Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) has congratulated Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD on her appointment as Minister for Health. The IPU said it is looking forward to early engagement with the Minister to prioritise the commitments outlined in the Programme for Government. In particular, the IPU said “we urge immediate action to support community pharmacists and enhance accessible healthcare delivery for the benefit of patients throughout the country”.
Tom Murray, President of the IPU, commented: “On behalf of community pharmacists across
Ireland, I congratulate Minister Carroll MacNeill on her appointment. We welcome the
opportunity to collaborate with the new Minister to address the challenges currently faced by
pharmacists, resolving these issues are critical to ensuring a robust, effective and accessible
healthcare system.”
Mr Murray added: “Community pharmacists play a vital role in the healthcare system, yet the
sustainability of community pharmacies is a risk due to outdated policies and lack of
resources. Implementing the commitments in the Programme for Government without delay
is essential to empower pharmacists and improve patient care nationwide.”
The IPU said it looks forward to constructive engagement with Minister Carroll MacNeill
and her team, aiming to deliver tangible benefits for pharmacists, patients, and the wider
healthcare sector.
Storm Éowyn impacts Bon Secours Hospital services nationwide
Meanwhile, in light of the severe weather warnings associated with Storm Éowyn, Bon
Secours Health System is now implementing specific measures tailored to hospitals in each
of its locations in Dublin, Cork, Tralee, Limerick, and Galway.
These measures, in keeping with Government guidance, are to ensure the safety and well-
being of all patients and staff. Patients impacted will be contacted directly to reschedule
their appointments at the earliest convenience, minimising any disruption to their care.
Essential services will remain operational, with dedicated teams available to handle urgent
medical needs. Contingency plans have been activated to address potential disruptions,
ensuring continued support for critical cases.
Hospital-specific updates regarding Friday, 24 January 2025:
- Dublin (Glasnevin): Essential services, including in-patient care, urgent surgery, and
oncology, will continue. Other services will be cancelled or rescheduled to Friday
afternoon, weather permitting. - Cork: Essential services will remain operational, while non-essential services will be
cancelled or rescheduled on an ad hoc basis, depending on weather developments. - Limerick: The hospital will close tomorrow for all scheduled elective outpatient and
day-case activity, but inpatient care will continue. The hospital will reopen on
Saturday as per weather conditions and Government guidance. - Galway: The hospital will be closed on Friday. All elective procedures and admissions are cancelled, and departments will provide limited essential cover. Normal services resuming on Saturday as per weather conditions and Government guidance.
- Tralee: All elective procedures scheduled for Friday have been cancelled. Essential staff will remain on site up until 5pm and arrangements have been made to accommodate these staff in the hospital overnight.
Patients, staff, and visitors have been urged to check www.bonsecours.ie and social media for up-to-date information and follow safety guidance issued by Met Éireann. Travel should be avoided unless absolutely necessary. Bon Secours Health System is ensuring assistance for staff who need to remain on-site during the closure period.
For further information, please visit www.bonsecours.ie/about/news/impact-to-services-friday-24th-jan.
