UPDATE: Former Jhoots Pharmacies in North Devon are set to reopen “within days” under new ownership, bringing relief to local residents. The announcement was made following a tumultuous period marked by prescription shortages and staff payment issues.
On November 7, it was confirmed that national chain Allied Pharmacies acquired 60 Jhoots branches, including those in North Devon and Torridge. The transition has led to temporary closures, but Ian Roome, MP for North Devon, announced on November 13 that he met with Allied’s managing director. The director assured him that branches would resume operations “in a matter of days.”
This news is crucial for patients who have faced ongoing frustrations due to a lack of access to vital prescriptions. Jhoots staff reported being unpaid since July, leaving pharmacies with bare shelves and patient concerns mounting. Allied Pharmacies has pledged to resolve outstanding payments within five working days.
“Allied Pharmacies stepping in to take over the former Jhoots branches is really welcome news for North Devon,” Roome stated. “They are preparing to resolve the back-pay of Jhoots pharmacy staff, which is absolutely vital.”
The branches set to reopen include locations in Ilfracombe, Braunton, Holsworthy, Combe Martin, Bideford, and Barnstaple. Local officials are optimistic about the future, emphasizing the importance of maintaining pharmacy services, particularly as the winter season approaches.
Local Councillor Graham Bell expressed that the takeover is “fantastic news” for the community. He highlighted the ongoing worry among residents regarding pharmacy closures and praised the efforts of pharmacy staff who kept services running despite the crisis.
“This could have been an unprecedented crisis,” Bell noted. “The closure of so many pharmacies would be unthinkable. Thankfully, we had experts from across Devon working to prevent a pharmaceutical crisis.”
As the situation evolves, residents are urged to stay updated on the reopening schedules. The recovery of pharmacy services is vital for the community, and local leaders are committed to ensuring that this crisis does not repeat itself in the future.
The reopening of Jhoots Pharmacies under Allied not only promises to restore local access to essential medications but also aims to stabilize employment for pharmacy staff who have endured significant hardship during this transition.
Stay tuned for further updates as Allied Pharmacies moves forward with reopening efforts and restoring service to North Devon.