Archive 2009

PSI Says Role of Other Health Professions Should Be Examined to Reduce Further Pressures

October 21, 2009

The PSI welcomes the ESRI report on the impact of demographic changes on the demand for, and delivery of, healthcare services in the future. In particular, the PSI welcomes the suggestions in relation to the reorganisation of primary care services that pharmacists could provide a far wider range of services, including health screening, chronic disease management, minor ailments schemes and pharmacist prescribing.

This expansion of services would be in line with the international evidence base and experience, and is being progressed by the PSI in its Pharmacy Ireland 2020 initiative. The ESRI report notes that Ireland has a high number of pharmacists per head of population but that these currently offer a very limited range of services. The PSI is anxious to progress the development of pharmacy services with the HSE and the Department of Health and Children, and develop new and innovative pharmaceutical care and treatment programmes which take account of the demographic factors and the service delivery changes which will be required into the future.

The role that other health professionals could play should be examined to reduce further pressures on the medical system.

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