Working in the New Norm - Children and Anxiety Pharmacy students' experiences of racism - Irish Pharmacy Union
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IRELAND’S OFFICIAL PHARMACY PUBLICATION
JULY/AUGUST 2020
Children
and Anxiety
Pharmacy
students’
experiences
of racism
Working in
the New Norm
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JULY/AUGUST 2020
07 A Note from the Editor
IPU News
The latest news and events
from Butterfield House
16
8 Dates for your Diary
8 Pharmacy in the Media
8 IPU/ILM Diploma in Leadership and
Front cover photo courtesy of KDL
Management 2020
Interiors and Curragh Pharmacy.
9 Commitment to contract talks with pharmacists
The IPU Review is published included in Programme in Government
monthly and circulated to Irish
pharmacists. The views expressed 9 IPU wins National Public Affairs Award
by contributors are not those 10 Irish Pharmacy Union contributes to International
of the IPU nor is responsibility Healthcare Terminology Database
accepted for claims in articles
or advertisements. 11 Irish pharmacist Emer Cooke nominated as new
Executive Director of EMA
37
Subscription:
€100 (Ireland North & South) and 12 Hay fever warning from pharmacists as peak season
€150 (including postage overseas). brings very high pollen levels
13 IPU Academy Autumn 2020 Programme
Publisher:
Irish Pharmacy Union 13 Pharmacies available to help men Restore the
(IPU Services Ltd), Balance with advice and expertise
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
20
Editor: Jack Shanahan MPSI
Editorial Associates:
Siobhán Kane, Ciara Browne
and Jim Curran
Advertising: Siobhán Kane
Email: ipureview@ipu.ie Features
Tel: (01) 493 6401
16 Working in the New Norm
©2020
20 Pharmacy Life under COVID-19:
Copyright: All Rights Reserved,
Irish Pharmacy Union.
Printed by Rymar Print.
IPU Review is a Registered Trademark
of the Irish Pharmacy Union.
Case Studies
26 Commercial Feature: Allcare Partnerships
30 Prescriptions and prejudices: pharmacy
students’ experiences of racism
IPUREVIEW JULY/AUGUST 2020 30 3
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34 Coronavirus – anxiety and our
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37 Why we need to talk about
sex and clinical trials
42 CPD: Osteoporosis
47 Anam Cara adapts their service
for bereaved parents during
COVID-19 outbreak
48 Economic and financial update for the
pharmacy sector: the global backdrop
Other News
52 B&A survey: impact of COVID-19
82 International regulators join together to
on pharmacy stress value of safe and effective vaccines
56 Report of PSI Public Council Meeting 82 UCC MSc in Clinical Pharmacy –
closing date extended
of 18 June 2020 82 Call for creative writing submissions
from frontline workers and their families
58 Zoom is driving me crazy 83 Turkish Airlines offer pharmacists
40% flight discount
61 Why we need ePrescribing
63 Surge in demand expected for flu
vaccination – how your website can help
67 Cocooning with COPD and the role
83
83
Product Information
Classifieds
71
of the community pharmacist
71 Are your child’s vaccines up to date?
52
73 Play it safe!
75 Men’s Health Week 2020:
be part of the solution
77 Clinical Tips: Carbimazole
and Propylthiouracil
78 Pharmacy in the Community
81 International News
63
IPUREVIEW JULY/AUGUST 2020 5
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A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR Jack Shanahan MPSI
Filtering the science
on face masks
An old Tammy Wynette standard, slightly modified,
floats in my mind — “Sometimes it’s hard to be a
pharmacist . . . stand by your science”. If you are too
young, ask your parents to sing the tune.
I
am a scientist by While this has always simple. A good medical grade As pharmacists we have
training. It is a way of been so, we are now in an face mask, worn properly and a duty to the public. It is
life. Most of you are the ever-expanding era of à la treated as part of a protective our job to help filter the
same. It can be both a carte science. Never was system is an effective medical science. Never has our
blessing and a curse. it more obvious than in a safety device. A face covering, role been more important.
The world we live in is one simple but potent issue — of indeterminate filtration People depend upon us. We
that has facts, evidence and the science of face masks. quality, might provide consistently feature at, or
null hypotheses as part of the You would think that this protection, but it might also near, the top of any list of
natural order. Certainty is all would be an innocuous topic. cause harm. Yet it is within trusted professions. We are
very well but is a rare state. Up to a few months ago, it the last two statements that accessible. When people ask
We are always at the mercy would be fair to say that the battle lines have been our opinion, they will usually
of a confidence interval, a set the majority of the world’s drawn. trust what we say. So, we all
of error bars or some other population couldn’t have The ubiquitous nature must make sure that we are
arcane statistical construct cared less about what the of social media, in all its communicating the truth. It
that most mere mortals science said on this subject. guises, has been a potent is with deep gratitude that
struggle to understand. While Yet such a simple topic has force in weakening the we should thank our Union,
accepting that a margin illustrated, with stark clarity, public understanding of our colleagues and friends
of error exists, we have how we now live in an era science. It has created an who have helped us. When
seen that scientific method of too much data and not enormous set of loosely we needed it most, they
is open to an enormous enough information, let interconnected sets of various helped us distil the truth.
vulnerability. It is the space alone knowledge. So instead actors. Genuine fears are The last few months have
where uncertainty thrives, of talking about science, we magnified into vast hordes been steeped in collegiality.
the place where, through a end up talking about politics of activists, impervious to The power of the collective
lack of understanding, the and expediency. Worst of all, knowledge, and ready to tout has never been more
most pernicious behaviour we end up with that most fear, uncertainty and good important. We could do well
is permitted. It is the world ethereal of concepts, the old old-fashioned doubt. Add in to remember this lesson.
of alternative facts, where chestnut of common sense. a misread headline and a
the self-styled contrarian So, what does the science say rush to press, and you have
thrives. Through self-interest, about face masks? At the first a plethora of issues. Cast
laziness, maliciousness or hurdle, we stumble. What do your mind back to March.
