THE manager of Boots pharmacy in Wellington High Street has spoken out after residents complained over ‘nightmarish’ wait times.

Following a report by the Wellington Weekly that some customers were waiting up to and in excess of an hour to collect their prescriptions - and in some cases had to make multiple attempts to do so - the store’s manager took to social media to explain the delays.

Fiona Hardwick said she was “Truly sorry” for the wait times, which she admitted were “unacceptable.” Responding to customers on Facebook she said:

“Thank you ever so much to each and every one of you for your patience and understanding with the change we are all experiencing.

“The High Street store is currently waiting for a refit to allow for the increase in patients, storage, equipment and staff. We have been experiencing sickness and holiday with staff so that has left us short while adapting and having our workload triple.

“When things are running smoothly we will be fully staffed in the pharmacy and with the shop till always having someone there and being in the shop itself.

“I am truly sorry for the unacceptable wait times, we are doing our best to get things ready for you so everyone stays safe. I do hope you stay patient with us whilst we get through this tricky transition period, things will improve for you and us.”

Ms Hardwick pledged the service would improve, adding: “Wait times will get better and quicker, prescriptions will be ready before you come and collect, waiting for the text is best unless you need it sooner, of course.

“Thank you again, I am sorry and let’s get through this together whilst the staff and the store adapt, grow and support you. Please continue to support your local Boots pharmacy.”

The difficulties came as Boots closed its pharmacy by the Wellington Medical Centre, which is thought to have increased demand on the High Street store.

Carol Dabbs, 81, was one of dozens of customers who faced difficulties collecting her medicines from the town centre chemist. She told the Wellington Weekly she felt ‘stuck in a nightmare’ after repeated trips to the store - and on one occasion receiving the wrong medication.

A man in his 70s said he had waited for over an hour to receive his prescription, and warned off a Wellington Weekly journalist from the in-store pharmacy, saying “I wouldn’t bother if I were you.” 

While a woman customer leaving the queue expressed her relief that it only took half an hour to obtain her prescription.

Boots were contacted for comment but did not respond before publication.