The Carers Trust in association with the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS), and Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee (PSNC) has asked the pharmacy teams to serve the carers in a better way.
The latest joint move follows the change in the functioning of pharmacies in the wake of current virus pandemic. This includes queuing outside the pharmacy and following social distancing, among others.
Some young carers have alleged of being turned away from pharmacies due to these changes.
The Carers Trust, RPS, and PSNC have urged the pharmacy teams to follow a list of steps to support the carers in a better manner. These include:
- Allowing two people into the premises when the carer has no choice but to take the person being cared for to the pharmacy with them
- Consider prioritising carers of vulnerable, shielding people for medicine delivery slots
- Review the Royal Pharmaceutical Society’s guidance on ‘Children collecting medicines from a pharmacy’ and recognise that, for some families, young carers are the only people able to collect medicines in the household.
A guide has also been published to support unpaid carers to make the most out of their pharmacy team. It sets out helpful hints and tips for carers including:
- Ordering prescriptions at least seven days before they are needed
- Only ordering as much medicine as needed
- Checking dispensing hours before visiting a pharmacy
- Asking family, friends or a local action group to help if you’re unable to collect a prescription
- Making an emergency plan in case you become unwell and cannot collect medication
- Making sure you know the full name, address and date of birth for anyone you’re collecting a prescription for and bringing ID with you.
