Restrictions at pharmacies
Members of the public accused a Lanark pharmacy of causing chaos in the street this week after they dished out prescriptions outside.
Lloyds Pharmacy, next to the Woodstock Medical Centre, were accused of refusing to let customers inside, instead issuing prescriptions at their front door on Woodstock Road.
One service user said:“chaos in Lanark, Lloyds chemist. Not allowing customers in and issuing prescriptions outside.
“Not sure if others are doing the same, scary stuff and can imagine everyone panicking.”
The firm have admitted to experiencing a recent surge in demand as the coronavirus pandemic deepens and they apologised for causing any inconvenience this week, but they insisted that the doors to the pharmacy were now open.
Lloyds issued a statement which read:“at a time like this, our Lloydspharmacy healthcare teams in the community are working harder than ever to ensure that everyone continues to get the products, services and medicines they need through this challenging time.
“The spread of the coronavirus is as much of a concern for our pharmacy teams, as it is our customers and patients, given the vital role they play in providing advice and support around the outbreak.
“Like most pharmacies, our Lloydspharmacy in Woodstock Health Centre has been experiencing a recent surge in demand, with large volumes of customers waiting in-store for prescriptions.
“In addition to this, the GP surgery next door are taking preventative measures by only conducting telephone consultations and triaging patients at the door. This has placed additional pressures on the pharmacy team.
“We apologise for any inconvenience caused and would like to reassure our customers and patients that the doors to our pharmacy are now open.”
Meanwhile, other pharmacies throughout Lanarkshire were beginning to introduce new restrictions for their customers as the virus spreads.
Hamilton’s Boots Pharmacy on Mill Road has placed signs outside their premises advising customers that they are trying to limit the number of people inside the shop with five only being allowed in at one time.
It read:“we apologise for any inconvenience caused. Please be patient at this difficult time.”