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Community Pharmacy Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 November 2018

Tuesday, 6 November 2018

Ceisteanna (744)

John Brassil

Ceist:

744. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Health when the role of community pharmacists will be expanded in line with the commitment contained in A Programme for Partnership Government; the reason this has not been included in the Sláintecare implementation plan; the way in which the role will be expanded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45804/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Programme for Partnership Government is committed to expanding the role of community pharmacy where this can provide better outcomes for public patients. However, any expansion of services should address unmet public health needs, improve access to existing public health services delivered elsewhere or provide better value for money or patient outcomes if delivered through pharmacy.

Vaccination and emergency contraception services are already available in pharmacies. Other services, including in the areas of medicines management and treatment of minor ailments, will be considered in the context of available resources, the potential for health gain and Government priorities for the health service.

The Sláintecare Implementation Strategy sets out a vision where the vast majority of healthcare services will be available in the community, in the home or close to home.

One of the areas that the Strategy identifies for achieving this vision is the organisation and operation of community-based services based on population need and size, in line with the overall citizen care master plan and new models of care. This will require examining new or enhanced service delivery models for current community-based services by health professionals, with appropriate supports for new services to be delivered in community, rather than acute care, settings.

The Strategy is clear that all staff and contractors, including health professionals such as pharmacists, have a role to play in the implementation of reform.

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