Pharmacist shortage impacts Lloyds Pharmacy in Dingwall as broader national issue reflected on Ross-shire high street
A SHORTAGE of pharmacists has created a temporary headache for a Ross-shire business and some of its customers.
One customer turned away from Lloyds Pharmacy on Dingwall's High Street earlier this week contacted the Ross-shire Journal to query the situation after being surprised by the turn of events.
He said it was his understanding that no pharmacist was available at the time, forcing staff to delay customers planning picking up prescriptions.
A spokesperson for LloydsPharmacy said: “Our priority is to provide the best possible service and care to our customers and patients.
"We are actively recruiting for a full-time pharmacist at our Dingwall pharmacy but recruiting new pharmacists and pharmacy teams has become increasingly difficult; there is a shortage of pharmacists, and the profession is listed on the Home Office’s Shortage Occupation List.
“Legally a pharmacist must be present in the store for it to open and to give patients their prescriptions, therefore at times when a locum pharmacist can’t be sourced in times of sickness and absence our last resort is to temporarily close.
"When there is an unexpected closure, it is our policy that colleagues remain at the pharmacy to signpost customers to alternative pharmacies and answer basic queries.
“We are working together with other community pharmacy operators and the NHS to address the sector-wide workforce challenges.”
