NO ASPECT of training in Pharmacy School can prepare you for the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, an Irish pharmacist believes.
In a letter to the Irish Examiner, pharmacist, Elaine Amoroso, described the last week as the most challenging of her career.
"We are well trained and educated in the health and safety aspects of the virus," she said.
"We understand well the hygiene standards that are required.
"However, guaranteed supplies of critical items in high demand, such as hand sanitiser, gloves, medical wipes and face masks at this time are not assured from suppliers.
"Our day typically starts with customers straight through the door 'do you have any hand sanitiser?'.
"Unfortunately we don't."
Amoroso said the shortages were frustrating both pharmacy staff and consumers, fuelling fear and anger with patients seeking to stockpile over-the-counter medicines including ibuprofen and codeine-based products (which are Pharmacist-Only in Ireland).
"This week I have witnesses the best and worst of human nature," she said.
"We have been inundated with unprecedented demand for services.
"We have the same level of staffing, but a much higher work demand under acutely stressful conditions.
"Even if additional staff were to be made available the correct procedures for dispensing can take time to develop."
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 17 Mar 20
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