#Our Pharmacy Heroes Preparing for the 'new norm' - Irish Pharmacy Union
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IRELAND’S OFFICIAL PHARMACY PUBLICATION
MAY 2020
Under the Shadow
of COVID-19
Preparing for
the ‘new norm’
#Our
Pharmacy
Heroes
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50 mg x 28 Film Coated Tablets Granpidam
200 mg x 28 Film Coated Tablets Sildenafil
ANTI-VIRAL AGENT 20 mg x 90 Film Coated Tablets
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Valganciclovir
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Products subject to prescription. Supply through pharmacies only. Accord Healthcare Ireland Limited, Euro House, Euro Business Park, Little Island, Cork T45 K857, Ireland
and Accord Healthcare S.L.U. World Trade Center, Moll de Barcelona, s/n, Edifici Est 6ª planta, 08039 Barcelona, Spain.
*Pack sizes do not represent actual size. Date of Preparation: March 2020. IE-01435
MAY 2020
07 A Note from the Editor
IPU News
24
The latest news and events
from Butterfield House
08 Dates for your Diary
08 Pharmacy in the Media
09 Pharmacists issue advice on knowing the
The IPU Review is published difference between Hay Fever and COVID-19
monthly and circulated to Irish
pharmacists. The views expressed 10 Pharmacists and Age Action Ireland recommend
by contributors are not those deferral of prescription levy
of the IPU nor is responsibility
accepted for claims in articles 11 Pharmacists say new COVID-19 prescription
or advertisements. regulations are good for Irish patients
11 Are you receiving IPU emails and texts?
Subscription:
€100 (Ireland North & South) and 12 Online CPD courses for Pharmacy Technicians
€150 (including postage overseas). and the Pharmacy Team
Publisher:
12 Advertorial: In this together with United Drug
Irish Pharmacy Union
(IPU Services Ltd),
Butterfield House,
Butterfield Avenue,
Rathfarnham, Dublin 14,
D14 E126
Tel: (01) 493 6401
Fax: (01) 493 6626
Email: ipureview@ipu.ie
Website: www.ipu.ie
14
Editor: Jack Shanahan MPSI
Editorial Associates:
Siobhán Kane, Ciara Browne
and Jim Curran
Advertising: Siobhán Kane
Email: ipureview@ipu.ie
Tel: (01) 493 6401
Features
©2020
14 #OurPharmacyHeroes
Copyright: All Rights Reserved,
Irish Pharmacy Union.
Printed by Rymar Print.
20 Life in the Pharmacy under
IPU Review is a Registered Trademark
of the Irish Pharmacy Union. the Shadow of COVID-19
22 Infographic: The Race to
Stop COVID-19
24 Preparing for the
‘new norm’
IPUREVIEW MAY 2020
20 3
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42
34
Other News
29 CPD: Constipation in Palliative Care 59 Alzheimer National Helpline
launches new free Dementia Nurse
34 Flu vaccination in challenging times and Dementia Adviser call-back
service to deal with increased need
38 Tips for communicating effectively during COVID-19 crisis
59 Benefits of physical activity
40 Report of PSI Public Council Meeting highlighted for people with
arthritis
of 26 March
60 Nutrition screening to be
introduced for all patients
42 Why it’s vital to start a conversation admitted to hospital
about sleep 60 Free coaching for all
Frontline Staff
46 Economic and financial update 61 New Psychological Support
for the pharmacy sector Service to help those impacted
by Cancer during COVID-19
51 Executive Diploma in Strategic 62 Irish Hospice Foundation
Pharmacy Business Management announces New Online Info Hub
on funerals and grieving during
54 Community COVID-19
62 Cosmetic Association Trade Show
57 Clinical Tips: Potential cancelled for 2020
Treatments for COVID-19
63 Product Information
63 Classifieds
46
IPUREVIEW MAY 2020
51 5
A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR Jack Shanahan MPSI
Getting to a better place
COVID-19 fatigue has set in almost everywhere. The initial
novelty and excitement evolved into something a little
more tiresome. While the protection of loved ones, and
self-preservation, are powerful motivators, we are socio-
economic animals. We need to see an exit strategy –
a way of meeting friends and family, of trading normally.
I
n Michigan, you can The appealingly simplistic phases. The first is the initial will, if possible, become even
pick up your AR-15, view of a COVID-19 passport, active viral infection, where more pervasive. It would be
slot your Glock into perhaps as an app on the the patient has typical flu a foolish person that would
your belt and mosey phone, looks uncertain. like symptoms of variable think that the flexibility shown
on down, hollering at Setting aside the privacy and severity. The second, if it by the State in relation to this
the town hall. In Ireland, control concerns, (all massive), happens, is when it progresses crisis will continue. If you
we must adopt a slightly there is a more fundamental on to cytokine release think that a ‘new paradigm’
more nuanced approach. aspect. To date, the FDA have syndrome, what used to be is here, have a quick look
Yet, as time progresses, our allowed the marketing of called a cytokine storm. This at how the private hospital
growing knowledge of this dozens of different antigen is where acute respiratory consultants have been treated
specific coronavirus is deeply tests for the specific virus, distress sets in. We know that during this crisis. While there
concerning. It is not remotely although only a handful have microthrombi are one of the is an irony in people that
clear how we are going to get authorisation. The EU, in its key aspects of the alveolar specifically wanted to escape
from serious intrusion to a usual bureaucratic way, has dysfunction at this stage. from the clutches of the State,
better place. The normal of made the number of these While intensive care may see being delivered on a platter,
the future could, and probably tests potentially available you escape with your life, you the toxic spin against them
will, be very different to the here more opaque. Many of really do not want to get to has been breathtaking. The
past. The ‘endpoint’ is much these are simple, looking more this stage. tiger’s stripes don’t change.
discussed, yet we are not like a pregnancy test, where Given all these confounding The cold hard economic and
sure what kind of a unicorn a drop of blood is placed factors, it is becoming more financial implications of this
we are talking about. While in a well. It is notable that obvious that the testing and crisis will remain with us
test, isolate, track and trace the FDA, stung by the initial isolation model leaves much indefinitely. We would do well
is currently posited as the reaction to testing in the to be desired. Ideally, we need to keep this in mind as we
‘solution’, it is hard to see how States, has relaxed standards a treatment that kills the plan for our future.
