PHARMACISTS and general practitioners need to work together to educate the public about COVID-19, Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) Chair, Dr Charlotte Hespe, believes.
Speaking during a webinar hosted by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA), Hespe said primary care professionals had a crucial role to play in support their communities at this time.
"Community pharmacists and GPs, we're in the prime position to make a huge difference for our population during this pandemic," she said.
"And I really laud all of you for the wonderful work that you do.
"I just ask that we go together in partnership as the two professions that are facing the people in the community.
"Our role is to educate them, decrease the anxiety and make sure that they are all doing the right thing, so that we can get through it with as few deaths as possible."
PSA National President, Dr Chris Freeman, thanked pharmacists for the work they have done to date and echoed Hespe's call for inter-professional collaboration, describing general practice and community pharmacy as "the pillars of primary care".
"I have heard of many people going above and beyond to make sure their communities are as well looked after as they possibly can be," he said.
"So thank you to the many pharmacists out there who are doing an absolutely amazing job and working closely with their GP colleagues to provide those critical services."
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 03 Apr 20
To see the full newsletter, see the embedded issue below or CLICK HERE to download Pharmacy Daily from 03 Apr 20