CPOP

What happens with my Methadone/Suboxone dosing If I get COVID or my pharmacy service is interrupted due to COVID?

With increasing COVID numbers in Western Australia it is important to plan ahead in case you get COVID or if your pharmacy has to limit their services/opening hours due to COVID cases amongst their staff members. The below information has been compiled to assist you with preparing for this situation. Having a personal COVID-19 plan makes continuing your treatment easier if you are affected at any time.

IMPORTANT ADVICE RE: COVID – DO YOU HAVE A COVID PLAN?

Now is the time to start planning in the event that you or a family member get COVID and you are required to isolate at home, or if the pharmacy is required to close for a day or two or needs to reduce their trading hours due to COVID exposure.

It is important that you have a contingency plan to ensure that your treatment can be continued with the least amount of disruption.

RIGHT NOW –BEFORE ANY COVID EVENT

It is a good idea to find and nominate a suitable person or persons who can assist to collect takeaway doses on your behalf if needed. This form encourages you to find up to 3 people to assist. Please think about who you could rely on and seek their cooperation. This may mean regular trips to the pharmacy for your nominated person to collect doses until you are out of isolation.

You can complete their details and give a copy to your pharmacist as soon as possible so that everyone is prepared if you find yourself having to isolate. Alternatively you can keep the form in a safe place and send a photo of it in when required.

IF I HAVE COVID OR HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED AS A CLOSE CONTACT

Stay at home and call CPP (on 9219 1913), your doctor or your pharmacy to tell them of your situation. DO NOT attend the pharmacy.

We will assist CPP with your dosing records and work with them to ensure you are supported.

CPP will call your preferred 3rd party person to discuss and then advise you of the arrangements that have been made on your behalf. Your preferred 3rd party person will confirm when and how often they can attend the pharmacy to collect the doses. This is called a 3rd party collection arrangement, and they must be not also be isolating at time of collection.

Approved 3rd party collectors will need to provide approved ID to the pharmacy and will be required to pay for your doses.

IF THE PHARMACY HAS LIMITED TRADING HOURS OR IS TEMPORARILY CLOSED DUE TO A COVID INCIDENT.

It may occur that the Pharmacy is required to close temporarily if one or several of the pharmacists contract COVID. We at Busy Bee Pharmacy have organised a few emergency pharmacists that will be able to help with the dosing if this is the case, however dosing hours may be reduced significantly because of that. We aim to keep core dosing hours from 6am – 5pm, but may have to reduce hours even more without prior notice. Please check this page regularly for updates.

Also make sure that we have a current mobile number for you so that you can be contacted if necessary. You can double check the number on our records when you come in next time.

In the unlikely case that you see a sign on the front door of the pharmacy to indicate that the we are closed temporarily, call below numbers. Please rest assured that the team at Busy Bee Pharmacy will work with CPP to direct you to an alternative pharmacy and organise a new interim prescription.

MONDAY to FRIDAY:

Call the Community Pharmacotherapy Program on 9219 1913 or 9219 1907

ON THE WEEKEND:

Call the number displayed on the sign or call Alcohol and Drug Support Line 9442 5000.

While this would be a stressful event for you, please be patient and know that all has been put in place to assist you. CPP will be in contact with you to assist you and ensure that you will be welcomed at the alternative dosing pharmacy if this is required.