Pharmacists on the frontline

Intensive care teams have rightly been in the spotlight during the pandemic, but there are thousands of other healthcare workers who have played an increasingly crucial role keeping our communities safe.
 
A classic example is SESLHD’s pharmacy team who have been working behind the scenes ensuring patients receive the right medicines at the right time and importantly during the pandemic, managing the supply of the COVID-19 vaccines.
 
World Pharmacists Day on Saturday 25 September is the perfect time to shine a light behind the scenes on our Districts’ Pharmacy Service.
 
The work our pharmacists do has never been more important. They have not only been providing clinical services but also managing medicine shortages, ensuring the supply and safe use of newly emerging medicines for the treatment of COVID-19. SESLHD pharmacy staff have also been busy setting up new and changing wards with medication supplies.

 
Amy Murray, District Director of Pharmacy Services, says people often don’t realise the important role pharmacists and pharmacy staff play in ensuring safe patient care.
 
“The pharmacy team may not always be visible but they are working above and beyond to keep services running, taking on new roles and providing expertise,” Ms Murray said.
 
Certainly, the theme of this year’s World Pharmacists Day – “always trusted for your health” – has never been more apt. For many years, pharmacists have consistently been named among the top five most trusted professionals.

Now, at a time of great uncertainly and vaccine hesitancy, SESLHD pharmacists have truly come to the fore, and have become a mainstay in our community by providing advice on medicines based on best scientific evidence.
 
So please show your appreciation for the vital role our District pharmacists and pharmacy staff play in improving our health on 25 September.

Pharmacists jumping in the air