Letter to Pharmacists in Light of Recent Events

Considering the recent unrest, we write to remind you of resource that is available to you should you be feeling anxious or vulnerable at this time. Pharmacists Advice and Support Service (PASS) is a charity established with the sole purpose of supporting:

• Pharmacists in Northern Ireland

• Former Pharmacists

• Foundation Year Trainees

• Widows & Widowers of Pharmacists

• Dependants of a Pharmacist

in times of hardship or distress. It is a confidential service. 

If you have been affected by recent events, please do access PASS services via the email address pass@psni.org.uk and a PASS coordinator will be ready to assist.

Secondly, we remind trainee pharmacists who are due to sit the Common Registration

Assessment on 16^th June 2026 of arrangements relating to declaring yourself ‘Fit to Sit’. Advice on this can be found on The Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland’s website here.

In particular, we remind trainees that:

‘An illness or circumstance known to you on, or before, the day of an assessment cannot be used as grounds to request a nullification, or evidence for an appeal. You need to decide before you start the assessment whether you are fit to sit considering all factors known to you at that time.’

Please also note that all trainees are eligible to apply to PASS for support; this extends to financial support for safe and secure travel arrangements to the Common Registration Assessment venue should unrest extend into next week. As above, please contact pass@psni.org.uk.

Pharmacy Forum NI is committed to celebrating culture and promoting an inclusive sense of belonging within pharmacy in Northern Ireland.