About Us
Medicines are the most frequently used intervention in healthcare. All medicines carry risk.
The IMSN is a voluntary, independent group of hospital pharmacists with an interest in medication safety. The IMSN was established in 2007 and has over 50 members with representation from hospitals in both the private and public sector.
Our principal aim is to improve patient safety with regard to the use of medicines. We promote the exchange of information on medication safety and facilitate and support national and global initiatives to help minimise risks to patients.
Activities:
To date, our work has included:
- Liaison with relevant State bodies e.g. HPRA, HSE, HIQA, the Department of Health, State Claims Agency
- Liaison with professional bodies including the International Medication Safety Network, Hospital Pharmacists Association of Ireland, European Association of Hospital Pharmacists, Irish Pharmacy Union, Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland, College of Anaesthesiologists of Ireland, colleagues at UK Medication Safety Officers Forum and our medication safety colleagues in Northern Ireland,
- Publication of medication safety briefings, guidance documents and alerts.
- Development of guidelines on management of High Alert drugs (e.g. Potassium concentrate, Insulin, sound-alike look-alike drugs (SALADs), epidural agents) to minimise the risk of preventable and severe harm to patients.
IMSN membership:
To facilitate efficient conduct of our business at meetings, a membership policy has been agreed whereby representatives of all sectors and regions attend meetings.
In addition, all hospitals are encouraged to nominate a member for circulation to whom minutes of meetings, guidelines, discussion documents, etc. will be circulated directly by the correspondence secretary. All comments and feedback should be addressed to your representative who will ensure that it is communicated appropriately.
To download a membership application form click here. Forms should be scanned and e-mailed to enquiries@imsn.ie for consideration.