Frustrated patients have hit out at lengthy queues which have blighted Boots in Oban’s George Street after the firm closed its small but busy pharmacy in Soroba Road.
In June last year, Boots announced plans to consolidate the business by reducing the total number of shops in the UK from 2,200 to 1,900 by the end of 2023. Decisions were typically made where stores were in close proximity to other branches, generally within 2km, and as a result the Soroba Road Boots, next door to Lorn Medical Centre, was axed.
Since its doors shut for good, people needing prescriptions say they are having to wait longer and longer to get what the doctor ordered.
One customer told us how she queued for 40 minutes just to hand in her prescription at George Street.
Lorn Medical Centre has also received feedback from patients concerned about the closure. The surgery is asking people to submit prescriptions ’in good time’.
Surgery manager Mark Dixon says the main concern is extended waiting times.
He explained: "There seems to be additional pressures on Boots George Street and also Gordons, as both pharmacies have clearly seen their demand increase. I’ve been told it is taking up to five days to turn prescriptions around.
Gordon’s Chemist in George Street has also put up a notice in its window, asking customers to allow five days before returning to pick up prescriptions.
The Oban Times has asked Boots the Chemist to comment but as yet no response has been received.
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