The IPU is this month launching the IPU WhatsApp Community, as an additional part of our communications toolbox, to ensure members have access to our latest news and updates. The IPU’s Digital Content Executive Heloísa Carneiro explains all in this article.
The Irish Pharmacy Union is delighted to announce the launch of a new communication platform this month for its members, the IPU WhatsApp Community. This new initiative aims to enhance the way information is shared, providing members with faster updates and promoting a more efficient, direct line of communication.
The IPU WhatsApp Community will allow members to receive important updates and news in real-time, directly on their mobile devices. Whether it is about policy changes, upcoming events, or time-sensitive announcements, the community will ensure members stay informed and connected.
The new platform will follow the same format as the SMS communication, functioning as one-way communication only. You will not be able to reply to the messages. However, the platform will include multimedia elements, such as images and videos, to enhance the message and make it quicker to absorb. Rest assured, SMS communication will continue to be available for those who prefer it, but keep in mind that text messages have a character limit and may not contain all the necessary information.
The IPU WhatsApp Community is available to all IPU members. Please ensure that your contact phone number is updated in the members portal by following the steps below.
By joining, you will receive timely updates, important news, and relevant information from the IPU, the HSE, the Department of Health, and other key sources, ensuring you stay well-informed and connected. Polls can also be used on WhatsApp to gather direct feedback from our members on specific topics. This is an evolving approach; for example, over time, we may develop separate channels for special interests such as ‘Vaccinations’ or ‘CPD’.
The IPU WhatsApp Community operates as a broadcast-only platform, meaning members will not be able to reply to any messages sent.
If you are an IPU member and wish to join the IPU WhatsApp Community, follow these steps:
1. Go to the IPU Members Portal – portal.ipu.ie/contact-details or scan the QR Code below:
2. Login using your IPU member credentials:
3. Enter your preferred phone number in the ‘SMS Number’ field to ensure you are able to join the WhatsApp channel. Please ensure that you include the country code — +353, or your respective country code — when entering your phone number.
4. Tick the ‘WhatsApp Community’ checkbox to opt-in:
5. Scroll down and click the ‘Submit’ button to complete the process.
While it is relatively straight-forward for individuals to set up a WhatsApp group, to maximise the effectiveness of this communications tool for members, it is important to regulate how it is set-up and managed.
Once you have completed these steps, you will be added to the WhatsApp Community and start receiving important updates and information directly to your phone. Please note that it may take a few days to be added to the group.
The IPU is committed to improving our communication tools and ensuring our members have easy access to the latest news and updates. Join the IPU WhatsApp Community today and stay connected.
Heloísa Carneiro
Digital Content Executive, IPU
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