by Edel O'Sullivan, | May 27, 2025 | News Release
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt was joined by the Irish Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment with special responsibility for Employment, Small Businesses and Retail, and the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications with special responsibility for Circular Economy, Alan Dillon TD, at an event to showcase pharmacy practice and medicines optimisation innovation.
The event also explored opportunities for cross-border working to address shared healthcare challenges.
Over the past decade, the Medicines Optimisation Innovation Centre (MOIC) in Northern Ireland has emerged as a beacon of innovation in healthcare, particularly in the realms of medicines optimisation. Established in 2015 by the Department of Health, MOIC has made significant strides in enhancing health outcomes, reducing inefficiencies and minimising waste in medicine use through research, collaboration and knowledge transfer.
At the event, MOIC and the Health Innovation Hub Ireland (HIHI) in the Republic of Ireland signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The MOU will build on existing relationships and allow for further collaboration to benefit the population’s health across the island of Ireland.
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said: “I welcome the formal signing of the MOU between MOIC and HIHI, strengthening the relationship between both organisations. Collaboration is the foundation upon which a resilient, patient-centred healthcare system is built.
“By working together, across sectors and borders, we can tackle shared challenges, engage in knowledge transfer, share best practice, and ultimately improve outcomes for patients across the island of Ireland.”
Minister Alan Dillon said: “Today marks a significant milestone in healthcare innovation and collaboration across the Island of Ireland. The signing of the MOU underscores our commitment to advancing innovation in healthcare and medicines optimisation through shared expertise and resources.
“This partnership not only enhances our healthcare systems but also strengthens our economies by fostering job creation and supporting indigenous enterprises on this island. Together, we are paving the way for a healthier future and demonstrating that innovation knows no borders.”
Professor Mike Scott, Director, MOIC, stated: “I am thoroughly delighted to have formalised this agreement with HIHI and look forward to the future opportunities that our collaboration will undoubtedly bring.”
Dr Tanya Mulcahy, Director of HIHI, said: “Collaborating across the island of Ireland enables us to harness the full potential of our collective talent, infrastructure, and ideas to deliver real-world impact in healthcare. By working together, North and South, we strengthen our ability to support innovators, improve patient outcomes, and position this island as a global leader in health innovation.”
by Edel O'Sullivan, | May 27, 2025 | News Release
MOIC is thrilled to announce that their director, Professor Mike Scott MBE, has been awarded a Special Recognition Award at the Northern Ireland Health Awards. The ceremony, opened by Health Minister Mike Nesbitt, gathered senior healthcare professionals to celebrate outstanding contributions to the region’s healthcare sector.
This year’s awards were particularly significant for MOIC as they celebrated 10 years of pioneering work in medicines optimisation. The evening became even more memorable when Professor Mike Scott was announced as the recipient of the Special Recognition Award, receiving a standing ovation from attendees. The award was presented by Chief Pharmaceutical Officer Professor Cathy Harrison.
Mikes’s accolade recognises his exceptional dedication and transformative impact on Northern Ireland’s healthcare system and pharmacy practice nationally and internationally. His leadership in medicines optimisation has improved patient outcomes and inspired countless colleagues and professionals across the world.
“We are immensely proud of Mike and this well-deserved honour,” said Cathy Harrison. “His innovative approach and tireless commitment have left a lasting mark on healthcare in Northern Ireland. This award, alongside their 10-year milestone, is a proud moment for the entire MOIC team.”
The Northern Ireland Health Awards celebrate the commitment and outstanding work of healthcare professionals.
by Edel O'Sullivan, | Jan 20, 2025 | News Release, Uncategorized
Happy New Year! As we step into 2025, we reflect on a bustling 2024 at MOIC. Over the past few months
we have been actively involved in various conferences and events across Europe strengthening collaborations and forging new connections. We are also thrilled to announce that we have been awarded PEACEPLUS funding, opening up new opportunities in the field of medicines.
To view the MOIC NEWSLETTER JANUARY 2025 please click here
If you would like to be included in our distribution list for the Newsletter, please email : MOIC@notherntrust.hscni.net
by Edel O'Sullivan, | Dec 12, 2024 | News Release
MOIC has achieved Level 3 in a recent audit of its workplace health and wellbeing activities called the Take 5 Accreditation. The Take 5 Accreditation is based on the 5 Steps to Wellbeing with three levels of accreditation available.
