5 Force Analysis

To: Cork, Kerry and Limerick Pharmacists

You must retain this for your CPD folder.

[pic](Sorry about the glum picture..)

Hi All,

My name is Conor Phelan. The PSI elections are upon us and for my sins I have decided to put my name forward as a pharmacist representative and wish to thank my proposer, Jack Shanahan and seconder, Danielle O’Shea.

I am a third generation pharmacist (from Tramore, co. Waterford) qualified from TCD in '84 so I am now one of just 25% of pharmacists over 45. Just to give some more background about myself I opened my first pharmacy along with my wife Denise in 1988 in Carrigaline and after many long days and much hard work expanded to a chain of pharmacies in and around Cork. We sold a chain of ten pharmacies to IPOS (Independent Pharmacists Ownership scheme) in 2003 but didn't retire and continue to be involved with and am superintendent pharmacist for 5 pharmacies in Cork.

I have not been heavily involved in pharmacy politics over the years although I did serve some time on an IPU committee about 10 years ago and worked as a part-time pharmacist in the primary care unit of the Southern Health Board for a few years. I will do my best to represent you at the PSI and believe my views will parallel those of many pharmacists.

As many of you who have worked with me in the past can testify, I have a strong interest in the professional aspects of pharmacy as well as a lot of experience of the business side. Although much of my time is spent on administration nowadays I am happiest when I am working in the dispensary (and least happy preparing SOP’s…). I have previously made submissions to the PSI in relation to draft guidelines they have produced and hope that if elected I will be able to have some greater influence to ensure guidelines are sensible, reasonable and more flexible.

(An example of the impractical and inflexible (as well as uneconomical) approach is the current guidelines for Anapens for those involved in...