We’ve submitted written evidence to a joint select committee inquiry on COVID-19 and lessons learnt, highlighting the essential work of pharmacists and pharmacy teams during the pandemic.
The House of Commons Health and Social Care Committee and Science and Technology Committee are examining a number of topics relating to COVID-19.
Our evidence covers topics including:
- Access to PPE and staff safety.
- Risk assessments and the impact on BAME communities.
- The role of pharmacists in reducing health inequalities.
- COVID-19 testing and contact tracing.
- Recognition of pharmacy profession.
- Safe and effective delivery of vaccines.
Following our engagement with the profession on the future of pharmacy we have also called on the committees to look beyond the initial scope of the inquiry and learn lessons around better working together and improved clinical care. Our evidence highlights wider issues such as frontline pressures during COVID-19, support for staff health and wellbeing, and the need for sustainable funding.
The written evidence builds on submissions to previous Health Committee inquiries on COVID-19 and burnout.
RPS England Chair Claire Anderson said:
“Pharmacists have gone above and beyond during COVID-19 to support patients and it’s vital we learn lessons for the future.
“As well as immediate priorities during the pandemic, such as staff safety and managing pressures on pharmacy teams, we also need to look ahead to how the NHS can make the most of pharmacists’ clinical skills.
“To support better care, we urgently need progress on interoperability of patient records, backed by appropriate investment.
“We’ve also seen a renewed emphasis on pharmacists being empowered to do the right thing for patients and hope that this continues.”
Read the full submission.