On the Ground with Pharmacy
Why Being There Matters More Than Ever
Over the past few weeks, the EMT Healthcare team has been out in force at two key industry events: the Independent Pharmacy Association (IPA) event and the Northern Ireland Pharmacy Show in Belfast.
These weren’t just diary dates for us. They were opportunities to listen, learn, and stand alongside a sector that continues to deliver for patients despite mounting pressure.
A sector under real strain
The message from the IPA event was clear and, at times, sobering. Community pharmacy is being asked to do more with less and the numbers tell the story:
- 75,000 fewer pharmacy hours per week since mid-2023
- An 88% collapse in late evening pharmacy provision
- Primary care investment falling from 10% to 8% of the total budget
- 94% of pharmacies unable to source medicines at sustainable margins
- 65% of pharmacy owners currently losing money
These aren’t abstract statistics. They translate directly into reduced access for patients, increased pressure on pharmacy teams, and difficult decisions for business owners trying to keep doors open.
Advocacy, momentum, and a “shot in the arm”
What stood out at the IPA event was the determination to keep pushing forward. The IPA continues to lobby politically, making front-page news and ensuring pharmacy remains firmly in the public and political conversation.
Their “Shot in the Arm” campaign is a powerful example, championing pharmacies to take the lead on vaccination services. With the potential to save 4.5 million GP appointments, it’s a clear demonstration of how pharmacy can relieve pressure elsewhere in the healthcare system when properly supported and funded.
Independent Prescribing Takes Centre Stage
At the Northern Ireland Pharmacy Show, one of the most forward-looking discussions was around independent prescribing, not just as a concept, but as the future direction of community pharmacy in Northern Ireland.
At a panel session attended by leaders from pharmacy organisations and the Department of Health, it was emphasised that independent prescribing should be seen as an enabler, not an add-on, a way for pharmacies to fulfil their potential as true medicines experts within their communities.
Rather than asking if independent prescribing will happen, the sector is now focused on how it can be embedded safely and sustainably in everyday practice, with workforce transformation, digital reform, and commissioning frameworks all integral to success.
While pharmacists are investing time and effort to gain prescribing qualifications, a key theme was the need for commissioned services that provide real opportunity to use these skills, there’s a risk that expertise may be drawn into hospitals or general practice instead.
The consensus was clear: independent prescribing isn’t about changing the essence of community pharmacy, it’s about unlocking its potential to deliver more clinical care, closer to home
From challenge to opportunity
Alongside the realities, there was also a strong focus on what comes next. Automation, smarter supply chains, and new service models were recurring themes across both events.
The Northern Ireland Pharmacy Show, in particular, was a fantastic environment for open conversations; networking with pharmacy owners, teams, and suppliers, and exploring practical ways to strengthen operations. From building more resilient supply chains to understanding how innovation and automation can reduce workload and protect margins, the appetite for change is very real.
Why EMT Healthcare shows up
For us at EMT Healthcare, being present at events like these is essential. We believe you can’t support pharmacy from a distance. Staying close to the industry means:
- Understanding the real-world pressures pharmacies face
- Learning where automation and innovation genuinely help, not just sound good on paper
- Supporting pharmacies with reliable supply chains that reduce risk, downtime, and unnecessary cost
- Standing with the sector as it makes the case for proper recognition and investment
Pharmacy is evolving, even as funding tightens. Our role is to listen, adapt, and make sure the foundations such as consumables, supply resilience, and operational support, are strong enough to support whatever comes next.
Looking ahead
The conversations we had in Northern Ireland reinforced why pharmacy matters, and why continued engagement, advocacy, and innovation are critical. We’re proud to be part of those conversations and committed to supporting pharmacies as they navigate both the challenges and the opportunities ahead.
If these events showed us one thing, it’s this: pharmacy isn’t standing still, and neither are we.
