Jhoots ‘Temporarily’ Closed in Montpelier Affects Local Residents

The local health centre has now made contact with patients regarding their prescriptions

Residents in Montpelier, have been struggling to access medication after the ‘temporary’ closure of Jhoots Pharmacy.

It’s co-located within Montpelier Health Centre and used by residents to pick up their prescriptions.

Two weeks ago, Jhoots placed a sign on the shutters informing people that they do not ‘currently have a pharmacist on site.’

However, at the beginning of this week, the sign remained on the shutters as the pharmacy appeared to have closed down.

During this time, repeat medication was continuing to be sent to the pharmacy by GPs at the surgery, which patients were unable to access.

It was not until Tuesday 28 October, that Montpelier Health Centre sent out a text communication informing patients that the pharmacy was ‘temporarily closed’.

The sign placed on the door said: ‘Unfortunately, we do not currently have a pharmacist on site so will be unable to dispense your medication.’

Patients were asked to call the pharmacy so the prescription could be returned.

No adjustments were available for Disabled people unable to use telephones.

Eventually, Montpelier Health Centre informed their patients that the ‘co-located’ pharmacy is ‘temporarily closed’.

Regulator the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) has already taken enforcement action against separate pharmacy premises owned by Jhoots across the country since the beginning of the year. This has been for similar repeated and unexpected closures and poor service.

Pharmacist have also reported not being paid.

In October this year, Minister For Care, Stephen Kinnock, told the House of Commons that pharmacy stores that “regularly” breach their terms of service can be removed from the pharmaceutical list by Integrated Care Boards. This would mean a pharmacy would no longer be able to provide NHS services.

He said: “The vast majority of pharmacies provide excellent care to their patients, but unfortunately there are some that fall short of the standards we expect. Sadly, the services provided by Jhoots are falling well below the mark. Hon. Members will know that several integrated care boards have been deploying contract management actions against Jhoots, initially in the form of breach notices. Integrated care boards enforce the NHS terms of service on pharmacies for such things as their opening hours, and the General Pharmaceutical Council regulates pharmacy premises and pharmacy professionals. Both ICBs and the General Pharmaceutical Council have powers to address problems in pharmacies and they are actively using those powers, including in relation to stores that are part of Jhoots.”

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