Open access article
The Royal Pharmaceutical Society has made this article free to access in order to help healthcare professionals stay informed about an issue of national importance.
To learn more about coronavirus, please visit: https://www.rpharms.com/resources/pharmacy-guides/wuhan-novel-coronavirus
Since the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic, pharmacists have experienced a time like never before.
Many have talked of completing more than a month’s work in a week, extra measures have been put in place to keep staff and patients safe, and some community pharmacies have had to close their doors to relieve the pressure. Others have had to shut completely for a deep clean after visits from patients with suspected COVID-19 symptoms.
Now, the government has told pharmacies that they may shorten their working hours to allow for rest and necessary paperwork, but as the pandemic develops the intensity for pharmacists can only increase.
So far, community pharmacy has been on the front line in the battle with COVID-19, but the likelihood of a huge surge in hospital admissions means secondary care pharmacists will also be facing a more pressurised working environment. We’d like to hear your experiences.