Archive 2013

NEW PSI REGISTRAR APPOINTED

October 22, 2013

The Council of the PSI (Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland), the pharmacy regulator, has announced the appointment of a new Registrar and CEO, Marita Kinsella.

Eoghan Hanly, PSI President, said, “Ms Kinsella will be a valuable resource to the PSI in continuing to develop pharmacy practice in Ireland and maximise the role of pharmacists and pharmacies in the development of a more integrated approach to healthcare.”

He continued, “As regulator of the sector, the PSI under the Pharmacy Act 2007, has undertaken extensive work to strengthen the system of regulation, and has made significant progress with regard to implementing key elements of the Act including fitness to practise, continuing professional development and the development of pharmacy education and professional standards. The PSI has proactively facilitated the introduction of new pharmacy services, including the administration of the flu vaccination by pharmacists in line with its Pharmacy Ireland 2020 initiative. Linked with this is the establishment by the PSI of the Irish Institute of Pharmacy which will be responsible for driving the development of pharmacy practice, ensuring it meets the emerging needs of patients and the wider healthcare system. It remains vital to continue to realise the Pharmacy Ireland 2020 vision to support standards in the practising profession and better patient outcomes - Marita will have a key role to play in this regard.”

Ms Kinsella brings a wealth of diverse pharmacy experience to her new role. She held the post of Chief Pharmacist at the Department of Health from January 2009 until October 2013. As Chief Pharmacist, she was responsible for policy and legislation relating to the regulation of medicines, medical devices, cosmetics, narcotics and psychotropic substances, as well as policy and legislation regulating pharmacists and pharmacies.

In her role as Chief Pharmacist at the Department of Health, Marita also chaired the EU Council Working Party on Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices during the Irish Presidency of the EU and served as a member of the Patient Safety Commission Implementation Steering Group. Prior to joining the Department of Health, she held the post of Head of Legal Affairs at the PSI and played a key role in the early implementation of the Pharmacy Act 2007. She also has experience working in the pharmaceutical industry and hospital pharmacy.

Marita Kinsella holds a B.Sc. (Pharmacy) degree from the University of Dublin, Trinity College and is a registered pharmacist. She also holds the degree of Barrister at Law from the Honorable Society of Kings Inns, Dublin. Marita is currently undertaking a professional doctorate degree at Queens University Belfast, UK.

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