sheer hubris, people chose we mean by masks? Are we Remember the Sunday when
to tout their counterfactual talking medical grade? Which ibuprofen was cast in the role
theories. However, this is type? Like most of you, I was of some sort of malevolent
but one of a whole series blissfully unaware of the agent, cutting down the youth
of problems affecting the definitions of the different in their prime? Eventually
scientific method. The most types of medical masks. The we discovered that the story
obvious issue is the sheer fact that different labels were was based on a statement by
glut of information. Yet, as we used to describe the same a French politician. Within
all know, quantity is not the thing did not help. While a few days we had the same
same as quality. It is all very most will have heard of N95, I country delivering the miracle
well having dozens of studies, think that we would struggle cure of hydroxychloroquine
often including thousands then we add in FFP1, FFP2 and azithromycin. So much
of people, that are poorly and FFP3. Other than a vague damage done, time wasted,
designed. The principle of idea that, as the number gets and opportunities lost by
garbage in, garbage out has higher, the better the product the inability to stick to basic
never been more relevant. filters. So, the science is science.
If you have any comments, queries or issues to raise, send
your “Letters to the Editor” by email to ipureview@ipu.ie.
IPUREVIEW JULY/AUGUST 2020 7
Pharmacy in
the Media
We issued a press release in line with the launch
of Men’s Health Week and Restoring the Balance.
There was coverage in the Mayo Advertiser,
Galway Advertiser, the Avondhu and IPU member
IPU/ILM
Tomás Conefrey was interviewed for Limerick
Live. There was also coverage on Buzz.ie. We also
issued a press release after the launch of the
new Programme for Government to welcome
Diploma in
the commitments towards expanding the role of
community pharmacy.
With the good weather at the end of June and
peak levels of pollen, we issued a press release to
Leadership and
advise hay fever sufferers on how to minimise the
effects. IPU committee member Dermot Twomey
was interviewed on FM104 and Q102, and there was
coverage in the Irish Daily Star.
Management
We also issued a press release to welcome the
appointment of the new Minister for Health,
Stephen Donnelly TD.
IPU President Daragh Connolly was interviewed
2020
on RTÉ Radio One’s Today with Sarah McInerney
programme about the drug Remdesivir.
The IPU/ILM Diploma in Leadership and
Management course is starting on 23
September. Due to COVID-19, we have had
to change from the face-to-face classroom
setting to tutor-directed online workshops.
Attending online workshops will eliminate
Dates for
travel time and expenses and the learner
can choose their own learning environment
your Diary
that works best for them. In addition, online
workshops are environmentally friendly due
to lower carbon footprint with no learner
travel, and learning materials and books
provided online.
The online workshops are highly interactive AUGUST 2020
and run the same as a face-to-face classroom.
1 – 7 August World Breastfeeding
The class runs from 10.00am to 12.00pm, Week, www.world
g
break for lunch, and then runs from 1.00pm breastfeedingweek.or
to 4.00pm approximately, with a coffee break
mid-way. Learners can attend via computer/
SEPTEMBER 2020
laptop or a mobile device, and will require
a set of earphones or a headset.
Suicide
The online workshops will run within 10 September World
Moodle, via BigBlueButton (BBB), which Prevention Day,
allows for learner breakout-rooms for a www.iasp.info/wspd
group activity or a case-study; multi-user Alzheimer's Day,
whiteboards; learning materials for sharing 21 September World
www.alzheimer.ie
and downloading; screen-sharing; polling
M Diploma
(voting) for individual exercises; quizzes; public- 23 September IPU/IL
private chat amongst learners; and web-video in Leadership and
and audio recording. An application form and Management 2020
schedule are available in this IPU Review on starts, www.ipu.ie
pages 14-15. Information on how to access
Pharmacists
BBB will be distributed on enrolment. 25 September World
Day, www.fip.org/
y
worldpharmacistsda
Heart Day,
29 September World
www.irishheart.ie
8 IPUREVIEW JULY/AUGUST 2020
IPU NEWS
Commitment to contract talks
with pharmacists included in
Programme for Government
After a concerted lobbying campaign by the IPU before “Minister Donnelly takes the helm at a very challenging
Christmas and in the run up to the General Election earlier time for health services. With increasing demand due to the
this year, we are pleased that pharmacy-specific issues have ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the day-to-day health
been included as part of the Programme for Government. These crises, the healthcare system is under unprecedented pressure.
commitments include: However, there are also undoubted opportunities for reform
and improvement in how healthcare is delivered, in particular
n Commencing talks with pharmacists on a new contract
through the implementation of Sláintecare.
and enhancement of their role in the delivery of
“This will require resourcing community-based healthcare,
healthcare in the community, including ePrescribing and
including pharmacists, to provide greater levels of patient
issuance of repeat prescriptions;
support, monitoring and treatment. The Programme for
n Establishing a ‘Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Government commits to talks to expand the role of pharmacies.
Schools (DEIS)’ type programme for health, providing We are ready to start these talks today and pharmacists are
GP practices, community pharmacies and public health waiting and wanting to do more for their patients. Unlike other
staff with dedicated additional resources to communities, health professions, pharmacies are still suffering from severe
focused on improved health outcomes and driven by cuts in their incomes under the now-repealed FEMPI legislation,
strong data; which is having a direct impact on the sustainability of existing
services. This needs to be addressed urgently.
n Reducing prescription charges and the Drug Payment “We hope these promised talks will be progressed quickly so
Scheme threshold; and that Irish patients and communities can quickly benefit from
n Providing free contraception over a phased period, enhanced and additional services.”
starting with women aged 17-25.
We will actively and constructively engage with the new
IPU wins
Government to ensure they deliver on their commitments to
community pharmacy. We have already written to the new
Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly TD to seek a meeting at
National Public
his earliest convenience to discuss an immediate start on the
promised contract talks and to wish him well in his new position.
