30th April 2026
A campaign to raise awareness of the risks associated with inappropriate use of over-the-counter (OTC) pain relief medication containing codeine has won the Management of Substance Dependency Award at the NI Healthcare Awards.
Emer McClean and Dr Lisa Byers at the NI Healthcare Awards
Tracy McAlorum and Emer McLean (Pharmacist) from the Pharmacy and Medicines Management Team with the Strategic Planning and Performance Group, Department of Health(DoH), played a key role in the procurement and development of patient leaflets, posters and an animated resource. These materials formed the backbone of a public awareness campaign to share key messages about safe use of these medicines and the serious impact they can have on people’s lives.
The campaign was rolled out across all community pharmacies and GP surgeries in Northern Ireland. A patient also shared their experience of addiction and successful treatment through a video recording and interviews with local media.
Delighted with the Award Emer said; “Addiction can affect anyone, and often people may not even realise they have developed a dependency. Over-the-counter combination pain relief medicines should only be used in the short term, no longer than three days, so this campaign was important to highlight the risks involved to the public.”
The work was led by Dr Lisa Byers, the Controlled Drug Accountable Officer, DoH in collaboration with Dr Joy Watson, BHSCT Malone Place Clinic and Community Pharmacy Northern Ireland (CPNI), as well as SPPG.
Commenting on the award, the Director of Primary Care, Louise McMahon added: “This is an excellent achievement and well deserved. I would like to congratulate everyone involved for their outstanding work and the strong collaboration demonstrated across organisations. This campaign is a powerful example of effective partnership working on an important and complex issue, and it highlights the vital role of primary care and community pharmacy in protecting patient safety and supporting better outcomes.”
If anyone would like further information on the initiative please see the links below: –
How to safely use pain relief medication | Videos
Managing Your Pain Effectively Using “Over the Counter” Medicines | NI Formulary