LIMITATIONS on pharmacy practice in Ireland are leading to a significant shortage of qualified pharmacists who want to work in community pharmacy.
The Irish Pharmacy Union hosted its annual conference last weekend, with spokesperson Caitriona O'Riordan saying "there is evidence that young qualified pharmacists are either not entering community pharmacy or are leaving the profession...we know that one major off-putting factor is excessive and increasing levels of administration and bureaucracy, coupled with a perception that their professional skills are underutilised in comparison to their colleagues in other countries".
O'Riordan cited the example of the UK where pharmacists are allowed to prescribe for minor ailments, as well as in Canada where pharmacists are allowed to monitor patients with chronic illnesses and renew or adjust their prescriptions.
"Community practice is no longer attractive to young pharmacy graduates, who are frustrated that their knowledge and skills are not properly utilised by a system that fails to recognise them...this problem will, if not addressed, have serious ramifications, not just for community pharmacy, but for the wider community," O'Riordan said.
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