The RPS has called for greater support for pharmacy teams following their efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic in written evidence submitted to the APPG for COVID-19 inquiry.

The submission “covers a range of issues, including support and protection for pharmacy teams to deliver safe and effective care, adequate supplies of personal-protective equipment (PPE), access to testing and risk assessments for staff”, the RPS said yesterday (August 13).

It also highlighted the importance of more integrated services and making use of pharmacists’ clinical skills, calling for more investment into digital technology.

The 10-page document raised concerns about patients visiting pharmacies during the pandemic, despite having symptoms for COVID-19. Accessing PPE was also a “significant issue” for pharmacy teams, it said.

The RPS also made the case for potential COVID-19 vaccines to take place in community pharmacy in the future.

RPS English pharmacy board chair Professor Claire Anderson said that members have told the professional body “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,” she said.

“With a potential second wave [of COVID-19] 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,” Professor Anderson added.