Commenting on the news that community pharmacies in England will be required to open on Good Friday and Easter Monday, Chair of the RPS in England Professor Claire Anderson said:
“Pharmacists and their support teams are working flat out on the frontline to look after patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“With continued pressure on the NHS, community pharmacies have been the only healthcare premises staying open to the general public over the last four weeks.
“We know that many people were looking forward to some much-needed rest during Easter.
“I’m disappointed that the news for pharmacies to open over the bank holidays has left only a week for them to plan ahead and find staff cover.
“We are really concerned about the mental health and wellbeing of pharmacy teams and our survey in December showed that the risk of burnout and exhaustion was already very real.
“Everyone across the health service is working hard to deliver patient care but they must also get the help they need from government and the NHS.
“We urgently need fair funding for pharmacy so it can continue caring for patients as well as equal access to health and wellbeing support for all pharmacists.”