PHARMACISTS' stress and anxiety levels are on the rise, with the Pharmacists' Support Service (PSS) reporting a surge in the number of calls it has received in recent weeks.
PSS Executive Officer, Kay Dunkley, told Pharmacy Daily, "we've had twice as many calls as usual in the last three weeks".
"People are reaching out to us, which is great and it's what we want," she said.
"We are here to support and help them - we can't wave a magic wand and make everything right for them, but at least we can provide the support and point them in the right direction if they need specific support."
Dunkley added that a number of pharmacists had volunteered to join the service to take calls, however, given the training requirements and current restrictions on gatherings, it will be some time before the PSS can accept more volunteers.
However, Dunkley noted that those looking to make a more immediate contribution to the PSS, could make a donation to cover the increasing costs of running the 1300 hotline.
On Tue night the PSS ran a webinar, hosted by counsellor and psychotherapist, Helen Lowy, to provide pharmacists with a COVID survival toolkit.
To see the webinar in full, CLICK HERE.
If you are in need of support contact the PSS on 1300 244 910.
CLICK HERE to donate.
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 09 Apr 20
To see the full newsletter, see the embedded issue below or CLICK HERE to download Pharmacy Daily from 09 Apr 20
