Press release
Minister for Health welcomes the launch of the PSI Workforce Intelligence Report
From Department of Health
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Health
Published on
Last updated on
Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly has today welcomed the launch of the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI) Workforce Intelligence Report.
The report specifically examines the issue of the continued availability of a professional workforce, so that pharmacy may continue to meet patient needs and play a full role in the development of an integrated healthcare system. This is with the expectation of increased demands on the health system and enhanced healthcare provision by pharmacists and pharmacies.
The six recommendations and associated actions in this report have been developed following extensive consultation and engagement, and from triangulation of evidence following a literature review, workforce survey and focus groups.
Recommended actions are classified under the themes of:
Minister Donnelly said:
"I am confident that key stakeholders, including the Department of Health, the HSE and the PSI, will work towards implementing agreed changes. I would like to thank our pharmacy regulator, the PSI, for committing to and delivering on this important piece of work within a tight timeframe.
"The practice of pharmacy in Ireland can be optimised to enable pharmacists to utilise their full range of skills for the further benefit of patients. This could also alleviate pressures on primary care practitioners."
Minister Donnelly added:
"It is an exciting time for Pharmacy in Ireland. In July, I established the Expert Taskforce on the Expansion of Pharmacy, with the aim of expanding the role of pharmacists. The Taskforce has started their work met here this morning in recognition of World Pharmacist Day, which takes place today. They will continue to work intensively, and I expect to receive the first of their recommendations very soon."