RPS has welcomed the announcement of a funded NHS Medicines Delivery service to support the most vulnerable in our communities but called for pharmacists to continue to provide advice and expertise directly to patients who use the service.
Clare Morrison, RPS Director for Scotland, said: “This new delivery service is fantastic news for patients and underlines community pharmacy’s key role in supporting people through the Covid pandemic.
“For many people, having to go out during the Covid pandemic to get their medicines is a real concern. We are delighted to see this recognised and addressed by enabling all pharmacies in Scotland to provide a delivery service to patients who are shielding, self-isolating or at risk.
“Our one concern about delivery services in general is that they may make it more difficult for a patient to talk to their pharmacist about their medicines. Therefore we would urge all pharmacists to ensure they continue to provide patients with easy ways to access their expertise by providing telephone and Near Me video consultations.”
Read the RPS Access to medicines Policy, which highlights the vital role pharmacists play in medicines supply,.