Appointment of Registered Pharmacists to the PSI Council

Rana Al Damin is a visionary pharmacist with over 20 years of international and Irish experience across academia, hospital, and community pharmacy. She holds a degree from the University of Petra, Amman, Jordan, and a specialist diploma in Regulatory Affairs in Bio-Pharmaceuticals from the University of Limerick. 

Rana has held multiple leadership roles, including Chief Pharmacist II and Pharmacist Store Manager, and currently serves as a Supervising Pharmacist at Boots. She oversees pharmacy operations, implements standard procedures, and mentors students, dispensers, technicians, and healthcare advisors. 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Rana led critical vaccine coordination and policy development as Chief II Pharmacist for DMHG, IEHG, and CHO 6 groups, ensuring rapid and effective responses. She later joined the National Medicine Management Advisory Committee (2022-2023). 

Committed to professional development, Rana serves as a Peer Support Pharmacist for the IIOP, facilitates CPD webinars, and deliver the IIOP/LIFT leadership program, mentoring pharmacists to excel in their careers. 

Recognized with numerous accolades, including Challenge Coins from Vice Admiral Mark Mellett, she was named among the IPN 100 Dynamic in Ireland (2023). Dedicated to patient-centered care, innovation, and sustainable growth, Rana continues to shape the future of pharmacy with passion and leadership. 

As a pharmacist I have a dedication to delivering excellence in patient care and professional practice. Throughout my career I have been guided by the core values of the PSI and a commitment to shaping our profession to best serve the patient.  

This commitment began as far back as my college days with my involvement with the Irish Pharmacy Student's association and furthermore the European Pharmaceutical Student's Association. From my involvement in these committees, I developed a keen interest in the challenges currently facing the pharmacy profession not only in Ireland but across the European continent. I kept this interest and passion alive with my appointment to the Employee Pharmacist Committee and IT Steering Group of the IPU.  

My initial role as a pharmacist was that of a locum. This was a pivotal point in my career as it put me in a position to not only hone my clinical skills and develop a patient centred approach but to also build my perspective on our profession from the viewpoints of the variety of teams I worked with. This unique opportunity gave me an understanding of what our profession needs to be able to practice at the top of our licence whilst assuring patient safety and public trust in pharmacy.  

Currently I work as the Regulatory Affairs Manager at Boots Ireland in the office of the Superintendent Pharmacist. In this role I support our stores with operating in line with PSI regulations and maintaining the highest standards of patient centred care. I work with my team to constantly evolve our regulatory approach and stay consistent with our compliance.  

If I am elected, I will bring my diverse experience, my insights into the pharmacy landscape, and my passion for the pharmacy profession to the PSI council in ensuring effective governance over the PSI and success in achieving their strategic objectives. 

Dear Pharmacist Colleagues, 

My name is Margaret Donnelly, and I am honoured to be a candidate for election to the Council of the PSI. I am deeply committed to our profession and the positive impact we can make on the health service and to our patients. We are at a critical point in the development of our profession and I am asking for your vote to be a positive voice to represent pharmacists at PSI Council.  

I have enjoyed a varied career since graduating from Trinity College Dublin and RCSI. I was a community pharmacist for many years in both support and supervising roles. I then worked in hospital pharmacy for almost five years where I undertook my Masters in Clinical Pharmacy with Robert Gordan University in Aberdeen. I am now working in an emerging role as a community antimicrobial stewardship pharmacist. I also teach in the School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences in RCSI and have completed a postgraduate diploma in Health Professions Education with the university. 

My experience across community, hospital and academia has given me a comprehensive understanding of the challenges we face and the opportunities for innovation and improvement. I believe in the power of collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning. As a council member, I will advocate for fair regulation, quality patient care, and the adoption of new technologies. I am dedicated to creating positive work environments and supporting key projects that advance our profession. 

