Concern over long waits after pharmacy closure

There are currently two pharmacies in Warminster

Concerns have been raised over pharmacy provision in a Wiltshire town, as residents complain of long waits and issues obtaining medication.

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

Campaigner Dave Reeves fears older and vulnerable people's health could be at risk if an additional pharmacy is not provided.

A Boots spokesperson said its team was "working hard to address the issue" of long queues and to minimise disruption.

Mr Reeves said: "There have been constant issues about people having to queue for their medication and about people not being able to access medication because a pharmacist was not present and closing early.

"It has been like this on and off for the last seven months and it's the older and vulnerable people that I'm concerned about.

"I worry they may not get their medication at all or they may get it late and could have health issues, depending on what the medication has been prescribed for."

'Take positive action'

Steve Jefferies, from Warminster Town Council, said he had asked the local authority to take "positive action".

"Having been personally affected by the significant lack of pharmacy provision in the town, this is why I took the opportunity over the last couple of months to speak with many townsfolk who had to stand queuing both in Boots and Well Pharmacies," he said.

"For people with mobility issues, it is unacceptable to have to queue for up to an hour or more simply to collect their prescription," he added.

Warminster Town Council said it would raise the issue with the local NHS Integrated Care Board (ICB), but the ICB said the responsibility for pharmacy provision fell to the local health and wellbeing board, which sits under the council.

The Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire ICB spokesperson added: "The ICB works closely with its partners in the community, such as pharmacy providers, GP practices and Healthwatch colleagues, to understand local concerns, particularly around closures, and will use this insight to help ensure there is no loss in provision."

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

A Boots spokesperson added: “Customers to the Boots store at Market Place in Warminster have been experiencing longer than usual wait times for prescriptions

"We thank customers for bearing with us and being kind to our team members during this time.”

The Bestway Group has been approached for comment.