Community Pharmacy teams well-placed to deliver Covid-19 booster vaccine as they hit 100,000 vaccine milestone

Community pharmacist Lesa McLoughlin, Chief Executive of Community Pharmacy NI, Gerard Greene and community pharmacist, David McCrea at Dundela Pharmacy mark 100,000 vaccines administered.

The community pharmacy network in Northern Ireland has administered over 100,000 Covid-19 vaccines since taking up the vaccine programme in late March.

As focus now turns to the booster programme, Community Pharmacy NI are calling on the Department of Health to expand the provision of the Covid-19 vaccination programme in local pharmacies when the booster vaccine is rolled-out in the autumn.

With more vaccine options becoming available in Northern Ireland, local community pharmacies are keen to play a bigger role in the roll-out of the Covid-19 vaccine programme with pharmacies able to vaccinate all age-cohorts. This will allow for other vaccinators to shift focus to other aspects of healthcare, and for community pharmacists to become the central vaccinating team within primary care.

Chief Executive of Community Pharmacy NI, Gerard Greene said:

“Bringing community pharmacy into the Covid-19 vaccination programme has hugely enhanced access to the vaccine within local communities throughout Northern Ireland. Patients have had the option to receive their vaccine locally at a convenient location and from a health care professional, that they know and trust. The feedback we have been receiving is that patients really welcome the vaccine being available from pharmacies and that is incredible endorsement for the service. I would like the thank our community pharmacy teams for the rapid and professional manner in which the service has been rolled out, whilst running alongside the delivery of existing community pharmacy services.

“As attention moves to the booster vaccine, pharmacy is ideally placed to play an integral role in the roll-out of the programme to all patient groups. Community pharmacists have displayed real flexibility and clinical skill in the efficient manner of which they have administered the vaccine so far. This can be replicated across all age cohorts, and we urge the Department of Health to consider community pharmacy as the first-choice vaccine provider, allowing other health services to focus on healthcare provision for those most unwell and vulnerable.

Community Pharmacist, David McCrea, said:

“It has been great to be able to vaccinate our own patients and the familiar faces that we see every day, helping to protect both them and their families against Covid-19. Since the roll-out began, patients have commented on how easy it is to get the vaccine at their local pharmacy. Looking towards the autumn, we want to play a bigger role in the vaccine booster programme and from the initial success of our vaccination programme, it is clear our teams are agile, capable and professional in providing the vaccine to our communities. It only makes sense for this programme to be expanded to all ages when the range and supply of vaccines is greater and for the winter flu vaccine to also be provided through community pharmacies.

“We are also pleased to be able to offer the vaccine as it means we are able to support our patients who we know well, addressing any concerns they have and delivering a booster service ensures we can continue to provide this important level of care.”

To find your closest vaccinating community pharmacy: https://covid-19.hscni.net/community-pharmacy-covid-19-vaccination-service/

Ryan McMullan: Debut to have World Premiere at the Galway Film Fleadh

Ryan McMullan: Debut will have its World Premiere at the Galway Film Fleadh on 24 July

An exciting new music documentary about singer songwriter Ryan McMullan will have its World Premiere at the 33rd Galway Film Fleadh.

Ryan McMullan: Debut will be shown to a live audience in Galway on 24 July followed by a Q&A with the star himself and film director Brendan Byrne.

Ryan McMullan: Debut is a BBC Northern Ireland and YellowMoon funded film produced by Fine Point Films and Cyprus Avenue films. The documentary follows the up-and-coming singer songwriter as he prepared for the release of his debut album.

The film centres around a 4-day recording and listening session in Cruit Island, County Donegal at the end of 2019, where Ryan and his team assess all the songs competing for a place on the album.

Against this majestic landscape, we get to know the film’s key players – the film’s principal, Ryan McMullan, his artist/mentor Foy Vance and manager/drummer Paul ‘Hammy’ Hamilton. Threaded throughout is the back story of how Ryan has reached this point, including footage from his support tours with Ed Sheeran and Snow Patrol.