We issued a press release welcoming him into the role, but
also warned that COVID-19 is just one of many significant
Affairs Award
challenges he faces. Darragh O’Loughlin said, “Minister
Donnelly comes into the portfolio with a strong reputation
and background knowledge
having been his party’s health
spokesperson. On behalf
of pharmacists across A key part of our public affairs agenda over the past
Ireland I congratulate him year was the successful #SupportPharmacy campaign
on his appointment – we in late 2019 to stop the fee cuts proposed by the
look forward to working Department of Health. We were recently notified
with him to improve our that we won the Best Public Affairs Campaign at the
healthcare system. National Public Relations Awards 2020, along with our
PR company MKC Communications.
This award is a huge recognition of the hard work of
the members in supporting this campaign. Pharmacists
around the country galvanised on working to stop the
Minister for Health from implementing proposed cuts
to pharmacy fees. The concerted effort of all members
ensured this campaign was a success, and we thank
you for your hard work.
IPUREVIEW JULY/AUGUST 2020 9
IPU NEWS Irish Pharmacy Union contributes to International Healthcare Terminology Database The IPU has made a major contribution and make informed decisions based on the to the leading international (database experiences of our partners in other of) healthcare terminology by countries has come to the fore as identifying a series of concepts we have dealt with the COVID-19 that are not currently included outbreak in recent months. The in SNOMED CT. SNOMED IPU’s Product File Department CT is a language for health has been proud to make a terminology that is contribution to this important recognised as the most global (database) terminology. comprehensive set of We are equally proud of healthcare terms in collegial collaboration with the world. It facilitates the Irish SNOMED NRC.” clinicians and other Ms Hannigan healthcare professionals concluded, “We are to record patient data delighted to contribute more accurately and to the development of comprehensively, as it SNOMED CT, and we are provides a standardised honoured that healthcare set of clinical terms for professionals using SNOMED use across more than CT around the world will 80 countries. now be adopting clinical After establishing a close terms developed by the Irish working relationship with the Pharmacy Union. This piece of Irish SNOMED National Release work has been a considerable Centre (NRC), the IPU’s Product investment by the IPU, but we believe File Department identified a series it is of huge benefit both in Ireland of concepts that are not currently and internationally to clinicians and included in SNOMED CT, and these will now healthcare workers, and healthcare be coded and launched as part of SNOMED’s July systems around the world.” update. Theresa Barry is the Irish NRC manager, working with IPU Product File Manager Fiona Hannigan says, “Having the HSE in the OoCIO. She stated that “contributing to the common healthcare terminology allows for the exchange drug catalogue into the International edition of SNOMED is of healthcare information globally in a way that is safe and welcomed by healthcare professionals globally, as SNOMED accurate, which allows healthcare providers and policy makers content is an iterative process and is in constant development.” around the world to make informed decisions that improve She also added that “working with the IPU has been a combined health systems. process and addressing the gap in the current SNOMED CT files “The need to be able to interrogate health information has been welcomed internationally”. 10 IPUREVIEW JULY/AUGUST 2020
IPU NEWS Irish pharmacist Emer Cooke nominated as new Executive Director of the European Medicines Agency The IPU congratulates Irish pharmacist Emer Cooke on her nomination by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) Management Board as the new Executive Director of the Agency. Ms Cooke obtained her degree in pharmacy from Trinity College Dublin and also holds Master’s degrees in Science and in Business Administration from Trinity. Ms Cooke is currently the Director of the Regulation and Prequalification Department at the World Health Organization (WHO) in Geneva, a position she has held since November 2016. In this role, she leads on WHO’s global work on health technologies regulation, including prequalification, regulatory systems strengthening and safety activities. Her role also covers assurance of quality, safety, efficacy and performance of health technologies in close conjunction with member states and international partners. Ms Cooke has 30 years’ experience in international regulatory affairs, 18 years of which were in leadership roles. She worked for the pharmaceutical unit of the European Commission from 1998 to 2002 and at EMA between 2002 and 2016, where she held positions including Head of Inspections and Head of International Affairs. Speaking on her nomination, then Minister for Health Simon Harris TD said, “This is an incredible achievement. Emer has proven herself to be a leader in her field and we are delighted she has been nominated to take up this role at such an important time for healthcare and the EMA in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.” At an extraordinary virtual session on 25 June, the Board selected Emer Cooke from a shortlist of candidates created by the European Commission. Ms Cooke will now be invited to give a statement to the European Parliament’s Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI) on 13 July 2020. The appointment of the new Executive Director will only be made after that meeting. IPUREVIEW JULY/AUGUST 2020 11
IPU NEWS
Hay fever warning from
pharmacists as peak season
brings very high pollen levels
Last month saw a peak in temperatures and clear blue skies.
The one in five Irish adults who suffer from hay fever were
warned that the coming days would bring very high levels
of pollen across the country. The IPU said that we were now
in peak hay fever season and advised preventative action to
minimise the effects. DIFFERENCE
HAY FEVER A BETWEEN
The advice came as new analysis conducted by HMR on
COVID-19 SY ND
behalf of the IPU revealed that during June there is an annual
spike in demand for medication to combat hay fever.
Community pharmacist and IPU committee member Dermot M P TO M S
Twomey provided advice to hay fever sufferers, “After several
weeks of grey and gloomy weather, we are experiencing warm
weather. While that is welcome, Met Eireann is also predicting a
‘very high’ pollen count across the entire country over the next
two days and remaining ‘high’ after that, which for many of us SYMPTOMS
will mean a greater risk of hay fever. HAY FEVE R
Sneezing
“Our research shows the need for hay fever treatments peaks Runny or blocke Common
COVID-19
d nose
in June which also leads to the highest pollen counts throughout Itchy/watery/r Common
No
ed eyes
the year. Itchy mouth/no Common
Rare
se/ears
“The first important step for people to take is prevention. Take Earache Common
No
No
your regular hay fever treatment as a preventative medication Cough Sometimes
No
every day and don’t wait for symptoms to appear.” Sometimes (nig
ht-time)
Loss of smell Common
Other tips from Mr Twomey are: Sometimes
(usually dry and
persistent)
Headache
Sometimes
n Keep doors and windows closed at home and Shortness of bre
ath
Sometimes
Sometimes
Sometimes
when driving; Fatigue
Sometimes
Fever (above 38 Sometimes
ºC) or chills Sometimes
n Apply a little Vaseline inside the nose to trap pollen Aches and pai
ns
No
Common
and stop it being inhaled; Sore throat No
Sometimes
No
n Wear sunglasses, preferably wraparound glasses Sometimes
which prevent pollen entering the eyes;
n Don't mow the grass and avoid working in the garden;
www.ipu.ie
n Don't dry clothes outside if possible; 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 always carry
their inhaler and use it as prescribed.
