UPDATE: North Devon’s former Jhoots Pharmacies are set to reopen ‘within days’ under new ownership, bringing hope to a community grappling with prescription shortages and staff pay issues. This announcement comes just days after national chain Allied Pharmacies confirmed they acquired 60 Jhoots branches, including locations in Ilfracombe, Braunton, Bideford, Combe Martin, and Barnstaple.
On November 13, 2023, North Devon MP Ian Roome disclosed that he met with Allied Pharmacies’ managing director, who assured him operations would resume soon. “We expect the branches to begin trading in a matter of days,” Roome stated, sparking relief among local residents.
The previous Jhoots branches had faced severe challenges, including unexpected closures and staff not receiving pay since July. Many local pharmacies have struggled to keep shelves stocked, leading to frustration for patients dependent on vital prescriptions. An anonymous Jhoots employee shared concerns of having to sit idle in empty stores, fearing job loss while head office remained unresponsive.
“Allied Pharmacies stepping in to take over the former Jhoots branches is really welcome news for North Devon,” said Ian Roome. “They are preparing to resolve the back-pay of Jhoots pharmacy staff who have not been paid, which is absolutely vital.”
The transition is seen as a significant step towards stabilizing local pharmacy services, especially as winter approaches. Allied Pharmacies has pledged to address outstanding payments to staff within five working days, a move that has been warmly received by the community.
Local officials have expressed gratitude for the swift intervention. Graham Bell, a councillor from Braunton, emphasized the importance of the takeover. “The pharmacy technicians and pharmacists have been doing a fantastic job to keep services functioning. They deserve our sincere thanks,” he remarked, highlighting the strain felt by local residents due to ongoing pharmacy closures.
With North Devon hosting the highest number of Jhoots sites in the region, the crisis could have escalated dramatically without Allied’s intervention. Bell warned, “This could have been an unprecedented crisis. The closure of so many pharmacies would be unthinkable.”
As the community waits for these pharmacies to reopen, there is a renewed focus on the need for sustainable pharmacy models. Local authorities are urged to collaborate closely to prevent future crises in the healthcare sector.
This urgent situation underscores the vital role pharmacies play in community health. Residents are encouraged to stay updated as reopening dates are confirmed, signaling a potential return to normalcy for pharmacy services in North Devon.
For those affected by the previous closures, this news represents a crucial lifeline. Local officials and community members remain hopeful for a swift resolution as they navigate these challenging times.
