Tomás Conefrey writes about how a pharmacy becomes an important part of its community
In the Republic of Ireland, we are fortunate with the pharmacy service we have in operation. My colleagues in industry, hospital and community are all committed to their job and deliver a first-class service. It’s a pity the Government doesn’t recognise this — or maybe it does?
The fact that the service works well means the powers that be think there are no problems. This is far from the truth, as due to underfunding, many pharmacies are running on minimal staff while our workload increases monthly. Product shortages, increased customer expectations, not to mention the administration burden, make for a high-pressure environment and it is no wonder that newly-graduated pharmacists pivot their careers away from community pharmacy.
It doesn’t have to be this way and until change actually comes, someone needs to put in a good word for community pharmacy. Despite the many frustrations, it’s a great job and I have a bit of experience in it, so will accentuate the positives here.
If you work in the same pharmacy for any period of time, you will start to get to know the customers. This I find to be one of the best parts of the job. Sometimes four generations of the same family visit our pharmacy, and I am always looking at funeral notices if I have heard someone has passed away.
The job title is ‘Community Pharmacist’, and there is a pharmacy on every main street in Ireland. Looking at social media, it’s encouraging to see how many sports teams, community events and local projects are supported by pharmacies. I did ‘Movember’ myself a few years ago for the charity AsIAM. Our Facebook and Instagram followers were very supportive of my effort.
We have been involved in providing opioid substitution therapy for about 20 years, and it has been very rewarding. I was initially reluctant to get involved and it was a bit of a learning curve at the start, but I’m glad I did. At the time, a large proportion of our clients were from the local area and the profile has changed slightly, with people who are rough sleepers coming to us. In fact, several of the clients have been with us longer than some of our staff!
In one example, we have three brothers from the same family who attend us every week and this service is one I’m delighted to be able to offer to our community. The support we get from the HSE is excellent and if any issues arise with clients, everything is dealt with straight away. If a pharmacist is in a position to offer this service, I recommend it. It generates a lot of goodwill in the community and is a great learning opportunity for pharmacists.
We offer services like flu and Covid vaccinations, 24-hour blood pressure monitoring, administration of vitamin b12, and prolia injections. GP surgeries are out the door busy and even with practice nurses, it can be difficult for patients to get their vaccinations and b12 shots in particular in a timely fashion. I have been surprised with the number of b12 queries we have had in a relatively short time. There is definitely a demand for this service out there.
Sometimes four generations of the same family visit our pharmacy, and I am always looking at funeral notices if I have heard someone has passed away
These are just three reasons why despite the pressure, community pharmacy has a lot going for it. With a new Government imminent, I hope they will engage with community pharmacy and all it can offer. A new contract and proper funding will encourage pharmacists to stay in the community, and newly-qualified pharmacists who are trained for these services to thrive. It really will be community pharmacy with a capital ‘C’.
I am a Community Pharmacist is Pearse Street, Dublin 2. I have a strong interest in pharmacy training and staff development and just when I think I have figured out the answers, they go and change the questions. Every day is therefore a learning day.
