THE operators of a troubled pharmacy in Holsworthy have been issued with pleas to sort out their service amid the latest batch of issues.

Jhoots Pharmacy took on the operation of pharmacy services previously offered by LloydsPharmacy when they took over 36 of its branches in November 2023, using a business loan provided by HSBC bank, of which the Holsworthy branch was one.

However, the company’s operation of the service in the town has been troubled from the outset, with an eviction notice being served by the landlord of the now-former premises over a row regarding unpaid rent.

After a move to the former Lloyds bank building in the town, hopes were high that the troubles experienced by service users, who were left with only a Boots pharmacy to dispense medication in the town, would be a thing of the past.

However, customers using the pharmacy have been left frustrated after being unable to collect their prescriptions due to the absence of a pharmacist which is legally required to be able to dispense medication, with the situation being continual since January 17.

With no communication from company bosses to staff at the store, it has meant employees of Jhoots still attend work but are unable to open the doors for customers while prescriptions that are ready to collect are unable to be given.

The Post understands that staff at the branch have also experienced delays in being paid on time, while communication from employees to higher management at the chain has been often read but unanswered.

In addition, staff at the store are understood to be fearful for their futures and uncertain as to whether they will be paid for the coming month.

A source, who wished to remain anonymous added: “We are getting the blame from a few people for the fact we can’t give them their medication. We’ve had to send all prescription slips back to Holsworthy Medical Centre. We’re sat here just sending scripts back with no idea what is going on.”

The situation has led to a reaction of concern from the mayor of Holsworthy, who said assurances that services would improve were given when the pharmacy moved to its current location.

Cllr Nigel Kenneally, the mayor of Holsworthy, called on Jhoots Pharmacy to address the issues raised.

He said: “When Jhoots took over the old Lloyds bank I was delighted to have a pharmacy back in the centre of town. Assurances were given to me by management that the issues they had in their old premises would not continue at their new site.

“So I am deeply troubled to hear of the latest issues, including late payment of wages to staff and no onsite pharmacist and I would strongly encourage Jhoots to remedy these issues at the earliest opportunity, so confidence in their service is restored to the people of Holsworthy.”

Jhoots Pharmacy and OneDevon, the NHS Devon Integrated Care Board which is responsible for the commissioning of NHS services have not responded to a request to comment at this time.