I am passionate about enhancing the role of pharmacists and driving service improvement within the healthcare system. I am approachable, a good listener, and value respectful collaboration. I currently live in Dublin with my community pharmacist husband and our two young boys. Please feel free to reach out to me at any stage via Linked in (@margaret-donnelly-mpsi) or email margaretdonnelly135@gmail.com 

Thank you for your support. 
Sincerely, Margaret Donnelly, MPSI 

My goals are simply to reduce the size of the psi, reduce fees and allow more autonomy for pharmacists.   

John has a B.Sc. Biochemistry from UCG (University of Galway) and a B.Sc. in pharmacy from Strathclyde University, Glasgow. He currently works as the Head of Pharmacy for Galway University Hospital and Merlin Park Hospital. He has completed a master's in clinical research and a Diploma in Public Procurement Law. 

John has extensive experience working in many different pharmacy sectors, including hospital and retail pharmacy both in Ireland and the UK, and as a Commercial Director and Qualified Person in the pharmaceutical industry. His special interest is drugs procurement and aseptic production. John is Adjunct Professor in the College of Medicine, Nursing, and Health Sciences, University of Galway, since 14 April 2023 and is a key member of the University of Galway MPharm programme development team and member of steering for the new school of pharmacy opening in 2025 in the University of Galway. John is a current member of the PSI Council, serving for his first term.

Siofra Kelly is a pharmacist working in the community sector. Having graduated from RCSI in 2021 with a Masters in Pharmacy, Siofra has spent three and a half years locuming in the Dublin region. Despite the different operational approaches in each business, she sees the same challenges faced by all pharmacies big and small.  

If elected, she would like to work on amendments to the Pharmacy Act 2007. She believes this is an outdated piece of legislation that is:  

preventing the implementation of modern software and technology which could help reduce the administrative burden pharmacists are all too familiar with; 

costing employers through the requirement to have a fax machine and a weighing scales that must be calibrated annually. Both of these pieces of equipment are obsolete in the day to day job; and 

forcing dispensaries to use unnecessarily large volumes of paper. Siofra would like to work towards a model where prescriptions records and endorsements are digitalised.  

Siofra believes the retention issue faced by the sector is because of poor working conditions associated with the job. She believes breaks for employee pharmacists should be mandatory and that maternity and pension benefits should be more common place.  

Using her Masters in Business from UCD Smurfit School of Business as well as three and half years working alongside food regulators in Kerry Group, she would like to use her skills to help create better legislative frameworks which will allow for improved working conditions for future pharmacists. 

Siofra seconds Aine MacGrory, an experienced and passionate colleague who works very hard for the betterment of the profession. Aine has experience as a locum, employee and now employer. She is ideally placed to serve on the PSI Council. 

As a dedicated and forward-thinking pharmacist with over a decade of experience, I am seeking a position on the PSI Council to advocate for the essential input of the new generation of pharmacists, who are crucial to the future and success of our profession. I currently own and serve as Superintendent Pharmacist at Rathfarnham Pharmacy, managing operations for a diverse patient base, including those with mental health and addiction challenges. 

Through my active participation in key PSI initiatives, such as the Core Competency Framework (CCF) Review and the Employee Employer Forum (EEF). I want to contribute to actioning the pivotal role evolving technologies play in shaping the future of pharmacy practice. I firmly believe that for the profession to thrive, the Council must integrate the perspectives of a new generation that understands and drives these advancements.

By joining the PSI Council, I would bring a fresh and forward-looking viewpoint, ensuring that pharmacists are empowered to leverage emerging technologies and contribute to multidisciplinary teams more effectively. This is a critical time for the profession, and I am committed to ensuring that the voices of new pharmacists, who will shape the future, are heard. With my experience and passion, I am well-positioned to advocate for policies that support technological integration, enhance patient care, and ensure a sustainable and thriving future for pharmacy.

I second my colleague Leon O’Hagan. His work to date serves to innovate and progress the future of pharmacy.

Dear pharmacist colleagues, 

My name is Lucas Maughan and I am an Irish pharmacist working at McCabes Pharmacy seeking to get your first preference vote to represent you on the PSI council. I began my career studying for my Bachelor’s and later Master of Pharmacy at Trinity College Dublin. 

