On Tuesday 2nd July the Health Service Executive (HSE) published Circular 016 2024 which finalises further key elements of the long fought for Hospital Pharmacy Agreement. You can read the Circular here.

This will:

•    Create Deputy Pharmacist Executive Manager posts in several hospitals and Advanced Specialist Pharmacist (ASP) posts within the career structure for Hospital Pharmacists

•    Establish an immediate validation exercise for current staff who wish to apply for ASP roles. 

Procedural documents outlining process flows, application forms, and FAQs for the validation process of Advanced Specialist Pharmacists are now available. Members should have received these documents already by email. They can also contact their local Branch Executive to receive a copy of the documents. 

Fórsa National Secretary Linda Kelly said: “This is the culmination of a long campaign and lots of hard work by members. 13 years on from the beginning of this process in 2011 we can finally say that a new career structure is in place for hospital Pharmacists. Thank you for sticking with this process over such a long period.”

She continued: “In the months ahead we will focus on supporting members eligible to apply for the validation process. We will also re-engage with the HSE on the role of Pharmacy Managers and on progressing discussions on a Pharmacy Regional Lead within the Health Region Structure.”

In 2011 the Review of Hospital Pharmacy (McLoughlin Report) recognised the need for a revised structure for hospital pharmacy. It was the first review undertaken since 1978, which was when the current grading structure was agreed. Since the publication of the McLoughlin report, Hospital Pharmacists have been engaged in substantial and lengthy campaign to see the outcome of that review implemented.

Thanking members Richard Sykes, President of the Hospital Pharmacists Association of Ireland (HPAI) said: “Hospital pharmacists are integral to delivering patient care. By working together, we have achieved a new career structure that recognises our skills, qualifications, and role. Your commitment and dedication has transformed our profession for the future”

Two online information sessions for members will take place next week. The details and links to attend are below:

Thursday 11th July 1pm to 2pm - Join the meeting now
Friday 12th July 1pm to 2pm - Join the meeting now  

For further information please contact your local branch representative or official.