Congratulations to Denis O’Driscoll, Superintendent Pharmacist at LloydsPharmacy Ireland on his election as Vice President of the PSI–The Pharmacy Regulator Council of Ireland.
Denis said of his election, “It is a privilege to serve in this role during such an exciting and transformative time for our profession. I look forward to working closely with our President, Katherine Morrow, the PSI Council, and the PSI corporate team. Together, we will strive to achieve a busy, industrious, and productive year ahead.”
Denis O’Driscoll has 26 years’ experience in pharmacy, including 22 years with HSE Addiction Services as Chief Pharmacist. After spending most of his career as an addiction expert, Denis moved to the role of superintendent pharmacist for LloydsPharmacy Ireland in 2018.
Denis is currently the clinical lead for one of the largest pharmacy chains in Ireland, with 85 pharmacies, and is responsible for the management and delivery of quality pharmacy services to the public. He is also the voluntary independent chair of the Naloxone Advisory Group for the HSE Strategy on Overdose Prevention. Denis is a graduate of pharmacy from Trinity College Dublin and has a PhD in Biopharmaceutics (TCD).
Pharmacy Welcomes Health Bill
Community pharmacists have welcomed the passing of the Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2024. The legislation will facilitate an enhanced role for pharmacists and will assist with the management of the ongoing global problem of medicine shortages.
The legislation will enable the Minister for Health to pass regulations allowing for patients to access certain medications directly from their pharmacy without the need for a GP visit or prescription. It is anticipated that this may include the contraceptive pill.
To address medicines shortages this legislation will empower Pharmacists to recommend clinically appropriate substitute medicines when a prescribed medication is unavailable. This will save healthcare professionals significant time and crucially ensure that patients receive medication in a timely manner.
Welcoming the legislation, the Irish Pharmacy Union calls for its rapid implementation to bring these benefits to patients as quickly as possible.
Vice President of the PSI, Denis O’Driscoll
Read our Latest News
Read IPN August
