Frustration with sudden Lloyds Pharmacy closure in Thatcham

The sudden closure of a pharmacy in Thatcham has sparked frustration among customers awaiting important prescriptions.

The Lloyds Pharmacy on Crown Mead is one of three remaining pharmacies in the town but has recently been operating under reduced hours before it temporarily closed.

Lloyds Pharmacy has apologised for the inconvenience and put it down to staff shortages.

A sign placed on the window of the branch reads: “Due to no staff this pharmacy is closed.

“Please call 01635 863 334 and we can return your prescription for you.

“We are very sorry for any problems this is causing you.”

A security guard has been seen standing outside the pharmacy, even while it is shut, which the pharmaceutical company said was to ensure both the staff and patients are safe against incidents where they have "felt threatened".

Thatcham resident Jane Gray, who has worked as a healthcare advisor and trainee dispenser at Boots at the Newbury Retail Park, said: “During my time there [Boots] I saw how difficult it was at times, especially for the elderly, disabled, and those without transport, in getting their prescriptions.

“Ten years on, and my observations when I'm out collecting my medication, things are just as bad.

“When a major link in the healthcare chain breaks, extra pressure is then put onto the existing services.

“We pay, or have paid our taxes, into the NHS and we expect the services are there when we need them."

She said the closure has put strain on other chemists including Boots pharmacy, in Thatcham, as well as putting pressure on the Thatcham Medical Practice who are having to deal with patients calling to find out what is happening with their prescriptions.

Many Thatcham residents have taken to online message boards to find out if and when the pharmacy will reopen with a number still awaiting “urgent medication”.

One Thatcham resident Paul Pickett commented on the strain this will have on the service when it reopens.

Mr Pickett said: “My brother relies on it for medication.

“I called the head office and was told that it isn’t shut and has been open every other day.

“I said no, it is closed.

“What if you are relying on pills for blood pressure or for a heart condition?

“There will also be a backlog now so they’ll have to catch up.”

Another resident Vivienne Bowden expressed concerns for elderly members of the community who can't travel to pharmacies further away from their home.

She said: "One Lloyds in the Kingsland Centre is permanently closed.

"The other in Crown Mead was only opening the door to hand back prescriptions.

"Boots in the health centre is almost impossible to get into. This means we have to travel into Newbury or the retail park.

"What is happening? It's not fair on people old or young who can't drive themselves."

A spokesperson for Lloyds Pharmacy told Newbury Today: “Due to staff shortages, Lloyds Pharmacy in Thatcham on Crown Mead, Bath Road, has been operating temporary reduced hours.

“We would like to sincerely apologise to our customers and patients for any inconvenience this may have caused.

“Staff shortages can occur for a variety of reasons including pharmacist availability, sickness absence and holiday.”

They went on to say: “However, rest assured, temporary closures and reduced operating hours are always a last resort.”

Newbury Today asked what customers should do when in need of emergency medication while the pharmacy is closed.

The spokesperson said: “When this difficult decision is taken, our priority is to signpost our local patients and customers to an alternative, nearby pharmacy, to ensure that they can access the care and medication they need.

“We take our responsibility for our local community very seriously, and our field management team are working hard to resolve these staffing issues as quickly as possible.

“It is our priority to ensure we are on hand to support our patients and the community consistently moving forward.

“This has included temporarily employing a security guard to protect both patients and colleagues against incidents where they have felt threatened.

“We take staff and patient safety extremely seriously and imposed this measure so that neither would be compromised.”

It has not been confirmed when the pharmacy will resume operating normal opening hours.