About the Conference
The Changing Face of Primary Care– Empowering Community Pharmacy
The IPU National Pharmacy Conference 2024 took place across the weekend of the 26 and 27 April in the Radisson Blu Hotel, Athlone, featuring a packed agenda, an exciting lineup of speakers, and a wide array of companies that support the industry. It was wonderful to meet in person again, feel the vibrant energy and enthusiasm for community pharmacy, and catch a glimpse of what the future could hold for the profession.
- There were thought-provoking presentations throughout the day from Dr Pat O'Mahony who shared significant updates from the Expert Taskforce, emphasising the critical role pharmacies play in optimising patient healthcare. Dr O'Mahony highlighted new strategies designed to empower pharmacists, providing them with the tools and knowledge necessary to deliver superior patient care.
- We also had the privilege of hearing from Diogo Dominguez-Piedade, a representative from the Pharmaceutical Group of the European Union (PGEU), who delivered a compelling speech on the Future Direction of European Policies. His address focused on the evolving landscape of European healthcare regulations and how they will impact the pharmacy sector in the coming years.
- Shaun Flanagan, the Assistant National Director of the Primary Care Reimbursement Service (PCRS), provided valuable insights at the conference. He discussed the ongoing restructuring within the Health Service Executive (HSE) into regional health divisions and examined its potential implications for the PCRS.
- We also ventured into the world of digital health via the Department of Health’s Head of eHealth and Information Systems, Niall Sinnott, who highlighted the need for a digital health strategy in Ireland.
- Prof Laura Sahm and Dr Michelle O'Driscoll from University College Cork (UCC) delivered an illuminating talk on health literacy and the pivotal role that pharmacists play in fostering patient understanding. Their presentation focused on the challenges associated with health literacy and the unique opportunities pharmacists have to guide patients toward better health outcomes.
- We were delighted to welcome Brent Pope, who delivered an inspiring motivational talk on "Building Resilience in the Workplace." He shared practical strategies with attendees, focusing on techniques that foster emotional strength and adaptability to help them build resilience.
- Joanne Kissane, Registrar and Chief Officer of the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI), shared her insights at the conference, where she delivered a compelling speech on the theme of "Regulating Patient Safety at a Time of Change." Her address highlighted the evolving landscape of healthcare and the critical role that regulatory bodies like the PSI play in ensuring patient safety amidst these changes.
The Great Debate
The Great Debate at the conference revolved around the theme “The Changing Face of Primary Care – Empowering Community Pharmacy.”
It was chaired by Dr Tamasine Grimes, Associate Professor in the Practice of Pharmacy at Trinity College Dublin and a practising pharmacist.
The session was highly interactive and engaging, with contributions from a selection of our speakers rejoining the stage, including Ms Joann Kissane, Dr Pat O’Mahony, Diogo Dominguez-Piedade, and Niall Sinnott, who captivated the audience throughout.
Address by the Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly
- The Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly TD, addressed the conference with a focus on empowering healthcare professionals.
- During his speech he commended the Irish Pharmacy Union for its significant contributions to the healthcare sector and announced that his Department would be conducting a review of existing administrative procedures.
- The Minister also recognised the necessity of fee increases for pharmacy services and expressed his gratitude for the commitment and hard work of community pharmacy professionals.
IPU President Tom Murray Address
- The new IPU President Tom Murray thanked all IPU members for coming to the conference.
- Addressing the Minister, Mr Murray said, “We have shared ambitions for patient care, increased access and ultimately improved patient outcomes”. He said it is obvious that, “The role of pharmacists will change, and we have the will to work with you to deliver changes for Irish patients to increase access to care, reduce waiting lists and improve patient outcomes”.