A key goal for me joining is to further pharmacy practice in Ireland which is why I completed the Blended Intensive Program in clinical pharmacy at the University of Pavia to equip me with the skills needed to ensure we are furthering pharmacy but in a safe and informed manner. 

My education continued past pharmacy when I became a Laidlaw Research and Leadership Alumnus collaborating with scholars across various disciplines which honed my interdisciplinary working skills – a necessity whilst on the diverse PSI council. Being multilingual, I worked in Puerto Rico to assist in the world’s first delivery of the Mpox vaccines where I leaned on my pharmaceutical knowledge to increase vaccine availability 5-fold. 

I am eager to join the council as I am assured my goals align both the conventional practice of pharmacy with the expansion of the pharmacist’s role. 

1. Further the practice of pharmacy in a safe, informed and reimbursable manner.
2. To sway pharmacists’ perception of the PSI away from fear and toward an organisation that provides support by ensuring the PSI has our interests at heart.
3. Revitalise the organisations priorities to include the younger generations. 

Please consider me as your first choice to represent you on the PSI council, 

Sincerely, 
Lucas

As a dedicated and experienced pharmacist, I am honoured to stand for election to the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI) Council. Throughout my 15 years in the pharmacy profession, my commitment to patient safety and public trust has been unwavering. 

 Professional Background: 

I have extensive experience in community pharmacy in Ireland for the past IO years and previously 5 years in the UK. My career is driven by a passion for healthcare and a desire to make a positive impact on patients' lives. 

Achievements: 

• Implemented patient-focused pharmacy services in community pharmacy. 

• Advanced digital health initiatives within the pharmacy sector. 

• Collaborated with healthcare providers to improve patient outcomes. 

Vision for PSI Council: 

My vision aligns with the PSI Corporate Strategy 2025-2028, aiming to deliver safe, patient-focused pharmacy services through effective regulation. If elected, I will work towards: 

I. Regulating Pharmacists and Pharmacies: Supporting the expansion of pharmacy services and implementing policy changes with the Department of Health. Enhancing regulatory supports for digital health advancements. 

2. Modernizing Regulatory Approach: Advocating for a modern regulatory approach to ensure safe patient outcomes and effective use of digital health advancements. 

3. Enhancing Organizational Alignment: Focusing on aligning the organization and people to achieve strategic priorities. Supporting the accreditation of pharmacy training programs and implementing actions from the Workforce Intelligence Report 2023. 

Commitment to Public Health: 

I am dedicated to promoting safe pharmacy practice in Ireland and ensuring pharmacists and pharmacies meet evolving healthcare needs. My commitment to patient safety, public trust, and regulatory excellence will guide my efforts on the PSI Council.

I qualified as a pharmacist from Brighton University in 1999 and started my career as a clinical pharmacist in University Hospital Southampton UK, where I established, secured funding for and ran the pharmacy service to the Acute Medical Admissions Unit, whilst also being the lead pharmacist for Respiratory Medicine. Whilst working for the NHS, I continued postgraduate studies in Clinical Pharmacy (PgC) & Pharmacy Practice & Policy (PgDip) at University College London. I then worked with an international pharmaceutical company as a clinical projects manager from 2004 to 2007, running Phase 1-4 Global Clinical Trials. In 2007 I relocated to Cork and am currently a co-owner of 4 Retail pharmacy businesses as well as a small pharmaceutical wholesale business which I lead from a commercial, quality & regulatory perspective. I am the superintendent pharmacist for 3 of those RPBs. I have sat on the IPU Community Pharmacy Committee for the past 3 years and am a medical advisor for the Asthma Society of Ireland. I have been a Peace Commissioner appointed by the Minister for Justice since 2021. My focus in practice is in delivering new & novel pharmacy services as well as supporting homeless & addiction services in Cork City. 

My three key areas of focus if I am successful in my appointment to the PSI Council are: 

1) Refining & expediting the Fitness to Practice process to reduce the burden of stress on pharmacists & RPBs against whom complaints are made. 

