RPS ask people to 'be kind' to their pharmacy teams in Scotland

The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) has urged people across Scotland to be kind to their pharmacy teams this winter through its campaign called ‘Be Kind’.

The pharmacies are facing lot of pressure and challenges during winter, RPS has heard from its members that abuse towards pharmacy teams, particularly those in community pharmacy, has ‘unfortunately’ risen.

The campaign has been running throughout December, to promote ‘be kind’ message to the public at a time when pharmacy services are particularly stretched by winter pressures and other factors, including the recent shortages of antibiotics.

“Throughout December, leading figures have provided a series of powerful videos, which all encourage the public to be kind to their pharmacy teams. The campaign has highlighted personal video messages from many figures including Jason Leitch, Scotland’s National Clinical Director, Maree Todd, Minister for Public Health, Women’s Health and Sport, and Andrew Carruthers, RPS Scottish Pharmacy Board Chair,” said RPS.

Commenting on RPS’s ‘be kind’ campaign, Clare Morrison, Director for Scotland at RPS said: “It has been a privilege to witness healthcare leaders from across Scotland and the rest of Great Britain coming together to support this hugely important campaign.

Winter is always a busy time for pharmacy.  There have been significant additional challenges this winter, especially with the current antibiotic supply issues which has been difficult and worrying for patients, their families and pharmacy teams.

“I know that the video messages that we have been delivering throughout December have resonated with both pharmacy teams and the public, and hope that this has reminded the public to give the gift of kindness to pharmacy teams during a particularly challenging time.”