Staff in Isle of Wight chemist shops are facing growing abuse from frustrated patients due to the shortage of pharmacists.
Some people have been going without essential medication for diabetes, epilepsy and other conditions, a local health watchdog has warned, simply because their local pharmacy has closed for the day at short notice.
An incident in Ventnor yesterday (Thursday) saw the Boots Pharmacy, on the High Street, lock its doors with patients still inside due to the abuse the staff were receiving.
Issues were highlighted at a meeting of the Isle of Wight Associations of Local Councils last night, which heard how Islanders were waiting in hour-long queues to receive their prescription and people were making special trips only to find the chemists.
There was also an inequality of provision across the Island.
There were also worries it could have a knock-on effect on other medical services on the Island.
Problems, however, had not been noted at small, independent pharmacies.
John Graney, of Brading, said a licence for a pharmacist in the town had been refused, and travel to Ryde to collect a prescription for a parent and two children would be £15.
Joanna Smith, Healthwatch Isle of Wight manager, said many people had contacted them with negative feedback.
Speaking after the meeting Ms Smith said: “While we understand there is a shortage of pharmacists, it is unacceptable people have not been able to take prescribed medication which will impact their health and wellbeing.”
The body has already contacted the Island’s Clinical Commissioning Group to see if GPs can issue prescriptions covering longer time frames, for example, six months instead of one or three.
It has also shared its concerns with the local pharmaceutical committee and will be contacting NHS England and Improvement, who commission local pharmacies, to escalate them and discover what action will be taken to ensure people can get the medication they need on the Island.
Healthwatch is asking that anyone who would like to share their feedback on Island pharmacies at the moment, good or bad, get in touch.
You can email [email protected], call 608608 or find out more online.
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