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COVID-19: Urgent clarity sought on Welsh death in service scheme

The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) in Wales has welcomed the Welsh Health and Social Care Minister’s oral statement to the Welsh Assembly that the COVID-19 Death in Service Scheme does apply to community pharmacy teams.  

Writing to the Welsh Health Minister, RPS Wales and Community Pharmacy Wales have called for additional written assurances. The step to push for absolute clarity about the scheme followed a period of ambiguity and concern for community pharmacy teams following the initial announcement and media reports on 27 April. 

The RPS/CPW joint letter also highlights; 

  • The commitment and amazing work of community pharmacy teams during this pandemic. 

  • That community pharmacy should always be recognised as an essential NHS service. 

  • Plans for front line staff delivering NHS services must include consideration of all pharmacy teams, including community pharmacy from the very outset. 

Commenting on the development, RPS Wales Director Elen Jones said: 

“Community pharmacists and their teams are on the frontline of this crisis.  There is no doubt that they absolutely must have equal access to the life assurance scheme, should the very worst happen.  

We welcome the statement by the Health Minister and will be eagerly awaiting written assurance from the Welsh Government”.  

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