New pharmacy code to be unveiled this week

A NEW DRAFT code of conduct which will be binding on all pharmacists in the State will be unveiled this week.

The code is being brought in under the Pharmacy Act 2007 and will be legally enforceable by the governing body of the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI).

The code will consist of six principles which gives a broad ethical dimension to the work of pharmacists.

They state that the work of pharmacists must be "directed at maintaining the health, well-being, care and safety of the patient" and that they must use their professional competence skills in bringing health gain and value to their communities.

Other parts of the code state that pharmacists must never abuse a position of trust, must respect patient confidentiality and also maintain a level of competence sufficient to provide his or her professional services effectively and efficiently.

Pharmacists will be compelled to ensure that discriminatory practices are not demonstrated against any patient or sector of the community.

PSI president Dr Bernard Leddy said the provisions of the code were "self-evident", but were significant because previous codes had been voluntary, whereas this one would have the force of law.

"Pharmacists in breach of this code will be accountable to the regulator. Under the Pharmacy Act the PSI was set up as a regulator. The old PSI was a self-regulating society of members, and previous ethics and conduct statements did not have the same legal effect," he said.

The code, which has been put out to widespread public consultation, is likely to be approved by Minister for Health Mary Harney this month and will come into force immediately.

The code, along with other issues of pharmaceutical ethics, will be discussed at the third national pharmacy summit which is to be held at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham, Dublin today.

The conference will host Dr Han De Gier, a Dutch-based world expert on the effects of medicines on driving impairment. Other speakers include Dr Catherine Duggan who will speak about pharmacy and risk management - policy, evidence and practice; Dr Almath Spooner on the role of pharmacists in pharmacovigilance; and Prof Joy Wingfield about developing a pharmacy code of ethics.