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CONGRATULATIONS to Haven Kennelly’s Pharmacy of New Street and The Reeks Gateway which has won a coveted accolade. Haven Kennelly’s was awarded the Crystal Clear health literacy mark by healthcare company MSD and the National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA). As such, it is one of the leading pharmacies promoting health literacy in Ireland, helping its customers better understand their medication and treatments.

This programme has been running since 2015 and recognises the critical role pharmacies play in helping patients understand their health issues. So far, 59 pharmacies have been recognised through the initiative for their high standards in patient education.

Two in five (39%) Irish people want doctors, nurses and pharmacists to use more understandable language and less medical jargon. They also would like healthcare professionals to speak less formally (22%) and take more time to explain things (18%). Interestingly, "embarrassment" was ranked as the main reason for not seeking more information from a healthcare professional (24%).

Inez Bailey, director, NALA, said, “Many Irish adults have significant difficulty understanding medication leaflets, impacting their ability to effectively manage their health when faced with complex treatment decisions and information. The Crystal Clear programme is an important investment in the future health of the people of Ireland, ensuring that they can process information effectively and empowering them to make better decisions about their health and wellbeing.”

To be awarded the Crystal Clear Mark, Haven Kennelly’s Pharmacy had to complete an audit across a number of areas to show how their pharmacy was “health literacy friendly” and communicating clearly with customers in accessible ways. Following assessment from NALA, Haven Kennelly’s was found to qualify for this quality mark.

Pharmacies who wish to participate in the Crystal Clear Programme can log on to www.nala.ie/crystalclear to complete the online audit which will identify what they are already doing to support the literacy and numeracy needs of their patients, as well as what they could do better. Those who are successful in completing this audit and meeting the requirements can then apply for the Crystal Clear Mark.
 

 
Finbarr Kennelly, pharmacist, with David Kennelly, his son
Picture: Don MacMonagle