this would work in practice to such an extent that many virus, and we need a readily
with relatively porous borders. of these tests are utterly accessible test that shows you
What works for New Zealand unvalidated. Even in the ‘best have an active infection. For
may not work for the rest of case’ scenario, even if we do instance, we have an amazing
the world. The usual answer have a reliable antigen test, treatment for herpes simplex
is herd immunity. Early we have no real idea what it virus, where a single day
hopes that a large volume of means. If this coronavirus is course of valaciclovir typically
asymptomatic cases could like its siblings, even allowing stops the infection in its
herald an inexpensive, from a for genetic variation, we could tracks. If we could achieve this
societal view, mechanism of well bear in mind that most of level of simplicity, the threat
getting back to normal seem to us never develop immunity to evaporates. One can dream.
be misplaced. A critical issue is the common cold. Even if we The other major aspect
whether being exposed to this can demonstrate antibodies, is the role of Government
virus will give you immunity does this mean that you are in our future. Our business
and, even if it does, how long immune? Or that you have a model has been hitched to
does it last? A confounding subclinical active infection? Or the Department of Health
factor is, it appears, that that you are a silent carrier, a since the early 1970’s. There
the viral load might well latter-day Typhoid Mary? is almost nothing that
dictate whether an infection One thing we do know happens in a pharmacy that
progresses or gets nipped in is that this infection has is not indirectly or directly
the bud in older adults. potentially two different controlled by the State. This
If you have any comments, queries or issues to raise, send
your “Letters to the Editor” by email to ipureview@ipu.ie.
IPUREVIEW MAY 2020 7
Pharmacy in
the Media
There was an article in The Irish Times on how
pharmacies are coping during the COVID-19 crisis.
IPU members Tomás Conefrey, Anna Kelly, Caitriona
O’Riordan and Margaret O’Doherty contributed giving
an overview of a typical day in the pharmacy during
this crisis.
There continues to be a significant amount of media
attention on pharmacy’s role during the COVID-19
crisis. On 3 April, we issued a press release to welcome
the new COVID-19 prescription regulations. There was
coverage in the Irish Examiner and on BreakingNews.ie
as well as in multiple regional newspapers. It was
also covered on regional radio stations. We issued a
press release on 8 April calling for the medical card
Dates forry
prescription levy to be suspended for the duration
of the COVID-19 crisis; this was in association with
your Dia
Age Action Ireland. This press release also received
coverage in the Irish Examiner and on BreakingNews.ie,
as well as items in multiple regional newspapers and
spots on radio stations.
IPU President Daragh Connolly was interviewed
MAY 2020 a Day,
for the Dungarvan Leader and Dungarvan Observer
World Asthm on COVID-19 and pharmacy being on the frontline.
5 May a. ie
www.asthm IPU members were also in the media to discuss the
an Cancer topic: Kathy Maher was on LMFM; Edward MacManus
World Ovari was interviewed for the Irish Independent; Caitriona
8 May w.c an cer.ie
Day, ww O’Riordan was interviewed for Irish Sun and The Echo
,
World MS Day (Cork); and Jonathan Morrissey was interviewed for
30 May .m s- so ci et y.ie the Kildare Nationalist.
www
bacco Day,
World No To
31 May
www.quit.ie
JUNE 2020 Donor Day,
World Blood
14 June od.ie
www.giveblo
Week,
Men’s Health
15 – 21 June .m hfi.o rg
www
health events
ans for these
Campaign pl -19.
due to COVID
may change
8 IPUREVIEW MAY 2020
IPU NEWS
Pharmacists issue advice on
knowing the difference between
Hay Fever and COVID-19
As hay fever season begins, the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) has issued advice on recognising the difference in
symptoms between hay fever and COVID-19. With one in five Irish people living with hay fever, it is important that
people understand how to recognise the key differences; for example, a fever or chills is common with COVID-19 but
isn’t seen in those suffering with hay fever.
Hay fever, also known as seasonal allergic rhinitis, is caused by pollen and spores creating an allergic reaction
affecting the nose and sinuses. While it can occur at any time of year, sufferers are particularly impacted from the
early summer until autumn.
Ann-Marie Horan, a community pharmacist and Executive Committee member of the IPU, highlighted that
sufferers need to be particularly cognisant of one particular hay fever symptom, “As anyone who experiences hay
fever will know, itchy eyes can be one of the most frustrating symptoms. However, one of the most important things
health officials are advising to protect against COVID-19 infections is to avoid touching our faces. This underlines
the importance of staying on top of hay fever symptoms by consistently taking any required treatment.”
Hay fever can often be effectively managed with a range of treatment options, including antihistamines,
decongestants, corticosteroid nasal sprays and anti-allergy eye-drops. The key to treating hay fever is finding the
treatment that works for you. Pharmacists are highly trained health professionals and experts in medicines and can
play a significant role in the management of allergies, including hay fever.
“Obviously, during the current pandemic people, should only make essential journeys, and for some, including the
over-70s, those with underlying health conditions, and people who have either symptoms or a diagnosis of COVID-19
(or a member of their household does), they should not leave their homes. However, you can still phone your
pharmacist for advice, and medicine delivery options may be
available for those who must stay at home.”
Ms Horan added, “With everyone on high alert for COVID-19
symptoms, it can be difficult to rationalise which symptoms
could be hay fever, and which are associated with COVID-19.”
Ms Horan also provided some general advice on managing
hay fever, “Sufferers should monitor the pollen forecast and
take particular care when the count is high. You can reduce
hay fever symptoms by doing the following:
n Keep doors and windows closed at home and
when driving;
n Apply a little Vaseline inside the nose to trap pollen
and stop it being inhaled;
n Wear sunglasses, preferably wraparound glasses
which prevent pollen entering the eyes;
n Don't mow the grass and avoid working in the
garden;
n Don't dry clothes outside if avoidable; and
n Wash your hair, hands and face when you come
back indoors and change your clothes to get rid
of any pollen.”
Pharmacists also warn that as hay fever is a significant
trigger for asthma, asthma patients should ensure they carry
their inhaler at all times and use it as prescribed.
