Chemist apologies to customers

An MSP has been forced to intervene in a growing row over a failing GP repeat prescription service.

Concerns have been raised about the service at the Lloyds Pharmacies in Cumnock.

Now MSP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley Elena Whitham has written to the firm’s parent company to highlight growing waits, meds going missing and long queues outside the pharmacies. In her letter to McKesson UK, her second correspondence to the firm in three months, she said: “Local store staff are working hard, but it is my belief that they are being let down by management that are failing to properly resource the pharmacy which is further compounded by the issues with the new IT systems

“I have requested an urgent meeting with Lloyd’s parent company to seek assurances that they have a plan in place to return service levels to an acceptable level as soon as possible.”

A Lloyds Pharmacy spokesperson said: “Due to staff shortages in recent weeks, our Lloyds Pharmacy in Cumnock has been operating temporary reduced hours. We would like to apologise to our customers and patients for any inconvenience this may have caused.

“These challenges have been caused by an outbreak of Covid-19, resulting in a significant number of our workforce having to self-isolate. In the absence of a full-time pharmacist and other members of staff, we use locums to provide support. Unfortunately, this difficult situation has been compounded by the recent installation of new IT systems.

“Our priority is always to ensure that the community we serve can access the care they need, so in the event of a closure, we signpost customers to alternative pharmacies in the area.

“We apologise for the impact on the community and appreciate their patience at this time.”