The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted all too starkly the need to refocus on the physical and mental health needs of people working in community pharmacies.
The stresses resulting from the pandemic, the demands put on staff, abuse from customers and the uncertainty of the future have all taken their toll.
The COVID-19 pandemic also has highlighted the need for everyone to be aware of their mental health and ensure they are monitoring it during these stressful times.
Community pharmacies play an important role in helping patients (and their carers) stay mentally healthy through education on medicines and options, promoting adherence to their medicines regimens and in helping the lifestyle changes (weight management, smoking cessation etc).
But all too often they are too busy looking after our patients that they can neglect their own health.
Recognising this, from this July the Pharmacy Guild is introducing a free employee assistance program for members and their staff to support the health and wellbeing of their workforce.
In addition to professional counselling and therapy services, the new member service will offer access to ongoing proactive health advice. This is through a range of interactive digital tools such as a mobile app and website resources.
To ensure members are offered the best possible employee assistance program, the Guild has partnered with TELUS Health (formerly LifeWorks) which is a renowned provider of remote counselling support with more than 50 years’ experience.
After examining a wide range of providers, the Guild decided on TELUS Health because it offered a comprehensive modern program which was designed to destigmatise mental health issues as well as offer a more holistic approach.
Some members, particularly some of the banner groups, already have programs in place. The program has been tailored to complement these existing programs and the Guild has worked with its branches, banner groups, stakeholders and the Pharmacists’ Support Service to ensure the offering meets the needs of members and their staff.
The EAP is available to provide support to members who register through the Guild member portal.
