Pharmacies join nationwide drive to boost bowel screening uptake
The HSE and the Irish Pharmacy Union have partnered to encourage people aged 57 to 71 to engage with the national BowelScreen initiative. Over 1,500 pharmacies nationwide will provide information and support to help increase early detection rates.
Source:
HSE — Health Service Executive
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⏱️ 2 min read
The Health Service Executive and the Irish Pharmacy Union have joined forces to encourage adults aged 57 to 71 to discuss the national BowelScreen programme with their local pharmacy teams. Beginning in October, more than 1,500 pharmacies nationwide will take part in an initiative designed to boost participation in the free home screening service. Officials hope that leveraging the expertise of accessible community healthcare professionals will help drive up uptake rates, which currently sit at approximately 50 percent.
Under the Community Pharmacy Agreement, participating pharmacies will feature promotional stickers on prescription bags for eligible individuals, guiding them on how to register and request their home test kits. Pharmacy personnel have completed specialised education modules developed in collaboration with the HSE to help them answer patient queries, explain how the screening process works, and encourage hesitant individuals to participate. Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill emphasised that bringing information directly into local towns and villages makes it significantly easier for the public to engage with preventative healthcare.
Health authorities remind the public that BowelScreen is specifically intended for individuals who display no symptoms of illness, and anyone experiencing concerning signs should consult their GP regardless of recent screening results. Eligible residents can find further details by visiting the official website, contacting the freephone helpline at 1800 45 45 55, or speaking directly with their local pharmacist.
Under the Community Pharmacy Agreement, participating pharmacies will feature promotional stickers on prescription bags for eligible individuals, guiding them on how to register and request their home test kits. Pharmacy personnel have completed specialised education modules developed in collaboration with the HSE to help them answer patient queries, explain how the screening process works, and encourage hesitant individuals to participate. Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill emphasised that bringing information directly into local towns and villages makes it significantly easier for the public to engage with preventative healthcare.
Health authorities remind the public that BowelScreen is specifically intended for individuals who display no symptoms of illness, and anyone experiencing concerning signs should consult their GP regardless of recent screening results. Eligible residents can find further details by visiting the official website, contacting the freephone helpline at 1800 45 45 55, or speaking directly with their local pharmacist.
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