Volunteers to deliver medicines to those unable to leave homes during COVID-19

by Q Radio News

A new volunteer-led service has been set up to deliver medication to people who can't leave their homes during the current coronavirus pandemic.

The Health and Social Care Board (HSCB) has been working with the Community Development and Health Network (CDHN) to co-ordinate volunteer organisations. 

The groups are supporting community pharmacies who have been experiencing a high demand for their services, throughout the covid-19 crisis. 

The volunteers collect and deliver medications to patients and provide support within pharmacies, including assisting controlling the numbers allowed into chemists to maintain social distancing requirements. 

Health Minister Robin Swann said, "It is important that individuals who are self-isolating or unable to leave their home because of Covid-19 continue to have access to their medicines. 

"Many will have a family member, friend, or local support network who can help but others will have difficulties.  It is those we need to help. 

“Community pharmacies are working hard to maintain a service to their communities.  However social distancing measures are impacting on patients with an increasing need for home deliveries of medicines.”

“This new network of volunteers will ensure that all patients will continue to get their medicines.  We have already seen an excellent response from all sections of society to help the fightback against Covid-19. 

"This is another excellent example of voluntary action helping those in need and I commend the CDHN and the HSCB in delivering this.” 

Joe Brogan, Head of Pharmacy and Medicines Management in the Health and Social Care Board, said: “CDHN is a well-established organisation with good relationships with local volunteer and community organisations. 

"Through those contacts, patients who are unable to visit their local community pharmacy will continue to have access to their medicines."