Falkirk pharmacist’s plea during coronavirus crisis

Richard Graham who runs Callendar Pharmacy in the town’s High Street said they have nothing for people who think they even have the slightest chance of having the virus.

Instead he referred them to the NHS website for up-to-date information.

Richard said like all pharmacies across the country they are under immense pressure at the moment and are in the frontline dealing with a worried members of the public.

He said: “If you suspect there’s even the slightest chance that you might have coronavirus – do not go to a pharmacy! We have nothing for you.

“We do not have any ‘better’ or more up to date advice than that given on the NHS website, hand sanitiser, face masks, thermometers, paracetamol or anything to stop you getting coronavirus.”

Richard added that what they do have is:

*Your dad’s heart pills that stop him having a heart attack

*Your mum’s diabetes meds that stop her slipping into a coma

*Your best friend’s epilepsy drugs that have kept him seizure free for a year now (he might be able to drive again soon)

*Your granny’s blood thinners, that reduce the likelihood she’ll have another stroke

*️Your nephews inhalers – your sister is terrified just now in case his lungs can’t handle what may yet befall them.

✔He said: “We have a huge sense of responsibility to all of those people above, that rely on us to make sure they receive these incredibly vital medications.

“If we get ill, because you bring coronavirus into our pharmacy, it’s not just us that are affected. It’s everyone you care about too. When our team falls ill we cannot provide the level of service necessary to ensure people with life threatening conditions receive the medication they depend on.

“So please – do not go to a pharmacy.”

However, he said that his pharmacy does have a phone and he encouraged people to give them a call, adding: “Give us a chance to help you, without risking the health and well-being of the team, and the hundreds of people who rely on us.”