Relocation Series: Introduction to Irish Retail Pharmacy

For the first instalment of our relocation series, we have put a blog post together to give you an introduction into Irish Retail Pharmacy. Here you will find an overview of how a retail pharmacy works and what services are provided; types of customers you can expect and dispensing systems used (Did you know that we provide training on how to use these systems?). Make sure to read below to find out more!

The Basics

In order to own a pharmacy in Ireland and open it to serve customers, you must have a Supervising Pharmacist in charge. Every pharmacy will have a Supervising Pharmacist and at least one other staff member (Support Pharmacist, Technician/Dispenser or OTC Assistant). 

Did you know?

• You cannot have two Supervising Pharmacists for one store!
• There must be at least 1 pharmacist for the store to open and serve customers. If, for any reason, there is no pharmacist, the store must remain closed.

Find out more about supervising pharmacists here

Pharmacy Services

Many pharmacies in Ireland offer a wide range of services to patients, in addition to dispensing prescriptions and the sale and supply of non-prescription medicines. Here are some examples:

• Supply of emergency medicines (inhalers, certain injections, contraception)
• Vaccinations; ○ Flu vaccine ○ Covid vaccine ○ Travel vaccinations
• Testing; ○ Covid Testing ○ Blood Tests (Blood sugar levels, cholesterol) ○ Mole Scanning ○ Blood pressure monitoring
• Smoking cessation
• Weight management

Pharmacy Patients

Here are a few examples of the type of patients you can expect:

• Walk-in patients (random in the area)
• Community/ regular patients (especially if there is a doctor’s practice or a medical centre nearby)
• Older patients or Nursing Homes
• Blister packs (provide a safe and convenient way to take prescribed medication)
• Cancer patients
• Methadone patients

To find out more about the different types of roles in Irish retail pharmacy, make sure to read the following blog:

Pharmacist Jobs in Ireland: Duties & Responsibilities

Dispensing Systems

• There are 3 types of dispensing systems used in retail pharmacies. They are:
• MPS or McLernons
• QicScript.NET or Qicscript.Plus
• TouchStore

We at Clarity know how important it is to develop a professional's career and how valuable it is to have your skills improved. Check out our TouchStore training HERE and also keep an eye on our social media for future training evenings!

Ready to Relocate? Why not let us help!

Clarity Recruitment offers one-to-one career consultations where we can help you on your way to your dream pharmacist career. Book in a call with us at a time and date that suits you and we can discuss available job opportunities in your area, as well as offer support with CV creation and interview preparation.

Contact us today

You can check out all of our available roles and apply today!
View all vacancies here