A PENSIONER has branded the closure of an Island pharmacy branch an “absolute disgrace”.
St Clement resident George Sinclair rang the JEP news desk yesterday morning to express his outrage at SandpiperCI’s decision to close its pharmacy in Marks & Spencer at Grève d’Azette permanently.
Mr Sinclair said there had been very little advertising of the fact that the pharmacy was closing at such short notice and that it would cause difficulties for him and his neighbours.
Following inquiries made by this newspaper, SandpiperCI provided a statement to confirm that the pharmacy would stop handling medical prescriptions and permanently close on 30 September.
Their spokesperson apologised for the inconvenience but said that following a change-over in IT systems there was “no option” other than its closure.
Mr Sinclair, however, said: “The closure of a pharmacy in a heavily populated area is an absolute disgrace, especially as they have only given a few days’ notice.
“Sandpiper is taking no notice of the general population and the community with this decision.”
He further explained that a neighbour was equally livid and used his walk to the pharmacy as a chance to get exercise while picking up his prescriptions.
SandpiperCI’s statement said: “A spokesperson from SandpiperCI has apologised for the inconvenience caused to customers by the closure and explained that the current IT system will no longer be available to the store from the end of this month, leaving no option other than to close the pharmacy.
“Two part-time staff will be affected by the closure and formal consultations with all parties are currently taking place.
“The Marks & Spencer food retail outlet will not be affected by the pharmacy closure and will continue to trade as normal.”
