We have submitted written evidence to the new All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Coronavirus, highlighting the role played by pharmacists and pharmacy teams during the pandemic.
The submission covers a range of issues, including support and protection for pharmacy teams to deliver safe and effective care, adequate supplies of PPE, access to testing and risk assessments for staff.
It reiterates our call for greater health and wellbeing support for staff, following a survey we conducted last December which showed that 80% of pharmacists were already at risk of burnout. Other key issues include the need for investment in digital technologies and infrastructure, including to enable pharmacists to update a clinical record wherever they work.
We also highlight our future policy principles for how the profession can further support patients, as well as the importance of utilising the clinical skills of pharmacists to help meet future demands on the NHS.
Claire Anderson, Chair of the English Pharmacy Board, said:
“The pharmacy profession has gone above and beyond to support patients during COVID-19. Pharmacists will continue to play a central role in delivering NHS ambitions for the future.
“We have been engaging with our members during Covid-19 and they have told us about some of the key changes they would like to see implemented following the crisis. It’s time we all listen to pharmacists on the frontline, so we can learn from the wide-ranging experiences from the pandemic.”
“With a potential second wave on top of winter pressures, pharmacists and their teams need to be reassured that they will have access to resources and support for their own wellbeing to ensure they can continue doing their jobs.
The RPS continually speak to governments across the country, the NHS, the media and other pharmacy organisations to champion pharmacy, as well as engaging regularly with our members. Earlier this year we submitted evidence on the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on pharmacy to Westminster’s Health Select Committee and the Welsh Parliament's Health, Social Care & Sport Committee. We’ll continue working hard to make sure your voice is heard where it really matters.
Read the full submission here.
Please tell us about any issues you would like us to raise via [email protected].