Milton Keynes pharmacies issue important message during coronavirus crisis

Pharmacy teams are a critical part of the NHS and in the past weeks they have seen demand for over-the-counter medicines, other products, advice and reassurance soar.

The Local Pharmaceutical Committee (LPC) say all pharmacy staff are under "intense pressure" at the moment, working on the front line of the health service often without any protection for their own health.

The LPC has today issued guidance to the public to avoid going to their pharmacy, as they would any other healthcare setting, if they are showing symptoms of Covid-19.

They are also urging people to be patient as all pharmacies are under immense pressure and working around the clock to ensure people get what they need.

Medicines should be order as normal, in sensible quantities.

"There is no need to stockpile medicines. Ordering extra prescriptions and buying more over the counter medicines than you need will contribute to disruption to the medicines supply chain, which is otherwise robust," said a spokesman.

"Pharmacies will remain open wherever possible, but you may see that some are now having to reduce the hours during which they can admit members of the public. This is to ensure that pharmacy teams can carry out tasks such as preparing prescriptions and restocking shelves so that these vital services can continue safely," he said.

Anne-Marie King, Chief Officer of the local LPC said: “Community pharmacy teams are a really important part of the NHS, and like all other NHS workers they are under immense pressure at the moment. We are today asking patients and members to the public to take some very simple steps to help protect these teams so that pharmacies can continue to carry out

their critical roles and ensure that everyone continues to get the medicines, help and support they need, when they need it.”