Useful Links
This page gathers key internal and external resources for pharmacists in Northern Ireland, providing easy access to essential professional information.
LOCAL Organisations
The Society (PSNI)
Regulator for pharmacies, pharmacists and trainees in Northern Ireland.
NICPLD
Acts as the statutory education body for pharmacy in NI and to develop and deliver a range of workforce development programmes and continuing professional development opportunities.
BSO
Non-Departmental Public body (ALB) providing a wide range of business support functions and specialist professional services to the wider Health and Social Care (HSC) sector in Northern Ireland.
SPPG
Formerly the HSCB (Health & Social Care Board). Part of the DOH NI which plans and oversees the delivery of health and social care services for the population of Northern Ireland.
DOH NI
Branch of the Northern Ireland Executive (government) responsible for policy and issues relating to health. Led by the Health Minister and encompasses the Chief Pharmaceutical Officer.
PHA
Multi-disciplinary, regional body within the HSC system, working to improve and protect the health of population.
HSCNI
Publicly funded healthcare system in Northern Ireland. Although separate to the National Health Service (NHS), it is considered a part of the overall national health service in the United Kingdom.
TRADE UNIONS
PDA
Representative body for pharmacists which supports individual employed and locum pharmacists and those in training across all sectors.
GHP (The Guild)
Professional and trade union-backed membership organisation for pharmacists in the managed service (this means hospital pharmacy and general practice/primary care-based pharmacists), working for the NHS across the UK (part of Unite the Union).
Unite
Being the largest trade union in UK and Ireland, it is dedicated to serving the best interests of its members, protecting workers’ rights and equality and diversity in the workplace.
Trade bodies
NPA
Representative body of independent and independent multiple community pharmacies across the UK and a provider of services to the pharmacy sector.
UCA NI
Local organisation providing support, representation and communication services to Community Pharmacy and Pharmacists in Northern Ireland.
CPNI
CPNI represents community pharmacy contractors in negotiations on services, the pharmacy contract and remuneration and reimbursement with Department of Health and the Strategic Planning and Performance Group of the Department of Health.
OTHER ORGANISATIONS
GPhC
Regulator for pharmacies, pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales).
RCP
Professional leadership body for pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists in Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales).
PSI
The statutory body responsible for regulating pharmacist and pharmacies in the public interest, in the Republic of Ireland.
NICE
UK-wide public body which provides evidence-based guidance, standards, and information to improve health and social care. It assists the identification of most effective treatments while ensuring value for money.
MRG
Provides specialist professional advice to the Minister, Department of Health and wider HSC, other government Departments and national and international partner enforcement agencies on key matters relating to medicines regulation.
MHRA
UK government executive agency responsible for ensuring that medicines and medical devices work and are acceptably safe. It regulates clinical trials, licenses products, and monitors safety.