IPUREVIEW MAY 2020 9
IPU NEWS
Pharmacists and Age Action
Ireland recommend deferral
of prescription levy
The IPU and Age Action have called for the medical card extended to 9 months if deemed clinically appropriate by
prescription levy to be suspended for the duration of the your pharmacist;
COVID-19 crisis. The IPU said that the measure is proving
n Patients or carers are asked, if possible, to phone
especially difficult for cocooning patients to administer and that
the pharmacy two days in advance to ask that their
suspending it would remove a barrier to vulnerable patients
prescription be dispensed for a particular time/date so
accessing medicines.
that the pharmacy can have it ready when they come in;
Commenting, IPU Secretary General Darragh O’Loughlin said,
“One of the many challenges being experienced by people who n Check with elderly family members and neighbours to
are following official advice to cocoon at home is accessing make sure they have their medicines and, if necessary,
medicines. This is being experienced most acutely by people help them to contact the pharmacy if they need advice or
over 70 or those with underlying conditions, the very people information;
who are more likely to require regular medicines.
“Local pharmacies are supporting these patients by n Everyone over 70 years of age should remain cocooned
organising medicine deliveries directly to their homes, at home as per public health advice, and for essential
often with the assistance of Gardaí or other volunteers. It is pharmacy items and food shopping, should call on family,
currently obligatory for patients to pay the prescription levy, friends or services to help you. Over 70s should not be
but that is proving impossible for them as volunteers are not leaving home; and
in a position to take payments from them, so we end up with n People who are exhibiting fever, cough or other respiratory
vulnerable elderly people turning up in pharmacies looking to symptoms of COVID-19 should NOT attend at a pharmacy
make payment. or GP clinic. Instead, they should stay at home and phone
“Eliminating this charge at this time would be a small but their GP or local HSE helpline without delay.
compassionate gesture to those it hits hardest. We hope the
Minister for Health listens to this request, which we believe
would have a very real benefit to Ireland’s most vulnerable
patients.”
Paddy Connolly, CEO of Age Action commented, “Age Action
welcomes and commends the Irish Pharmacy Union’s call for
Government to address prescription charges. Easing of the
medical card prescription levy would provide a sensible solution
and welcome peace of mind to older people who are cocooning
and worried about how to pay for their essential prescriptions.
The COVID-19 pandemic presents a very real emergency for
many older people living on fixed incomes as they struggle to
cope with new costs.”
In addition to this call, the IPU also issued updated guidelines
to all people on accessing medicines in pharmacies during the
COVID-19 crisis:
n Pharmacies remain open and well stocked with all
essential medicines;
n Do not stockpile any medicine or purchase medication you
do not need. One month’s supply of prescription medicines
is the maximum quantity allowed by the HSE under the
GMS or other Community Drug Schemes;
n People who require medication on a regular basis should
ensure their prescriptions are up to date. However, existing
prescriptions which were issued for 6 months can now be
10 IPUREVIEW MAY 2020IPU NEWS
Pharmacists say
new COVID-19
prescription
regulations are
good for Irish
Are you receiving
patients IPU emails
The IPU has welcomed new COVID-19 prescription regulations,
which were signed into law last month by Minister for Health
Simon Harris TD. Describing the regulations as a “sensible
and texts?
and necessary development”, IPU Secretary General Darragh
O’Loughlin said pharmacists are “working unstintingly at the Since the start of the COVID-19 crisis, we have been
coalface dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic and these new sending a lot of updates in order to keep you updated
regulations will streamline the prescribing process, facilitate on how this difficult situation affects pharmacy. Emails
continuity of care and allow us to continue supporting from the IPU, including the eNewsletter, are sent
patients throughout this situation”. directly to all IPUmail accounts, which most members
The Medicinal Products (Prescription and Control of Supply) have set up to forward to their own personal/business
(Amendment) Regulations 2020 allow for: email address. If you have misplaced your IPUmail
n The electronic transfer of prescriptions from prescribers login details, get in contact with us and we can send
to the pharmacy via the HSE's secure Healthmail system; them on to you. Alternatively, if you have already set
up your IPUmail account to forward to your personal/
n Increase the maximum period of validity of a business email address, but you are not receiving our
prescription from 6 months to 9 months; and emails, it could mean that the email address we have
n Allow pharmacists to give 10 days’ supply of medicines on file for you is out of date. Please make sure the
in an emergency (previously 5 days), extend the range email address we have on file for you is correct.
of medicines that can be supplied in an emergency for Email communications@ipu.ie or phone 01 493 6401
epilepsy and, for the first time, allow 5 days’ emergency and we can update this for you.
supply of controlled drugs. We also send text messages occasionally to get
important information to our members as quick as
Mr O’Loughlin said pharmacists have gone above and possible, although over the last couple of months we
beyond for their patients since the pandemic outbreak, have been sending more texts than usual to make
and these regulations, “are an acknowledgement of the you aware that we have issued another update on
professionalism and dedication of pharmacists. Above all, COVID-19. To sign up to the service, text ‘IPU’ followed
this development is good for Irish patients.” by your name to 51500. Standard text rates apply.
He added, “The secure electronic transfer of prescriptions Alternatively, members can email communications@
to pharmacies via Healthmail from GPs and hospitals is a ipu.ie with their full name and mobile phone number.
very welcome step forward and is something we have been
advocating for some time. This will relieve some of
the pressures on our GPs, pharmacists and patients in
accessing prescriptions, cut down on unnecessary contact
and eliminate the need for paper prescriptions. It makes
solid practical sense.”
Mr O’Loughlin concluded, “We would also like to
reiterate the Minister’s reminder to patients and the
general public not to seek supplies of medicines over and
above their normal requirements, as doing so will hamper
the supply of medicines for others. These new regulations
will allow your pharmacist to continue supplying your
medicines throughout this period.”
IPUREVIEW MAY 2020 11IPU NEWS ADVERTORIAL
In this
together with
United Drug
T
hie past few weeks have been
Online CPD courses
exceptionally challenging for the entire
healthcare sector and United Drug
want to thank their customers and
suppliers for their continued support
for Pharmacy and understanding.
At the outset of the COVID-19 crisis, United Drug
experienced a sharp and unprecedented demand
Technicians and the
for a wide category of healthcare products, which
challenged our operational capacity. To ensure the
continued and equitable supply to our customers
Pharmacy Team
and the highest possible level of service, we
implemented some temporary measures, which
included extra evening and weekend shifts across
all warehouses and additional drivers and staff to
support our supply chain.
