The matron said they were informed by the pharmacist on duty that it was uncertain when the stores would be reopened
THE CLOSURE of Clicks stores in Kimberley has left many residents without their life-saving medication.
The matron of an old age home in the city said that a large number of the residents at the centre normally received their chronic medication on the 7th of each month.
“We arranged it in such a manner that all the medication for the residents is collected on the same day as it is easier in terms of collection, as well as to ensure control. However, we were unable to collect the medication on Monday as the stores were closed,” the matron said on Tuesday.
She added that they were informed by the pharmacist on duty that it was uncertain when the stores would be reopened again.
“We have an account at Clicks at the Diamond Pavilion Mall and asked if they couldn’t source the medication from their other branches in the city but apparently they are all closed and no one knows for how long.”
“This is a major problem as some of the residents took their last pills on Monday and have not had their medication today.”
The matron said that arrangements were made with a local doctor to write new prescriptions for all those affected.
“I had to send the doctor a list of all the medication that each resident takes so that I could organise new prescriptions that could be filled elsewhere.”
She said she was still waiting for the prescriptions. “I just hope that the pharmacy has the medication in stock and there isn’t a shortage. While some of the residents can go without their medication for a day or two, for others it is a matter of life and death.”
The matron stated that a few residents required blood pressure and heart medication. “I have had to monitor one resident constantly throughout the day to ensure that his condition does not deteriorate as he could not take his pills this morning. If he deteriorates, I will have to have him admitted to hospital. There are a few residents for whom the medication is vital.”
She added that another resident had extremely high blood pressure. “We are also monitoring her closely and if it goes up further we will have to make a plan very quickly. This is a serious situation, especially for old people as they can die very quickly.”
