The Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI), the pharmacy regulator and the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) will increase mutual cooperation following the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the two regulators, it was announced today.

The memorandum is intended to provide a framework to assist the joint working of the two organisations to ensure maximum effectiveness and efficiency when carrying out their statutory functions, in the interests of patient safety and public protection.

The two bodies intend to collaborate closely in the discharge of their respective regulatory functions, particularly with regard to people residing in designated centres for older people (residential centres or nursing homes). The memorandum sets out the principles underlying this collaboration and provides guidance on the exchange of information between the two bodies.

Dr Ambrose McLoughlin, Registrar and Chief Executive of the PSI, welcomed the agreement and said, “There already exists a strong co-operation between the PSI and HIQA, so we are pleased to formalise this arrangement towards ensuring more effective regulation in common areas of activity. This memorandum of understanding is designed to structure this relationship and meet each organisation’s aims and objectives, particularly when there are similar interests and responsibilities. It is vital for patients and public health generally that there is cohesion between our two statutory agencies and this agreement will help to ensure that.”

Dr Tracey Cooper, Chief Executive of HIQA, said, “This memorandum of understanding provides HIQA and the PSI with an excellent opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to driving high quality and safe care for people using our health and social care services”.

Further Information: 

Kate O'Flaherty, Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland, 087 912 9141
or
Sinead Whooley, Health Information and Quality Authority, 01 814 7488/087 922 1941

Notes to the Editor: 

• The Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland, the Pharmacy Regulator, is the statutory body for pharmacists and pharmacies in Ireland. It acts in the public interest to regulate the profession.
• The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) is the independent organisation set up by law with responsibility for improving the quality, safety and value of health and social care services in Ireland.