Seanad debates

Tuesday, 20 March 2007

Pharmacy Bill 2007: Second Stage

 

6:00 pm

Fergal Browne (Fine Gael)

The role of hospital pharmacists is another issue. I was amazed to learn such people exist. I visited St. Luke's Hospital in Kilkenny recently and I saw its huge pharmacy. I did not know hospitals had pharmacies, which dispense not only within the hospital but also to smaller hospitals nearby. Hospital pharmacists have reservations about the legislation and they are wondering whether they will have to re-register because the Bill provides that such pharmacists should register as a retail pharmacy business. Is the Minister aware of their concerns? If so, have they been addressed? Many of the hospital pharmacies have been operated by pharmacists for years who do not have university qualifications. The legislation will provide for them to re-register but will they be phased out over time? This will not be a difficulty for pharmacists who have obtained a university degree but if one has worked in a pharmacy for 50 or 60 years——

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.