Online Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses We continue to review all aspects of our operations
have been designed to engage the learner using interactive to further improve our service and we remain
on-screen content, quizzes, video presentations and a final committed to maintaining continuity in the supply
assessment where the learner can print their own Certificate of and distribution of medicines across Ireland. Meeting
Completion. the needs of patients and customers remains our
By studying online, the learner chooses their own learning number one priority.
environment that works best for them. The learner is required The wellbeing of our staff across warehouses,
to constantly interact with the content and take notes, which stores and offices is critically important and
makes learning easier and enjoyable leading to improved measures have been put in place to maintain an
knowledge retention at their own pace and at a time that suits. accessible and safe work environment, this includes
With the courses being available online, students will be able the use of PPE, additional sterilising activities
to access them at any time – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 and homeworking where appropriate. All control
days a year! measures are reviewed constantly to ensure we
mitigate against the risk of COVID-19 infection. We
Course Topic are also working closely with the HSE, Department of
Health and the Health Products Regulatory Authority
Asthma Treatment Update to adhere to latest guidelines and protocols.
Paul Reilly, Managing Director, United Drug,
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) added, “On behalf of the Country Board and Senior
Management I would like to thank our customers for
Gastrointestinal Conditions (1) their continued support and understanding and hope
Gastrointestinal Conditions (2) that they remain healthy and well at this time. We
want to reassure them that we remain focused and
Heart Health (1) committed to serving the needs of their communities.”
Heart Health (2)
How to apply
The costs for online courses are €19 per course for IPU
members and €42 per course for non-members. To enrol and
pay, visit www.ipu.ie > Training and Events > Training Courses
and then select the course you wish to apply for. Click on the
button Enrol and Pay on the left-hand side and insert all your
details and make the payment.
If you have any questions in relation to these courses, you
can phone Janice or Susan in the Training Unit on 01 406 1555.
12 IPUREVIEW MAY 2020Despite current safety measures, we at United Drug
think about our customers every day. We are here
to support you and we look forward to seeing you
all again very soon.
Thank you for your patience and support
during these difficult times.
#inthist getherCOMMUNICATIONS
#Our
Pharmacy
Heroes
The IPU launched the
#OurPharmacyHeroes
campaign on our social
media channels at the
end of March, where we
asked people to share
stories detailing how
they’re proud of their
local pharmacy and their
pharmacy colleagues.
14 IPUREVIEW MAY 2020W
e’ve had
a great Mallow acies in Mallow prima
ry
response, ou r ha rdw ork ing team in both pharm ek s it’s be en
Our Heroes are Over the last few we
d Main Street Mallow. eks work in one
particularly healthcare centre an ph arm acy in Ireland. Doing 4 we
e eve ry oth er member of
on Facebook, absolutely crazy lik ve Thank You to ch ea
where the post has been shared n an d My sel f wo uld like to say a massi s on the wa y home and
week. Joh
tst an din g. Th ey dro p off Prescription essential
over 300 times, with over 330 ou mselves to be an
our team .. they are ey have really proven the
likes on the IPU page alone, and ies as we ll ! Th rd wo rk.
at times grocer preciate all their ha
munity. We really ap
over 8,000 engagements across service within the com
the pages its been shared on.
Whats been great about the
engagements on Facebook are
the comments, which at the time
of writing stood at over 120, all
of which were individual stories
ee
Clonasl
ing
from people about their local st amaz
a r m a cy are ju ro u gh
pharmacy. We have included a e Ph ard th
Clonasle w o r k ing so H e.. T h ey
selection of them below – we a ll ti m
they are ry Challenging to h e lp
have taken out the profile details Ve ll of duty estly
out this yond ca n
of the users who posted the y g o b e it y. I h o
reall r C ommun a naged
comments but left the comments o u m
us all in w w e would n
as they were written online.
dont kn
ow h o ays bee
e m . It has alw e e ti n g such
To view more, please go to th and m
only for g th e re m an
our Facebook page, which goin Main
pleasure iling Staff also a n k s to
can be found by searching
helpful
sm tfull th
@IrishPharmacyUnion. m o m e nt. Hear a t C lo n aslee
there at ry o n e of you o u and #HavenHero
d eve ud of y
each an fo r a ll . So pro es
cy Now more th
Pharma an ever, our
.xx
stay safe fantastic Hav
en Teams are
working tireles
sly on the
frontline to m
anage the
Newbridge increased dem
and across th
So proud of my daughter Nicola who works in Cosgrove's country - supp e
lying families
pharmacy Newbridge, and to all her colleagues, all doing with the med
icines they ne
a fantastic well organised job. Stay safe everyone. and advice th ed
ey can trust,
ensuring ever
yone in our
community st
ays as health
as possible. H y
eartfelt thanks
to each and ev
ublin ery one of our
Kimmage, D ri ve Road, Kim
mage, not just
now #HavenHeroe
s
ac y, Su nd from th e
Jordans Pharm but always. Ri
ght
difficult times d that his staf
f
during these ic , D av id ha s en su re
d hi s
nd em t and he an
start of the pa fe environmen
a sa al l Meath
Duleek, Co.
s ar e in el in es at
and customer ng to the HSE guid his
f are ad he ri
sist and ad vi se o. Meath. A
wonderful staf on hand to as acy Duleek C
ay s, D av id is
that th ey m ay Haven Pharm Cathy and al
l
times. As alw ars or concerns you to Tom
d allay any fe s staff and al
l huge thank av en D ul ee k.
customers an ne to D av id , hi ul staff at H
at tim e. W el l do
r extra pr es su re the wonderf the time
have now or working unde so helpful all of
st af f who despite e met They ar e
tstanding
ph ar m acy
r customers ne ed s ar ptionally ou
at al l of th ei but are exce it y during this
ensure th commun
helping the ne to all
time. Well do
challenging
Ennis, Co. Clare
The Medical Hall Ennis Co. Clare. Murty O'Connell and all his
crew are just fabulous from Michelle, Elaine, Marion, Kelly, family run country
• I’m a Tech in a local m
Nessa, Emma and all the Crew sorry I can't remember all d I cou ldn ’t be prouder of the tea
Pharmacy an s eve ryt hin g in
ye're names but, each and all of you are wonderful take care s tha t doe
I work with and a Bos ne.
and stay safe, with all that's going on at this strange times by us. Stay safe everyo
her power to do right
Xxx see ye soon..
