Pharmacists warn of looming chaos

The Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) is disputing the HSE's announcement that over 1,100 pharmacists are continuing to dispense medicine under the State drug schemes today.

Pharmacists withdrew from the community drug and medical card schemes in protest over cuts to fees they are paid for dispensing medicine.

The IPU said there has been widespread disruption to patients as HSE contingency plans have failed to cope with demand.

It claimed in areas like Donegal, the HSE is asking patients who need prescriptions filled to take taxis to Letterkenny to get their medicine.

IPU President Liz Hoctor believes bad planning from the HSE is putting patients at risk.

“I would regret any worry or distress caused to patients by the misinformation and lack of an adequate contingency plan by the HSE.

“It now seems that the dispensary in Donegal town is unable to cope and prescriptions and patients are being sent in taxis to Boots in Letterkenny which is a round-trip of 60 miles. All of this raises concerns about patient safety issues.”

Chairman of the Irish Patients Association Stephen McMahon is warning patients of long delays on the HSE's helpline set up to deal with public queries, saying it was being "inundated" with calls.

Mr McMahon however advised callers to the helpline - 1850 241 850 - to be patient and wait for their query to be dealt with.

"You just have to hang in there," he said in relation to the helpline.