Imagine being diagnosed with cancer during a lockdown. Or developing a heart condition that has gone undiagnosed. One year in from the beginning of the pandemic, many patients are still struggling to see doctors, have had operations postponed or are avoiding hospitals because of the virus. It is an incredibly difficult situation – one that can leave people feeling isolated and alone.
Walgreens Boots Alliance has been adapting throughout the pandemic to make sure healthcare services continue to be available to as many people as possible – from embarking on new virtual frontiers to making deeper commitments to local communities. Every part of the global business has stepped up to meet patients and customers where they need us to be, providing care and support during a difficult time.
For cancer patients, it has been an extraordinarily difficult time. That’s why WBA has been stepping up efforts to increase support and advice through its community pharmacies and strategic charity partnerships.
Lockdowns across the world have made it much harder for those most vulnerable in our society to visit their pharmacy to get the care and support they need. To combat this, WBA has been working hard on innovative digital services so we can continue to meet customers and patients when and where they want healthcare advice, products or services.
With the pandemic putting strain on day-to-day lives, pharmacies have shown they are an integral partner in the health system. From providing preventive healthcare screenings to making lifestyle choices that reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, pharmacies are an ideal place to actively promote health and well-being in the communities they serve.
Mental health of patients and colleagues has been put under constant pressure during the pandemic. With so much bad news and uncertainty, anxiety is becoming increasingly common. Having access to professional help or just someone to talk to is important. To address this, WBA has stepped up its mental health initiatives, both for patients and our colleagues.