IPUREVIEW MAY 2020 15re
lbay, Co. Cla
Miltown Ma s at west clar
e
th an k al l my colleague ab so lu te ly
I want to for being
m acy, M ilt own Malbay ly du ri ng th ese difficult
phar rticular ve
ways but pa ally supporti
brilliant as al er s ha ve also been re be st we
times. Our cu
stom needs as
t as w e at tend to their yo ne .
en
and very pati d stay safe ev
er
on be over an
can. May it so
Kilmallock Kilbarrack, Dub
lin
Adrian Dunne Ph
Massive THANK YOU to all the staff in armacy Kilbarra
shout out to my ck. A huge
Fogartys Life Pharmacy Kilmallock who Daughter Kelly an
who go into work d friends
are doing an amazing job serving our every day and de
whatever the da al with
community! They have gone above and y brings with sm
humour. They go iles and good
beyond to help all their customers in anyway above and beyond
customers (alway for their
they can :) They have taken every precaution s have done) but
than ever. Well do now more
to ensure all the staff and customers are safe ne to Deirdre and
her team
during this crazy time, they will even drop
your prescription off at your house when they
are on the way home ( even if your stuck for
milk & bread they will deliver that too at the
• I work in O'Riordan's Pharmacy and my boss Caitriona O' Riordan
same time ;) ) When this is all over these girls
has done an astounding job in taking every precaution in keeping
definitely deserve a break! A MASSIVE Well
us the staff and customers safe and protected in these difficult
done to all the staff - Vera, Leanne, Laura,
times. Also massive thanks to all our customers who are really
Ciara, Aoife, Ailish, Tracey & Michelle! Despite
supportive and have been amazing to us each and every day.
whats currently happening in the world all
of these amazing girls have a smile on their
faces at all time :) Well done again girls and
keep up the mighty work that ye are doing :)
Bandon, Co. Cork
It has always been a real pleasure going into Brookes
Pharmacy in Bandon but the level of care they are
Salthill, Co. Galway
giving to their customers during the crisis is amazing.
Norman & team - you should be very proud of
ud to say that I use
I have always been pro yourselves and we appreciate it so much.
thill but by gosh they
Mullins Pharmacy Sal
call of duty in these
have gone beyond the
ir regulars but to the
times, not only for the
ng is too big or too
public in general. Nothi
small for them. I am usi ng Mullins pharmacy
r u m , C o. Wicklow
since my daughter wa
s 4 years old. she is now Rathd y Rathdru
m-
etic disorder and is both Pharmac ple who
• They doing an
21 she has a rear gen Tierney's m of peo
disabled, and although g te a fter
amazing job
mentally and physically an ama z in
looking a for all of us
my local pharmacy icated to ur
Mullins pharmacy is not are s o d e d
llbein g o f o
I would not go any wh ere else! In their eyes
e h e a lt h and we a ll b e lost
appreciate their
ated equally. even in
th ould bravery x
we are all equal and tre ity. We w
commun
e a smile and ask you e m
these times they still hav without
th
so fro m my self and Alan
how you’re doing! n
llins her brother Adria
Moroney to Sinead Mu hea rts I want
tom of our
and staff from the bot
please please look after • Irwins pharmacy shandon stree
t fantastic staff ,very
to say thank you and
e ever yone
yer selves and stay saf friendly and helpful. Stay safe
#OurPharmacyHeroes
16 IPUREVIEW MAY 2020limerick and our • Clarecastle Pharmacy excellent
ns Pharmacy in y
• I work in hoga sure the staff sta staff and very helpful at all
fantastic making
bosses have been in th es e stran ge times stay safe
our absolute best
safe, we’re doing s have be en brilliant to us
.
an d ou r cu sto m er
times
• Haven Pharmacy Duleek, have
delivered medicine to
me twice already in isolation. The
whole team couldn't
Ferrybank, Co. Waterford be any nicer than they are. Forever
grateful
Ferrybank CarePlus Pharmacy they are an
amazing pharmacy all the time but throughout
this crisis they have stepped up and helped so
many of the community out all the staff have • Mark Ellis Pharmacy are fantastic to deal with not just
been working so hard a little shout out to my during this awful time but all the time. My son is on regular
lovely sister Denise Kearns she is doing extra medication for long term illnesses and Mark’s team are
hours and missing her family to be in work always great when I go up to them. They always go above
helping out, i would have been lost with out and beyond for all their customers.
them over the past few week, you guys dont get
the recognition yous deserve. Thank you all for
all your hard work
• Flynns chemist, Claremorris are so helpful and
doing a great job. Well done Jimmy and staff.
Dooradoyle, Limerick
dooradoyle
I must say Keatings Pharmacy
ng every
Arklow, Co. Wicklow
are doing an amazing job in taki
keeping the staf f and
precaution in acy Arklow all of the
customers safe. Stay safe ever
yone Adrian Dunnes Pharm y
ly at the moment the
staff are just so friend y to ma ke su re
eve ry da
are working tirelessly er
well looked aft
their customers are
• Mark Ellis Pharmacy Woodstown are just fantastic. Visit regularly
for my daughters medication and they’re always so helpful and
friendly. They’ve a great system in place at the moment and it
feels very safe and efficient
Ballincurra, Co. Limerick
Ballinacurra pharmacy limerick
are doing a
Kilmallock, Co great job very helpful on phone
. Limerick to go in there. Well done Dave
and very safe
Thanks to Abbe and all the staff
y pharmacy lord
Edward Street ki
lmallock who ar
always so help e
ful brilliant and
kind in this crisi
s. Stay safe.
See ye in May
Newbridge, Co. Kildare
I work in McGreal's pharmacy in Newbridge
and I'm so proud and happy to go in every
Springfield, Dublin single day. My co-workers are hard working,
have been
Mark Ellis pharmacy Springfield kind and most importantly very funny during
cris is they always are
so helpful during this this mad time xxxx
great team in there!
#OurPharmacyHeroes
IPUREVIEW MAY 2020 17• I'm really proud of my colleagues in Mackens Pharmacy in
Blackrock. The best team ever!!!!
