People face 10 mile journey after pharmacy closes

Jhoots closed its doors without warning

People in a Cumbrian village are having to travel more than ten miles to get their prescriptions after the sudden closure of its pharmacy.

Jhoots in Sedbergh shut without warning on Thursday, citing the lack of a pharmacist.

SNJ Limited, which runs the facility as a service commissioned by Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board, blamed recruitment challenges in rural areas.

Health bosses say they are working hard to ensure everyone is able to access their medication.

Dr William Lumb, from Sedbergh Medical Practice, said: "Clearly this is at best an inconvenience and at worst worrying for the population within Sedbergh.

"We are working hard to ensure that no-one goes without essential medication (all good so far) and make the switch to alternate supplies as smooth as possible.

"We will not leave anyone alone so if you are a patient and remain worried about the supply of prescription medication please contact the surgery."

Amy Lepiorz, associate director of primary care for Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board, said it was working with Jhoots to secure ongoing pharmaceutical services.

"Anyone needing to access medications is reminded they can make use of online pharmacies that will deliver direct to their homes", she added.

"In addition, the ICB has made arrangements to allow Sedbergh Medical Practice to dispense medicines to patients who have an urgent need for medication.