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Lower price of medicines may save Irish patients up to €500 per year
The Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association (IPHA) announced that with effect from today, 1st February 2010, the cost of long established medicines would be reduced by 40%.
IPHA, the representative body for the international research-based pharmaceutical industry in Ireland, has set up a special website on which patients can check to see if their medicines are listed, and the price reduction. The website – www.checkthelist.ie - carries a detailed list of all the medicines and their new, lower prices. A lo-call number – 1890 876 700 – has also been set up. checkthelist.ie includes some of the most commonly prescribed medicines in the country.
Commenting on the initiative, Brian Murphy, IPHA’s Director of Commercial Affairs, said:
"We would urge patients to check the website as those who have to pay for their medicines could save €3 - €4 on every ten euro they spend. That’s a potential saving of up to €500 per year," said Mr Murphy.
The reduction in cost of nearly 300 named, familiar branded medicines is the result of an initiative by the industry to reduce costs for the State by €94m over the next 12 months.
"We were approached by the Minister for Health and Children with a request to create immediate savings on the State bill for medicines. Recognising the difficult position of the Irish economy and the tough decisions facing the Irish Government our member companies were willing to play their part in helping to reduce costs and prices. This initiative will significantly reduce costs for the State, and it will also reduce prices that patients pay directly for some of their medicines. "
IPHA said that its members will also pay an increased rebate to the HSE in respect of the manufacturer’s price of all other medicines dispensed under all of the community drug schemes.
IPHA said that its member companies look forward to continuing to work with the Department of Health and Children and the HSE in a positive manner and to finding solutions of benefit to both sides and most importantly of all to Irish patients. The constructive relationship has been a key factor in the industry’s willingness to locate so much foreign direct investment in this country - €7 billion alone in the last nine years.
Please click here for a list of medicines which have been reduced by 40% and a list of examples of the medicines therapies.
OUTPATIENT SERVICES FOR CHILDREN WITH SHUNTS
Children's University Hospital, Temple Street have issued the following information for outpatients with shunts.
The outpatient service for children with Hydrocephalus and shunts has changed in the past year.
What changes have been made to this service?
Patients who were previously followed by either Mr Fergal Quinn or Professor Martin Corbally for their shunts will now be reviewed by neurosurgery. Neurosurgery clinics take place at Out Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin and also at The Children’s University Hospital Temple Street. Mr Quinn or Professor Corbally will be referring children for shunt care by letter to neurosurgeons who attend both hospitals.
What should I do if my child has symptoms of shunt failure/malfunction?
With respect to patients with shunts who develop symptoms of possible shunt failure, they will now be assessed at Temple Street A&E Department by a neurosurgeon without the need to present to Crumlin A&E. Patients who require shunt surgery will either be operated on at Temple Street (age 0-6 years) or at Beaumont Hospital (over 6 years).
What should I do if I live outside Dublin?
Patients who live remote from Dublin should attend their nearest hospital A&E Department first for assessment. A paediatric neurosurgeon is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through the switchboard at the Children’s University Hospital, Temple Street (01 8784200).
If you require further information please contact your Family Support Worker. Click here for contact details.
BUDGET 2010
Brian Lenihan, Minister for Finance announced his budget for 2010 on 9 December 2009. As expected Mr Lenihan announced cuts in public sector pay and reductions in social welfare payments and child benefits. For a full break-down of how this budget might affect you and your family click here.
SWINE FLU
There is now a vaccine to protect us from Swine Flu. Over the coming months, the HSE will offer a Swine Flu vaccine to everyone in Ireland. Since the supplies of the vaccine are arriving in phases, we have to give the first vaccines to people who are more at risk of swine flu, and move on through various groups over a period of about 6 months. Remember, the vaccine is free of charge for everyone and if you get it from your GP, you should not be charged any fee. For more information click here.
On 6 November 2009 Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Ireland sent out details and advice in relation to Swine Flu to all our members. To view the letter and attached documentation please click here.
CATHETERISATION IN SCHOOLS
Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Ireland has been working with the National Council for Special Education and as a result we can now offer a directive in relation to catheterisation in schools.
Where an SNA is appointed to support a child with a physical disability they are required to carry out care needs as stated in NCSE Circular 07/02 under Appendix 1/04. Assistance with clothing, feeding, toileting and general hygiene. For a full copy of circular click here.
NCSE state that care needs arising from toileting, such as catheterisation are considered to be the role of the SNA and an SNA should be appointed who either has the skills or is willing to learn the skills to implement these toileting needs. The SNA shall fulfil these toileting needs until such time as the child is able to catheterise independently.
The school must also provide accessible facilities which enable these toileting needs to take place in an environment which is respectful and safe for the child. Funding for adaption’s can be sourced from the Furniture and Equipment section of the Department of Education and Science, Portlaoise Road, Tullamore, Offaly (057) 932 4300.
If you have further questions or require support in relation to this please contact your SBHI Family Support Worker.
