The Covid-19 pandemic is causing rapid and unpredictable changes to our lives, businesses, outlook and behaviours. Community support is readily available for those who have been cocooning or unable to easily access help. Indeed, the idea that we’re ‘in this together’ has become a mantra that has galvanised communities across the country in support of each other as each day, we make incredible efforts to stay connected, while staying apart.
Boots have been actively supporting local communities with a focus on supplying patients and customers with the prescriptions, trusted advice and medicine that they need. Boots have been encouraging the use of their Prescription Ordering Service, that allows patients or a family member to pre-order their prescriptions through the Boots app before going in to their chosen Boots store to collect their medication, when it is ready.
The service has reduced in-store dwell time, enhancing the safety of both customers and staff and ensuring the continued provision of prescription medicines while adhering to social distancing.
Caoimhe McAuley, director of Pharmacy at Boots Ireland commented, “pharmacy is at the frontline of providing health care in local communities and we want to do all we can to help our patients, customers and colleagues through this very difficult time. I am so proud of our team, who have continuously gone above and beyond for their patients, and each other. The level of kindness I have witnessed has been heartening and I am encouraged by the level of engagement with our Prescription Ordering Service, which is helping to protect the most vulnerable, while ensuring the safety of other customers and our team.”
Patients can also contact their pharmacist by phone, allowing them to ask any pressing questions they may have and helping them to build on their relationship with the friendly, well-trained and knowledgeable pharmacy team.
Despite the easing up of some measures through Phase 1, there are still vulnerable patients all over Ireland who need to continue to cocoon and self-isolate and need help with getting things like groceries and medicines.
Knowing that a little bit of kindness can go a long way, Boots Ireland have partnered with volunteer groups through the FAI and local authorities to help deliver medicines to vulnerable patients all over the country.
The FAI Development Officers and volunteers through Local Authorities provide delivery and are happy to help anyone who needs it.
FAI medical director Alan Byrne says, “the current Covid-19 pandemic has made such an impact on the day-to-day lives of so many. This programme is a great benefit to those in lockdown who simply cannot get out to collect their prescriptions. I applaud Boots and the FAI for the initiative, and I thank all the Development Officers who are giving their time and energy to this programme.”
The Prescription Ordering Service is a permanent addition to the range of Boots services. It sits within the current Boots app and allows customers to digitally transmit their prescriptions ahead of visiting their chosen pharmacy. Repeat prescription requests can also be sent and managed via the service. Once you’ve placed the order through the app, Boots will let you know when they’ve received your order and when your prescription is ready to collect. The original paper prescription must be brought into the pharmacy on collection to complete the transaction or alternatively, throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, your doctor can email a copy of the prescription to your pharmacy.
The process is simple:
- Download the Boots app
- Register your details
- Send an image of your prescription via the app to your chosen Boots pharmacy, or ask for a prescription on file to be prepared
- Boots will keep you updated and will send you a text when your prescription is ready to collect
- Go to your chosen Boots pharmacy with your paper prescription and collect your medicine from our trusted pharmacists
The Boots Ireland app is available to download for free via the App Store or Google Play.