Medicine shortages are a ‘big issue’ for Tyrone pharmacists

PHARMACISTS and GPs in West Tyrone are working more closely than ever to ensure patients don’t go without essential medicines, as shortages continue to affect local healthcare.

The South West GP Federation, which was established ten years ago, is at the heart of this collaboration. Over the past eight years, pharmacists have been fully integrated into the Federation, providing a vital link between practices and the wider community.

Ruth Coalter, Pharmacy Lead with the Federation, and Ciara Haughey, a pharmacist from Carrickmore, spoke about the challenges and successes of this partnership.

“We are now encountering medicine shortages on a daily basis and that is a big issue for us,” Ms Haughey said.

“It is possible to manage that situation by reviewing resources and giving patients an alternative.

“Our aim always to ensure that patient care is not compromised and that the treatment plan is changed.”

Meanwhile, Ms Coalter added that pharmacists are working closely with support networks across the North to tackle these issues.

“There are now around 25 pharmacists integrated with the South West Federation.

“They are an integral part of it now which has been a real achievement.

“It has been great in helping us as pharmacists to improve our clincial knowledge and we are constantly learning and working as a team.”

The pharmacists also play a key role in managing long-term conditions such as diabetes, asthma and COPD, helping to ensure that treatment is safe and effective.

“We are there to manage medications, seeing what are the most appropriate medicines to use and ensuring their safety,” Ms Haughey added.

Both Ms Haughey and Ms Coalter stressed the need to increase the number of pharmacists in the area to cover absences and annual leave, which would also ease pressure on local GPs.

The two pharmacists were among more than 200 health professionals who gathered in the Manor House Hotel, Fermanagh last week to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the South West GP Federation.