Pharmacists across Ireland will now be able to assess and prescribe for eight common conditions.
Stock image of a pharmacy counter(Image: Getty)
A major Irish healthcare shake up could change how thousands of people access prescriptions, as pharmacists are set to take on a task usually handled by GPs.
Under a new Common Conditions Service (CCS), being rolled out nationwide, community pharmacists will now be able to assess patients and prescribe certain prescription only medicines for a range of common conditions – without the need for a GP appointment.
The service is designed to give patients faster access to treatment while easing pressure on GP surgeries and hospitals.
Pharmacies across the country are expected to begin offering the service in the coming weeks, with the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) confirming that 93% of community pharmacies have already opted in.
IPU’s Head of Professional Services, Susan O’Dwyer said: “The Common Conditions Service is a significant milestone in pharmacy care in Ireland and one that the IPU has been advocating for over many years. As medicine experts, pharmacists have long sought the opportunity to use their expertise in new ways to help patients.
“Each day in pharmacies across Ireland patients present with common self-limiting conditions, where pharmacists have the clinical knowledge to support with their management but, until now, lacked the authority to prescribe certain prescription only medications to support with treatment.
“The CCS will change that, enabling pharmacists to deliver timely care and treatment, for 8 common conditions. Participating community pharmacists are looking forward to helping patients get the support they need via this private and confidential community pharmacy service.”
The service will cover eight specific conditions, including allergic rhinitis, cold sores, conjunctivitis, impetigo, oral thrush, shingles, uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) and vulvovaginal thrush.
Patients attending participating pharmacies will be assessed by trained pharmacists, who can assess symptoms, provide advice on self care, supply appropriate treatments – including prescription medicines where appropriate – or advise patients to contact their GP.
A consultation fee will apply for all patients availing of the service, however medicines covered under existing HSE community drug schemes, such as medical cards or the Drugs Payment Scheme, will be charged in line with current eligibility rules.
Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill said: “I am pleased to see such a strong response from pharmacies nationwide with over 1,800 pharmacies signing up for the new Common Conditions Service. More than 2,500 professionals have completed the core training modules, reflecting the dedication and commitment of those working in the pharmacy sector to supporting patients and strengthening frontline care.
“This service will have a really positive impact in local communities and will mean that patients will get faster access to treatment, closer to home.
“The Department of Health will continue to work closely with pharmacy representatives and service providers to ensure the successful roll out of the Common Conditions Service and to support improved, convenient access to care for people in every part of Ireland.”
Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.