The first annual report from Northern Ireland's Yellow Card Centre indicates a substantial increase in reports of suspected safety concerns associated with healthcare products, reflecting growing public and professional engagement with the reporting scheme.

The Northern Ireland Yellow Card Centre, based within the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust and launched in 2023, aims to raise awareness of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) Yellow Card scheme. This scheme provides a crucial mechanism for patients, caregivers, and healthcare staff to report suspected adverse events related to medicines and medical devices.

The inaugural annual report for 2023/24 reveals that 797 reports were made to the Yellow Card scheme in Northern Ireland, marking a 32% increase compared to 2022.

Professor Cathy Harrison, Northern Ireland Chief Pharmaceutical Officer, expressed encouragement at the figures. "I am really encouraged to see that more people are reporting to the Yellow Card scheme in Northern Ireland," she stated. "Reporting suspected side effects and adverse incidents, including defective or fake healthcare products, to the scheme helps to improve the safety of medicines and medical devices for all patients." Paula King, Regional Lead Pharmacist for the Yellow Card Centre and Medicines and Poisons Advice Service, underlined the team's role in facilitating these reports. "The Yellow Card Centre team is here to help those who report, raise awareness, and provide education and training sessions. Your Yellow Card report plays a key part in keeping others safe. Anyone can report a suspected adverse reaction," she noted, advising that "you should report all suspected adverse reactions, even if the effect is well recognised or minor."

Dr Alison Cave, MHRA Chief Safety Officer, reiterated the national importance of the scheme. "Patient safety is our top priority. The Yellow Card scheme plays a crucial role in our ongoing safety monitoring of medicines and medical devices, helping us identify potential issues early so we can take the necessary action to protect public health," Dr Cave said. She welcomed Northern Ireland's first annual report, commending the local team's efforts in raising awareness. "As always, we encourage patients, healthcare professionals and carers to report any suspected side effects to the Yellow Card scheme – every report counts."

Reports to the Yellow Card scheme are vital for identifying new and serious adverse effects, contributing to enhanced medicine safety. Reports can be submitted via the MHRA website or through the Yellow Card app, available on Apple App and Google Play Stores.