Singer-songwriter and star of the film, Ryan McMullan said:

“I grew up watching music documentaries every weekend with my friends, dreaming about being an act or artist that has a documentary made about them. I never thought in a million years that it would become a reality.”

“What began as a daunting opportunity ended up being one of the most fascinating projects I’ve been involved with so far. I am very flattered and honored to be involved in this film and I hope everyone enjoys it. Warts and all.”

Creative Director of Cyprus Avenue Films and Director of Ryan McMullan: Debut, Brendan J. Byrne added:

“This film grew out of my own passion for music. When I first heard one of Ryan’s songs, I loved it and knew he was going to be Northern Ireland’s next major singer-songwriter. Mainly, this film is a study of talent and dedication, about one following their dream wherever it may take you.”

The team behind the film have been documenting Ryan’s career for the best part of four years.

Andrew Tully, Producer for Fine Point Films added:

“Ryan and his team have worked tirelessly to get to this point in his career and we’ve been privileged to have been on hand to document a large portion of that.  Their work ethic and love for their own craft has been infectious. We are excited for what the future holds for Ryan.”

Allstate NI offers cyber safety training for older adults

Vice President and Deputy Chief Information Security Officer at Allstate NI Keith Lippert

Allstate NI is offering free cyber safety training sessions to protect older consumers from online scams.

The interactive sessions, which cover everything from fraud and identity protection to email and telephone scams, will help those over 60 navigate the internet with confidence.

The community initiative comes after it was revealed that over £6 million was lost to scams in Northern Ireland in 2020.

The virtual sessions will cover general cybersecurity awareness, fraud, identity theft, and email and telephone scams and will equip attendees with the tools to protect their passwords and privacy settings.

Technologists at Allstate developed the initiative following the success of its Cyber Safety for Kids scheme, a training programme that has reached over 11,000 children globally since launching in Northern Ireland in 2018.

Like the award-winning kids programme, the training for older adults will be delivered across Northern Ireland, the U.S and India to protect as many people as possible.

Senior Vice President and Chief Information Security Officer at Allstate Jeff Wright said:

“Cybercrime is on the rise and hackers are getting smarter. There is no doubt that all of us are at risk, however older members of society are a growing target for cybercriminals. That’s why we are reaching out to local communities and offering free, online training sessions to ensure more people have the knowledge and awareness to stop cybercrime in its tracks.”

Vice President and Deputy Chief Information Security Officer at Allstate NI Keith Lippert said:

“COVID-19 forced everyone online and more people are using the internet for tasks that require sharing sensitive information. In these sessions, Allstate cybersecurity professionals will talk about the most common scams and how to avoid falling victim to them. Individuals are encouraged to ask questions and get tips that will best protect them and their assets.”

Superintendent Gerard Pollock, Police Service of Northern Ireland said:

“I welcome any initiatives which advise and educate people on how they can avoid falling victim to scams and encourage anyone who has been a victim to report it to police on the non-emergency telephone number 101.”

Virtual sessions are available throughout the summer:

• Tuesday, July 27, 10-11 a.m. GMT

• Thursday, August 5, 12-1 p.m. GMT

• Tuesday August 24, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. GMT

Click here to sign up for the training sessions. To learn more about group bookings, email allstatecybersafety@allstate.com.

For further advice and information relating to scams, visit www.nidirect.gov.uk/scamwiseni or the ScamwiseNI Facebook page @scamwiseni.

Centre for Democracy and Peace Building launches new Fellowship Programme for mid-career Political and Civic Leaders

Karise Hutchinson, Professor of Leadership at Ulster University and Vice-Chair of the Centre for Democracy and Peace Building Fellowship Advisory Board with John Healy, Managing Director at Allstate NI and Chair of the Centre for Democracy and Peace Building Fellowship Advisory Board launching a new Fellowship Programme for Mid-career Political and Civic Leaders here.

The Centre for Democracy and Peace Building has today launched a prestigious new Fellowship programme to support, develop and build the capacity of 24 mid-career leaders in civic society, business, and politics in Northern Ireland.

