Page 28 - Retail Pharmacy November/Decemeber 2020

26 ANNUAL REPORT FROM PAGE 25 limits on dispensing and sales of certain prescription and over-the-counter medicines, as well as some sought-after household items, were also executed. States and territories were closing their borders to prevent further spread of Covid-19. Mr Morrison said at the time the government was acting to cushion the blow from the coronavirus for businesses and households to help them get through to the other side of the crisis. However, stage one of the restrictions on social gathering limitations from 23 March represented perhaps the most significant changes to Australian lifestyle and businesses. This move saw the closure of pubs, clubs, gyms, cinemas and places of worship to slow the increase of Covid-19 cases through enforced social distancing. Other facilities were to be considered under stage two restrictions, if necessary. However, of major significance to pharmacists was that community pharmacies, considered an essential service under the national guidelines, remained open to the public. GPs called on the government to move all patient consultations to telehealth services, a move that made community pharmacists the only health professionals other than those in hospitals to see patients face to face. At the time of printing, the government had just announced expanded access to telehealth to cover services provided by vulnerable doctors. Health Minister Greg Hunt thanked pharmacists and their staff, in an open letter, for the important role they played in primary healthcare. “The stresses and strains are real,” he wrote. “The Prime Minister, myself and the whole Cabinet have seen the immense work being undertaken under extreme pressure. Many of you are working around the clock, literally, to ensure that critical medicines and health advice is available for those who need it most. We could not be more appreciative or thankful.” The letter came with an announcement of limitations on dispensing and sale of prescription and OTC medicines to minimise the impacts of panic buying. Other stories making highlights at this time • After the postponement of APP2020 due to the limitation of large public gatherings to prevent the further spread of Covid-19, APP Online kicked off on the Gold Coast with a revised three-day program to enable delegates to record Group 1 and Group 2 CPD credits. • The Pharmacy Assistant of the Year Award for 2020 was going ahead, with the winner expected to be announced later in the year. • Pfizer issued a five-point plan calling on the biopharmaceutical industry to join the company in committing to unprecedented collaboration to combat Covid-19. • After concerns of a possible link between ACE inhibitor medications (angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors) and ARBs (angiotensin receptor blockers) and increased risk of infection with Covid-19 and worsened outcomes, the Heart Foundation recommended that the routine use of these medications should continue in the treatment of hypertension, heart failure, secondary prevention of acute coronary syndrome and other chronic conditions. • Medicines safety advice from the TGA for consumers and health professionals confirmed there was “no evidence to support claims ibuprofen worsens Covid-19 symptoms”. • The government expanded access to telehealth to cover services provided by vulnerable physicians to those aged at least 70, indigenous people aged at least 50, pregnant women, a parent of a child aged under 12 months, the immune compromised, and those with a chronic medical condition that results in increased risk from coronavirus infection. MAY ON BEHALF OF US ALL, THANK YOU! Following on from the sentiments expressed by Health Minister Greg Hunt in an open letter thanking pharmacists and community pharmacy staff for the extraordinary dedication and services being provided to their communities in the face of the pandemic, Retail Pharmacy gathered testimonials from some of our industry leaders, expressing gratitude and appreciation for the work you do every day. Some also took the opportunity to share what this ‘new normal’ has meant to them, their families and businesses, and the way they’re responding to the challenges faced by all: “If ever there was a time to acknowledge that pharmacists are far more than simple functionaries at the end of a supply chain, it’s now. Australians will rely on its community pharmacists now more than ever to support their primary healthcare needs. “When we have the luxury of time to reflect – when we’ve vanquished the silent enemy – we must come together as a profession and assert this absolute truth. “Like a three-legged table, our primary healthcare system would fall over without our wonderful pharmacists supporting our wonderful doctors and nurses as that third leg.” – Gerard Stevens, Managing Director and founder, Webstercare “To pharmacists across Australia: the challenges you’ve faced and continue to face cannot be understated. The increased community demand has placed unparalleled pressure on the supply chain and on you as healthcare professionals on the frontline. This isn’t normal demand, and despite being faced with panicked consumers and anxious consumers, you’ve risen to the challenge, leading by example and demonstrating the value of Australia’s community pharmacy model and the value you bring as healthcare professionals.” – Brett Barons, CEO, Symbion. “While everyone’s experience is different as we navigate the changing environment, it feels like we’re all working harder than ever to support containment efforts and the health and wellbeing of those in our community. I urge you not to forget about yourselves or your families as you strive to help others. I know how easy it is to get caught up in the situation. From my experience, keeping some sense of routine and carving out quality time for loved ones each day has helped to maintain perspective and balance. Thank you again for your valuable RETAIL PHARMACY • NOV/DEC 2020