Pharmacies struggle to cope with demand
Police are being called to pharmacies across East Kilbride as they struggle to cope with demand amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Locals are waiting hours to be served only to be turned away empty-handed by overstretched staff working reduced hours.
The News understands police have been called out to five chemist shops in the last week to deal with frustrated customers as lengthy queues compromise social distancing rules.
Whitehills grandad George Miller told how he had to make three trips across town to Rowlands Pharmacy in St Leonards Square for the one prescription, waiting between two and four hours each time.
The 65-year-old airport quality manager said: “The first time I waited two-anda-half hours – no one comes out to inform the queue you need to wait a week.
“I was told by the one person serving at the counter it wasn’t ready till the following Monday so I went back and waited over three hours, only to be told it wasn’t ready till Friday.
“I tried to make suggestions on how they could improve the process, half the queues and speedy up the delivery of items but no one was interested.
“I went back on Friday and the queue was right round the mall up to the Bonnie Prince Charlie.
“I waited for three-anda-half hours till 1pm before we were told they would be closing till 4pm. People at the front disappeared but this was my third visit so I stayed at the door.
“The staff called the police and five officers turned up telling us to go home. I told them I wasn’t going anywhere, my wife is asthmatic and desperately needs her inhaler.
“A young female officer then chapped the window and asked if I could get it. The staff agreed but said they would only help three more people at the front of the queue.”
George then realised the inhaler his wife so desperately needed, as well as blood pressure tablets were missing from the bag.
He added: “I called up and they said quite a bit of stuff had been missing from prescriptions. The bags are made up down south.
“I don’t know what’s going on in East Kilbride, it was an absolute shambles.
“The cop told me this was the fifth pharmacy they’d been to. I know staff are working hard and are at breaking point but there is a total lack of communication.
“It’s a management issue, it’s not the staff’s fault and I was told the manager was working from home. Why wasn’t he there?”
A Rowlands Pharmacy spokesman said: “Colleagues in our pharmacies are in the frontline of the fight against this virus and, like doctors and nurses are making tireless, brave and outstanding efforts at a time of national emergency. I’m sure the public will want to thank them.
“Pharmacies are facing unprecedented levels of demand for prescriptions which, combined with the two metre social distancing advice, means queues are unfortunately inevitable.
“We continue to provide a free home delivery service for vulnerable patients who are homebound and cannot ask a family member; neighbour; friend or volunteer to collect the prescription on their behalf.
“We are working with the Scottish Government to implement a new system whereby registered volunteers can pick up medicines for those who are self-isolating.”
East Kilbride Police Chief Inspector Lex Baillie said: “Local pharmacies are providing an essential service and staff are doing their best in this most difficult time.
“I ask that customers are patient, follow the guidance and respect fellow customers and staff.
“It is inconvenient to wait in a queue to have to return for prescriptions, but we all need to play our part in this emergency situation.”