Given the extra demand on pharmacies to deliver medication to housebound patients, Jonathan Power, Avicenna Group CEO, sought help for its independent pharmacy members from national organisations to assist. We were delighted that EDF was first to respond to our call for help. Click here to here from Jonathan directly.
Independent pharmacists, at the heart of local communities, have been working incredibly hard to ensure their patients do not go without vital supplies during this challenging time. The partnership has seen a team of EDF engineer volunteers collect vital supplies from Avicenna member pharmacies and deliver to patients in self-isolation, or those who are unable to get to their local pharmacy, in the areas where EDF volunteers have generously donated their time.
The initiative, that started last week, has been fantastically received by members who were desperate for help with the increase in deliveries. Members have commented on the professionalism of the volunteer drivers and their ability to adapt to a new way of working:-
Asif Qureshi from Blenheim Pharmacy commented “A very good and helpful service – We were in a particularly difficult situation as our regular driver was unavailable and we really do appreciate this help.”
The move is the latest in a string of measures Avicenna has made to support its members during the pandemic including the creation of an online COVID-19 resource hub full of key assets to aid members during this time including a series of webinars & guidance for staff and advice on business continuity planning. Avicenna has helped members source critical PPE equipment, simplify government financial advice and share practical hints and tips re how to cope during this unprecedented crisis.
Jonathan Power, Group CEO at Avicenna, said: “We’ve been working hard throughout this period to assist our members in every way we can. Our priority being to ensure pharmacies, the unsung heroes of the NHS, can continue to provide patients up and down the country with the important medical supplies they need. We approached various potential partners for assistance and were incredibly grateful to receive this support from EDF which will ensure independent pharmacies can safely and securely scale up deliveries to reach the most vulnerable.”
Philippe Commaret, Managing Director for Customers at EDF, says: “These are challenging times, and we’re committed to doing all we can to support our customers and the wider public. Though partnerships such as this with Avicenna, we’re pleased to be able to help households receive the vital supplies they need. As well as helping our local communities, we’re also working tirelessly to ensure we continue to generate low carbon for our residential customers, as well as the thousands of buildings and organisations working to keep the nation running.”
Salim Jetha, Chairman at Avicenna said “Self-isolation and the shielding of vulnerable groups has put extra pressure on pharmacists wanting to offer home delivery services. Avicenna has a strong track record of supporting Independent Pharmacies, many of whom don’t have deep pocket to sustain their businesses and are deeply grateful for helping hand from the EDF volunteers.”
