124. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Health the up-to-date position on enhancing the position of community pharmacies as health promotion and wellness hubs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28384/26]

Sentiment score: 0.15

Pharmacies have a very strong position in their communities. They have close relationships with their customers and are very much trusted. They are the first point of contact for many people who want to discuss a health issue. There is a large network right across the country. They are found in almost every community. They are open long hours and are very much available. They are ideally situated for the delivery of health and wellness hubs. Will the Minister outline the efforts being made to expand the role of pharmacies into the area of health and wellness hubs?

Sentiment score: 0.31

I acknowledge last year's community pharmacy agreement, which recognises the role of the pharmacy as primary care. I also acknowledge the commitment to advance the health and wellness hub side. There is a proposal, which is currently being moved on, with regard to three programmes that are to be rolled out as part of advancing these hubs. While I acknowledge these campaigns, they seem fairly limited. There is to be a week on men's health, a month on alcohol in pregnancy and a winter vaccination campaign, which many pharmacies would already be providing. I feel there is greater capacity and that there should be greater ambition. Has the Minister set out targets for the number of different campaigns that should be run or for the participation rate among pharmacists? Will she outline the rate of participation in the campaign running this month, which is on alcohol and pregnancy?

Sentiment score: 0.24

Pharmacists have considerable knowledge and expertise. As the Minister has mentioned, this extends well beyond the pharmacological side of things, for example, into lifestyle. One would expect the wellness hub concept to expand into the area of lifestyle. Will further non-pharmacological campaigns be made available with regard to vaping, mental health, positive ageing, fitness and many other areas? It is also vital that there be prior engagement with pharmacists to identify the kind of campaigns to be run and to prepare for their roll-out. Will the Minister outline the level of engagement with pharmacies, the IPU and the various different organisations in the preparation, identification and roll-out of campaigns to ensure they are successful and have a meaningful impact in communities?

Sentiment score: 0.54