In 2024, 12 workplaces in the NHSCT area were supported to achieve the Take 5 accreditation which was delivered as part of a partnership between Business in the Community and Northern Health & Social Care Trust. MOIC is the first NHSCT team to be accredited and was one of the 12 workplaces recognised at a special Take 5 Accreditation Celebration event held at The Rabbit Hotel in Templepatrick.
Shane Quinnell, Wellbeing Programme Manager at Business in the Community commented: “By completing the Take 5 Accreditation, these organisations are publicly demonstrating their commitment to the wellbeing of their employees in a responsible and transparent manner. The process and results allow organisations to examine and reflect on their wellbeing performance, benchmark themselves against others and drive improvements for the benefit of their people and to strengthen their business.
Selena Ramsey, Health and Wellbeing Manager at Northern Health & Social Care Trust added: “The Take 5 Accreditation supports workplaces to strategically implement five steps to wellbeing in their health and wellbeing strategy for their employees. It is really encouraging to see so many organisations being recognised for their commitment to employee health and wellbeing.”
To attain the Level 3 accreditation, MOIC adopted a comprehensive strategy, centred on the Take 5 Steps to wellbeing Model: Give, Be Active, Connect, Keep Learning and Take Notice. MOIC began by auditing their current wellbeing activities and aligning them with the Take 5 model. A detailed Action Plan was then developed to further embed Take 5 initiatives, with clear evaluation and impact measures encompassing all 5 steps. The plan included a diverse range of activities such as a monthly team treat day, healthier lifestyle taster sessions, team walks, retro sports day, skills development opportunities, charitable donations and volunteer initiatives, mindfulness and wellbeing resources and work-life balance encouragement.
MOIC has two health, wellbeing and inclusion champions to drive the initiative and ensure its success. These champions are responsible for monitoring progress, evaluating outcomes and embedding the Take 5 model into the organisational culture.
Elizabeth Hauxwell, Health, Wellbeing and Inclusion Champion, MOIC commented “We are delighted to have achieved Level 3 in the Take 5 Accreditation. This recognition reflects our ongoing commitment to prioritising the health and wellbeing of our employees. By implementing the 5 Steps to Wellbeing, we have created a positive and supportive workplace culture that benefits both our staff and our organisation.”
by Edel O'Sullivan, | Nov 13, 2024 | News Release, Press
We’re thrilled to share the news that our esteemed colleague, Dr Joanne Brown, has been awarded the inaugural Barnett Award at the Royal Pharmaceutical Society Annual Conference. This prestigious honour recognises her exceptional commitment to mentoring and professional development within the pharmacy profession.
As the Senior Research and Innovation Programme Manager at the Medicines Optimisation Innovation Centre, Joanne’s dedication to fostering growth in pharmacy is unparalleled. Her previous role as Clinical Education Lead at the Northern Health and Social Care Trust saw her support pharmacy professionals at all career stages.
Joanne’s influence extends beyond her formal duties. She has mentored over 50 individuals, offering personalised guidance and creating a supportive environment for professional growth. Her contributions to improving learning systems across Northern Ireland have significantly impacted pharmacy education.
Dr Joanne Brown, said “I am honoured and humbled to receive the Barnett Award. Professor Barnett, Nina, was inspirational. She has given us a tremendous legacy and demonstrated, by her practice, the type of pharmacy professionals we should aspire to be.”
Professor Cathy Harrison, Chief Pharmaceutical Officer, Department of Health, said: “I am delighted to see Dr Joanne Brown receive this well-deserved award. Her dedication and commitment to mentoring and developing pharmacy professionals is truly inspiring. Joanne’s work has had a significant impact on the pharmacy profession in Northern Ireland and beyond. She is a role model for us all.”
The Barnett Award, established by the RPS in memory of esteemed RPS Fellow Nina Barnett, honours individuals who have dedicated their careers to supporting, mentoring, and advancing others within the pharmacy profession. This well-deserved recognition highlights Joanne’s significant contribution to the pharmacy profession. We extend our warmest congratulations to her on this outstanding achievement.
