Blister & Phased Dispensing Update

Blister & Phased Dispensing Update: What Today’s Media Coverage Means for Pharmacies and Patients

Phasing Payments were due to cease on Jan 1

There has been widespread media coverage across Ireland today referencing community pharmacies and the planned changes to phased dispensing under the Community Pharmacy Agreement 2025.

This coverage has understandably caused confusion for patients and concern for pharmacy teams.

Here is the clear position following engagement between the IPU, the HSE and the Department of Health:

Phased dispensing continues as normal.

HSE payments for phased dispensing will continue.

There is no change on 1 January.

While payments were originally due to cease from 1 January, this decision has now been paused. Any change to phased dispensing or associated payments has been deferred until the end of Q1 2026 at the earliest.

The decision reflects:

• Ongoing patient confusion highlighted in recent media reports

• Patient safety considerations

• Current pressures on the health system, including flu season, vaccinations and the rollout of the Common Conditions Service

A further review will take place in early January through the Strategic Collaboration Group to ensure that any future changes are clearly communicated and safely implemented.

What this means in practice

• Pharmacies should continue current phased dispensing processes

• Patients should experience no change

• Pharmacies will continue to be paid as normal for this service

We will continue to monitor developments closely and will provide clear updates well in advance of any future changes.

Clear communication and patient safety remain the priority.

John Keane