Opening for applications today, the programme aims to strengthen democratic institutions and ensure that the current and future cadres of political and civic leaders in Northern Ireland are best placed to lead into the next decade and navigate through complexity and challenges.

The Fellowship is delivered by the Centre for Democracy and Peace Building (CDPB), working with key stakeholders and facilitators from the business sector and leading academic institutions. The programme is supported by Allstate NI, Devenish, FinTrU, Fujitsu NI, Ulster Carpets, and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

In discussions with leading policymakers, academics, business leaders and public figures, Fellows will engage with global social, political and economic issues and seek to develop their understanding of how to tackle those issues in Northern Ireland. This includes a conversation with former NI Assembly Speaker Lord Alderdice on conflict, complexity, and cooperation and engagement with renowned Irish poet Pádraig Ó Tuama and award-winning Turkish-British novelist and women’s rights activist Elif Shafak, set to discuss global divisions. The programme’s Advisory Board, which includes prominent Northern Irish business leaders, will curate sessions seeking to re-imagine leadership in Northern Ireland.

The chosen participants will study at the internationally renowned Blavatnik School of Government at the University of Oxford. The School’s Dean, Professor Ngaire Woods, who specialises in international governance and was awarded a CBE for services to Higher Education and Public Policy in 2018, will lead participants through discussions on strategic communications in polarised contexts with application for both here and abroad.

Through collaboration with leading academics and practitioners such as Professor of Practice in the Management of Public Organisations at Blavatnik and a former Constitution Director at the UK Government, Ciaran Martin, the Fellowship will help our civic, business, and political leaders deliver better outcomes for the communities and organisations they serve.

Those interested can complete the Fellowship application form at http://fellowship.democracyandpeace.org/ where they will be asked to upload their CV and a short essay.

The Fellowship’s Advisory Board includes:

• John Healy, Managing Director at Allstate NI (Chair)

• Professor Karise Hutchinson, Professor of Leadership at Ulster University (Vice-Chair).

• Darragh McCarthy, CEO, FinTrU;

• Owen Brennan, Chairman, Devenish;

• Deepa Mann-Kler, CEO, Neon and Visiting Professor, Ulster University;

• David Clements, Managing Director, Fujitsu NI;

• Nick Coburn, Managing Director, Ulster Carpets.

John Healy, Managing Director at Allstate NI and Chair of the Fellowship Advisory Board, said:

“I am thrilled to be launching the Fellowship today, a brilliant initiative which promises to give our political and civic leaders the knowledge, skills and relationships they require to lead Northern Ireland into the next decade. The chosen 24 candidates will engage in a bespoke programme of academic, leadership and communication development working alongside the UK and Ireland’s brightest minds in a range of fields. I look forward to working with Karise and the wider Advisory Board over the coming months as we work to implement the first of many successful Fellowship programmes in Northern Ireland.”

Karise Hutchinson, Professor of Leadership at Ulster University and Vice-Chair of the Fellowship Advisory Board, said:

“Since its establishment in 1998, the Northern Ireland Assembly has been suspended many times. Governance arrangements here continue to be fragile, and supporting our political, civic and business leaders has never been more important. The Fellowship programme offers participants the opportunity to engage with leading public figures and University of Oxford academics, to help them deliver better outcomes for the people they serve or the organisation they are a part of. Successful applicants will take part in an excellent programme giving them the confidence and ability they require to address Northern Ireland’s economic, social and political challenges going forward. I am very proud to be supporting this fantastic programme alongside my colleagues in the Advisory Board, and I would encourage all those eligible to apply soon.”

Brown O’Connor Communications Weekly Look Ahead: Week Commencing 5 July 2021

Forward Look

• Sir Jeffrey Donaldson MP has been officially ratified as the new Leader of the DUP. In a keynote address, he said he would be seeking a return to the Assembly to become First Minister potentially before next year’s Assembly Election “should an opportunity arise”. The Lagan Valley MP also suggested a possible reshuffle of Executive and Assembly positions.

