Dudley librarians collect and deliver urgent medical prescriptions
With library buildings closed due to coronavirus, Dudley’s library staff have taken to the road to help support the community, particularly those self-isolating.
In response to a request from Dudley Council, library staff who would normally deliver Dudley’s Home Library Service – a mobile library provision supplied directly to people’s front doors – are now ‘on call’ to collect and deliver urgent medical prescriptions as and when required.
Five staff members are currently involved to deliver prescriptions to those most in need.
The team work on a rota basis and observe strict social distancing protocols, use hand sanitiser and leave medicines on individuals’ doorsteps, before phoning them to advise that the delivery has been made.
David Potts, better libraries partnership manager for Dudley, said: “I am extremely proud of the team, who have really risen to the challenge and embraced their new working day with enthusiasm and focus.
"Although we’ve only recently started deliveries the feedback we’ve received to date from those who are housebound and reliant on medication has been incredibly positive.
“We’re hoping to be able to contribute more to the community in the coming weeks, for example by delivering food parcels and staffing food bank phone lines. Our library staff have a multitude of skills and we’re keen to put them to good use.”
Councillor Laura Taylor, cabinet member responsible for libraries at Dudley Council, added: “I want to extend my personal thanks to the library staff involved in delivering these essential prescriptions, and all those in the community who are playing their part in keeping people safe at home, saving lives and protecting our NHS."
