UK pharmacy leaders have issued an open letter to customers, asking them to act in the interests of the whole community by helping pharmacies maintain vital services including medicines supply, in the light of coronavirus (COVID-19).
The letter highlights that pharmacies across the United Kingdom are working hard to provide their regular services, including the safe supply of medicines, while also meeting significantly increased demand for advice on preventing coronavirus.
It asks patients, customers and the wider public to follow a number of guidelines:
- Act responsibly by not entering a pharmacy if you have symptoms of infection, such as a cough or fever.
- Please ask friends or family who are symptom-free to collect essential medicines for you.
- Only buy the medicines and supplies that you need right now to treat you and your family.
- Follow any instructions from our pharmacists and pharmacy teams.
- Treat our pharmacy teams in the way that you would wish to be treated yourself.
- Keep up to date with the latest online advice from the NHS.
National Pharmacy Association Chief Executive, Mark Lyonette, said:
“Pharmacies provide important services and absorb pressure that would otherwise fall on other parts of the health care system. We are asking the public to help us to continue to do our vital work on the NHS frontline. If we act together in our communities, we can all do our bit to limit the impact that this virus has on the nation’s health.”
Malcolm Harrison, Chief Executive of the Company Chemists Association, which represents large community pharmacy operators, said:
“We understand that people want to feel prepared given the uncertainty that coronavirus is creating. However, it’s important that everyone plays their part in reducing the spread of this virus and helping us to maintain the supply of medicines for all.”
-ENDS-
Notes to editors
To request an interview with either Mark Lyonette or Malcolm Harrison, please contact Liz Skinner: email [email protected] or mobile 07384 514764.
To request an interview with a community pharmacist or arrange filming in a pharmacy, please contact Stephen Fishwick: email [email protected]
About the Company Chemists’ Association (CCA)
The Company Chemists’ Association is the trade association for large pharmacy operators in England, Scotland and Wales. Our vision is that everyone, everywhere, can benefit from world class healthcare and wellbeing services provided by their community pharmacy. Find out more via: www.thecca.org.uk
About the National Pharmacy Association
The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) is the representative voice of independent community pharmacies in the UK and a key provider of services to the pharmacy sector. The vast majority of independent pharmacies are NPA members, from regional chains through to single-handed pharmacy owners. Find out more at www.npa.co.uk