The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) has urged the Scottish and Welsh governments to take further action to support pharmacy sector amid the spread of deadly Covid-19.
In letters to Jeane Freeman, Scottish cabinet secretary for health and sport, and Vaughan Gething, Welsh health minister, RPS shared its policy asks, which outline the areas where pharmacy needs governments’ support.
RPS urged the governments to provide adequate supplies of quality personal protection equipment (PPE) for pharmacy teams and make Covid-19 testing a priority for community pharmacies.
RPS stressed the need for absolute clarity in public messaging around use of healthcare services including specifically naming pharmacies when talking about avoiding unnecessary visits and keeping social distancing.
"We would encourage you to continue to show how much you value pharmacy and to take every opportunity to include them in your communications and guidance. This will not only help bolster our profession through difficult times but will also help to educate the public on what to expect from their pharmacy teams at this time,” Jonathan Burton, chair of RPS in Scotland, said.
Elen Jones, RPS director for Wales, added: “The role of community pharmacy is becoming ever more important in the fight against this virus and in maintaining the supply of medicines to patients across Wales. The continued support of the Welsh Government for pharmacy teams across Wales is now critical."