2) Advocating for changes to legislation to facilitate the movement to a paperless pharmacy. 

3) Ensuring the roll out of new pharmacy services and pharmacist prescribing are not overburdened by an unnecessarily bureaucratic process, whilst ensuring the necessary knowledge & skills are attained/confirmed by training & assessment underpinned by comprehensive quality assurance. 

I was honoured to be appointed to PSI Council in 2021.  At that time, I committed to staying true to my belief that proportionate, quality focused regulation is a vital tool in supporting the profession to evolve and adapt to the healthcare needs and service requirements of our patients.  

The last few years have been transformative, where we finally achieved a clear mandate from government for expanded pharmacy services. It has been my absolute privilege and the highlight of my professional career to have been elected President of PSI Council for two consecutive terms since 2023, and to have significantly contributed to the leadership of PSI through such a period of significant change in the pharmacy landscape.  As President, I have led Council on the development of the Corporate Strategy for 2025-2028, which through its three strategic objectives will continue to support and enable the profession in its ongoing evolution. A particular area that I passionately advocated for was a more person centric, compassionate lens for pharmacy regulation and fitness to practice, which is a clear focus in this new strategy.  

 I bring with me broad ranging experience across a breadth of pharmacy sectors, including community and hospital pharmacy, regulation and academia.  I care deeply about our profession; I make it my business to understand the challenges that arise and my motivation is to leverage tools and opportunities to carve a clear path forwards. 

 I have given 100% commitment to all my endeavours since I have been on Council, both as a member, as Chair of the Regulatory & Professional Policy Committee and most recently as President. If I am fortunate enough to be re-elected, I commit to carrying forward all that I have learned and continue to shape and influence for what I am certain is a bright future ahead. 

Thank you for your consideration, 
Katherine  

With nearly two decades of experience across hospital, community, and primary care pharmacy in Ireland, England, and Australia, I have seen firsthand the challenges and opportunities within our profession. 

Currently, I work as an Informatics Pharmacist at the Rotunda Maternity Hospital, focusing on digital transformation, patient safety, and workflow optimisation. Previously, as a HSE Senior Pharmacist on the highly successful iSimpathy Project, I helped integrate pharmacists into primary care teams to conduct comprehensive and patient-centred polypharmacy reviews. 

Beyond clinical practice, I have long been an advocate for employee pharmacists' rights. As the regional organiser for the PDA Union in Northern Ireland, I supported colleagues through fitness to practice hearings, grievance procedures and workforce negotiations. My work culminated in the recognition of the Union as the bargaining unit for GP Federation employed pharmacists. 

However, increasing levels of burnout and workforce pressures in community pharmacy demand urgent attention. I don’t believe there is a shortage of pharmacists - there are in fact more on the register than ever before. Instead, there is a shortage of pharmacists willing to work in current conditions. Excessive workloads, lack of autonomy or support staff and regulatory burdens are driving professionals away from frontline roles. The PSI’s Corporate Strategy 2025-2028 presents an opportunity for meaningful reform - but only if pharmacist voices with frontline experience are at the centre of decision-making. 

If elected, I will work to: 

• Tackle burnout by advocating for realistic workloads and mental health supports.
• Ensure regulation is fair and proportionate - not an additional burden on frontline pharmacists.
• Champion digital solutions that improve efficiency and reduce stress.
• Empower pharmacists with fulfilling prescribing and expanded clinical roles. 

I also recommend giving your preference votes to Siofra Kelly, whose vision aligns with mine. 

Let’s connect on Pharmabuddy.ie or Leonohagan@gmail.com. 

Together, we can create a future where pharmacists thrive - not just survive. 

Prior to working as a community pharmacist in Cork, I completed a Bachelors and Masters degree in Law at UCC. While the laws underpinning pharmacy are numerous, I was always interested in aspects concerning the use of regulation to modernise the profession. I have advocated in journals and research papers for the greater use of e-technologies in the pharmacy sector, and for a less stringent pharmacy regulatory framework in certain situations, where the discretion of the pharmacist to act in the best interests of the patient ought to be trusted, e.g. supply of emergency medicine.  

