Community pharmacies have long been recognised as the most accessible point of care within Ireland’s healthcare system. With 85% of the population living within a 5-kilometre radius of a pharmacy, accessibility consistently outperforms other primary care touchpoints. According to recent utilisation data, Irish pharmacies handle an estimated 78 million patient interactions annually, demonstrating the scale, trust, and convenience that make pharmacy an essential pillar of frontline healthcare.

The introduction of the Common Conditions Service marks a significant step in the continued evolution of the sector. It reflects national healthcare priorities: improving patient access, alleviating system pressures, and enabling pharmacists to expand their role.

Empowering Pharmacists Through the Common Conditions Service

The Common Conditions Service allows community pharmacists to provide structured clinical care, advice, and, where appropriate, prescribe certain prescription-only medicines for eight commonly presenting conditions:

• Allergic Rhinitis
• Cold Sores
• Conjunctivitis
• Impetigo
• Oral Thrush
• Shingles
• Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
• Vulvovaginal Thrush

While pharmacists have always played a central role in advising and treating these conditions with over-the-counter options, the new service expands scope and impact. For the first time, pharmacists can issue prescriptions under HSE-approved clinical protocols, ensuring timely, evidence-based care for patients who would otherwise require GP appointments.

This shift aligns with the recommendations of the Expert Taskforce on Pharmacy, which highlighted how expanding pharmacists' clinical responsibilities would benefit patients, improve public health outcomes, and relieve pressure on overcrowded GP and hospital services.

A Strong Regulatory Framework Supporting Safe Expansion

Ensuring safe and effective delivery of the service required a robust regulatory and educational foundation. The framework enabling the Common Conditions Service consists of four key elements:

1. Legislative Amendments

In October 2025, the Minister for Health signed amendments that formally authorised pharmacist prescribing within the service, including:

• Regulation of Retail Pharmacy Businesses (Amendment) Regulations 2025
• Medicinal Products (Prescription and Control of Supply) (Amendment) (No. 3) Regulations 2025
• Medicinal Products (Control of Placing on the Market) (Amendment) Regulations 2025

These updates modernised the regulatory environment and enabled pharmacists to carry out expanded clinical functions.

2. HSE Clinical Protocols

The HSE developed eight clinical protocols, each approved by the Minister for Health. These protocols outline:

• Clinical inclusion and exclusion criteria
• Diagnosis and differential diagnosis considerations
• Approved formularies, including prescription-only medicines
• Referral pathways and escalation requirements

Developed by a multidisciplinary clinical sub-group, the protocols ensure alignment with national guidelines and best-practice standards.

3. PSI Guidelines

The PSI published detailed guidelines to support safe, patient-centred service delivery. These guidelines provide a principles-based governance structure for pharmacists and pharmacy owners, ensuring compliance with the legislative framework and consistency of care.

 4. Mandatory Pharmacist Training

To deliver the service, pharmacists must complete Irish Institute of Pharmacy (IIOP)  accredited training developed by the Royal College of Surgeons Ireland (RCSI). Training includes:

• A Core Regulatory Module
• Eight condition-specific clinical modules

The curriculum covers symptom identification, differential diagnosis, antimicrobial stewardship, patient communication, non-pharmacological care, and safety-netting.

This rigorous approach safeguards clinical standards and supports pharmacists in offering confident, evidence-based care.

Community Pharmacy as the Front Door of Irish Healthcare

Irish community pharmacies continue to demonstrate their capacity as the “front door” to the healthcare system. Research consistently shows that more than 70% of minor ailment cases can be safely managed in a community pharmacy setting, helping redirect patient demand away from general practice and urgent care.

The Common Conditions Service enhances this capability, delivering:

• Faster access to treatment, reducing delays for patients
• Reduced GP workload, supporting broader system sustainability
• Improved antimicrobial stewardship, with pharmacists guided by protocol-based prescribing
• Clinical use of pharmacists’ training, recognising their expertise in medication and common conditions management

How United Drug Supports Community Pharmacists

As the pharmacy landscape evolves, United Drug remains committed to supporting pharmacists in delivering high-quality, patient-centred care. Through reliable distribution, access to leading healthcare partners, training resources, data insights, and operational support, United Drug enables pharmacies to adapt to new clinical responsibilities while continuing to serve their communities effectively.

Our focus remains on empowering pharmacies with the tools, products, and information they need to meet growing patient expectations and regulatory requirements, today and in the future.

Explore our newly enhanced Resource Hub, where you’ll find up-to-date materials, practical supports, and valuable tools designed to assist your pharmacy team. Visit udw.ie to access the latest resources.