12 IPUREVIEW JULY/AUGUST 2020IPU NEWS
IPU Academy Pharmacies
Autumn 2020 available to help
Programme men Restore
After much reflection, the decision has been made to the Balance
with advice
provide the IPU Academy Autumn Programme 2020
via webinar rather than as the usual live learning
programme.
All five topics in the IPU Academy Autumn
and expertise
Programme were selected based on your feedback and
it is proposed that each topic will be presented on two
occasions via a live webinar this autumn. Recorded
versions will also be made available. We will launch
the IPU Academy Autumn 2020 webinar schedule later.
The five topics are:
1. Asthma
2. Coronary Artery Disease 15 – 21 June marked
International Men’s Health
3. Update on Drug Interactions Week, and boys and men
were encouraged to take time
4. Update on Type 2 Diabetes
and Restore the Balance as we
5. Depression emerge from the COVID-19
crisis. The IPU encouraged men
to visit their local pharmacy
for practical advice on a range of
topics from health issues to fitness
and nutrition.
According to community pharmacist and
IPU member Tomás Conefrey, “Men can often ignore concerns
and miss signs of potentially serious healthcare problems. As
part of International Men’s Health Week, we want to encourage
men to speak up and seek advice when they need it.
“The COVID-19 crisis has been challenging for everyone in
Ireland, men and women. But it has also allowed many of us
time to refocus on our wellbeing, introducing healthier work
life balances and understanding what is important in life. As
we begin to emerge from the crisis, men should maintain this
focus and act consciously to ‘restore the balance’ in ways that
work for them.
“We would like men to know there is help available from
your community pharmacy for any supports you might require.
Local pharmacists can offer advice on topics including weight
loss, how to quit smoking and managing mental health issues.
Pharmacists can also provide advice on how to better manage
conditions such as diabetes, asthma and high blood pressure.
“Too often, men look for excuses rather than solutions to
the problems that challenge them. Pharmacy staff are well
positioned to talk to men about their health needs, explore
possible options and, when necessary, suggest that they may
need to seek further expert assistance.”
Men’s Health Week is celebrated across Europe and in many
other countries around the world. On the island of Ireland,
Men’s Health Week is coordinated by the Men’s Health Forum
in Ireland. Information on Men’s Health Week is available at
www.mhfi.org/mhw/mhw-2020.html.
IPUREVIEW JULY/AUGUST 2020 13Diploma in Leadership and Management Level 3 (QQI Level 6)
Diploma in Leadership and Management Level 3 (QQI Level 6)
Programme Start: September 2020 Programme Finish: October 2022
Unit Assignment Due Date
Unit Title Credit
Value
Tutor Directed Online
Workshop Dates – on or before
(incl Last Date for Tutor Review)
Introduction (including ILM72 Psychometric Tests) Wednesday,
N/A
and Assignment Writing Skills 23rd September 2020
Wednesday, 30th November 2020
Unit 1: Developing Your Leadership Styles (Code: 8600-406) 4
7th October 2020 th
(Tutor: 25 November)
Unit 2: Understanding the Communication Process in Wednesday, 15th January 2021
2
the Workplace (Code: 8600-326) 4th November 2020 th
(Tutor: 10 January)
Tuesday, 28th February 2021
Unit 3: Developing People in the Workplace (Code: 8600-405) 5
19th January 2021 (Tutor: 23 Feb)
rd
Unit 4: Understanding How to Motivate to Improve Tuesday, st
31 March 2021
2
Performance (Code: 8600-310) 16th February 2021 th
(Tutor:26 March)
Tuesday, 7th Maynd2021
Unit 5: Planning and Allocating Work (Code: 8600-303) 2
23rd March 2021 (Tutor: 2 May)
Unit 6: Understanding Discipline in the Workplace Tuesday, 4th Juneth2021
1
(Code: 8600-314) 20th April 2021 (Tutor: 30 May)
Unit 7: Understanding Conflict Management i the Tuesday, 30th June 2021
1
Workplace (Code: 8600-312) 18th May 2021 (Tutor: 25 June)
th
Unit 8: Solving Problems and Making Decisions Tuesday, th
6 August 2021
2
(Code: 8600-300) 22nd June 2021 st
(Tutor: 1 August)
Tuesday, 5th November 2021
Unit 9: Managing Workplace Projects (Code: 8600-320) 2
21st September 2021 st
(Tutor: 31 October)
Unit 10: Understanding Costs and Budgets in the Wednesday, 3rd December 2021
1
Organisation (Code: 8600-324) 20th October 2021 th
(Tutor: 28 November)
Unit 11: Understanding Financial Management Tuesday, 21st January 2022
3
(Code: 8600-407) 23rd Nov 2021 th
(Tutor: 16 January)
Unit 12: Understanding Customer Service Standards and Tuesday, 4th March 2022
2
Requirements (Code: 8600-306) 18th January 2022 (Tutor: 29 April)
th
Tuesday, 1st Aprilth 2022
Unit 13: Effectively Selling to Customers (Code: 8600-228) 2
15th February 2022 (Tutor: 27 March)
Unit 14: Understanding Marketing for Managers Tuesday, 30th Aprilth 2022
1
(Code: 8600-330) 9th March 2022 (Tutor: 25 April)
Unit 15: Understanding Recruitment and Selection of Tuesday, 31st Mayth 2022
2
New Staff in the Workplace (Code: 8600-315) 12th April 2022 (Tutor: 26 May)
Unit 16: Understanding Health and Safety in the Tuesday, 30th Juneth 2022
2
Workplace (Code: 8600-321) 17th May 2022 (Tutor: 25 June)
Unit 17: Understanding Security Measures in the Tuesday, 31st July th2022
2
Workplace (Code: 8600-337) 14th June 2022 (Tutor: 26 July)
Unit 18: Building an Awareness of Waste Management Tuesday, st
31 October 2022
3
(Code: 8600-227) 13th Sept 2022 th
(Tutor:26 October)
Total 39
IPU013/V03
The IPU Tutor directed online workshops are run within Moodle, using BigBlueButton
Virtual Classroom (BBB), which allows for learner breakout-rooms for a group activity or a
!
