A national database of people available to help local community pharmacies in response to the Covid-19 pandemic has been set up by pharmacists. 

A platform hosted by the website Pharmacy in Practice, led by Johnathan Laird and Professor Mags Watson, matches workers or volunteers with community pharmacy contractors who are in need of extra staff or help. 

Pharmacy teams across the UK have been inundated with extra work since the beginning of the outbreak, leaving many struggling to continue serving patients.

‘This is an unprecedented solution to an unprecedented situation’, Mr Laird said.

Since its creation last week, 166 people have offered either specific services or extra support for their local community pharmacies. 

Mr Laird explained: ‘This is a temporary system with a team of people behind the scenes volunteering their time to help those community pharmacy teams at this most difficult and unprecedented time.’

Ms Watson applauded community pharmacies and those offering their help. ‘I would like to thank those who have put themselves forward to help. 

Thank you to every community pharmacy team in the country. You are doing incredible work in terribly difficult circumstances.’