In summary:
- 97% of members felt the fees were too high
- 97% felt they did not get value for money
- The fee represented in excess of 20% of most pharmacists monthly pay after deductions
- 80% stated they would choose to pay in instalments if that option were available to them.
Considering this, the PDA pledged to campaign for some mitigations to alleviate the burden of this annual payment for members.
As part of this campaign, the PDA sought to engage with the Chief Executive, Ms. Michaela McAleer, and President, Dr Geraldine O’Hare of the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland.
The PDA are pleased to report that the survey outcomes, and the inequities they represented, were well understood, and well received by both. It was noted that it was a considered action to keep the fee static for the year 23/24 given current pressures across the workforce. It was also pledged that necessary administrative solutions to allow for direct debit, or phased payments, of the fees would be in place for the year 24/25. While collective acknowledgment was made that further solutions could be examined, particularly regarding the gender pay gap, an agreement was reached that the static fee and the future removal of obligation to pay in one lump sum. This was a welcome move for all pharmacists working in Northern Ireland.
The PDA welcomes this willingness of PSNI to listen and act on issues raised by individual registrant pharmacists, and are committed to bringing these forward at this level when presented with them.
Una O’Farrell, PDA National Officer for Northern Ireland said, “PDA members in NI understand they have a voice that represents them and they welcome the willingness of the PSNI to listen and act on issues raised by individual pharmacists. We are committed to bringing their issues forward at this level for discussion.”
If you are interested in raising an issue, or would like to hear more about the work of the PDA in Northern Ireland and further afield, please contact Una O’Farrell, National Officer for Northern Ireland by emailing Una.O’Farrell@pda-union.org.
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