CFAI Flash Bulletin 1
The threatened disruption of services by some community pharmacy contractors arising from their dispute with the HSE
CFAI has been contacted by a number of members about the implications of the possible disruption of services by some community pharmacy contractors over their dispute with the HSE on fees. As you will be aware some pharmacists are threatening to discontinue the provision of dispensing services to patients under the various community drug schemes from August 1st, 2009. This could cause severe disruption and expense to people with CF and their families if it goes ahead.
CFAI is monitoring the situation closely and we will be issuing updates if the dispute escalates after the first of August. The HSE has indicated that they will be putting in place a contingency plan if the dispute goes ahead and we will circulate this as soon as we have details.
For further information on the background to the dispute see the website of the Health Service Executive www.hse.ie and the website of the Irish Pharmaceutical Union www.ipu.ie
Our Advice:
- Talk to your local pharmacy to see if they will be involved in the dispute and the implications for you/your family
- Look out for the contingency plan of the HSE, should the dispute progress after 1 August 2009 (CFAI will circulate as soon as we have details).
- Stock up on your medicines in advance, where it is safe and practical to do so
- Look out for further Flash Bulletin?s from CFAI
Below is the most recent press release issues by the HSE on 2 July 2009 for information.
HSE Press Release, 2 July 2009.
The HSE is today writing to the country's 1,660 community pharmacy contractors in a bid to clarify what disruption will result to community medicine services for people in the event that some community pharmacy contractors decide to discontinue the provision of services under the various community drug schemes . The threatened disruption of services by some community pharmacy contractors comes in response to the Government's introduction of new payment rates to community pharmacy contractors.
In the interest of ensuring continuity of supply of medicines to patients the HSE is writing to each community pharmacy contractor to find out what action, if any, they may take following indications that some contractors are considering discontinuing the provision of dispensing services to patients under the various community drug schemes from August 1st, 2009.
A contingency plan is already being put in place by the HSE to ensure that supplies of medicines to people under the various State schemes will continue in the event of a discontinuation of services by some pharmacists. If people are concerned about receiving medicines in the event of threatened discontinuation of services they can contact their local pharmacist to see if they intend to continue to supply medicine services under these schemes after August 1st, 2009.
The HSE is anxious to ensure that the supply of medicines to people continues in the event of any disruption of the current service. Alternative arrangements are being prepared to safeguard these services and will be implemented if required.
Pharmacies likely to be participating in the dispute 1st August
For further information contact Mairin or Eufemia in CFAI House 014962433 or visit www.cfireland.ie
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