The number of pharmacies registered remained stable at 1,981.

During 2022 the PSI recorded 53 complaints about pharmacists or pharmacies, a 33% reduction in formal complaints received from the public, in comparison to the previous year. Of the complaints reviewed last year by the Regulator’s Preliminary Proceedings Committee (PPC), the complaint screening committee, 13 were referred for further action, which can include referral to an inquiry or for mediation.

The report also highlights developments related to reform of the Pharmacy Act 2007 and the PSI’s engagement with Department of Health on this issue. The PSI submitted a position paper to the Department in 2022. PSI Registrar and Chief Officer Joanne Kissane said; “As the regulatory body for pharmacy, we are extremely conscious of the need to reform elements of the Pharmacy Act.” Ms Kissane said the position paper highlighted the need for reform, “articulating the challenges in the current legislative framework and the opportunities presented through reform. We look forward to continued engagement with the Department of Health on this matter.”

The Report also highlights the completion of a review in relation to the Core Competency Framework, which underpins the pharmacy curriculum delivered by the Schools of Pharmacy in Ireland and provides structure and guidance for pharmacists’ CPD.

There were also advances in relation to the multi-stakeholder project to assess the risks to the future pharmacy workforce, which is taking a medium to long-term view of the factors influencing future workforce availability, the output of which will be a workforce intelligence report.

This project commenced in 2022, with the establishment of a multi-stakeholder working group and the first ever workforce survey. This survey will be administered annually by the PSI. It will provide an important baseline picture of the current pharmacy workforce and inform future discussions and planning.

Read the PSI’s 2022 Annual Report at www.psi.ie.