W i n 2020! case-study, multi-user whiteboards, learning materials sharing & downloading, screen
NE irected or
sharing, polling (voting) for individual exercises, quizzes, public-private chat amongst
u t o r D students and web-video and audio recording.
T
W o r k shops f The Tutor directed online workshops are highly interactive and run the same as a face-to-
Online ber 2020 face classroom. The class runs from 10am to 12noon, break for lunch, and then runs from
Septem 1pm to 4pm approximately with a coffee break mid-way.
Learners can attend online workshops via computer / laptop, or a mobile
device. There is no requirement to download an app or software. Learners will
require a set of earphones or a headset for ease of learning.
Susan
SusanMadden
Madden
T: 086 2520608
T: 086 2520608
E: susan.madden@southeastcollege.ie
E: susan.madden@southeastcollege.ie
W: www.southeastcollege.ie
W: www.southeastcollege.ieApplication Form
IPU / ILM Level 3 Diploma in
Leadership & Management
23 September 2020 – 18 October 2022
(We have flipped from face-to-face classroom
to Tutor Directed Online Workshops)
Personal Details
Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms: Forename(s): Surname:
Date of Birth: Mobile: Email
Pharmacy Address:
Employment Details
Current Place of Work:
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[The IPU Training Unit uses student information to provide training services; to rad our full Data Protection Statement to
www.ipu.ie> Training & Events>Data Protection.]BUSINESS Darren Kelly, Business Development Manager, IPU Working in the New Norm As we move into the next phase of the Government’s plan for reopening society and business, more and more retailers are reopening, and we are seeing a variety of different measures to ensure compliance with Government regulations. Smaller retailers are finding their feet after having watched in awe at how larger outlets and pharmacies have succeeded in being ahead of the curve with regards to ensuring compliance with the regulations. In the third of a series of articles, IPU Business Development Manager Darren Kelly examines the different areas you need to look at to maintain compliance with the regulations, and what you can do to move from temporary screening solutions to more secure options to maintain the health and wellbeing of your team. Ahead of the rest Talking to other retailers, I have a sense that they feel pharmacy has led the way with regards to efficiently putting measures in place to enable us to continue providing a service to the public. The measures that you have put in place to ensure your staff were safe to continue providing a service to the public has been selfless during this period. This was expressed to me from many retail groups, especially with regards to the Return to Work Safely Protocol (see www. ipu.ie > Professional > Coronavirus Information > 4. Employment Supports) who said we are far ahead of the rest. It may have felt strange to complete a return 16 IPUREVIEW JULY/AUGUST 2020
to work safely checklist even
though we never closed, but
this checklist will ensure you
remain compliant with the
most up-to-date health and
safety regulations, and should
also be used to assist you in
identifying the areas that you
need to address and what
solutions (e.g. screens, signage,
PPE) may be required in your
pharmacy.
Restart Grant
Pharmacies have implemented
health and safety measures
throughout the country at
a significant cost to both
cashflow and retail sales.
As we move through the
Government’s reopening
phases and we start to
bring customers back into
pharmacies, we need to look adequate signage highlighting and shop around as they vary see the efforts we are making
at what we have in place, that customers must sanitise in price and size. to follow the infection control
what we want to provide, and hands on entry; do you have a guidance and indeed they
how we can provide it. professional looking dispensing have an expectation that we
A first step in recouping unit that is easy to use and Counter screens will as healthcare providers.
some cashflow is to apply for identifiable to customers Customers have become Rightly or wrongly they expect
the Restart Grant available entering your pharmacy; and accustomed to dealing with us to model this and they have
from your Local Authority. If does it create a cluttered feel pharmacy staff through a higher level of expectation of
your retail business (excluding to the front of your pharmacy? Perspex or glass screens at us over other retailers.
dispensary/medicinal I have attached some images this point. There are many Going forward, we need to
business) has reduced by 25%, of what is available to ensure options offered by numerous look at whether what we have
log on to your Local Authority the message is clear, ensuring shop fitters who have been in place is fit for purpose in
website and complete the that your customer knows put to the pin of their collar the long-term. Below is an
online application. The before they come into the since the COVID-19 crisis illustrative design image with
process is all completed online pharmacy that your pharmacy began. In my article in the a ceiling to counter screen,
and is easy to follow, and we is compliant, and that their June issue of the IPU Review I but there is still room for
are aware that many members health and wellbeing is of talked about one-way systems, staff to come out to the retail
have been successful with primary concern to you and sign posting offers so that floor space to engage with
their applications. your staff. Also, you will see customers moving through customers. The most efficient
that some of the units are so the pharmacy could easily see way to find the correct
slim that there is no cluttered the highlighted offers, and the solution for your pharmacy
Sanitising hands feel to the front of the different ways to do this. As is when you complete the
pharmacy. we allow more customers into Social Distancing and Infection
One of the many measures
These are just a selection of the pharmacy, our customer Control Risk Review Template
mentioned in the Return to
stands available and I would engagement becomes even for Community Pharmacies (see
Work Safely Protocol was the
recommend that you assess more important. Vulnerable www.ipu. ie > Professional >
provision of hand sanitiser
the space you have, what you patients in our pharmacies Coronavirus Information > 2.
at the entrance and exit of
feel you need to be compliant are greatly assured when they Pharmacy Environment) or the
the pharmacy. Many of you
will have been to the grocery
store and seen the units that KDL Interiors and Curragh Pharmacy
they are using. Some are
good quality, and some are
questionable. In my local retail
outlet, it is a large unit that
you push to get the gel, but
it is never full, so they have
a bottle of gel and some blue
roll. There is no bin available,
so people just dump the paper
in the baskets. This is not the
most professional or health-
inspiring image when I enter
to do my grocery shopping.
