The Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) is pleased to announce the appointment of Clare Fitzell as its Secretary General. Ms Fitzell assumes the role with immediate effect and will focus on advancing the development of community pharmacy services in a sustainable and patient-centered way.
Clare Fitzell is a qualified pharmacist with over 25 years of experience in community-based practice. She has been the Head of Strategic Policy at the IPU since September 2019. She recently oversaw the launch of the IPU’s White Paper, Key Enablers for a Sustainable Pharmacy Model – Pharmaceutical Care at the Heart of Healthier Communities, which will, in conjunction with the IPU Vision for Community Pharmacy 2030, form the basis for the IPU’s continuing engagement with Government.
Announcing Ms Fitzell’s appointment, IPU President Tom Murray said: “Clare is a highly respected pharmacist with a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities within our profession. Her experience, leadership and unwavering commitment to community pharmacy make her ideally placed to guide the IPU over the next number of years. We are confident she will be a powerful advocate for pharmacists and for the essential role we play in healthcare.”
Ms Fitzell said: “I am deeply honoured to take on the role of Secretary General of the Irish Pharmacy Union. Having been involved with the IPU for more than 25 years, both as a member and in a leadership capacity, I am proud to represent the profession I care so passionately about.
“Pharmacists are medicines experts, and we are uniquely positioned to improve patient care by ensuring the safe, effective and accessible use of medicines. There is enormous untapped potential within the pharmacy sector to support better health outcomes in every community across Ireland. This potential has been clearly recognised by the Department of Health’s
Expert Taskforce and reflected in the Programme for Government.
“I believe passionately in the value of community pharmacy and in the need to fully integrate pharmacists across our healthcare systems. My priorities will include the sustainable expansion of pharmacy services, long-overdue reform of funding models, removal of unnecessary administration burdens, and supporting pharmacists to deliver even greater impact in patient care.”
Clare is a graduate of Trinity College Dublin. Over the course of her career, she has held senior roles across pharmacy practice, quality management, and regulatory affairs. She is also the current President of the Pharmaceutical Group of the European Union (PGEU), representing community pharmacists at European level and advocating for their role in enhancing health systems, supporting society, and delivering better outcomes for patients.
The Officers and IPU Committees wish her the best in her new role and look forward to continuing their work with Clare to promote, support, and expand the role of pharmacists across Ireland, said the IPU.
