Sky News interviewed RPS Director of Pharmacy Robbie Turner about how pharmacists and pharmacy teams are dealing with the pressures of the covid-19 pandemic, when it comes to their own safety.
Robbie told Sky News that pharmacists have and are continuing to work incredibly hard to meet the “massive increase” in demand for prescriptions and other medical advice.
However, he added that while the vast majority of the public had been understanding of the increased workload on pharmacy, pharmacies are still being subject to upsetting cases of aggressive and violent behaviour.
The RPS is working with national police leads on how we can work together to help to support and protect pharmacy staff working on the frontline.
Robbie also emphasised the concern that “it is too difficult” to get adequate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to keep staff safe from the virus, as supply remains stretched across healthcare. RPS guidelines recommend the use of face-masks when social distancing measures – keeping at least 2 metres apart – are not practical in pharmacies.
Watch the full interview with Robbie here:
For the latest information, visit our up-to-date coronavirus hub page.