Communities across Fife have been hailed for the way they have responded to the crisis.
Glenrothes MSP Jenny Gilruth has commended the work of Cadham Pharmacy Health Centre, run by local woman Bernadette Brown, and their enhanced role during the COVID-19 outbreak.
In recent years, the award-winning local pharmacy has been praised for its commitment to move beyond clinic provision, linking with technological developments such as online bookings and robotics.
“I am indebted to the wonderful work that Berni and the team at Cadham Pharmacy Health Centre are doing for the local area during such unprecedented times,” Ms Gilruth said.
“Community pharmacies are doing vital work up and down the country and are helping to reduce the burden across the NHS whilst assisting patients locally.
“The strengthened roles of pharmacists during this pandemic highlights how valuable a resource community pharmacies are to local areas and to NHS Scotland and I want to thank all of those involved in providing such a crucial part of healthcare.”
Lead pharmacist Bernadette Brown said: “We have huge increased workloads and many more demands for delivery and people and families genuinely worried about leaving their homes even for essential medicines supply.
“The supply of medicines is crucial. We will be pivotal in supporting our communities in staying out of hospital with keeping the supply of their long-term medicines as well as minor illness supplies and treatments and advice.”
Glenrothes West and Kinglassie councillor Julie Ford is also urging all priority and vulnerable people to use the NHS Fife medication delivery service which has been launched this week.
“We owe a huge thanks to everyone who has volunteered been on the ‘front line’ to help others at such a critical time,” she said.
“There have been many different initiatives set up right across Fife by individual communities and it shows that our community spirit is still alive.
“I am always conscious that sometimes when there are so many individual initiatives going on, people don’t know where to turn to for help.
“That is why this service that has been set up by NHS Fife, in partnership with local volunteers, is fantastic and I would urge everyone who needs the service to use it.
“I would also urge those who don’t need it but know someone who does to let them know and help them register if possible.
“We absolutely can get through this by working together.”
Meanwhile, Markinch Community Council has gathered a group of volunteers willing to help those self-isolating with shopping, dog walking, transport for appointments, prescription collection and gardening.
Anyone who may need help should call 07922 221629 between 9am and 4pm Monday to Saturday or email aamhigh@btinternet.com.
