Over 1,800 pharmacies across Ireland have signed up to the new Common Conditions Service covering UTIs, cold sores, conjunctivitis and more
Pharmacist giving recommendations to a customer at a pharmacy counter(Image: Catherine Delahaye)
A significant overhaul of Irish healthcare is poised to transform how thousands access their medications, with pharmacists now stepping into a role traditionally reserved for GPs.
Through a new nationwide initiative called the Common Conditions Service (CCS), community pharmacists will gain the authority to evaluate patients and issue certain prescription-only medications for a variety of routine ailments – eliminating the requirement for a GP visit.
The initiative aims to deliver swifter treatment access for patients whilst simultaneously relieving the burden on overstretched GP practices and hospital services.
Pharmacies throughout Ireland are anticipated to launch the service within the coming weeks, with the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) revealing that an overwhelming 93% of community pharmacies have already signed up.
Susan O’Dwyer, the IPU’s Head of Professional Services, remarked: “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.”, reports the Irish Mirror.
She continued: “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 scheme encompasses eight particular ailments, ranging from allergic rhinitis and cold sores to conjunctivitis, impetigo, oral thrush, shingles, uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) and vulvovaginal thrush.
Those visiting participating chemists will undergo assessment by qualified pharmacists, who can evaluate symptoms, offer self-care guidance, dispense suitable treatments – including prescription medications when warranted – or direct patients towards their GP.
All patients using the service will face a consultation charge, though medications falling under existing HSE community drug programmes, such as medical cards or the Drugs Payment Scheme, will be billed according to current eligibility criteria.
Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill remarked: “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.”
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