Kilmallock,
Co. Limerick
Massive thanks to all aragain, Alice
Gearoidín Ní Ci
our teams in Keatings My colleagues ey , In grid Martin,
da Mc Caffr
CarePlus kilmallock Gilligan, Aman , Melanie
Jennifer Mcglynn
led by Cliona Barry Jennifer Cahill, n Fallon, Helen
or e, Sa nd ra Sheridan, Da
Hennessy Keatings Ha nm rough this .
been heroes th Wicklow Town
CarePlus Corbally led O'Hara all have but in the last
ve been anyway
by Eilish O Connor They always ha sh on e through. Michael Collins Ph
ve absolutely armacy
, Keatings CarePlus month they ha xxx in Wicklow town
much . Michelle d staff are
Pharmacy Dooradoyle Thanks you so amazing not just
at this time
led by Eugene and they go that extra
mile for you
Michael, Maher's and I wouldn't go
anywhere else
CarePlus Pharmacy
Thurles led by
Catherine and Ciara. • Mark Ellis pharmacy in Springfield ... they have
Massive pressure on always been helpful and go above and beyond
all the teams at the but even now more than ever they are brilliant
moment but they at keeping everyone stocked up... • We are so lucky to
are so strong and have such kind and
dedicated . To all brilliant people in
our teams a massive Clonaslee Pharmacy
thank you from
myself and Michael.
• Bates pharmac
We will have a very y, your local
large overdue party pharmacy and m
orans pharmacy
when this is over all amazing. Com
munity would be
lost without you.
Please keep safe Mahon Point, Cork
Boots Staff and
management in Mahon
Point..who have been there
• So proud of our daughter Megan Finan who works in serving the public with a
Wards Pharmacy. Doing a great job on the frontline smile on their faces
together with her colleagues.
lost without him and
pharmacy we would be icklow
• Connor Ward wards
her 2 connor he goes abo
ve and beond to Avoca, Co. W g an
his staff nothings a bot acy doin
u all Avoca pharm the girls.
help so a big thanks 2 John and all
amazing job
• Micheal Tierneys Rathdrum.
• To all the staff working in all
the pharmacys all Michael, Linda and staff have
over the country A big thanks
to one and All well went out of there for all
for Rathdrum they have been
brilliant we thank you for
everything you have done and
are doing
#OurPharmacyHeroes
18 IPUREVIEW MAY 2020PROFESSIONAL Gemma Dwyer MPSI
Life in the
Pharmacy under
the Shadow of
COVID-19
Q
Being at the front line does uoting Seamus
Heaney is all
I certainly had not spent
too much time worrying
not mean we don’t have the rage at
the moment.
about how life should be
in a pandemic before it
loved ones and worries or Instead, I’ll quote
something that frequently
happened. The reports of a
new virus in China started,
fears ourselves, but it means comes to my mind when and soon Wuhan, lockdown,
tough times arrive – Baz coronavirus and COVID-19
that despite these we still Luhrmann’s Everybody’s Free became more familiar phrases
have a vital role to play in (to wear Sunscreen), “The real
troubles of your life are apt to
– it all seemed far away until
suddenly it wasn’t.
the provision of healthcare be things that never crossed
your worried mind; the kind
Terrible reports from Italy
made it start to feel inevitable
in our communities, writes that blindside you at 4.00pm
on some idle Tuesday”.
that life was about to become
very different. Amongst all the
Gemma Dwyer.
20 IPUREVIEW MAY 2020distressing news, one thing to create a new, overflowing, they are providing a delivery the IPU update email was met
caught my attention and I’m prescription collection service to vulnerable patients with dread and relief in equal
sure that of my pharmacy area on the shop floor, and those cocooning who do measure, as a guidance of
colleagues, which was that placed in front of the now not have family nearby to help what more would be required.
everywhere in the world, redundant cosmetic stands. out. Community policing at I am so proud of all my
no matter how strict and Handsanitiser, face masks its best. colleagues in the Maple
stringent the lockdown and and soap make up the most The intensity of the Pharmacy, and in the wider
restrictions were, community frequent requests. dispensary is like Christmas pharmacy community for the
pharmacy was an essential Patients have been asked Eve squared, but with no dedication we have shown
service that had to operate to phone in their regular feel-good factor: the huge to our patients and to our
during this pandemic. prescription orders in advance volume of prescriptions, the profession. We are in the
Practically overnight, where possible. Waiting for difficulties with stock levels middle of a global pandemic
pharmacies had to find a your prescription to be filled and wholesale deliveries, and we are still finding a way
way to operate in a changed while browsing the shelves or and managing new and to provide the care we always
world. The once carefully sitting on our comfy customer continuously changing stock have to our patients, albeit
merchandised pharmacy has couch (perhaps with a cuppa), allocations, all whilst dealing in modified circumstances.
changed into to a COVID-19 is now a thing of the past. with worried patients. The Being at the front line does
version that would have been All prescriptions must be first few weeks of our new not mean we don’t have loved
unimagineable in February. collected at a later time to reality was overwhelming ones and worries or fears
The pharmacy door, always protect patients and staff, and with the amount of changes ourselves but it means that
open no matter the weather, to reduce the amount of time to work practices, both despite these we still have
is now covered in signs spent in the pharmacy to a physically to the pharmacy a vital role to play in the
reminiscent of a biohazard: minimum. The phone doesn’t and keeping up to date with provision of healthcare in our
a perspex screen from floor stop ringing from before the the evolving situation, and communities.
to ceiling creates a lobby in pharmacy opens until after it most importantly relaying I look forward to the
the shop; black and yellow closes. It’s a full-time job just all the information to staff. day that I am back in the
markings on the floor direct to answer it, not including the Preparing a contingency plan consultation room, customers
customers where to stand (two work the calls generate. for the pharmacy in the event again browsing the shelves
meters apart from each other); The Gardaí are daily visitors of a global pandemic was not and making use of our couch
and staff are behind the to the pharmacy now, but not something I ever envisaged for a cuppa while waiting for
screen. Only two customers at for the normal reasons. The having to do, and pandemic their prescription.
a time are permitted. CD register doesn’t need a expenses were not factored
Temporary Christmas witness, nor does the CCTV into the financial planning
gondolas have been dusted off need to be viewed, instead for this year. The daily ping of
”The intensity of the dispensary is like
Christmas Eve squared, but with no
feel-good factor: the huge volume
of prescriptions, the difficulties with
stock levels and wholesale deliveries,
and managing new and continuously
changing stock allocations, all whilst
dealing with worried patients.”
