Ashbourne doctor receives outstanding healthcare award

Ashbourne resident Dr Ambrose McLoughlin, registrar and CEO of the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI), has received the 2009 Aramark Healthcare Innovation Outstanding Patient Contribution Award. Dr McLoughlin received the award for outstanding personal resolve and conviction in pursuing and securing changes and improvements in patient welfare, safety and equality of service delivery in the Irish healthcare sector. He is one of Ireland"s most experienced, effective and respected health service managers and has made vital contributions at critical times during his 30-year career at a senior level in the health service. He had a lead role in managing the threat of SARS in 2003 and ensured that the Special Olympics were facilitated and supported. His contribution to patient safety at an EU level has also been significant. In his current role as registrar and CEO of the PSI, he has most recently been at the forefront of the implementation of the Pharmacy Act 2007. He also works closely with the CEOs of other health regulators, through the Health and Social Care Regulatory Forum, to ensure that patient safety matters are at the heart of health regulation. Dr Bernard Leddy, president of the PSI, paid tribute to Dr McLoughlin: 'It is extremely fitting Dr McLoughlin has been granted such a noteworthy honour. He has always believed strongly in patient welfare and safety and he is at the forefront of the modernisation of the pharmacy sector,' he said. 'He has been a key catalyst in the progress made by the PSI across the implementation of the new pharmacy legislation, which is putting patients first by improving management structures and transparency across Irish pharmacy.' Attendees at the 2009 Aramark Healthcare Innovation Awards were addressed by Minister of State with special responsibility for Older People and Health Promotion, Áine Brady and keynote speaker Bill Cullen, chairman of Glencullen Group. Dr Ambrose"s character was featured in a recent RTE drama called 'The Whistleblower", a fact-based drama about a midwife who exposes irregular obstetric practices at the hospital where she works.