Published on 30 April 2020
Volunteers usually used to looking for missing people have turned their attention to helping the community in a different way.
Members of Kent Search and Rescue Team are working with East Kent Hospitals staff to deliver vital medication to patients during the coronavirus outbreak.
The service has been introduced as part of a host of adaptations made by the Trust’s pharmacy team during the pandemic, including virtual consultations with patients.
Medicines value team leader Jo Ringer said: “After patients have a telephone or telemedicine consultation with hospital staff we needed to find a way to get their medicines to them.
“Some may be shielded, self-isolating or simply unable to attend in person, so we had to find a safe and effective delivery service.
“We contacted the Kent Search and Rescue Team and within a few days they provided us with a system using their volunteers who normally are on call to provide search and rescue skills across Kent.”
The medicines are delivered contact-free, and the delivery can be tracked using the KSAR app.
Jo said: “We are fortunate to have the support of colleagues, including ophthalmology technicians who have been redeployed from their normal work, as well as the local clinical commissioning group pharmacy team.
“This delivery service is making a real difference to our patients and we’re grateful to the KSAR team for their help.”
Thanks to the system, an 88 year old who had an infected corneal graft was able to receive antibiotics at home after a virtual consultation with hospital staff.
Martin Kingman, spokesman for Kent Search and Rescue, said teams were delighted to be able to help.
He said: “Our volunteers are always ready to help whenever and wherever they are needed and this essential work is no exception.
“It’s a privilege to be able to help the NHS in this way and to bring vital medicines to some of the most vulnerable people in our communities."
To request delivery please email ekhuft.medicinedelivery@nhs.net