IPUREVIEW MAY 2020 21From The Pharmaceutical Journal; 304 168–169 (2020) , doi: 10.1211/PJ.2020.20207792. Article republished courtesy of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society. 22 IPUREVIEW MAY 2020
IPUREVIEW MAY 2020 23
PROFESSIONAL Darren Kelly, Business Development Manager, IPU
and Clare Fitzell, Professional Services Pharmacist, IPU
Preparing for
the ‘new norm’
As we continue to work through
this extraordinary time of crisis and
the ever-present threat that social
distancing will become the norm
for the foreseeable future, what
can pharmacy do to prepare for
the gradual removal of lockdown
restrictions in our society? In this
article Darren Kelly, IPU Business
Development Manager and Clare
Fitzell, IPU Professional Services
Pharmacist, will provide some advice
to members on how to prepare
your pharmacy for the easing of
lockdown restrictions and driving
footfall back into your business.
T
he one thing we remain as agile and adaptable the sector has played an Preparing a business
can be sure about as possible. absolute blinder. All the sector continuity plan
over the coming During the emergency, – pharmacists, technicians,
months is that pharmacy was asked to OTC and sales staff – should At the start of this emergency,
the public health continue its frontline work be applauded for their we encouraged members to
situation will continue to in ensuring that the people commitment and efforts to prepare a business contingency
change, and we will need to be of Ireland received their maintain our vital service to plan, considering the safety
prepared for this challenging medications and advice on the public. of your staff and yourself so
environment and try to their health, and to date you could continue to provide
24 IPUREVIEW MAY 2020Table 1: Risk assessment model
Severity of impact Likelihood of occurrence
Severity of impact Very Unlikely Unlikely Possible Likely Very Likely
=1 =2 =3 =4 =5
Negligible 1 1 2 3 4 5
Minor 2 2 4 6 8 10
Moderate 3 3 6 9 12 15
Major 4 4 8 12 16 20
Extreme 5 5 10 15 20 25
essential services to the public. assessment will help you to can utilise for this exercise is and considerations that
As part of this, many of you identify what you and your conducting a structured risk you have taken.
will have conducted a risk team need to do to minimise assessment for all the activities
assessment either formally the impact of the emergency that occur in your pharmacy.
or informally and then on your business. As the public This will help you identify Risk assessment models
introduced many mitigating health COVID-19 restrictions areas of highest risk and lowest There are many different
measures to reduce these are eased, these documents risk, and this in turn will help models for risk assessment1.
risks, for example introducing will help you understand what you to assess which services The model above considers
the use of Perspex screens mitigation measures you have can return sooner and which the Likelihood/Relevance and
on counters, implementing put in place and if additional areas require additional risk the Severity of the impact
floor signage, and installing measures or steps need to mitigation measures to be put of the issue on the business
security pods at the front of be taken. in place. A well-developed risk and can be found in the NSAI
the pharmacy. When you were They will also enable you assessment will also allow COVID-19 Workplace Protection
preparing this contingency to understand the most you to reassess the risks as and Improvement Guide2.
plan did you consider looking efficient and safest way to the situation changes over the Those issues with the
at a business continuity plan? bring customers back into coming months and can be highest score are the most
Preparing a business continuity your pharmacy. One of the a useful tool to engage your significant risks and justify the
plan and completing a risk most useful tools that you teams in all the measures most significant attention.
Table 2: Example of an extract from a pharmacy COVID-19 risk assessment
Risk Likelihood Severity Score Mitigation Measures Notes
Closure due to 3 5 15 • Business Continuity Plan; Need to keep up
pharmacist need • IPU Locum list; to date with latest
to isolate HPSC contact
• Split workforce into two teams; tracing guidelines
• Maintain social distance of 2 metres;
• Provision of masks to all employees; and
• Provide handwashing facilities/sanitisers.
Patient 3 4 12 • Implement signage at doorways; Update as more
presenting to • Station staff member at entrance to explain measures information of
pharmacy with to customers; asymptomatic
COVID-19 spread is available
symptoms • Media campaign to inform the public; and
• Encourage patients to phone ahead – social media campaign.
Patients not 3 3 9 • Indicate 2 metre distance from counters;
observing social • Signage on counters;
distancing
measures • Restrictions on entry; and
• Department of Health media campaign.
1. Additional information on conducting risk assessment in pharmacy settings can
be found on the HSE website www.hse.ie. IIOP run a training course on managing
quality in pharmacy practice that looks at this process.
2. https://www.nsai.ie/images/uploads/general/NSAI-Guidelines-for-
COVID-19-2020-04-09.pdf
IPUREVIEW MAY 2020 25In the example on the The risk assessment will Marrons Pharmacy, Clane, Pharmacy layout
previous page, you will see be a valuable resource to who have kept their pharmacy
how these risks may have help you plan and mitigate open to customers but A crucial part of your plan
changed over the last month. the impact of these changes maintained social distancing. will be to look at your floor
If we look at the social as restrictions ease. It will We asked Jonathan how they layout and how you can
distancing risk in the above also help you identify areas managed to provide their open the business whilst
example, if you had assessed within your business where additional services or private still maintaining physical
this at the start of the public good mitigation measures consultations to patients distancing. As restrictions are
health emergency you may can help you resume some at this time. He said that slowly released, you will need
have rated this higher, as the level of retail activity whilst when having to attend more to ensure you maintain social
public were unaware of the reassuring staff. You may wish personally to a customer, distancing. It may be that you
concept of social distancing. to subdivide your risk register that they wore a mask, visor, need to look at a one-way
We have rated the likelihood into different domains such gloves, and disposable apron. system in the pharmacy. This
of this as possible now, but as organisational, staffing, They sanitised their skin can be achieved several ways.
