Health Minister Robin Swann, has announced the appointment of a President to the Council of the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland (PSNI).

Dr Geraldine O'Hare will take up the position of President on 1 November 2022. Her term of appointment will end on a date not later than 31 October 2026.  

The President of the Council is remunerated by an attendance fee. Attendance at meetings up to 4 hours duration attracts a fee of Pound 168 and meetings over 4 hours Pound 335. Training and induction days attract a fee of Pound 168.

The President role carries a time commitment equivalent to approximately 30 full working days per annum.

The procedure for these appointments is not bound by the Code of Practice issued by the Commissioner for Public Appointments for Northern Ireland, however the appointment process was carried out in the 'spirit of the Code'.

The Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland was established by the Pharmacy and Poisons Act (Northern Ireland) 1925, and has been based at 73 University Street, Belfast since 1933. It is the regulatory and professional leadership body for pharmacists in Northern Ireland. Objectives of the Society include, amongst other matters, to advance chemistry and pharmacy and promote pharmaceutical education and the application of pharmaceutical knowledge, while safeguarding the interests of the members in the Society.

It maintains a register of over 2800 pharmacists, 140 pre-registration trainees and over 550 pharmacy premises across the country.

As the regulatory body it protects patient and public safety by:

           setting and promoting standards for pharmacists' admission to the register and for remaining on the register;

           maintaining a publicity accessible register of pharmacists, and pharmacy premises;

           handling concerns about the Fitness to Practise of registrants, acting as a complaints portal and taking action to protect the public; and

           ensuring high standards of education and training for pharmacists in Northern Ireland.

The Council of the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland comprises of 14 Non-Executive Members (7 registered persons and 7 lay members).