This week, MediCare Pharmacy was delighted to welcome Health Minister Mike Nesbitt to mark an incredible milestone — over one million patient consultations delivered through the Living Well service in community pharmacies across Northern Ireland.

What is Living Well?

Delivered in partnership with the Public Health Agency (PHA) and supported by Community Pharmacy NI (CPNI), the Living Well service provides trusted health advice and public health campaigns directly in community pharmacies.

These campaigns focus on some of the most important health issues facing our communities, including:

• Cancer Awareness – spotting symptoms and promoting screening
• Mental Health – advice and signposting to services
• Stay Well This Winter – flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccination and self-care advice
• Sexual Health – STIs, HPV, cervical screening and contraception
• Healthy Living – promoting exercise, healthier lifestyles, and alcohol awareness
• Childhood Health – MMR vaccination support

Every consultation represents a moment of care, advice, or support delivered where it matters most — right in the heart of local communities.

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt recognised the essential contribution of community pharmacies, noting that these one million consultations are a clear sign of how pharmacies help ease pressures on other health services while empowering patients to take control of their health.

Celebrating World Pharmacist Day 2025

This achievement comes at the same time as World Pharmacist Day 2025, with the theme “Think Health, Think Pharmacist.”

It’s a fitting opportunity to celebrate the dedication, expertise, and care of pharmacists across Northern Ireland — and to recognise our own MediCare teams, who every day provide a wide range of services — from consultations and medicines advice to health promotion and preventative care.

Looking Ahead

As health systems face growing pressures, investing in pharmacists has never been more important. At MediCare, we’re proud to play our part in shaping a healthier future for Northern Ireland through accessible, local care.

A huge thank you to all our pharmacy teams for making this milestone possible. Here’s to the next million Living Well consultations!

Pictured (L–R): Aidan Dawson, Chief Executive of the Public Health Agency; Emma Heaney, MediCare Pharmacy; Gerard Greene, Chief Executive, CPNI; Health Minister Mike Nesbitt; and Colin Deehan, Director of Operations, MediCare Pharmacy Group.

Pictured: Northern Ireland Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has marked One Million patient consultations by community pharmacies across Northern Ireland under the Public Health Agency’s Living Well campaign. He is pictured with Community Pharmacist, Emma Heaney, at MediCare King’s Square in Belfast.