The Rewarding Excellence ceremony and reception was hosted by the leadership body, Pharmacy Forum NI at Belfast City Hall and was attended by the newly re-appointed Minister for Health, Robin Swann, who delivered a brief address at the start of the evening.
Robin expressed passionate support for the profession, stating, “my department is fully committed to an ambitious future for pharmacy in Northern Ireland, where your skills and knowledge are fully realised.”
The PDA donated £1,000 to PASS on the evening. PASS helps pharmacists, ex-pharmacists, their dependants and trainee pharmacists in times of need and is Northern Ireland’s equivalent to Pharmacist Support in Great Britain.
PDA Chairman, Mark Koziol and PDA National Officer for Northern Ireland, Una O’Farell presenting donation to PASS
Three Fellowships were awarded on the night. A Fellowship recognises individuals who have exhibited strong leadership and distinction in pharmaceutical science or practice and have promoted the profession to an exceptional degree or have rendered outstanding service to the community at large. It is the highest honour that can be bestowed upon a registered pharmacist in Northern Ireland. It recognises those individuals who have attained distinction in a particular aspect/s of their career. As Fellowships are based on nominations from members of the profession in Northern Ireland it also signifies the esteem in which a nominee is held by his or her peers.
Those awarded this year were, Dr Brenda Bradley, Pharmacy Lead at HSCNI, Mr Michael Guerin, Founder and Director of MediCare Pharmacy Group, and Prof. Roisín O’Hare, Teacher Practitioner Team Leader at Queens University Belfast.
The Ronnie McMullan Award was also presented to the trainee pharmacist who received the highest mark in the Common Registration Assessment. At the event the award went to Sue Cho, who was the top scorer in 2022, and Olivia Casey who achieved the same success in 2023.
The PDA congratulates all those who were recognised on the night.
The PDA also donates £1 per member each year to Pharmacist Support in Great Britain, even for pharmacy students and trainee pharmacists who receive free PDA membership. Additionally, the PDA provides a options for members to give their own additional donation when they join or renew their PDA membership.
The PDA is proud to support both organisations.
Learn more
- Health Minister Attends Rewarding Excellence 2024
- The Pharmacist Advice and Support Service
- Pharmacist Support
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