A MEMBER of the Senedd has personally thanked those working in community pharmacies for their work during the pandemic.

Jack Sargeant MS paid a visit to Griffiths Pharmacy in Garden City to see first-hand the work done by Community Pharmacies throughout the COVID crisis.

The Alyn and Deeside MS met with staff and representatives of Community Pharmacy Wales and shared his heartfelt thanks to those who work in pharmacies across his Alyn and Deeside constituency.

He heard about the difficulties that the pandemic has presented. The pharmacy also told Mr Sargeant of the need to move to a more joined up electronic prescribing system. This would allow easier cross border working which is crucial to pharmacies in the constituency.

The MS said: “I was delighted to be able to say thank you for the important work done in pharmacies, especially during these difficult to times. Community Pharmacies support have supported our communities right through the pandemic and adapted to ensure that everybody gets the prescriptions they need.

“It is important to me that residents and businesses are able to raise matters directly with me and I am grateful to Community Pharmacy Wales for raising the issue of electronic prescribing. I support their calls for electronic prescribing in Wales.”

Judy Thomas from Community Pharmacy Wales added: “Jack Sargeant has always been a user and a champion of community pharmacy, and as a health sector we are delighted he took the time to visit us and hear first-hand how Richard Griffiths and other pharmacists have responded to the crisis.

"The volume of prescriptions dispensed during the early Covid-19 period was unbelievable, and the demands on our services have never been greater.

"The Covid urgency has shown the urgency of switching to an Electronic Prescribing system in Wales, and hopefully this issue is now moving up the list so we can Build Back Better in terms of primary health care."