Professor Jason Leitch, Scotland’s National Clinical Director of Healthcare Quality & Improvement, has praised pharmacists for reaching out to vulnerable people during the coronavirus pandemic, adding that the work is not yet finished.
Speaking at the National Pharmacy Association’s (NPA) online conference this week, Professor Leitch warned that a second peak is possible in the winter.
He said: “This (Covid-19) is like nothing the world has ever seen. Just because the pubs are open, it doesn’t change the fact that this is still the greatest public health crisis in recent history. It isn’t going to go away any time soon – so your work is not done.
“There could well be a second peak this winter, when there’s indoor living and central heating and all the things that viruses love.”
Professor Leitch, a regular feature of the Scottish government Covid-19 briefings alongside First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, highlighted the role the local community pharmacy played during the pandemic.
“My parents are 79, they’re not shielding but they are in a vulnerable group. They’re perfectly independent and capable, but their local pharmacy still reached out to them to make sure they had their drugs and medicines they needed,” he said.
“Their local pharmacy reached out and said, ‘look, how can we help you?’ right at the beginning of the lockdown.”
Phil Galt, NPA board member for Scotland, commented: “The statistics Jason presented were a stark reminder – if any was needed – that we are not through this crisis yet. Everyone must continue to be vigilant and pharmacy teams know they still have a vital role on the NHS frontline in confronting the Covid-19 pandemic.”
