SCOUT leaders are volunteering to deliver pharmacy prescriptions to patients self-isolating because of coronavirus.

More than 40 volunteers have started taking medication to elderly and vulnerable people who are unable to leave their homes.

And the helpers have already delivered more than 1,000 orders.

The delivery service, which launched in Witney and west Oxfordshire, operates six days a week, from Monday to Saturday – with members going out twice a day.

The service is available to any resident in the area, regardless of age and ability.

It sees collection teams visiting six pharmacies and picking up prescriptions for delivery.

Medications are sorted in a hub that has been laid out carefully to allow volunteers to operate safely and maintain a two-metre distance.

Personal protective equipment is also provided to ensure that deliveries are safe both for the volunteers and recipients

The idea for the project came from Sarah Townsend, the dispensary manager at Windrush Medical Practice in Welch Way, Witney, who is also part of the West Oxfordshire District Scout Team.

She said: “At the medical practice we could see people standing in queues outside the pharmacies for up to two hours and although they were socially distancing it was a lot of unnecessary footfall into the pharmacy for the staff to come into contact with.

“I knew that my scouting colleagues would rise to the challenge and they all had DBS, safeguarding and GDPR training.

“I approached Joff Greer, another local scouter and asked if he would take on the challenge of coordinating the project on March 25, and the next day the scheme was up and running.”

The scheme, which began in Witney, has now spread to other scout groups across Oxfordshire.

Similar services are being offered to residents in the Botley, West Oxford, Cumnor and Abingdon areas.

Amanda Bielby who is a cub scout leader at First Burford Scout Group and also a delivery volunteer,said: “When I delivered my first prescription to a gentleman in North Leigh, he said thank you as we were saying goodbye and it brought a lump to my throat.

“The value of the service was immediately visible and it is so great to be part of a team of scouts helping where we can.”

Volunteers have been praised by many residents thankful for their hard work and sterling efforts.

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Anonymous customers who have benefited from the volunteers' efforts described their work as ‘brilliant’ and hailed the project as a major success.

One resident of the Richmond Village retirement complex, told volunteers: “Your organisation of prescription delivery has been appreciated by many.

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“It was a major cause of worry for residents who are so relieved that a system is in place for future ordering.”

People who wish to take advantage of the service can contact the teams on spdsoxford@gmail.com