Boots and College of Surgeons roll out alcohol detox programme

Boots Ireland is to collaborate with the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland to make the first alcohol detox programme available in pharmacies.

It follows a pilot service which involved pharmacists working with a team to support patients who are prescribed medication for detoxification.

There are approximately 88 deaths every month in Ireland which can be directly attributed to alcohol, the RCSI claimed.

The RCSI will manage an ongoing review of the service, which is only being offered to patients who have been referred to Boots by an authorised doctor.

Patients will then visit the pharmacy every day to be assessed and provided with any medication they may need.

"Alcohol dependence and abuse is a major public health concern in Ireland which requires innovative approaches to address the burden," said Professor Paul Gallagher, Head of Pharmacy at RCSI.

"Through partnerships such as this we will offer those affected by alcohol the necessary support they require in a community setting."

A national roll-out of the programme is expected in the coming months.