The first pharmacy in Portsmouth, and one of the first in the UK, to be asked to contribute to the national COVID-19 vaccination rollout has given thanks to volunteers from Forgotten Veterans UK who helped set up and manage its designated clinic.
After expressing its desire to help in the fight against Coronavirus, the charity organisation based in Fort Cumberland and dedicated to providing support to veterans and their families across the country, was referred to Lalys Pharmacy by Portsmouth City Council.
Throughout February, a rota of over 20 volunteers managed the arrival and passing of individuals through Lalys Pharmacy’s Guildhall Walk vaccination centre, checking booking information and ensuring ordered social distancing.
‘Their help has been invaluable in recent weeks,’ says Mrs Laly, Director and Pharmacist at Lalys Pharmacy. ‘As we had space behind our pharmacy, we were asked to administer COVID vaccinations at quite short notice, but the team from Forgotten Veterans UK meant we could concentrate on physical, medical and administrative logistics of running the centre, while they dealt with visitors.’
‘Being called to take part in a national effort is something we are inevitably very comfortable with,’ said Gary Weaving, CEO of Forgotten Veterans UK. ‘We are always taking part in charity and community initiatives, often so that veterans find purpose and a way to take part in civilian life. Our work with the staff of Lalys Pharmacy has been tremendously satisfying and enjoyable.’
In appreciation of their efforts, Lalys Pharmacy has made a donation of £500 which will go towards hardship grants the charity awards veterans struggling to pay bills, support their families or in need of resources to find employment.
‘We are so very grateful for their time, effort and practical assistance,’ says Mrs Laly. ‘I know our staff have enjoyed working with them very much.’
For more information visit www.forgottenveteransuk.com.
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(left to right)
BEHIND: Benarda Alcani, Nurse, Hanieh Majidi, Pharmacist, Martin Farrow, Volunteer, and Sophie Furmedge, Dispenser.
FRONT: Gary Weaving, CEO of Forgotten Veterans UK.and Mrs Lalys, Founder and Director of Lalys Pharmacy.