Good news for patients as pharmacists allowed to prescribe medicines for minor ailments

Patients across Ireland will be able to get prescriptions from their pharmacist for eight common conditions, from early next year it has been confirmed.

The rule change is one of a number of measures recommended by the Expert Taskforce to Support the Expansion of the Role of Pharmacy.

The Taskforce was established last year by the Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly who has now published its final report and recommendations.

According to the report, which runs to nearly 100 pages, enabling pharmacists to prescribe for common conditions or minor ailments means patients will no longer have to attend a GP to get a prescription.

When formally introduced, the rule change will enable pharmacists to manage common conditions by offering advice, and, when appropriate, prescribing prescription-only medicines through established protocols. 

Eight specific conditions will be included initially - allergic rhinitis, cold sores, conjunctivitis, impetigo, oral thrush, shingles, cystitis and thrush.

Announcing the proposed changes to the current rules, Minster Donnelly said he has written to a number of organisations, including the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland and the Irish Pharmacy Union, to invite them onto an implementation group in order to ensure there is no delay in rolling out this service. 

“What we are announcing today represents an important change. The move will also alleviate pressure on GPs. I want this Common Conditions Service to be in place in early 2025. The service will be scaled-up over time, but we will start with these conditions," he said that more than 80% of those surveyed by the Department of Health are supportive of the plan."

Delighted to outline our plan to support pharmacists to prescribe directly to patients for various common conditions. Pharmacists are highly trained and highly trusted professionals. They need to be supported to work to their full potential. We are doing that. pic.twitter.com/7BloNMafIO

— Stephen Donnelly (@DonnellyStephen) August 13, 2024

Professor Mary Horgan, interim chief medical officer commented: “Timely, accessible and affordable healthcare for all is crucial for population health. Expanding the scope of practice of pharmacists, including enabling them to prescribe for certain common conditions, will enhance the delivery of patient-centred care. This is a significant change that requires dynamism and adaptability among our pharmacy and medical professionals, and I am confident that they will embrace this challenge in order to ensure improved care for patients all over the country."