North Yorkshire's community pharmacies receive message of support from Boris Johnson and Matt Hancock

The Prime Minister and Health Secretary have sent morale boosting messages to pharmacists working during the coronavirus outbreak.
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As the UK responds to the Covid-19 pandemic, Community Pharmacies in North Yorkshire are working tirelessly to ensure that everyone gets the medicines they need, when they need them.

They are experiencing exceptionally high demand for medication due to patients ordering their medicines ahead of the due date, ordering medicines they haven’t had for some time ‘just in case’ and those attempting to stockpile medicines.

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In order to meet this demand, pharmacists and their staff are starting work early and working later everyday, in many cases with less staff due to self-isolation.

Stock image. Getty Images.Stock image. Getty Images.
Stock image. Getty Images.

A recent survey of the 152 Community Pharmacies in North Yorkshire found that stress levels on a scale of 1 to 10 were an average of 8.4%

Recognising this, Prime Minister Boris Johnson thanked "our wonderful pharmacists" for everything that they are doing in a video update posted to Twitter last night.

In his video, the Prime Minister recognised the importance of pharmacy teams not only for dispensing vital medicines but also for providing reassurance to those members of the public they interact with.

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Similarly, Health Secretary Matt Hancock has given "a great big thank you to all pharmacists, and everyone working in pharmacies, for the work that you're doing on the frontline".

Hancock's Twitter video also said that he would make sure pharmacy teams have what they need to support the public during the pandemic.

Kevin Hollinrake MP, Thirsk and Malton said: “I would like to thank all local community pharmacy staff for all their efforts and sterling work they are doing to ensure their patients receive their medication.

"There are many people who are worried that they might run out of the medicines they rely upon and I know that you are working longer hours and dealing with a 100% increase in demand for your service. Thank you”.

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Jack Davies chairperson of community pharmacies in North Yorkshire said: “Our community pharmacy teams are really appreciative of the support and messages they have received from their local MPs, Prime Minister and Health Secretary.

"They understand this is a challenging and worrying time for them and their families. However, they know how important it is to continue serving, and going over and above their normal duties to keeping their communities safe”.