RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences has welcomed the announcement by the Minister for Health that pharmacists will be able to prescribe, commencing with prescribing for a range of common conditions.

The Government decision follows a recommendation made by the Expert Taskforce to Support the Expansion of the Role of Pharmacy. The group recommended that pharmacists be enabled to prescribe independently, within their scope of practice and competence. This is to be a stepwise implementation, with the introduction of a common conditions service. An initial list of eight conditions for which pharmacists will be able to prescribe was outlined: allergic rhinitis, cold sores, conjunctivitis, impetigo, oral thrush, shingles, uncomplicated UTI and vulvovaginal thrush.   

For each condition, pharmacists will offer advice, and when necessary, prescribe prescription-only medicines.  

Welcoming the announcement, Professor Tracy Robson, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs, RCSI said: “This decision marks a really important and positive development for patients and for the wider health system.  Worldwide there is broad agreement that the most promising model for a sustainable healthcare system is one that increases productivity by extending the scope of practice of healthcare professionals like pharmacists.” 

“We look forward to supporting the education and training of pharmacists for pharmacist prescribing, as outlined in the recommendations”, added Professor Robson.  

Professor Judith Strawbridge, School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, RCSI, is a member of the Expert Taskforce to Support the Expansion of the Role of Pharmacy. She said: “It was a privilege to work with everyone on the Taskforce, colleagues from across the healthcare professions and our patient partners, to bring these recommendations to the Minister for Health.

“Pharmacists are exceptionally well-qualified healthcare professionals who already deliver a range of important healthcare services to their patients. The expansion of their role, to include prescribing, will allow them to enhance their contribution to healthcare for the benefit of patients.”