The Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) has welcomed the launch of the Common Conditions Service (CCS), describing it as a significant step forward for patient care and for the role of community pharmacy in Ireland.
Speaking at the launch, Caoimhe McAuley, Vice President of the IPU, said, “The launch of the Common Conditions Service is a very welcome development for community pharmacy and for patients across Ireland. The CCS represents a significant milestone in the evolution of pharmacy care in Ireland, and one that the IPU has been advocating for over many years.
“Pharmacists are medicines experts and have long sought the opportunity to apply their clinical expertise in new ways to support patients. This service will now enable pharmacists, following a consultation and in line with established clinical protocols, to safely assess and treat a range of common conditions within their local communities.
This service is about improving access for patients by providing faster, more convenient care, supporting earlier symptom relief, and enabling pharmacists to deliver timely assessment and treatment. It ensures that care is delivered at the lowest appropriate level of complexity, close to home and within the community.”
The IPU would like to acknowledge the cooperation and support of the Community Pharmacy Implementation Oversight Group and the Minister for Health in ensuring the successful introduction of this important service. This collaborative, multidisciplinary approach demonstrates what can be achieved when stakeholders work together in the best interests of patients.
“We look forward to the opportunities this service presents for community pharmacy practice and for the patients who will benefit,” concluded Ms McAuley.
Note for Editors:
The Common Conditions Service is a programme that allows community pharmacists to prescribe for eight common conditions following a consultation. These conditions include allergic rhinitis, cold sores, conjunctivitis, impetigo, oral thrush, shingles, uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs), and vulvovaginal thrush.
