‘Stand-in’ pharmacies to keep rural services afloat

A DOZEN “stand-in” pharmacies are to be put in place this weekend in aseries of rural areas, which could otherwise be left without local services operating under the State Drugs Schemes, the HSE has said.

Reacting to criticism that the list of 852 participating pharmacies published on Tuesday is inaccurate – which will leave patients unclear as to where they can receive vital medication – a HSE spokesperson said detailed contingency plans have been drawn up.

According to the health authority, from August 1 any patient who is unable to obtain their medication from their local pharmacy should request any outstanding prescriptions and their medication records and attend another pharmacy operating under the State Drugs Schemes.