In line with the recommendations of the Expert Taskforce, the Minister for Health is progressing the expansion of the role of pharmacists. The implementation of a Common Conditions Service (CCS) is the initial priority focus.
The Minister has established a Community Pharmacy Expansion Implementation Oversight Group (IOG) to oversee the coordination and timely delivery of the CCS and the continuing prescription of contraceptives in community pharmacies. The Minister has also requested relevant agencies, to progress key deliverables within their areas of responsibility and competency to oversee this.
The first meeting of the IOG was held on Thursday 12 September 2024. The IOG comprises the following:
- IOG Membership
- Department of Health (DoH);
- Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI);
- Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA);
- Health Service Executive (HSE);
- Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) – Sinead Mc Cool Acting Head of Professional Services;
- A practising community pharmacist from a standalone retail pharmacy business – Jonathon Morrissey; and
- A pharmacist working to support colleagues in their roles (service support and development in a pharmacy multiple) – Mairead O’Grady.
