ABOUT PHARMACEUTICAL society of ireland (PSI)

The Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI) is an independent statutory body, established by the Pharmacy Act 2007 (as amended). It is charged with, and is accountable for, the effective regulation of pharmacy services in Ireland, including responsibility for supervising compliance with the Act. It works for the public interest to protect the health and safety of the public by regulating the pharmacy profession and pharmacies.

The aim of the PSI is to ensure that pharmacy services are delivered in a competent, professional and ethical manner and in an appropriate environment, to the highest standards of quality care and best practice.

Continuing Professional Development for Pharmacists in Ireland

The Pharmacy Act 2007 introduced mandatory continuing professional development for pharmacists in Ireland. The PSI is charged with ensuring that all pharmacists are undertaking continuing professional development thereby improving patient safety and public protection.

In meeting its responsibility to assure the ongoing competence of pharmacists and to support excellence in pharmacy practice, PSI Council commissioned a review of CPD models in 2009. Following the recommendations of the Review of International CPD Models, the PSI Council established the Irish Institute of Pharmacy (IIOP) at the end of 2011 as the most appropriate structure to oversee the CPD system on its behalf. The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) was contracted by the PSI to facilitate the establishment of the Institute.

The Institute will oversee the management and delivery of CPD for pharmacists and will progress the development of pharmacy practice in Ireland in line with international best practice and evolving healthcare needs.

For further information on the development of the CPD model and pharmacy education in Ireland see  www.thePSI.ie.