Calls for action after 'long queues' at pharmacy

The health minister says "urgent discussions" are taking place to find solutions

A Jersey backbencher has called for urgent action to deal with long queues at the island's hospital pharmacy.

Deputy Lucy Stephenson said she saw "one person in tears" and others "angry at the level of service", but added "staff were doing their best".

Another patient told the BBC delays in obtaining medication for ADHD meant she had to borrow tablets from a friend.

Health Minister Tom Binet said "urgent discussions" were taking place to find solutions.

Rachel Tippett says it affects her collecting ADHD medication

Rachel Tippett, who has ADHD, said the queues were "painful".

She said she could only visit the pharmacy to collect medication at lunchtime and sometimes her prescription was not ready.

Ms Tippett said it meant she had to re-join the queue at another time.

She said: "This isn't just a problem for adults and children with ADHD.

"It also affects people who need medication for diabetes. I've been taking medication for two-and-a-half years, and I've seen this situation getting worse and worse."

The issue was raised at last week's Health and Community Services Advisory Board - the last to be attended by Tom Hayhoe who has since resigned.

Ms Stephenson added: "I've spoken to people both inside and outside the health service who tell me they've suggested ways that this situation could be improved over several years, so why can't we get under the bonnet and sort it out?"

The government said it was considering whether more prescriptions could be managed by GP surgeries.

Mr Binet said extra staff would be recruited "as soon as possible".