If you take a look from your
customer’s view, do you have
IPUREVIEW JULY/AUGUST 2020 17Pridecraft Retail Interiors
Use of Consultation
Area during COVID-19
Infection, prevention, and control precautions for
COVID-19 require that:
n If this is not possible, the pharmacist must wear
a surgical mask and the patient must wear a face
covering;
DDC Shopfit n Hand sanitiser should be made available in the
consultation area for both the pharmacist and
the patient to use; and
Return to Work Safely Protocol. How can you do it? Firstly,
Communicate with your team you need to carry out a risk n Tissues and a bin should also be available.
and decide what is going to assessment. Once you have
work best for your team. identified the risks, establish Other considerations for the pharmacy include:
As you will see from the how you can mitigate against
n Aim to keep contact time between the
examples, there are many them. In the illustrative
pharmacist and the patient in the consultation
options available. Complete drawing on previous page
area to a minimum (without interfering with
your Social Distancing and from KDL Interiors for a
patient care);
Infection Control Risk Review new pharmacy opening, you
Template for Community will see the proposal is for a n Consider providing an alternative for counselling
Pharmacies, analyse the screen on the desk to provide patients, e.g. use of phone, video consultation;
possible risk, communicate safety for both the pharmacist
with your team, and and the patient. Correct PPE n Utilise online consultation forms or apps for
implement what works would be in use by both the consultation and ‘click and collect’ for EHC;
for your pharmacy. pharmacist and the patient. n Have an online booking portal for vaccination or
This option works well as it health screening which facilitates provision of
is a new fitout, but you will information to patients and confirms consent in
Additional need to look at your own advance of the patient arriving in the pharmacy
professional services consultation room and see (see article on p. 63);
what works for you.
Do you provide additional n With reduced numbers of people in the
Floor markings or a floor
services in your pharmacy? If pharmacy, there may be another area of the
mat (available from several
so, are you looking to restart pharmacy that is less closed-in and still provides
suppliers) will assist in
these, and have you looked sufficient privacy for counselling; and
ensuring the patient and the
at how this can be done in
pharmacist maintain the n You may wish to erect a Perspex screen in the
your consultation room? Most
correct social distance whilst consultation area to provide a physical barrier
pharmacies have closed off
in the consultation room. between the pharmacist and patient.
the consultation room or have
No matter what option you
offered a reduced number
decide to implement, some
of services over the past 14
basic housekeeping of the
weeks. As we move forward,
counter and your consultation n Fixtures such as leaflet rather than leaving them
the time may be right to re-
areas should be completed: stands for walls could on the counter;
establish these services with
be useful so as the
the correct infection and n Remove unnecessary n Infection control
pharmacist could hand
control procedures in place. objects; measures will need to be
them to the patient
18 IPUREVIEW JULY/AUGUST 2020Howards Pharmacy Moycullen
applied, so clear surfaces you and your team available
that are easy to clean are on the IPU Website under Image provided by KDL Interiors
a must; Coronavirus Information. and Curragh Pharmacy
I suggest that if you have not
n A4 plastic document
already done so, that you
holders attached to
take some time to read this
walls for the flu vaccine
information.
excipients list;
In a recent survey
n Getting seats that are (conducted by Amárach
wipeable rather than Research for the Department The images in this article have all been provided by suppliers who are
cloth fabric; of Health), 61% of people on this list, which is available on the IPU website. I would also like to
said they expect a second thank Shane Howard of Howards Pharmacy in Moycullen for sending
n Sufficient bins with wave of COVID-19 to happen through some images of what he has implemented in his pharmacy.
lids; and and having these measures
in place will reassure the If you would like any additional information or advice in relation to this
n Tissues, wipes and
public, especially those who series of articles, please do not hesitate to contact me or my colleague
correct PPE in place.
are medically vulnerable Clare Fitzell (via darren.kelly@ipu.ie and clare.fitzell@ipu.ie).
See the information who attend pharmacy for
medicines, that you are If you have any images of measures that you have implemented
box on the previous page,
reducing their exposure. in your pharmacy that you think would be of assistance to other
‘Use of Consultation Area
The IPU maintains a list members, please send them to me at darren.kelly@ipu.ie.
during COVID-19’, for more
information. of suppliers who have been
The correct type and use of recommended to us by
PPE is very important and it is members who can assist you
imperative that you and your in ensuring you implement
team are fully informed on the the correct solution and the
most up-to-date information. compliant types of PPE for
There are guides to assist your pharmacy.
IPUREVIEW JULY/AUGUST 2020 19BUSINESS
Pharmacy
life under
COVID-19:
Case Studies
As pharmacies
continue to alter their
premises to comply
with social distancing
measures as a result
of COVID-19, we bring
you three case studies
of how pharmacists
around the country
are making alterations
to their premises.
20 IPUREVIEW JULY/AUGUST 2020Brett’s totalhealth Pharmacy
Elizabeth Lang opened Brett's totalhealth Pharmacy in Tubbercurry,
Co. Sligo, in late March, as the COVID-19 restrictions gripped
the country. She provides an overview of how she has dealt
with ensuring her premises comply with all regulations.
