REGULATOR FOCUSED ON CONTINUED ADVANCEMENT OF PHARMACY PRACTICE IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST
July 31, 2014
Through implementation of the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI)’s Corporate Strategy 2013-2017, the PSI will continue its strong focus on the protection of the health, safety and well-being of patients and the public, according to the PSI’s Registrar/CEO Marita Kinsella.
She was speaking at the publication of the regulator’s 2013 Annual Report. During 2013, the PSI Council adopted its second Corporate Strategy - since the PSI’s establishment in 2007- which focusses on the continuous improvement and advancement of pharmacy practice in the interest of patients.
“The PSI strives to ensure that pharmacy services are delivered in a competent, professional and ethical manner and in an appropriate environment, to the highest standards of quality care and best practice,” Ms Kinsella said.
She continued: “Substantial work was done in 2013 to ensure that the PSI continues its progress on a range of strategic developments, as outlined in the Corporate Strategy 2013 - 2017, whilst at the same time delivering its operational functions in line with the Pharmacy Act 2007. The PSI’s Corporate Strategy supports Government health policy in reforming the delivery of health services. In addition to its work in ensuring that patients receive high quality and integrated care from pharmacists, the PSI will drive advancements in pharmacy practice, such as vaccinations, screening and disease monitoring, so that the expertise and skills of pharmacists are availed of to the maximum benefit of patients and the efficient delivery of health services.”
Highlighted in the 2013 Annual Report are the PSI’s key strategic and operational achievements during that period which included:
- Statutory regulatory functions: During 2013, the PSI continued to deliver on its core regulatory functions in the interest of the health, safety and welfare of patients and the public through its registration, education and training, inspection, fitness to practise and pharmacy practice development activities.
- Reform of pharmacy education and professional development: Considerable progress was made on two major strategic initiatives in pharmacy education and professional development, namely: establishment of the Irish Institute of Pharmacy (IIOP), further developments leading to the roll-out of the new CPD model for pharmacists and the publication of the Core Competency Framework; and preparation for the commencement of the new five-year integrated Master’s degree in pharmacy with the assistance of the National Forum for Pharmacy Education and Accreditation.
- Pharmacy practice development: PSI continued to engage throughout the health system with stakeholders such as policy-makers, health professions, patient organisations, to highlight and develop pharmacists’ vital role in the provision of safe and effective patient care.
- International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) Congress: The PSI, with the support of many Irish pharmacy organisations and individuals, hosted one of the most successful FIP Congresses ever, in Dublin. The congress provided further opportunity for engagement and learning with international colleagues in pharmacy and regulation.
Other details include the increase in the total number of retail pharmacy businesses on the PSI Register at the end of 2013 to 1,818. The number of new openings increased from 45 in 2012 to 47 in 2013, the number of relocations decreased from 14 in 2012 to 8 in 2013 and the number of transfers of ownership increased from 40 in 2012 to 52 in 2013.
The PSI made significant progress on its programme of pharmacy inspections in 2013, with a total of 482 inspections carried out. The PSI remains on target to have completed a full cycle of pharmacy inspections by the end of 2014.
In 2013, a total of 48 formal complaints were received under Part 6 of the Pharmacy Act 2007, which was the same number of complaints received in 2012. For the fourth year running the majority of complaints (69%) and expressions of concern (75%) received were from members of the public. The highest number of complaints received related to behaviour/professionalism issues. Of the complaints received, it was decided by the statutory Preliminary Proceedings Committee that there was sufficient cause to warrant further action in relation to 10 complaints, eight of which were referred to the Professional Conduct Committee for inquiry, one complaint was referred to the Health Committee for inquiry and one complaint was referred to Mediation.
In September, the PSI also published a report evaluating the 2012/2013 seasonal influenza vaccination service provided by pharmacists and found that the service is operating effectively with no quality or safety concerns. The number of patients accessing vaccinations through pharmacies increased significantly during 2012/2013 when compared to the previous season, with patients expressing satisfaction with the service provided.
The full PSI Annual Report for 2013 is available to download here.
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