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Northern Ireland Pharmacy Project receives national award

[Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety Press Release]

‘Building the Community Pharmacy Partnership’, a programme initiated by the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, has been honoured with a national award.

The programme aims to promote and support local communities to work in partnership with community pharmacists to address local health and social wellbeing needs using a community development approach.

Health Minister Michael McGimpsey, in offering his congratulations said:

"This award is recognition of a unique partnership between the community, voluntary and pharmacy sectors designed to support and empower people to manage their own health and wellbeing.

"I also want to acknowledge the commitment made at local level to make this programme a success and to pay tribute to the Community Development and Health Network who have worked closely with my Pharmaceutical Branch in facilitating almost 100 projects to date within the programme."

Commenting on the initiative, the judges described the work as:

"A highly impressive example of innovative thinking which harnesses the infrastructure and skills present within the community pharmacy to address health needs locally."

Notes to Editors:
1. Information about the on the programme can be found at: www.cdhn.org/bcpp/
2. The awards are sponsored by the Chemist and Druggist publication. The awards event was held in London on 17 June 2009. This is the second year of annual awards ceremony designed to recognise outstanding performance and innovation in the community pharmacy sector from across the UK. Fifteen awards were made to individuals and teams from across the United Kingdom.
3. The Chemist and Druggist is a weekly publication with a 150 year history that is specifically focused to support and report on community pharmacy services.
4. For media enquiries please contact the DHSSPS Press Office on 028 9052 0571.