RPS urges government and NHS to address lateral flow testing supply

The RPS is calling on the public to be patient in pharmacies which are running out of rapid lateral flow testing kits, amid the current surge in COVID-19 cases caused by the Omicron variant.

RPS President Professor Claire Anderson said: 

‘’Pharmacists are working incredibility hard on the frontline to support the public. There is a limited stock of lateral flow testing kits supplied to pharmacies each day to distribute to the public. Pharmacies cannot obtain additional supplies which has resulted in some pharmacies running out of test kits.

"This is adding further pressures on pharmacy teams who are doing their very best to support and care for the public. It is understandably leaving patients upset and frustrated. We are calling on governments and the NHS for immediate action to ensure additional lateral flow testing kits are distributed to pharmacies to be supplied to the public as soon as possible.

"We ask that the public remain patient with pharmacists and their teams who are already dealing with increased workload of medicines supply during the holiday season’’

RPS has previously called for protection for pharmacy teams against Omicron and issued updated infection prevention guidance to help keep pharmacy teams safe.