29 April 2024 The Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) has announced the appointment of Tom Murray as its new President. Mr Murray, a community pharmacist based in Donegal, will lead the IPU at a pivotal time for the profession, with major changes to the role of pharmacists expected in the coming years.
Outlining his priorities Mr Murray said:
“The role of pharmacists is changing thanks to the work of the new Expert Taskforce. Our profession is ready and excited to implement new changes, which may include independent prescribing powers, the provision of a service for common clinical conditions and enhanced contraceptive care. However, it is essential that these changes are well managed and do not create undue stress or workload for an already stretched profession.
“My absolute top priority will be to work to address the funding crisis within pharmacy. 80% of Community Pharmacists’ time is devoted to state services in administering the community drug schemes. The fees paid for providing this vital service have been frozen for 16 years, as a result pharmacies are dispensing at a loss for significant portions of each month. This is unsustainable and cannot continue.”
“As President, I will be supporting the ongoing efforts of the IPU to see the introduction of a €6.50 flat fee structure for all pharmacies.”
Tom Murray has been a pharmacy owner, based in Donegal since 2001. He first qualified as a pharmacist, from Manchester University in 1995. He has previously served in a number of roles with the IPU including as Chair of its Finance Committee.
ENDS
