A recent meeting between Fórsa representatives and members of Hospital Pharmacists Association of Ireland (HPAI) with the Health Service Executive (HSE) on 25th March, marked a crucial step towards implementing the McLoughlin Report. In November 2011, Dr. Ambrose McLoughlin completed the Review of Hospital Pharmacy, the first such review since 1978 when the current grading structure was set up.

This meeting followed a comprehensive exchange of documentation, including draft texts of circulars, job specifications for various roles such as Pharmacy Executive Manager (PEM), Deputy PEM, and Advanced Specialist Pharmacist, as well as procedural documents like process flows, application forms, and FAQs for the validation process of Advanced Specialist Pharmacists.

Linda Kelly said, "We are at the final stage of discussion on the implementation of a key part of the Hospital Pharmacy Agreement, which will see the creation of Deputy PEM posts and Advanced Specialist Pharmacist posts within the career structure for Hospital Pharmacists. This result has been hard-fought and is a significant win for all Fórsa members working in hospital pharmacies."

All substantive matters have been resolved among the involved parties. Only one final exchange of draft documentation is left before it is sent to the Department of Health. Once this stage is reached, the technical group's final report will be shared with all members, offering valuable insights for the upcoming validation process.

Looking ahead, the HPAI AGM is set for Saturday 20th April offering an opportunity for a comprehensive progress update. Later this year information meetings will be organised to help Hospital Pharmacists understand the validation process.

Linda commended the patience of members during this lengthy process, stating, "Hospital Pharmacists have worked collectively for a long period to ensure this outcome. Their  incredible resilience throughout this industrial relations process will serve to inspire other Fórsa members that when colleagues come together on an issue, they win.  I am very much looking forward to meeting with members  over the coming months as we support those eligible to apply for the validation process.”

There’s never been a better time to join a union, and it’s never been easier. Join Fórsa today.