Reacting to a statement from the Health Minister’s calls for support to be shown to frontline health workers, Gerard Greene, Chief Executive of Community Pharmacy NI said:
“We echo the words of the Health Minister this afternoon.”
“In the past number of days, we have witnessed an unprecedented surge on our pharmacy services in all local communities. Tens of thousands more people have flocked to pharmacies on a daily basis, as the Covid-19 crisis has deepened.”
Gerard Greene, Chief Executive, Community Pharmacy NI
“We would like to remind the public that community pharmacists are front line health workers who must be protected from getting sick, so they can continue to deliver a service to those who need it.”
“As a result, we will be changing how we work in community pharmacy and would ask for public support to manage this. There will be significantly reduced access to pharmacies. Access will be restricted to keep low numbers inside pharmacies. New counters are also being put in place in many pharmacies to help manage social distancing requirements. Please be patient with these changes and work with us.”
“In addition, patients should be flexible and allow pharmacies up to 48 hours to get repeat medicines ready for collection once forms are handed into the pharmacy. Again, please be patient with these changes.”
“Finally, it cannot be reiterated enough that YOU SHOULD NOT visit your local pharmacy if you are unwell or experiencing Covid-19 symptoms. Please be mindful that we need pharmacy teams to remain well so the service remains in place.”
“Pharmacists will ensure everyone gets their medicines and that supplies are managed safely. Our absolute priority is the health of our patients and our staff. Be patient with us and other healthcare workers as we continue to deliver this service in extremely challenging times.”