Concern over ‘long wait’ after Warminster pharmacy closes

Concerns have been raised about the supply of pharmacies in a Wiltshire town as residents complain of long waits and problems getting medicines.

Boots closed one of its branches in Warminster, Wiltshire, in 2023, leaving two pharmacies in the town – a Boots Pharmacy in Market Place and Bestway Group’s Well Pharmacy in Cornmarket.

Organizer Dave Reeves fears the health of the elderly and vulnerable could be at risk if an extra pharmacy is not provided.

A Boots spokesman said its team was “working hard to resolve” the long queues and minimize disruption.

Mr Reeves said: “There were constant issues with people having to queue for their medicines and people not being able to access medicines because there was no pharmacist present and it was closing early.

“In the last seven months something like this has happened and it’s the older and more vulnerable people that worry me.

“I worry that they might not get their medication at all, or they might get it late and they might have health problems, depending on what the medication was prescribed for.”

Warminster City Council’s Steve Jefferies said he called on the local authority to take “positive action”.

“Having been personally affected by the significant lack of pharmacies in the city, this is why I have taken the opportunity over the past two months to speak to many townspeople who have had to queue in both Boots and Well,” he said.

“It is unacceptable for people with mobility issues to have to queue for up to an hour or more just to pick up their prescription,” he added.

Warminster Borough Council said it would raise the issue with the NHS Local Integrated Care Board (ICB), but the ICB said responsibility for pharmacy provision rests with the local health and wellbeing board, which is under the council.

The ICB spokesperson for Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire added: “ICB works closely with its community partners such as pharmacy providers, GP surgeries and Healthwatch colleagues to understand local concerns, in especially regarding closures, and will use this. perspective to ensure there is no loss in supply.”

The council said it would also write to the chief executive of Boots UK to request additional resources.

A Boots spokesman added: “Customers at the Boots store in Market Place in Warminster have experienced longer than usual waiting times for prescriptions.

“We thank our customers for putting up with us and being kind to our team members during this time.”

The Bestway Group has been contacted for comment.