Menu
27/06/2002
Health Minister steps up security in pharmacies
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety Bairbre de Brún, has announced funding for a new package of safety measures designed to improve the security of pharmacies in Northern Ireland.
Making the announcement on Thursday Ms de Brún said she was providing money to ensure medicines liable to abuse would be stored in safes with special locks, which cannot be overridden by staff members.
The news comes in the wake of two incidents in as many days.
Bairds chemist at Market Lane in Lisburn was targeted and robbed by a man in his mid 20s on Wednesday afternoon. Brandishing a knife he demanded to speak to the pharmacist and given a large quantity of diazepam. Around 460 tablets were taken in all.
Meanwhile on Tuesday night police issued a warning after a quantity of potentially dangerous prescription drugs were stolen during a burglary in the town. The drugs taken included Diazepam, Epilim, Olanzapine (also known as Zyprexa), Procyclidine (also known as Kemadrin) and Paracetemol.
Speaking about the initiative Ms de Brún said: “I am confident that the new security measures put in place will go a long way to deterring the criminal element from these robberies.
“Pharmacies provide a front line service to the local community and it is essential that patients have access, especially when they are in need of vital medication. Pharmacists and their staff who deliver this essential service must also be allowed to work free from the fear of attack.”
Misuse of Drugs Inspector, Dr Michael Mawhinney said: “I would hope that the introduction of these measures will contribute significantly to a more secure environment for pharmacists and to a substantial reduction in the quantity of prescription medicines being diverted for illegal use on the streets.”
Chairman of the Pharmaceutical Contractors Committee, Frank Murray and President of the Ulster Chemists Association, Siobhan O’Reilly said they both warmly welcomed the initiative.
(AMcE)
Making the announcement on Thursday Ms de Brún said she was providing money to ensure medicines liable to abuse would be stored in safes with special locks, which cannot be overridden by staff members.
The news comes in the wake of two incidents in as many days.
Bairds chemist at Market Lane in Lisburn was targeted and robbed by a man in his mid 20s on Wednesday afternoon. Brandishing a knife he demanded to speak to the pharmacist and given a large quantity of diazepam. Around 460 tablets were taken in all.
Meanwhile on Tuesday night police issued a warning after a quantity of potentially dangerous prescription drugs were stolen during a burglary in the town. The drugs taken included Diazepam, Epilim, Olanzapine (also known as Zyprexa), Procyclidine (also known as Kemadrin) and Paracetemol.
Speaking about the initiative Ms de Brún said: “I am confident that the new security measures put in place will go a long way to deterring the criminal element from these robberies.
“Pharmacies provide a front line service to the local community and it is essential that patients have access, especially when they are in need of vital medication. Pharmacists and their staff who deliver this essential service must also be allowed to work free from the fear of attack.”
Misuse of Drugs Inspector, Dr Michael Mawhinney said: “I would hope that the introduction of these measures will contribute significantly to a more secure environment for pharmacists and to a substantial reduction in the quantity of prescription medicines being diverted for illegal use on the streets.”
Chairman of the Pharmaceutical Contractors Committee, Frank Murray and President of the Ulster Chemists Association, Siobhan O’Reilly said they both warmly welcomed the initiative.
(AMcE)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
06 November 2002
Prison officers fight for better security measures
Prison officers have come to an agreement with the Police Service of Northern Ireland on ensuring better security measures for their prison staff after the IRA allegedly accessed personal files.
Prison officers fight for better security measures
Prison officers have come to an agreement with the Police Service of Northern Ireland on ensuring better security measures for their prison staff after the IRA allegedly accessed personal files.
16 September 2002
Dodds insists standards must be met over benefit payments
Social Development Minister Nigel Dodds has called for there to be a higher standard of decision-making and payment accuracy of social security benefits. The Minister was speaking following the publication of the Social Security Agency’s 3rd annual report on the 'Quality of Decision Making and Payment Accuracy for Social Security Benefits'.
Dodds insists standards must be met over benefit payments
Social Development Minister Nigel Dodds has called for there to be a higher standard of decision-making and payment accuracy of social security benefits. The Minister was speaking following the publication of the Social Security Agency’s 3rd annual report on the 'Quality of Decision Making and Payment Accuracy for Social Security Benefits'.
24 January 2017
Financial Services Firm To Create 160 New Jobs In Belfast
A financial services firm based in London is to create 160 new jobs in Belfast. FinTru confirmed it is expanding its Belfast centre of excellence and is to recruit 60 experienced roles and 100 graduate roles over the next five years.
Financial Services Firm To Create 160 New Jobs In Belfast
A financial services firm based in London is to create 160 new jobs in Belfast. FinTru confirmed it is expanding its Belfast centre of excellence and is to recruit 60 experienced roles and 100 graduate roles over the next five years.
12 May 2003
'Stakeknife' whereabouts unknown
The whereabouts of alleged IRA informer 'Stakeknife' were unknown today despite reports that he had not, in fact, left Belfast as first thought. The alleged British Army agent, named locally as Freddie Scappaticci, was believed to have left the country last Friday after security forces told him that his personal security had been compromised.
'Stakeknife' whereabouts unknown
The whereabouts of alleged IRA informer 'Stakeknife' were unknown today despite reports that he had not, in fact, left Belfast as first thought. The alleged British Army agent, named locally as Freddie Scappaticci, was believed to have left the country last Friday after security forces told him that his personal security had been compromised.
05 December 2002
Social security agency guides speak plainly
A series of A to Z Guides to public services published by the Social Security Agency in partnership with voluntary groups has won a national award from the Plain English Campaign.
Social security agency guides speak plainly
A series of A to Z Guides to public services published by the Social Security Agency in partnership with voluntary groups has won a national award from the Plain English Campaign.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