in the initial few weeks this customer, financial and before and after donning One is moving gondolas into a
would have rated higher at environmental. gloves, and they sanitised long wall type effect directing
very likely. The impact of good These are business the gloves before and after customers with signage to
mitigation has reduced this decisions that need to be handling or dealing with the go in the direction you want
risk, so mitigation measures made in communication with customer. They asked all them to go in. There is also
you had in place at the your team. Once the staff are customers to use sanitiser the use of barriers or crowd
start of the public health updated on the plan then provided at the counter at control measures that would
emergency may now need you can start to update your the start of the interaction, work here. There are number
to change based on the risk customers on the position and they covered their credit of providers who can assist
being reduced. of your updated pharmacy card machines with a cling with crowd control barriers,
This exercise will be useful proposition. film like material which was such as retractable belt
to complete and then revisit We have seen great sanitisable. He also stated systems, but this can also be
as public health restrictions examples of mitigation that the staff sanitised before achieved by moving gondolas.
ease or change and as our measures in operation that dealing with any customer We have several providers of
understanding of the virus you may want to consider and sanitised as soon as these products listed on the
develops, for example we implementing as the they finished. IPU website who can assist
now know that the virus situation evolves. Instead of focusing on you with this.
is more contagious than which services you cannot
originally thought. At the time offer, start instead with the
of publishing, we are aware Professional services principle that you will provide
Social distance signage
that the Health Protection in your pharmacy all services. Conduct your risk To maximise the impact of
Surveillance Centre (HPSC) assessment and then look at any new system, you will need
When you open your
has just changed guidance all the mitigation measures to look at highlighting this
pharmacy to customers,
in response to this and that you can put in place to with social distancing floor
you may wish to return
advised that all pharmacy reduce risk. To help engage and hanging signage in the
to offering additional
staff wear face masks as staff, assess the risk score pharmacy. Consumers are
professional services that
part of the HSPC’s ongoing before and after mitigation. accustomed to queuing and
were the previous ‘norm’ in
risk assessment for health With the right plan you maintaining social distance at
your pharmacy. In the ‘new
professionals. This guidance will be able to provide most present as these measures are
norm’, you and your team
change may reduce some of services safely, but you may in place in all retail outlets,
need to have a plan when
your risks and increase others, need more time for cleaning, but once restrictions are
providing these services
and new mitigation measures hand washing and additional gradually released consumers
that minimises the risk to
like training in correct mask mitigation steps. may in the joy of being able to
you or your team. We spoke
use, removal and disposal, shop again, revert to previous
to Jonathan Morrissey in
may need to be introduced. actions or systems. When this
”Instead of focusing on which services
you cannot offer, start instead with the
principle that you will provide all services.
Conduct your risk assessment and then
look at all the mitigation measures that
you can put in place to reduce risk.”
26 IPUREVIEW MAY 2020happens staff must correct have a snapshot of the offers Customers may be happier
customers very quickly. This as they move around the to get some soap, toiletries,
will ensure that customers one-way system. You will also or feminine hygiene products
know what is expected from need to factor in that this while they are getting
them once they enter your summer sales will not follow medications to reduce what
pharmacy for the safety of a traditional summer, with they need to purchase in
you and your team. products required for foreign grocery stores.
It is advisable to check the travel reduced and items for
signage weekly for any defects personal hygiene and hair
to ensure that the message is management increasing. Hand Summary
crystal clear to all who enter sanitisers will start to sell This situation is so fluid
the pharmacy. Use of signage again as people move around now that trying to estimate
on the pharmacy window and as other businesses on when and how the release
with regards to the one-way the high street open back of lockdown procedures
system should be used to up. This may also provide will happen is like looking
communicate the message to a business-to-business into a crystal ball. As part
your customers. opportunity in provision of of any plan you prepare, I
sanitation products to your would recommend that you
neighbouring businesses. If communicate with all your
Staff engagement you are producing your own staff on your plans for the
with customers hand sanitiser, it would be business as the restrictions
a good idea to contact your are eased. Get staff feedback
Whether you allow a small
local enterprises prior to them on your risk assessment
number of customers or open
reopening to assess interest as they will be front and
the pharmacy up fully, you
so that you can manufacture centre on any opening up of
will need to communicate
in time. pharmacy floor space. Take all
this message clearly with
your staff, so they are all suggestions and try to develop
into a workable plan.
comfortable and ready for a Point of sale We need to prepare for
return to a new norm. With a
small number of customers in Highlight offers with signage! the easing of restrictions
the pharmacy at any one time, We have great value available and the possible flood of
will they just be collecting so let us tell the customer. shoppers who just want to
medication, or will they Whether you print them get out of the house following
browse while they wait? It may instore or get them from a their enforced quarantine.
be difficult for them to shop local printer, try to introduce Your customers are going
your front of pharmacy whilst colour into any signage to continue to go to grocery
trying to maintain physical as it will better catch the stores to purchase items that
distancing from another customers attention. Be clear you stock, so reminding your
customer, and this is where on the text you use, they customers that you have been
your staff will have to bring should say ‘Special Offer’, here through it all and are
their customer service skills ‘WOW’, ‘Better Value’. Do not still here offering great service
to the fore. It looks like make be afraid to use these taglines and value is a must.
overs and testing of products and come up with some If you are prepared and
will not happen any time soon, others like ‘We’re Back!’. have a plan, you can provide
so you will need to think of a customer shopping
other channels to excite and experience in your pharmacy
educate customers on your Customer experience that is second to none. It is
new product ranges. Staff If you do introduce a one-way a win-win situation for all.
reviews or tutorials posted on system into the pharmacy, We would urge you to adopt
your social media feeds may then, as we have said, Darwinian principles at this
be worth considering. staff engagement with the time; it is not the strongest
customer will become even or the most intelligent that
more essential. You may survives – it is the one that is
Visual displays now have counter screens most adaptable to change.
As you might only have a in use and feel that you will
couple of customers at a continue with the screens
going forward, however, the Keep safe and stay well, and
time in the pharmacy you
interaction between your staff if you need any assistance or
must merchandise offers in
and customers will need to be further clarification on any of
highly visible locations. This
even more prevalent to ensure the areas raised in this article,
is historically on gondola
that the customer service please don’t hesitate to contact
ends, but if you choose to
and experience that your darren.kelly@ipu.ie.
move gondolas to assist in the
floor layout, it may now be at customers were used to pre
the bays nearest the counter COVID-19 is maintained, and
or a specific hotspot in the in the new norm, increased.
pharmacy. Displays should be All staff should be using soft
planned and merchandised selling skills and asking, “is
correctly. Do not try to overload there anything else we can
a display, as customers will help you with?”.
IPUREVIEW MAY 2020 27You can also read
