RPS Scotland welcomes key worker confirmation

RPS Scotland is delighted to see confirmation that pharmacists and community pharmacy staff responding to COVID-19 are defined as category 1 key workers for the purpose of access to childcare. 

In response to a Parliamentary Question submitted by David Stewart MSP, John Swinney, Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, confirmed their status and added that “The reason for inclusion within category 1 is that through their role in ensuring the supply of medicines, they are essential to the health and welfare of the country during this crisis. However decisions around eligibility for critical childcare for key workers are being taken locally and will differ by local authority to address local priorities.”

Jonathan Burton, SPB Chair said:

“Pharmacists and their support staff are working extremely hard on the frontline to support the public and they are critical to the COVID-19 response. 

"RPS has been lobbying strongly to get the recognition they deserve, so it’s great to have clarity that pharmacists and pharmacy teams are defined as category 1 key workers.  Anyone who is struggling with childcare and could benefit from a school place should contact their local authority and enquire about availability.”