Pharmacy to the rescue

Sir,

In the fog of uncertainty created by the pandemic, one would have thought how and where to get a flu vaccination would be one thing that was comparatively clear.

On September 23, my wife and I received letters from Public Health Scotland advising us to visit www.nhsinform.scot/flu or call an 0800 number to get advice on how to get a flu vaccination in our area.

The website was full of interesting information on everything except how to get a flu jab and the nice person on the helpline advised us to wait, as we would be getting another letter to tell us what to do.

No letter was forthcoming and while we waited dutifully, friends told us they had already booked in at Lochgilphead Health Centre (LHC). We then realised that instead of waiting for the second NHS Scotland letter, we should have gone directly to the LHC website, which turned out to be refreshingly clear.

Little wonder then Argyll Pharmacy in Lochgilphead had been hearing about concern and confusion over how to get vaccinated, mainly from the elderly.

Susan, the senior pharmacist, wanted to make sure none of the vulnerable among ‘her patients’ missed out so took the initiative by speaking to as many customers as possible, advising them to contact the LHC without delay. In addition, eye-catching stickers were attached to every prescription being collected, asking people to speak to pharmacy staff about vaccination. A thoughtful and caring response by a hardpressed service at the front line of local health care, providing that all important face-to-face contact and guidance.

It is easy to forget that this sort of personal support is typical of pharmacies up and down the country and is freely given on top of their more obvious role.

How fortunate we are to have such a shining example of good practice on our doorstep.

As regards the actual vaccination process at LHC, my wife and I found the process exemplary.

Professor AVP Mackay, OBE, FRCP Edin,

Ardrishaig.