The PDA constantly champions pharmacists and have asked governments around the UK to provide greater reward and recognition through the pandemic. The Northern Ireland announcement follows the Scottish government’s announcement of £500 for health workers, announced on 30 November 2020.
When announcing the payment Mr Swann said: “There are no words to properly convey what health workers have done for us, we will never be able to repay that debt“. The payment arrangements are subject to approval by the Department of Finance.
The PDA await further details of the arrangements but believe that all those who have contributed, whether employed or locum, should be treated with parity.
PDA Director, Paul Day said “We welcome this proposal. Throughout the pandemic, politicians and the general public have increasingly understood the importance of the health and social care sector and we hope this awareness continues. It is right that governments and employers recognise the value that these workers bring, not only through one-off payments such as this, but also in how they invest in the sector and reward hardworking health professionals.”