is the people behind it who make it and I have been fortunate, through my role with the forum, to have met and worked with a vast network of incredible pharmacists and associated healthcare colleagues.”

“I wish to extend my sincere gratitude to the forum board, committees and special interest groups who have supported me throughout my tenure. I remain an elected board member but I am confidently handing over the reins to Eamon, who I have no doubt will ensure we remain responsive and representative of our great profession.”