Community pharmacy contractors run local community pharmacies. Like GPs, they contract their services and are reimbursed for that service and the medicines they dispense.
Community Pharmacy NI (CPNI) is the representative body of the sector and represents community pharmacy contractors in negotiations on services, the pharmacy contract and remuneration and reimbursement with the Department of Health and the Strategic Planning and Performance Group of the Department of Health. Community pharmacy is the front door of the health service and the safety net of primary care. Around 123,000 people (9% of the population) visit 532 community pharmacies in NI every day equating to 37 million visits each year.
Board Members
Peter Rice
Chairman
Representing the Belfast LCG area of the Province, the Chairman, Mr Rice joined the Board Board of Directors in November 2016.
Marie Smith
Vice-chair
Representing Boots Chemists, currently one of the three largest multiples in Northern Ireland, Ms Smith also holds the post of Northern Ireland Regional Pharmacy Manager within the organization.
David McCrea
Honorary Treasurer
Mr McCrea represents the Belfast/South Eastern LCG area on the Board of Directors and was elected in October 2011.
Staff Members
Gerard Greene
Chief Executive of Community Pharmacy NI
As Chief Executive of CPNI, Gerard represents the interests of community pharmacy contractors in Northern Ireland. His role is to liaise and negotiate with the Department of Health and the Strategic Planning and Performance Group of the Department of Health and other agencies as required in relation to services, payments and terms of service and related health and social care matters. Gerard is also responsible for the performance of the CPNI, ensuring delivery of strategic and operational objectives set by the Board and represents CPNI at the most senior levels to promote the interests of its members and community pharmacy services. Prior to joining CPNI, he held the post of Superintendent Pharmacist of Northern Pharmacies Ltd and is a past Chairman of the Pharmaceutical Contractors Committee.
Katherine Kidd
Head of Pharmacy Development
Katherine supports the Chief Executive in addressing the professional pharmacy issues related to the work of CPNI. Katherine’s role includes developing new and existing community pharmacy services, managing the CPNI Margins Survey Unit and dealing with Drug Tariff issues. Prior to joining CPNI Katherine worked as a community pharmacist for Northern Pharmacies Ltd.
Prof Mike Mawhinney
Head of Regulatory Affairs
Prof Mike Mawhinney supports the Chief Executive in matters pertaining to pharmacy and medicines regulation. His appointment to CPNI in 2018 followed a career in regulatory affairs, latterly as Head of the Medicines Regulatory Group (MRG) in the Department of Health. Mike set up the MRG in 1992 having previously worked in primary and secondary care including roles within the CSA (now BSO), Regional Renal Unit and academia. He retains a keen interest pharmacy education in connection the Schools of Pharmacy in Northern Ireland holding Honorary Chairs in both.