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Pharmacists are essential in offering NHS guidance for customers concerned about coronavirus, as well as supporting regular customers with their long-term health issues, many of whom will be worried about catching the virus.
The advice is continually evolving and being updated as the situation changes, so keep an eye on reliable forums and websites to keep up-to-date with developments – Twitter feeds can be helpful for this.
Managing staff absences if people need to self-isolate is likely to be an issue, as well as a potentially having an increased workload as worried patients try to stockpile medicines. In some cases, cutting back on other services may be required.
You may wish to consider the following ideas that other pharmacies are trying:
Posters displayed on the entrance door/by prescription drop-off highlighting any of the following:
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Prescriptions
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Phone calls
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Deliveries
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Media
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Purchasing
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Social distancing and isolation areas
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CleaningRemember, staff should keep washing their hands regularly, and areas of high contact such as door handles and pens should be cleaned more often The pharmacy may need to temporarily close for thorough cleaning if there has been a suspected case. Be aware of recommended decontamination procedures and have stock of personal protective equipment. |
There are lots of resources to help pharmacists and their teams during this difficult time, and being in touch with other pharmacists may help, both to share ideas and for support.
Speak to local GP surgeries so you are aware of the contingency measures in place and how you can best support each other’s services.