Falkirk residents urged to ease pressure on pharmacists

Local pharmacists are seeing a surge in demand along with reduced hours and social distancing measures that is putting them under increased pressure.Customers are being urged to show patience and be kind to staff – and people only ordering what they need will also help avoid any potential shortages and ensure there is enough medication for everyone.Many pharmacies across Forth Valley are now operating reduced hours and details are clearly displayed in each pharmacy window.Social distancing measures to help protect pharmacy staff and other customers means people may have to wait a bit longer to be served and some prescriptions may also take a little longer than usual to be processedScott Mitchell, NHS Forth Valley’s Director of Pharmacy, said “Staff working in local pharmacies across Forth Valley are seeing high levels of demand and are working extremely hard to support local people and their NHS colleagues at this challenging time.“We urge local people to help by only ordering what they need, respecting the measures in place to reduce the risk of infection, using their local pharmacy services responsibly and being patient and kind to frontline staff.”Like all other healthcare facilities, those with symptoms consistent with COVID-19 should not visit their local pharmacy.Healthcare information and advice is available atwww.nhsinform.scot/coronavirus and anyone whose symptoms worsen or have not improved after seven days should contact NHS 24 on 111.

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