Customers’ response them to wait in their car Counter barrier
if there is any delay, and
We are lucky in Tubbercurry. we bring their prescription I had a custom-made barrier
We have two supermarkets to them. Healthmail has erected in front of the OTC
on the main street who helped with this as we often counter back in March as this
implemented really good have the prescription before meant I was able to keep my
handwashing facilities and the patient arrives and we front of shop accessible while
social distancing measures strive to have these ready to keeping my staff safe. The
at the very start and this eliminate waiting time. I have barrier is in three sections
made it easier to educate a sign on the door asking so I will be able to remove it
our customers on the new customers to check before slowly a panel at a time over
practices. I don't have social entering as I realistically only a few weeks or months as
distancing markings outside have room for two or three appropriate. The barrier has
the shop as I could only customers at a time. At busy been effective, but it can feel
achieve this by spray painting times, I assign a staff member quite claustrophobic and does
the ground. Customers can to assist with this. make counselling patients
park on the street so we ask more difficult – even more so
IPUREVIEW JULY/AUGUST 2020 21now we are wearing masks than two metres long so I Hand sanitiser disposable paper towels
full-time while working. Space put a floor mark for the and appropriate signage.
is also an issue here. Only one customer to stand on and I had a sanitisation unit Disposable surgical masks are
staff member can be in that I can distance sufficiently installed at the door and it is worn at all times during work.
area at one time to adhere to for consultations. really comforting that almost Hand sanitiser is beside the till
social distancing of staff, to all of the customers look for for use each time we handle
ensure we would be considered it when they enter and when money. We only wear gloves
casual contacts in the event One-way system they leave. I also have hand for specific tasks and then
one of us contracts COVID-19. gel at the counter for anyone remove and dispose of them
Even though I felt the one-way who missed it when they
system was kind of obvious, immediately.
came in.
quite a number of patients
Consultation room need to be directed to leave
All sinks in the dispensary,
staff toilets and break area
I am fortunate that my the shop by the arrows. have soap, hand sanitiser,
consultation room is more
”The barrier has been effective, but it can
feel quite claustrophobic and does make
counselling patients more difficult –
even more so now we are wearing masks
full-time while working.”
The Irish Prison Service (IPS)
intends to publish tenders, in the
coming weeks, for the provision
of General Pharmacy Services to:
• Midlands Prison and
Portlaoise Prison
• Cloverhill Prison and
GENERAL Wheatfield Prison
PHARMACY
• Mountjoy Prison
• Arbour Hill Prison
SERVICES • Dochas Centre
This service will include the delivery of
pharmaceutical care, on a patient centred basis,
which complies with all professional, legal and ethical
requirements. This contract will be managed by the Chief
Pharmacist, Care & Rehabilitation Directorate, IPS.
Tender documents will be available on
www.etenders.gov.ie in due course.
For further information, please contact
Care & Rehabilitation Directorate, IPS, at
crhealthcarequeries@irishprisons.ie.
22 IPUREVIEW JULY/AUGUST 2020O'Donnell's totalhealth Pharmacy
Rory O'Donnell of O'Donnell's totalhealth Pharmacy in Gweedore,
Co. Donegal, provides some information on how he has adapted his
pharmacy to the COVID-19 restrictions.
Customers’ response Difficulties Pride in pharmacy
Customers have become very The most difficult aspect of I am very proud of my team,
accustomed to the current the changes is the need to who have worked tirelessly
measures and are reassured keep a two-metre distance to keep business as normal
we have taken steps to help from patients, especially as possible for our patients
reduce any risk of infection. those who need to have a and customers. Pharmacy
We have been humbled time private consultation with the in Ireland has risen to this
and again by the gratitude pharmacist. We have seen a challenge and it is fantastic to
shown by customers for the great deal of innovation such see this being reflected in the
efforts our team has made. as telemedicine, and of course levels of trust expressed by
Healthmail has proved very the public in a recent IPSOS
effective. Nonetheless we very MRBI poll.
much look forward to being
able to deal with our patients
in the normal way when this
becomes possible again.
IPUREVIEW JULY/AUGUST 2020 23Killians CarePlus Pharmacy
Eoghan Hanly of Killians CarePlus Pharmacy in Loughrea, Co. Galway,
reflects on how he has prepared his pharmacy for life under COVID-19.
Customers’ response social distancing while in members easier, but with the
the shop, but once they are gradual lifting of restrictions
Early on in the crisis, politely asked to comply they and increasing workload on
customers needed a lot of are cooperative. Another fewer staff we decided to go
direction and guidance. challenge we continue to face back to full staff. While this
We provided this through is the maximum limit of three has helped with the workload
posters and public address persons at a time in the shop it has meant we now have to
announcements as staff were that our floor space allows. wear facemasks while still
not permitted to emerge We try to overcome this by trying to maintain a two-
from behind the protective providing a delivery service, metre gap.
screens. Now three months have an online ordering
into the pandemic, customers service and by dropping
are self-directing and have prescriptions and goods Pride in pharmacy
become familiar with the to customers while they
safety procedures we have Pharmacy teams around
park up and wait. the country have done an
had to implement. Staff can
now emerge from behind excellent job under extremely All pharmacists in this
difficult circumstances. I article have contributed
the screens and engage Challenges am proud of the profession videos of the measures
with customers again while
observing social distancing Social distancing continues and co-workers who were they have undertaken,
and wearing appropriate to be the biggest challenge and continue to be the which are available on
face masks. Difficulties have for both staff and customers. face of healthcare in their www.ipu.ie > Professional
arisen on occasion with We had originally split into communities during this > Coronavirus Information
customers not observing two teams to make keeping pandemic. > Pharmacy Videos.
distance between staff
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www.originalis.ieCOMMERCIAL FEATURE
Allcare partnerships
proving their worth more
than ever.
Amidst unpreceded times, Allcare - Ireland’s largest owned pharmacy
group has stepped up to the mark in response to COVID - 19 challenges
by providing critical support services for partner pharmacies nationwide.
Pharmacists are at the frontline of all healthcare systems. As the various COVID -19 restrictions were implemented, pharmacies
remained open to provide their communities with an uninterrupted supply of medicines, service and advice. For Allcare Pharmacy
Franchisees, the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic onto our shores has brought into stark focus the protection that being part of the
brand brings. It’s been a time where all support services have proven to work efficiently and effectively for their members. Buying,
operational support, essential services, patient trust and confidence have been highlighted as being essential hallmarks for protecting
patients and customers and driving the pharmacy business forward.
