Locals in Dalkeith were left with limited opening hours at the pharmacy last week, as a nationwide shortage of pharmacists saw Boots on the High Street closed for half of the day.
While normal service has resumed, issues within the pharmaceutical field are ongoing.
A lack of pharmacists, medication, drivers and several other key roles within the field have led to the closure of hundreds of pharmacies in Scotland.
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When asked about the limited hours in Dalkeith, a spokesperson from Boots said: “Like other pharmacies, we are experiencing some challenges with pharmacist resource. Our teams are working hard to keep stores open, minimise disruption for customers and provide the best possible service.
"Sometimes, rather than close a pharmacy for a day, we will alter our opening times. We apologise to customers who have been affected and thank them for bearing with us and being kind to our team members at this time.”
Boots also confirmed that guidelines dictate that some pharmacies must close if there isn't a responsible pharmacist present, adding that they have hired a new manager at the Dalkeith High Street Boots and an additional pharmacist.
Last week, it was reported that staff shortages led to the closure of 1,800 pharmacies in Scotland in the first five months of the year. Maurice Hickey, Head of Policy at the Pharmacist's Defence Association, said: ”Boots disingenuously claim they have to close their pharmacies due to a shortage of pharmacists, this is untrue – the number of registered pharmacists increased from 41000 in 2011 to 62000 in 2022.
"There is however a shortage of pharmacy team members - low pay and poor working conditions at Boots has led to many experienced staff to resign, many sadly leave pharmacy altogether. It all adds to the serious workload pharmacists experience as they strive to ensure patient safety is protected”
Last November, it was reported that nine out of 10 people working in the pharmaceutical sector feared they were at risk of burning out - while almost a third were considering quitting. Scotland director for the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, Clare Morrison, said the findings were ‘unacceptable’.
She added: “We have pharmacists who are being asked to work from 8 in the morning till 6 at night without so much as 15 minutes for lunch. It’s not just a wellbeing issue for pharmacists, it is a patient safety issue as well.
“We can’t have people who are so tired, when they are asked to work such long periods of time without even a 15-minute break.”
The pharmacist shortage comes alongside another nationwide issue - a medication shortage. Pharmacists are reportedly spending more time trying to source medication from wholesalers or other pharmacies, and ultimately can’t get a hold of them.
Wholesalers are also lacking in the staff, as well as the drivers need to get medication onto the shelves.
The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS), which is the professional membership body for pharmacists, said the workforce is under significant pressure at the moment. They added: “There are shortages of pharmacists and pharmacy staff in every sector right across Scotland.
“Data are collected on NHS Scotland vacancies and on community pharmacy vacancies, and these data show a pharmacist vacancy rate of 7.6% for NHS employees and 11.6% for community pharmacy.”
The RPS have put forward recommendations to solve the shortage, including taking down barriers between sectors and modernising the dispensing process. They have also suggested introducing digital tools, and additional investments in the pharmacy workforce.
In terms of taking action to increase the number of people coming into pharmacy, the RPS suggested increasing the number of undergraduate pharmacists and promoting the career - as well as making it easier for overseas pharmacists to come to Scotland.
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