The Royal Pharmaceutical Society has provided a statement to today’s preliminary hearing of the UK COVID-19 Inquiry.
Our statement was read to the Inquiry by a solicitor and highlights the vital role of pharmacists and pharmacy teams during the pandemic, including maintaining access to medicines across the health service, supporting patient care and delivering the successful COVID-19 vaccination programme.
We also set out some key issues which should be considered by the Inquiry, such as around the provision of PPE, support for staff wellbeing, and recognition of pharmacy teams in Government policy and communications.
RPS President Claire Anderson said:
“We have urged the Inquiry to recognise the vital contribution and dedication of pharmacists and pharmacy teams across the whole of the health service during COVID-19.
“Pharmacy teams were under enormous strain and worked incredibly hard in very challenging circumstances to keep looking after patients and the public during this national crisis.
“We must all learn lessons and reflect on both the successes and challenges that we faced so we can better prepare for the future.
“As a nation, we also need to look towards how we build resilience across the health service and make the most of pharmacists’ clinical skills to support patient care, backed by sustainable funding, appropriate access to records, and long-term workforce planning.
A transcript of the hearing is available online.
The RPS has been designated as a Core Participant of Module 3 of the Inquiry, which is examining the impact of the pandemic on healthcare systems in the UK. The Inquiry is expected to begin taking evidence in public hearings for this module in autumn 2024.
Every Story Matters
The Inquiry is inviting everyone to share their experiences of COVID-19 and views on potential lessons learned through Every Story Matters.