IPU Secretary General Clare Fitzell was a guest speaker at the Life Pharmacy members’ event in the Killashee Hotel, Naas, on 24 September, which brought together pharmacy contractors from across the Life Group for a day of updates and discussion.

The programme, opened by Life Operations Manager Laura Garrett, covered a wide range of issues facing pharmacy businesses. Joanne Kissane, Registrar and Chief Officer of the PSI, updated attendees on inspections and the Falsified Medicines Directive. Legal consultant and mediator Breda O’Malley led a session on employment law and crisis management.

In the afternoon, Ms Fitzell updated attendees on the IPU’s key strategic focus and upcoming initiatives, including the IPU’s Pre-Budget Submission, followed by a question-and-answer session.

Speaking afterwards, Ms Fitzell said: “It was great to be invited to take part in this event and to spend time with pharmacy contractors. We had a really open discussion, and the questions raised are a clear reminder of the pressure pharmacy contractors manage day-to-day. Conversations like these directly inform the IPU’s work on behalf of our members. I look forward to meeting many more contractors and members at our upcoming regional meetings.”