• The EU and UK have agreed to extend the current grace period on chilled meat products moving from GB to NI until 30 September. The European Commission has also announced that it will bring forward a legislative proposal in early autumn to allow medicines destined for NI to be authorised in GB.

• Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Brandon Lewis MP has set out a Framework for Multiparty Talks on Northern Ireland Legacy issues involving nominated representatives from the main political parties and the British and Irish Governments.

• The Executive has further relaxed Covid-19 regulations to allow live music to return to hospitality venues from 5 July. A cap on outdoor gatherings will also be removed from today. A review of the current Pathway out of Restrictions will be carried out at next Thursday’s Executive meeting to consider the “sequencing of further relaxations”.

• Health Minister Robin Swann MLA has published a new ten-year Mental Health Strategy for Northern Ireland. The Strategy focusses on three key themes: promoting mental wellbeing and resilience; providing the right support at the right time; and new ways of working: LINK.

• Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey MLA has announced that work is to commence on the development of an Irish Language Strategy and an Ulster Scots Language, Heritage and Culture Strategy. Expert Advisory Panels have been established with wider consultation to follow.

• DAERA Minister Edwin Poots MLA has launched a Call for Evidence on a Plan to Eliminate Plastic Pollution in Northern Ireland, a commitment set out in New Decade, New Approach. A Private Members’ Bill sponsored by Sinn Féin’s Phillip McGuigan MLA to ban single-use plastics in Northern Ireland has been approved by the Speaker’s office.

• The SDLP’s Claire Hanna MP is co-sponsoring a Private Members’ Bill in Parliament to give workers the right to request flexible working from the first day of employment – including working from home, part-time working and flexible hours.

• Polling for the Dublin Bay South by-election will take place next Thursday. An Irish Times – Ipsos opinion poll has Fine Gael’s James Geoghegan leading with 27% of first preferences, followed by Labour’s Ivana Bacik on 22%.

• Question Time will take place for the Finance Minister and the Health Minister on Monday. The Infrastructure Minister will answer questions on Tuesday.

• On Wednesday, the Economy Minister Paul Frew MLA will brief the Economy Committee on Economic Issues; the Finance Committee will receive a briefing from the Financial Services Union on Banking Issues; and the First and deputy First Ministers will brief The Executive Office Committee.

• On Thursday, the Health Minister Robin Swann MLA will give a Ministerial Briefing to the Health Committee; and the AERA Committee will consider a written briefing on the Climate Change Bill.

• Retail NI has launched a new High Street Heroes campaign to encourage shoppers to vote for their favourite independent retailer. To vote: LINK.

Other Stories this week

• The Licensing and Registration of Clubs (Amendment) Bill passed the Final Stage of the Assembly on Tuesday. The Bill, which is expected to come into effect in October, will allow pubs and hotels to extend their hours of service by an hour, change restrictions around opening hours on off-licenses and bars over Easter, and tackle harmful aspects of alcohol consumption. Consideration Stage of the Local Government (Meetings and Performance) Bill took place on Monday.

• The DUP’s Alex Easton MLA (North Down) has resigned from the party, citing a lack of “respect, decency and discipline” in the party’s actions over the last month. He will remain as an independent MLA.

• Economy Minister Paul Frew MLA has announced investment of £180 million in the NI Traineeship programme to fund around 20,000 Traineeship places over seven years, delivered via the six FE colleges.

• The First and deputy First Ministers have extended the appointment of Dame Brenda King as Attorney General for Northern Ireland for one year.

• Stephen Dunne, son of the late DUP MLA Gordon Dunne, has been co-opted to the Assembly to fill the vacancy left by his father in the North Down constituency.

• Health Minister Robin Swann MLA has announced that Tom Kark QC will chair the public inquiry into abuse at Muckamore Abbey Hospital.

• Sajid Javid MP has replaced party colleague Matt Hancock MP as the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care following Mr Hancock’s resignation on Saturday.

• The Belfast Innovation and Inclusive Growth Commission has published its ‘Reset for Growth’ report to promote new ways to transform the NI economy, including housing development at scale and making Belfast more globally relevant: LINK.

