Wednesday 07 December 2022
HSC is reminding islanders that our community pharmacies are under considerable pressure with staff shortages and some supply shortages.
Pharmacies are a truly vital part of our health service and islanders' support to maintain this service will be much appreciated. The teams continue to work hard to support patient care.
Just like in the NHS, pharmacies on the islands have been affected by stock shortages because of Brexit and Covid-related matters, as well as an increase in the worldwide demand for medicines. Recent freight challenges have also contributed to this. Sourcing medicines for the islands is a lot more complex than in the UK where three wholesaler deliveries per day are the norm.
Products required immediately are always prioritised and dispensed as soon as possible. If an item is required urgently and is not in stock pharmacists will make efforts to source the product from another pharmacy or to obtain a supply from the hospital or to contact the prescriber to suggest an alternative.
If staffing is short, it may not be possible for the pharmacy to offer a waiting or a same-day service for non-urgent prescriptions. While not ideal, just like many other places globally, staff shortages have hit the local healthcare providers. Islanders are asked not to leave it to the last minute to request a repeat prescription.
Local legislation allows for a second month's prescription to be dispensed if the person will be off island when the next month is due. This is subject to the availability of the medicine ensuring that pharmacy has enough stock available to dispense a second prescription and if other patients will not be left without medicine as a result. Islanders can help support the pharmacy service by only requesting a second month if off-island.
