Welcome to your June issue of Irish Pharmacist, which we hope will entertain and inform you with a mix of news, opinion, and clinical content.
In this issue, Eamonn Brady takes a deep-dive into the ongoing problem of medicine shortages in Ireland.
Eamonn goes into detail on how this is also an international problem, and the reasons are like untangling a ball of string. The myriad causes include and ageing and larger population and issues with overseas manufacturers, among others.
But of course, he also offers some potential solutions to help alleviate this crisis. Interestingly, as Eamonn points out, despite Ireland being one of the biggest drug exporters in the world, this has not helped us to avoid medicine shortages.
Also in this issue, you can earn 2 CPD points by completing our CPD module on Oncology, which looks at aspects of cancer classifications, staging, diagnosis, and treatment. As always, you can complete the T/F and MCQs online to earn your points.
In our other clinical content, written by pharmacists for pharmacists, we look at Eye Care, including common conditions and the role of the pharmacist.
Skin Care is another clinical area we we look at, including dealing with common conditions and stretch marks.
We also have a feature on Mental Health, in particular the rising incidence of mental health problems in children and adolescents.
Pharmacists are increasingly on the front line in recognising and treating many of the above conditions. Ideally, you should be properly resourced to do so, but we’ll see what happens in the coming months.
As usual, your columnists serve-up a Smörgåsbord of fascinating topics, from negotiations with Government, to the nation’s drug problem.
Anybody who has been involved in a Fitness to Practice inquiry will identify with Terry Maguire’s column, in which he recounts his run-in with the regulator in the North of the island. In this instance, issues were raised around a pharmacist’s freedom of speech.
All-in-all, we hope you get something to take away from this month’s issue. As always, feel free to get in touch with us with your ideas, thoughts or observations.