• Labour’s Alison Gilliland has been elected as the new Lord Mayor of Dublin, succeeding the Green Party’s Hazel Chu.

• Belfast Live has launched three new sub brands focusing on local news in Derry, Tyrone, and Fermanagh.

• The South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust has announced Roisin Coulter as its new Chief Executive.

Upcoming key political and business events

• 8 July, Dublin Bay South by-election

• 9 July, NI Assembly Summer recess begins

• 24 September, Annual Conference, Centre for Cross Border Studies

• 8 October, Londonderry Chamber President’s Dinner, Everglades Hotel, Derry.

• 22 October, 2021 Business Awards, Belfast Chamber of Commerce

Consultations

• Consultation on proposal to abolish the Agricultural Wages Board (AWB) Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs. Deadline 8 July 2021.

• Consultation on pre-school education admissions criteria Department of Education. Deadline 12 July 2021.

• Consultation on the new housing supply strategy call for evidence Department for Communities. Deadline 16 July 2021.

• Consultation on improving the experience of victims and witnesses in the criminal justice system Department of Justice. Deadline 29 July 2021.

• Consultation on a Statutory Duty of Candour and Being Open Framework Department of Health. Deadline 2 August 2021.

• Consultation on protections for service animals Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs. Deadline 11 August.

• Consultation on Skills for a 10X Economy Department for the Economy. Deadline 19 August 2021.

• Consultation on proposed changes to the Area-based Scheme Review of Decisions Panel Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs. Deadline 17 August 2021.

• Consultation for the Introduction of Standard Legal Aid Fees Department of Justice. Deadline 24 September 2021.

First and deputy First Ministers encourage public to vote for their High Street Hero

(L-R) James Pearson, Head of Field Sales; Paul Givan MLA, First Minister; John Morgan, Translink; Peter McBride, Retail NI President; Gary McDonald, Irish News Business Editor; Michelle O’Neill MLA, deputy First Minister; Annette Small, Irish News Group Marketing & Communications Manager

The First Minister and deputy First Minister have launched High Street Heroes NI today, a public online vote for shoppers’ favourite independent retailer and local high street.

High Street Heroes NI is a joint campaign from Retail NI and the Irish News which formally begins on Independents’ Day on 4 July, with early voting open from today. Supported by Camelot and Translink, across 12 different categories, shoppers can vote until early August for their favourite convenience store, deli, butcher, off-licence, Covid-19 champion, and several other types of independent retailer via www.irishnews.com/heroes.

The First Minister, Paul Givan MLA, said:

“Our independent retailers have provided amazing support to communities over the last year and this is a timely opportunity to show our appreciation to them.

“The challenges of the pandemic resulted in fundamental changes within the retail sector. Our local business owners responded with energy, creativity and a determination to keep providing high-quality products and service for their customers.

“I also know that many proved to be a lifeline for those who were dealing with isolation. There is no doubting the power of friendly word or a kindly action. This is what makes our Northern Ireland retailers so special. I urge everyone to get voting now for your favourite.”

The deputy First Minister, Michelle O’Neill MLA, said:

“There is so much to celebrate within our local retail sector. Our independent businesses are part and parcel of our society and give so much to the community.
“From the early days of the pandemic, retailers and retail workers have been on the frontline, delivering essential services for people, including vulnerable members of our society.

“This has undoubtedly been the most challenging of times for them and they have made a huge effort and significant investment to ensure the safety of customers and staff. Now is the time to say thank you and recognise their contribution.
“I encourage everyone to get involved in the High Street Heroes campaign and support our independent retailers as we move along the road to recovery.”

Retail NI President, Peter McBride, said:

“We are delighted to launch High Street Heroes NI to highlight and celebrate the huge contribution independent retailers make to our local high streets and the economy. High Street Heroes NI gives consumers the opportunity to vote for their favourite independent retailer and high street.

“Don’t forget to Vote Independent!”

