Robin Swann wins commitment for NI input on new UK medicine laws

South Antrim MP Robin Swann has this week secured a promise from the UK Government that health leaders in Northern Ireland will be consulted before new rules on how medicines are supplied are introduced.

The proposed changes, known as the Human Medicines Regulations, aim to modernise how prescriptions are handled in pharmacies.

One major change would allow for a “hub and spoke” model — where medicines are prepared at a central hub and then sent out to local pharmacies (the spokes) for collection.

While this system could help make things more efficient, Mr Swann warned that it could also weaken the personal connection between pharmacists and patients, and may even pose risks to patient safety.

“There is a danger of losing the professional advice that community pharmacists can supply to patients, which takes pressure off our health service and others,” Mr Swann said during a committee discussion at Westminster.

Northern Ireland’s different role

Unlike the rest of the UK, medicine regulation in Northern Ireland is a devolved matter — which means it’s handled by Stormont, not Westminster.

Mr Swann, who previously served as Northern Ireland’s Health Minister, reminded the committee of this important difference. He welcomed efforts to improve pharmacy services across the UK but stressed the need for local consultation before any changes are made in Northern Ireland.

He asked whether the Northern Ireland Health Minister, Chief Pharmaceutical Officer, and community pharmacy organisations would be involved before the new model is rolled out.

“Before there is any further progress… will there be further engagement with the Minister of Health in Northern Ireland, the chief pharmaceutical officer and community pharmacy representative organisations?” he asked.

UK Government response

In response, UK Health Minister Stephen Kinnock MP said the government has already had “excellent engagement” with Northern Irish officials and promised that would continue.

“He has my absolute, 100% assurance that we will continue that engagement… and make the necessary changes in a way that works for devolution and for the entire system across the UK,” Mr Kinnock said.

What this means for you

If you live in Northern Ireland, this means that your local pharmacies and health services won’t face sudden changes without local input.

It also helps protect the personal advice you receive from pharmacists, which many people rely on — especially when GP appointments are hard to get.

Robin Swann’s intervention helps ensure that Northern Ireland’s unique needs are not overlooked in UK-wide health decisions.