HSE 'putting lives at risk' - IPU

The HSE’s contingency plan for northern Donegal has completely broken down and patients lives are being put at risk, the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) has claimed.

Hundreds of pharmacists have stopped dispensing medicines under the State drug schemes because of a pay cut imposed by the HSE. As a result, a number of emergency dispensaries have been set up by the HSE.

According to the IPU, medicine supplies were only delivered to the HSE’s emergency dispensary in Carndonagh after 11pm last night, and at 1am several patients had still not been seen to.

The IPU said a number of local pharmacies opened from 11pm to 2am to cater for those in emergency situations.

The IPU has also claimed that the HSE has closed its emergency dispensary in Cahirciveen, Co Kerry, ‘leaving patients who were due to receive their medicines there with nowhere to go’.

However, the HSE has responded that no clients presented at its Cahirciveen dispensing facility on Saturday, five presented on Tuesday and 15 prescriptions were taken and filled by the pharmacists there.

According to the HSE, client needs were greater in Listowel so the HSE transferred resources there yesterday.

The HSE also confirmed that there were no reports of delays in filling prescriptions at any of its contingency sites.

According to the IPU, however, there are delays around the country and prescriptions are being filled incorrectly.

The IPU said that in Swords in North Dublin, one dispensing pharmacy has said it cannot fill non-urgent prescriptions for 48 hours. The pharmacy said it had made the decision due to unprecedented demand and for patients’ safety. 

The IPU are also claiming that pharmacies in Kilkenny, Waterford and Wexford have been forced to turn patients away such is the pressure on them. One pharmacy in Waterford city stopped taking prescriptions at lunchtime and will only resume at 8.30 tomorrow, it said.

The IPU has written to all members asking them to ensure that they assist patients in any way they can in getting access to necessary and urgent medication.

A number of patient groups have called for an independent mediator to be appointed to resolve the situation.

[Posted: Thu 06/08/2009]