Isolated, but not alone – Foster’s Pharmacy
Foster’s Pharmacy in Arva continues to provide a range of services and supports to its customers in pandemic times and in normal times - for example a free delivery service to vulnerable patients. Leah O’Donnell is the pharmacy manager and says the ethos of their business centres on - your health, our community.
“Here in Foster’s Pharmacy, we recognise that loneliness and isolation are a part of life for many older people, especially during these difficult Covid restriction times. These restrictions mean that networks to ease loneliness, such as social groups or family visits, are out of bounds. Even before the lockdown officially began, some older people had chosen to isolate for fear of contracting the virus and the same is likely to be true now when some lockdown measures begin to ease,” she said.
As a pharmacy, Foster’s realise the importance of providing simple, yet significant, interventions to make a difference in the community they serve.
“We offer a free delivery service for patients deemed to be vulnerable and work with those with health conditions, spending time to understand their needs. We have many aids instore, which allow for increased independency in the home - easy grabbers, pill organiser boxes, opening grips, blood pressures monitors and walking aids, to name a few. We also have a wide range of vitamins and supplements which help to support joint care, memory and brain function and vision care to name a few,” outlines Leah of some of the services and products available.
The qualified and caring staff at Foster’s Pharmacy are always on hand to offer advice and make recommendations to patients.
“We would encourage any of our community to make contact with us if they feel that any of the these may be of assistance to them or indeed should anyone feel increasingly anxious and vulnerable or have any questions regarding the pandemic. We aim to work as proactively as possible to ensure that our customers are well cared for,” says Leah.
New to the area, Leah says she has been “absolutely bowled over by the kindness and caring nature” of the pharmacy staff.
“These attributes are evidently reciprocated and appreciated by our customers. All of the Foster’s staff are an absolute credit to the pharmacy, but also to the community, going above and beyond with their service.
“No concern is too big and no question too small. We encourage our community to seek our advice and assistance whenever necessary and there will always a friendly and helpful ear to listen,” concludes Leah.