We have all heard the repetitive cliché of the “ever expanding role of the pharmacist”, but how often do we have this formally recognised in our practice. I would argue that my biggest learning to date has been the unseen elements that pharmacists and other pharmacy staff alike perform on a daily basis. The level of ingenuity and innovation I have witnessed being applied throughout the pandemic and beyond, oftentimes without any formal assistance, reimbursement or appreciation from relevant stakeholders, is to be commended.  

I have previously, conducted research interviews, where pharmacists from all areas of the profession (hospital, community and administration) shared their candid views on the current perceived lack of leadership in pharmacy.* I listened to the frustrations of my colleagues, many seeing us as divided, over regulated and severely underrepresented. These sentiments for change and reform are precisely what I will carry with me if I was fortunate enough to be elected by you to this Council. I think that pharmacists are a skilled and trusted profession, and the PSI while being first and foremost our regulator, does have a legal duty “to improve the profession”.** A regulator should be self reflective and amenable to improvement, which is precisely the narrative outlined in the PSI’s Corporate Strategy. If elected, this is an approach I would lobby forcefully for on your behalf.

Thank you, 
Peter O’Sullivan (peterosullivanpharmalaw@gmail.com) 

*O'Sullivan P, McCarthy S. A qualitative study investigating Stakeholders' perspectives on a professional body of pharmacy. Explor Res Clin Soc Pharm. 2022 Aug 19;7:100170. doi: 10.1016/j.rcsop.2022.100170. PMID: 36082146; PMCID: PMC9445372. 

**Pharmacy Act 2007, s7(2)(a)(viii). 

Dear Colleagues,  

I am Marta, born and raised in Rome City south side, adopted by Dublin City for 7 years.  

My educational background is Italian, with the first degree in “Medical Information” at the University of Rome “La Sapienza”, then I got a Master with “Alma Laboris” in “Pharmaceutical Marketing and Management” and afterward the Master in Pharmacy at the University of Camerino “UNICAM”.  

I have been working in the Community Pharmacy for the last seven years, being a technician initially, a Supervising Pharmacist and Manager for a big Pharmacy chain later and a Locum Pharmacist afterwards. 

Since secondary school I was nominated as Student Representative consecutively for 5 years, the same was during the University at “La Sapienza”, Rome City.  

My strength resides in deep listening, understanding and problem-solving skills.  

After years working as a Community Pharmacist, I kindly ask you to support my nomination to the council of the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland, aiming to enhance Community Pharmacist’s work practice by dealing with:  

• dispensary paperwork management to reduce the pressure on the Community Pharmacist  

• the length of shifts to improve the work-life balance  

• stressful workload leading to burnout health condition 

All my fellows know I am the one you can trust and rely on to build together a better future for the Irish Community Pharmacy tomorrow.  

Yours faithfully,  

Marta Santini 

I received my BSc Pharmacy in 2009 and my MPharm in 2010 both from the Royal College of Surgeons, Dublin. For the past 15 years, I have dedicated my career to providing high-quality care to patients, fostering strong relationships within the community, and advocating for public health in pharmacy. I have been lucky enough to have worked across a diverse range of community pharmacy settings and have honed my expertise in medication management, patient counselling, and healthcare delivery in large and small chains and independents. I am actively involved in promoting health and wellness initiatives within the community. I have always been interested in working in pharmacy education and have tutored MPharm and technician students over the years. Driven by a desire to contribute to the future of pharmacy practice, I recently took the opportunity to transition into a role in academia, as a lecturer in pharmacy working to develop an MPharm programme. My intention is to teach and mentor the next generation of pharmacists, blending my real-world knowledge with academic insights to provide a wellrounded learning experience. This role reinforces my passion for advancing the profession of pharmacy through education, research, and continuous professional development. 

