New research by Clonmel Healthcare has revealed a cultural shift in how Irish people access healthcare, with trust in local pharmacy teams nearly doubling in the last 12 months.

Data from the STADA Health Report 2026, which surveyed 501 Irish adults, shows that 65% of Irish adults now rely on pharmacists to guide their personal health decisions, up from 34% in 2025.

Donagh O’Leary, Managing Director of Clonmel Healthcare, said: “This year’s STADA Health Report clearly demonstrates that Irish patients view their community pharmacist as a cornerstone of primary healthcare. Trust in pharmacy teams has nearly doubled in a single year, reflecting the incredible dedication of pharmacists right across the country. The message from the public is clear: as our health system faces mounting pressure, people don’t want impersonal, digital workarounds but instead prefer accessible, human-first care in their communities. Empowering pharmacists with expanded clinical authorities, such as issuing repeat prescriptions, is a sensible, practical solution that has the potential to ease GP workloads, reduce waiting times, and deliver better outcomes for patients nationwide.”