We’ve interviewed several partners to discover first-hand what their experiences have been in recent times. Not surprisingly, some of
the usual pressure points have been highlighted, along with the new – how do we assist in patient care delivery while dealing with the
‘new normal’?
Peter Weedle has this Autumn. This is of upmost
importance for the community
been a partner of at large for the months ahead.
Again, Allcare will enable
Allcare for over us to adapt our services by
five years with his managing the minutiae of the
business. Having all of Allcare’s
two pharmacies in supports in the more distant
Mallow, Co. Cork, future will be paramount to
me growing my business and
both operating looking after my customers.
under the Allcare
brand. Do you see patient
services changing for
How has your business Pharmacists?
Pharmacies play a pivotal role
been affected since the
in our nations primary care
arrival of the pandemic? system. Technical innovation
March 13th, 2020 is a date I will be key for future
will not easily forget. It was Peter Weedle, Mallow Cork.
adaptation. Increased focus on
the day when the gravity of
the COVID-19 situation set in. “We had to adapt in record time, and that’s consultations and patient care
can be facilitated via patient
The big issue was how I was when Allcare’s expertise and support proved apps, e-prescribing and video
going to protect my nursing links. Allcare is at the forefront
home clients and customers by invaluable.”
of technical innovation. The
ensuring an adequate supply to provide all the necessary customers and give them time
development of patient apps
of medicines and care. We had medicines and services to my and reassurance. Having a
along with their e-commerce
to adapt in record time, and customers on time. The heavy reliable Territory Manager is
site, online doctor service
that’s when Allcare’s expertise ordering work was managed important all the time. During
and online staff training all
and support proved invaluable. brilliantly by Allcare. Because the past few months, it’s proved
help in delivering significant
critical business items were essential. No matter what
efficiencies and customer
taken care of, I had time as went wrong – I was confident it
Can you describe some service. Furthermore, the
a pharmacist to do what I would be sorted out.
of the benefits of your pharmacist will take a
do best, that is to care of my
partnership with Allcare leadership role, as has been the
How will Allcare provide case during this pandemic. I
that have come to the “Having all of you with supports for the believe there’s a huge future for
fore in recent times? Allcare’s supports in months ahead? pharmacists to further develop
My big issue was not to let my
Allcare will continue to provide their role in the community.
patients and customers down. the more distant future essential future-proofing
That’s when I was so glad to
be part of Allcare. Their buying
will be paramount supports to help manage What would you say to
financial challenges ahead a pharmacist thinking of
power, backed by a national to me growing my including the cost of doing
wholesaler has proved second joining Allcare?
to none during this time, and
business and looking business. Our plan is to ramp
Being part of ‘the club’ enables
up flu vaccination services
has without doubt enabled me after my customers” a whole range of benefits for thedelivery of effective pharmacy
care. I would have no hesitation
in recommending Allcare as a
trusted and reliable partner to
anyone. During this difficult
time, Allcare has protected
and ensured the delivery of all
services. This is an opportune
time for independents to join a
pharmacy group.
Adrian Crehan
runs Allcare
Pharmacy on
Galtymore Road, Allcare Pharmacy Territory Manager, Louise Mooney with Adrian Crehan during one of her
Dublin and has regular visits.
been a partner of lay-out. Splitting the team Core benefits of our group, Allcare recognise the
Allcare for three into two worked really well
and continues to work
relationship include buying
and procurement margins,
importance of connecting
with the patient as effectively
years. well. Hygiene of course has continuity of supply and as possible. It’s e-commerce
become of upmost priority. the support of our territory platform and e-prescribing
manager. It’s always important facilities will prove vital in
to have the security of Allcare’s the coming months. I’d like to
territory manager but not least see the pharmacist role being
over the past few months. It’s acknowledged as being pivotal
been fantastic and has brought in primary healthcare delivery.
great peace of mind. Any Pharmacies will be at the
issues with supply were readily forefront of vaccine delivery.
sorted out. Alternatives and I see an overall increased
generics for market shortages consultancy role.
were arranged with ease.
What would you say to
Shane O’Neill runs
a pharmacist thinking of O’Neills Allcare
joining Allcare? Phamarcy in
Buying and procurement is a
huge an advantage. Allcare has
Cahersiveen, and
been solid throughout in this has been a partner
regard. We’ve been an Allcare
partner for over three years of Allcare for 5
and the benefits have been years
Adrian Crehan and wife Wendy Sherlock, Dublin significant. The time saving is
obvious at many levels. Other
benefits include category
management, continuity of
e-prescribing has been fast-
How has your business tracked which is welcome.
supply and regulatory support.
been affected since the Marketing support is also a key
arrival of the pandemic? advantage. Posters and point
Can you describe some of sale arrive every month like
Time has been the main
of the benefits of your clockwork. Promotions are
pressure point for us. We had to
obviously change store layout partnership with Allcare simple to set-up for all product
and erect screens, as well that have come to the offerings. The Allcare rewards
as heighten all our hygienic fore in recent times? scheme has helped build
measures. It’s also taking a lot significant loyalty and the
more time to serve customers. customer database generated
“Allcare recognise through rewards was an
Shane O’Neill in Cahersiveen
Naturally, some customers
were in panic buying mode so the importance of invaluable communication How has your business
we had to assure them that we tool through the COVID crisis. been affected since the
connecting with the
had no issue with supply. arrival of the pandemic?
patient as effectively as How do you see the Mid-March brought a sudden
How have you adapted possible. Its e-commerce future role of pharmacists change to the day-to-day
your business to respond changing? running of our pharmacy. We
to the rapid rate of platform and I see e-prescribing being had to move swiftly to change
the entire shop layout. Staff
increased challenges? e-prescribing facilities developed further. I’m
were stressed, and of course
Significant changes in staff looking forward to working
rostering were necessary,
will prove vital in the with Allcare in the future we then had growing concerns
as well as altering our store coming months.” on Patient App roll-out. As a regarding supply of stock.You can also read
