‘Our sector is under a lot of pressure’
I WAS honoured last week to be among the 200 pharmacists invited to a special reception at St James’s Palace.
At the event the Prince of Wales recognised the work of pharmacists across the United Kingdom, in the light of their extraordinary contribution during the coronavirus pandemic. It was held, in part, to mark the National Pharmacy Association’s recent centenary.
I was struck by the way His Royal Highness recognised the work we, as pharmacists (and pharmacy staff), do behind the scenes, which often goes unnoticed. In particular, he praised the dedication and professionalism of pharmacy staff during the Covid-19 pandemic, but stressed especially the work of pharmacies in ordinary times, day in and day out.
This was a really important message for us, and the wider public to hear.
We all remember those days at the height of the pandemic when we were getting a round of applause every Thursday, but now that those days are gone, that doesn’t mean that the level of care for our patients has been reduced.
Our sector is under a lot of pressure, with a relentless workload, so events like these at St James Palace really lift our spirits. The Prince’s tribute was not only for those of us lucky enough to be in the room, but for all pharmacy staff across the UK, who give so much to keep people well.
Looking around the splendid function room at St James’s palace, it was obvious that the gathering included people from the many different backgrounds that make up the pharmacy workforce today.
The Prince noted that, whilst pharmacy may be an ancient profession, “it certainly reflects modern Britain in all its splendid diversity,” and I’m proud to say that I’m one of eight board members of the National Pharmacy Association from an Asian background.
Prince Charles recognised that people have come to value pharmacies tremendously over generations of service.
He understood that, as well as providing prompt access to advice and treatment, pharmacies are also a friendly and reassuring presence in our communities. As he put it so aptly with are, “a place where science meets society”.