Camelot’s Retail Director, Jenny Blogg, said:
“From small corner shops to local newsagents and well-stocked convenience stores – our 44,000 retail partners are the backbone of The National Lottery and, to most players, our public face. For that reason, we are delighted to support High Street Heroes NI, to help highlight some of the fantastic independent retailers who continue to serve communities across Northern Ireland – day in, day out.”

Annette Small, Irish News Group Marketing & Communications Manager, said:

“We have heard countless inspirational stories of local independent retailers adapting and innovating to not only survive, but thrive, in response to the devastating impact of COVID-19 on shopping habits, socialising and everyday life. We can all play our part by buying local and voting for our favourite independent retailer via www.irishnews.com/heroes.”

Chris Conway, Translink Group Chief Executive, said: 

"It's never been more important to support our local independent retailers and we're ready to bring more people into cities, towns and villages to enjoy the fantastic choice, quality and personal touch on offer. 

"Translink is committed to delivering a greener recovery and building back responsibly with robust safety measures in place across our bus and rail services to protect and reassure everyone on their journeys." 

Hospitality Ulster welcomes passing of final stage of Liquor Licensing Bill as ‘great day for sector’ after decade long campaign for reform

Colin Neill, Chief Executive, Hospitality Ulster

Hospitality Ulster has welcomed the final stage of the Liquor Licensing Bill passing through the Assembly today.

The modifications made in the Bill will be the first set of major changes in licensing legislation since 1996 which has seen Northern Ireland fall behind counterparts in GB and the Republic of Ireland.

The updated legislation, which includes restrictions on alcohol sales over the Easter holiday lifted, are modest but much needed, to support both our domestic customers and the growing tourism market.

Other changes will see pubs / bars and hotel bars allowed to sell alcohol until 2am on 104 nights of the year and opening hours on Sunday evenings brought into line with all other days of the week. Also included is an increase in late nights for small pubs without food or live entertainment from 20 to 104 nights a year and an extension of drinking up time to 1 hour.

The Bill is now awaiting Royal Assent and is expected to come into law in the Autumn.

Today’s passing of the Bill follows a near decade long campaign, led by Hospitality Ulster, to see modernisation of liquor licensing legislation which has outdated for some time.

Colin Neill, Chief Executive, Hospitality Ulster said:

“Today marks a big step forward for our industry with the passing of all stages of the Liquor Licensing Bill at the Assembly. This will see Northern Ireland move to provide an enhanced hospitality offer, and in turn, give customers more options and more freedom to enjoy our local hospitality.”

“For over a decade, we have been campaigning on behalf of the industry for reform of the previous outdated legislation that really stifled not just the nighttime economy, but trade around the likes of Easter. There have been many failed attempts to get to where we are today, including the collapse of the Assembly in 2017. We have gone through several consultations, several ministers and hours and hours of engagement over the years.”

“The passing of this legislation could not have come at a more critical time for the hospitality sector as it begins its journey to recovery and looks to new initiatives to ensure commercial viability in the months and years ahead. Today’s move will give a real boost to the sector with these crucial changes to licensing ultimately assisting in getting the industry back on its feet again.”

“We thank Minister Hargey and those in the Assembly who had the foresight to support this legislation moving ahead and how these important reforms will translate into how we do business in future. It will only grow our economy further, ease the burden for many within the hospitality sector, and be that vital link, attracting more tourists and visitors to our shores. Now it is time for our sector to be the modern, thriving industry that it has the ability to be without the constraints and limitations of the past. We look forward to seeing the updated legislation coming into effect in the Autumn.”

Groundbreaking independent report demonstrates the value of community pharmacy and the need for fresh thinking

By Pam Cameron MLA, Chair of the All-Party Group on Community Pharmacy

As Chair of the All-Party Group on Community Pharmacy, I am very concerned about the future sustainability of our pharmacy network after reading the recent report ‘Community Pharmacy Services in Northern Ireland 2020 and Beyond: Strengths and Pressures’.

