MP pays visit to local pharmacy to thank team for work during pandemic

MP pays visit to local pharmacy to thank team for work during pandemic

The Hon. Ian Paisley MP has thanked community pharmacy teams for their ongoing commitment to patients and local communities during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The MP paid a visit to Woodsides Pharmacy in Ballymena and spoke with pharmacist Joanne Morrow and her team about their experiences of Covid-19.

Mr Paisley heard how the community pharmacy network ensured crucial frontline services were kept open for patients during the very worst of the crisis. At its onset, local community pharmacy teams dealt with a huge surge in patient numbers as the pandemic took hold and quickly adapted pharmacy premises so that patients could continue to access vital services.

Speaking after the visit, Ian Paisley MP said:

“I was very pleased to be able to visit Joanne and her team at Woodsides today to thank them for their work during the pandemic.

“I have long believed in the value of our local community pharmacy network and the important role it plays as a core part of health and social care.

“Throughout the pandemic, community pharmacists have delivered for communities when they needed it and the open door policy during this time has mean the most vulnerable have been supported throughout the crisis.

“Visiting the Woodsides pharmacy team today reminded me of the fundamental role community pharmacy plays in public health. Accessible, diligent and supporting us when we are most vulnerable. The service provided is one we must endeavour to uplift and support.”

Local community pharmacist Joanne Morrow said:

“Working on the frontline during this pandemic has been one of the most challenging periods of my career to date. In March, when lockdown measures were put in place, community pharmacists were adamant that our commitment and duty of care to our patients was paramount and had to be maintained so that no one went without.

“We are proud of our team here at Woodsides for the dedication and care they have shown to the local community and it has been a pleasure to be able to talk to Ian about the work our team have carried out over the past few months.”

“The strength of our community pharmacy network is in our accessibility and the fact we are deeply rooted in local communities – we know our patients and they know us and trust us.

“Now, as we enter into the next phase in this pandemic, our role is to continue the work we started, supporting our communities and putting their health and wellbeing first.”