I am now seeking to bring my wealth of experience to the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI) Council. I am committed to advocating for policies that enhance the profession, improve patient care, and support ongoing professional development. My aim is to contribute to shaping the future of pharmacy in Ireland, ensuring that a new generation of pharmacists are equipped to become leaders and meet the evolving healthcare needs of the public. I am looking forward to the opportunity to contribute to the PS I's mission and be part of the ongoing evolution of pharmacy practice in Ireland. 

The PSI Council is the governing body (the board) of the PSI and it is made up of 21-members. The Pharmacy Act provides that some members of the Council are selected by pharmacists registered with the PSI, others are nominated by specified bodies such as the Health Service Executive (HSE) and the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA), while others are selected on application through the Public Appointments Service. Irrespective of the route, each Council member is appointed by the Minister for Health to the PSI Council to act in the interests of patients and the public in the promotion of safe pharmacy practice in Ireland. Members are appointed to serve a four-year term.  

The Council is responsible for upholding the PSI’s mission, vision and values,  for ensuring the delivery of the functions of the PSI as the pharmacy regulator, and for developing and overseeing the PSI’s Corporate Strategy in the public interest. 

This information booklet is a useful resource. It outlines the statutory role of the Council, the extent of its responsibilities, and the commitment and requirements of Council members. It provides links to documents relevant to the role. 

The vacancies occurring for pharmacist members are those currently held by Council members Mr. John Given, Ms. Katherine Morrow, Mr. Rory O’Donnell, Ms. Marie Louisa Power and Mr. Sean Reilly whose terms of office end on 20 June 2025.  

Eligibility for election for appointment to the Council  

The 2025 election for the appointment of pharmacist members to PSI Council follows the requirements set out in the PSI (Council) Rules 2008 and 2015. Rule 7(2) of the Council Rules provides that: 

“In order to be eligible to stand for election for appointment to the Council, a member of the Society shall – 
a) hold a certificate of registration as a pharmacist (i.e. be in the Register of Pharmacists kept by the PSI and have paid registration fee for 2025) 
b) have been proposed and seconded in writing by members of the Society who hold certificates of registration as a pharmacist,  
c) submit, on a form available from the returning officer, a nomination paper that relates only to the person proposing to stand for election, specifying his or her name, address and registration number and signed by him or her, 
d) provide declarations that – 
 i. having regard to paragraphs (2)* and (8)** of Schedule 1 to the Act, he or she is eligible to stand for election for appointment to the Council, 
 ii. in the event of not being elected, he or she is aware that his or her name may be placed on a panel with a view to selection in the manner provided for under Rules 9(2) and 9(3) and Part 3 for the filling of any vacancies or casual vacancies as may arise on the Council, and 
 iii. in the event of being elected and appointed to the Council, he or she will, to the best of his or her abilities, serve on the Council and abide by any code of conduct for members of the Council as may be adopted by the Council from time to time.” 

* Disqualification from office includes being adjudicated bankrupt; making a composition or arrangement with creditors; conviction of any indictable offence; conviction of an offence involving fraud or dishonesty; being the subject of an order under sections 838, 842 and 850 of the Companies Act 2014, or being sentenced to a term of imprisonment. 
** Membership of either House of the Oireachtas or European Parliament by a Member of the Council (or employee) of the PSI disqualifies Council membership.  

After the nominations process is complete 

In accordance with Section 10(3)(f) of the Pharmacy Act 2007, pharmacist appointments to the Council are made following selection by those on the PSI Register of pharmacists. If the number of candidates nominated is greater than the five vacancies on the Council this year, then an election will be held on 16 April 2025. Following the election, the names of successful candidates will be submitted to the Minister for Health to appoint to the Council for a four-year term of office.    

• In addition to the information booklet, for more about governance of the PSI see also About the PSI and other relevant sections of this website, including the PSI’s Corporate Governance Framework.

• This appointment process is not run by Poist Phoiblí/Public Jobs, however, that website offers a general overview of the role and skillset of board members on state boards and is worth consideration.