The report, carried out by leading consultancy KPMG, cements in my mind the multi-faceted, often intangible benefits, community pharmacy brings to patients, local communities, and our wider society. However, it also brings clarity to the rising cost-base for community pharmacy contractors and the need for an appropriate level of sustained central investment to underpin services.

As the only open-access health care provider in primary care during the Covid-19 pandemic, community pharmacy played a vital role, however like other sectors of health care, its workforce is left beleaguered from the challenge. I believe it is essential for the Department to recognise this and put the necessary measures in place to allow our pharmacy network to move forward positively.

The pandemic brought into sharp focus the tremendous agility of our pharmacy network. Despite unrelenting pressures, they stood strong, launching new services to support changing patient needs. The numbers speak for themselves with over 75,000 Covid vaccines administered within 10 weeks, over 60,000 emergency supplies of medicines being made over an 8-month period and typically 150,000 vulnerable patients having medicines delivered each month.

It is important to learn from this as we carefully consider future health service models. Fresh thinking is urgently required to move community pharmacy from the reserve list to occupy a seat front and centre within new health service structures. For this a sea change in attitudes is needed.

Taking Covid vaccinations for example, everyone acknowledges the overall programme as a huge success, but many also ask why, as the only direct-access service provider at that time, community pharmacy was not included within the first phase of vaccination roll-out? This was arguably a missed opportunity and one we must learn from. A community pharmacy-centred vaccination service seems like the most sustainable, cost-effective solution for the health service moving forward.

This report shows that sustained investment and long-term planning is required to place the sector on a more secure footing. I welcome the collaborative approaches during the pandemic period which led to Minister Swann securing additional short-term investments to sustain the sector. Fundamentally, however, a long-term plan is required which aligns recurrent investment to the costs of providing services, ensuring stability and sustainability of the sector into the future.

Back in January when the idea of establishing an All-Party Group for Community Pharmacy was first mentioned it seemed an ideal moment for MLAs to take a more focused and collective approach to the issues facing community pharmacy. This independent report by KPMG provides a clear context for future discussions.

Community pharmacy is the first point of contact with the health service for so many people in Northern Ireland. This report underscores the sector’s contribution to supporting patients during the last ten years, including through the biggest public health crisis in living memory. The bottom line is that moving forward the community pharmacy network needs to be sufficiently resourced on a recurrent basis with its development underpinned by a long-term plan.

Our pandemic experience has taught us many important lessons and one of these is that we need a healthy, resilient community pharmacy sector to meet future challenges and shifting population dynamics.

Ethics integral to the advancement of modern technology

As EmTech Europe prepares to broadcast live from Belfast on 1 and 2 July, Curator and Researcher in AI Ethics Nell Watson discusses how ethics must be at the forefront as modern technology advances.

The technology sector is home to the world’s largest, most valuable, and ultimately most powerful companies. It has transformed our world and our workplaces over the past two decades, not least through advancements in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, now extending into Crypto and the Internet of Things.

Whilst the increasing pace of technological change offers the promise of expanded capabilities and growth, it is vital that we proceed with an awareness of the ethical and legal risks associated with wildly innovative and disruptive technologies.

Never has the power of the tech industry been more inescapable than during the Covid-19 pandemic. Mutating across the world at unprecedented speed, the virus triggered huge demand for digital health solutions to track infections, facilitate vaccine rollouts, and bring targeted response applications to our devices. It also created the necessity for various laggards and digital immigrants to embrace socially distanced solutions which previously offered limited appeal.

Artificial Intelligence is advancing at a pace that bewilders even those within the industry, with colossal models of trillions of parameters now capable of solving high school pop quizzes, essay writing contests, and even displaying humour. A ‘Sputnik Moment’ will occur soon, once the digital assistants we have grown accustomed to asking simple questions are suddenly able to have meaningful and entertaining conversations with us. We will become increasingly dependent on these technologies as they grow ever more entwined with our personal and professional lives.

Many businesses also use AI to problem-solve and innovate, streamlining tedious processes, boosting productivity, and making sense of chaotic situations. These capabilities are a transformational force across all industries, not to mention in the background of our homes with widespread adoption of Alexa speakers, Nest thermostats and Hue lightbulbs.

