Sir, – I read with great interest the letter from Dr Theo Ryan, MPSI, assistant professor at Trinity College Dublin (January 20th).
I fully agree with his opinion advocating the expansion of the role of community pharmacists in Ireland. Other European countries have pursued this with great success to achieve safer patient care and a reduction in the pressures on GPs.
Indeed, a pharmacist will very often know the in-depth medical and social background of patients who attend them on a regular basis.
Patients also find enhanced pharmacy services to be highly effective, having already developed a high degree of trust in their pharmacists.
Bird flu: Why are outbreaks happening and should I be worried?
What next for James Bond under Amazon? Marvel-style TV spinoffs on Prime or Miss Moneypenny specials?
Unpaid or poorly paid entry-level creative jobs are subsidised by wealthy parents
Hana Izakaya review: This fun and friendly Dublin restaurant is a solid addition to the city. It will do well
I firmly support the expanded role of community pharmacists both for acute medical problems and also in the management of long-term health conditions. Community pharmacists deserve a greater role and also greater investment to enable this. – Yours, etc,
Dr ALLAN HARRIS,
General Practitioner,
Schull,
Co Cork.
