HSE proceedings against pharmacies adjourned to September

High Court proceedings brought by the HSE aimed at compelling more than 30 pharmacies to continue to provide medicine to the public under the terms of the community drugs schemes have been adjourned until September.

On Friday at the High Court the HSE secured an interim injunction due to what to what it claimed is the "grave risk" to public safety due to the pharmacies' failure to give notice that they have ceased providing drugs and medicines in accordance with the terms of Community Pharmacy Contractor (CPC) agreements.

This morning Ms Justice Mary Irvine was told that both parties were agreeable for the matter to be adjourned to September 9 next, with the terms of Friday's order to remain in place. The Court was also informed that the pharmacies are now operating the terms of the CPC agreements.

Previously Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan granted the HSE an injunction against 35 pharmacies in Hickey Group and the Bradley Group of pharmacies. The two groups, which are separate to each other, operate pharmacies in counties Dublin, Kildare, Meath, Louth, Wexford and Wicklow.

Under the terms of the injunction 35 of the group's pharmacies must continue to provide services to the HSE, pending the service of a notice of termination to continue to provide those services in accordance with the terms of the Community Pharmacy Contract.