asked the Minister for Health if it is proposed to reduce the number of pharmacists in Dublin dispensaries; and, if so, what advantages are likely to be gained by this action.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Pharmacists in Dublin Dispensaries.
73.
With a view to improving the pharmacy services provided at the Dublin dispensaries, the Dublin Health Authority propose to appoint 11 pharmacists, on a whole-time basis, in lieu of 18 part-time posts which have been filled on a temporary basis for some time. Certain matters arising from the Authority's proposals are being examined by my Department.
The reduction in the number of pharmacists will be more than offset by the additional time which the new appointees will devote to the work. In addition, the Health Authority consider that an improved dispensary pharmacy service can be obtained by the employment of whole-time officers whose sole occupation is as pharmacist under the Authority.
Is the Minister aware that these advertisements for whole-time pharmacists were drafted in such a way that the part-time pharmacists did not know that these posts were available at dispensaries? Secondly, the appointment of whole-time pharmacists would not serve the functioning of several of these pharmacies better because a whole-time pharmacist operating two dispensaries could not be in constant consultation with the doctor during consultation hours and such being the case it would create greater problems for the patients in these areas.
As I already said, the view is that it will be a better service.
It could not be a better service.
That is just the Deputy's view.
The patient and the pharmacist know that one pharmacist trying to operate two dispensaries would not be in a position to consult with the doctor at the time of dispensing particular drugs. Under the new arrangement, a pharmacist would operate in one dispensary in the morning and in another in the afternoon which means that during one session the doctor will not be there when the pharmacist is dealing with prescriptions and, therefore, he will not be able to consult the doctor.
There will be more time given by the 11 than is now being given by the 18.
There would not be more time given.