Safe Pharmacy, which operates in 1,087 pharmacies, wins FIP Health Promotion Campaign
22 September 2023 Safe Pharmacy, a domestic abuse support service led by the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU), has been recognised as the best health promotion campaign by the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP).
Safe Pharmacy was launched in July 2022 and has 1,087 participating pharmacies, located nationwide, providing any person who is experiencing domestic abuse with a safe and secure location to seek support. The pharmacies provide access to a phone in a private consultation room and contact details for local support services. This service allows victims to make that important call, for example, to a family member, local specialist domestic violence services or An Garda Síochána.
“A key strength of this service has been the development of strong cross-sectoral partnerships and this award is the recognition that such an approach is both important and effective. We are proud that so many pharmacies have chosen to participate in this national service and, most importantly, we are proud that many people have now taken that important first step towards accessing help because of Safe Pharmacy,” said IPU Acting Secretary General Derek Reilly.
Anyone who is experiencing a domestic abuse situation and wishes to seek the support provided is advised to look for the purple Safe Pharmacy sign on the window displays of participating pharmacies. In the pharmacy they should ask to speak to the pharmacist in the consultation room, this happens multiple times a day in every pharmacy so will not appear out of the ordinary to anyone who is in the pharmacy at the time. In the privacy and security of the consultation room the person can inform the pharmacist that they require support, and this will be provided.
ENDS
Editor’s Note:
To develop Safe Pharmacy in response to this societal need the IPU partnered with Safe Ireland, An Garda Síochána and the HSE. This service focuses on providing information and the contact details of local sources of support in the privacy of pharmacy consultation rooms. A brand was developed with participating pharmacies portraying a ‘Safe Pharmacy’ decal at their entrance. Importantly appropriate training was provided to all participating pharmacies and a pharmacy champion was also appointed in each pharmacy.