But as it becomes increasingly engrained in our lives, it is vital we ensure the principles of human rights, equality and sustainability are built in. Privacy and security are matters of increasing public concern – perhaps even quiet desperation – fueled by fears that tracking technologies such as those introduced to curb the spread of Covid-19 and facilitate travel have the potential for multiple uses. Meanwhile, the value to public health of noble lies and censorship, with monopolies on questionable truths, appears to be an own goal. It may take generations to restore the faith in our formerly unimpeachable global health institutions.

Major questions around ethics and equity will be addressed when those at the forefront of global innovation come together in Northern Ireland next month.

Whilst exploring many of the most promising emerging technologies across Health, Sustainability, and Intelligence, EmTech Europe will examine how these interact with ethics and human rights when it broadcasts live from Belfast.

A prestigious win for Northern Ireland’s tech landscape, the EmTech Europe event, in association with MIT, will unite leaders in academia, business, and government to share groundbreaking research and solutions to many of society’s grand challenges.

Reflecting upon the events of our time and their ramifications, the conference offers all of us a chance to make sense of the innovations and trends at play as we work with the technology sector to build towards a healthier, brighter, and more sustainable future.

To find out more and register for EmTech Europe which takes place on 1 and 2 July, visit: https://emtecheurope.com/

EmTech Europe to explore pathway to climate-friendly living

Dr. Robert Grundy

EmTech Europe will unite the leading voices on climate change, green-tech and sustainability when broadcast live from Belfast on 1 and 2 July.

As rising temperatures fuel the worldwide climate threat, business-led industry panel Matrix has thrown its weight behind the prestigious conference that will explore the technologies with the greatest potential to stave off disaster.

Taking ‘A Sustainable Future’ as its first theme, EmTech Europe will bring together the entrepreneurs, founders and futurists who are leveraging cutting-edge technologies to forge a brighter future.

From renewables and green energy solutions to optimizing manufacturing processes, the conference will examine the promise and potential of the latest global efforts to fend off planetary meltdown.

An expert panel that advises on the commercial exploitation of R&D, science and technology in Northern Ireland, MATRIX will support the ‘A Sustainable Future’ track on Thursday 1 July.

Following a keynote from Artemis CEO Dr Iain Percy OBE, the theme includes sessions with: Valentin Gutknecht, Co-Founder and CEO of Neustark, Switzerland; Pekka Timonen, Mayor of Lahti, Finland, the European Green Capital 2021; Clay Dumas, Partner at Lowercarbon Capital Partners, USA and Henrietta Moon, Co-Founder and CEO of Carbo Culture, Finland.

Dr. Robert Grundy, CEO of Anglezarke and Chair of Matrix said:

“We are delighted to be able to support the EmTech Conference which will present us with an opportunity to showcase Northern Ireland’s indigenous tech sector as a world leader in new and emerging technologies, a hotbed for R&D and innovation and the ideal environment to develop, test and scale solutions to the global climate challenges that are ahead of us.”

“Northern Ireland is a region with a rich history of innovation and a pioneering spirit in science and technology stretching back centuries and now, on the cusp of a new era, the holding of EmTech in Belfast allows us to cement that legacy whilst looking to the future, grasping the opportunities presented to us to create a better world for our citizens both locally and globally.”

Nell Watson, Researcher in AI Ethics and Curator of EmTech Europe said:

“With the stage set for EmTech Europe 2021, the support from Matrix is a welcome reminder of the excitement and anticipation that is growing both among our own tech ecosystem in Northern Ireland and further across Europe. The first theme for 2021, ‘A Sustainable Future’ will bring together the most brilliant minds working to combat the climate challenges we face. Made up of nineteen business and academic leaders in some of the most promising areas of innovation, it is fantastic to have an industry-led panel like Matrix endorse the sustainability theme.”

To find out more and register for the virtual two-day conference which takes place on 1 and 2 July, visit: https://emtecheurope.com/