Thorpe St Andrew: Community reaction to pharmacy closure

That is the stark message from people in Thorpe St Andrew who are facing the closure of a key community asset.

But the closure of pharmacies, like the LloydsPharmacy branch in Sainsbury's in Thorpe is set to have a rippling effect across the city.

The facility, which has been described as being in a "hub of the community", is one of the 237 LloydsPharmacy sites being axed, with the closure set for the end of March.

It is open as late as 10pm from Monday through Saturday, meaning those unable to go during work hours can still get medical assistance.

Sainsbury's Pound Lane (Image: Archant)

Tracey Cooper lives in Hopton Close and helps to run the Dussindale Community Page on Facebook.

The former LloydsPharmacy dispenser also has close family members who are pharmacists.

"In an ideal world it would be great if the pharmacy stayed, and what everyone is hoping is that somebody will take it on.

"It's a big community asset, especially with the talk of closing the walk-in centre."

Tracey Cooper, admin of Dussindale Community Page on Facebook (Image: Tracey Cooper)

The nearest supermarket pharmacy is at Tesco in Sprowston, as well as at the Asda in Drayton High Road.

Those in Postwick, whose nearest pharmacy is in the Pound Lane Sainsbury's, would have to travel to Brundell or further into Thorpe St Andrew for services.

Pharmacies in Thorpe St Andrew include the likes of Woodside or Lionwood practices, Well Pharmacy in Noble Close or Hunts Pharmacy in Plumstead Road.

Tesco in Blue Boar Lane, Sprowston, as well as Morrisons pharmacy in Albion Way, St Stephens Medical Practice, Boots in Eaton, Drayton Pharmacy, Roundwell Pharmacy and Boots Longwater are all open on Sundays.

A spokeswoman for LloydsPharmacy said: "LloydsPharmacy is currently exploring options for each individual branch which means that timeline and plans will vary on a branch-by-branch basis.

"Information on how patients and customers can continue accessing pharmacy services is available at the LloydsPharmacy website.

"Customers can also go online to the NHS website or use the NHS App to find out more details."

Tracey added: "It's frustrating because pharmacies are underrated.

"The knowledge a pharmacist has is second-to-none. They're things we need to have access to.

LloydsPharmacy is axing 237 pharmacy sites within Sainsbury’s supermarkets (Image: Newsquest)

"If we lose them, it does put more pressure on doctors' surgeries."

The General Pharmaceutical Services in England 2015/16–2021/22 report found that the number of community pharmacies in England has dropped to its lowest figure since 2015, with 11,522 currently open.

There are fears that the closure of pharmacies could lead to further demand on GPs for minor illnesses and severe problems with repeat prescriptions.

Ian Mackie is a Conservative Broadland district and county councillor for Thorpe St Andrew.

He said: "The closure will be a major blow to a town of more than 14,000 people who will now be without a nearby convenient pharmacy.

"Sainsbury's is a local hub. I would urge that an alternative solution is identified as soon as possible.

Cllr Ian Mackie (Image: Dominic Gilbert.)

"Thorpe St Andrew deserves to have its pharmacy secured, given the size of the growing population.

"This closure will impact every generation.

"The older population are relatively closer to the Sainsbury's and Thorpe has a number of care homes, but it also has a relatively young population.

"The pharmacy is at the heart of the community, everyone community of that size requires it.

"It shouldn't be allowed to go quietly.

"This needs to be replaced."

Cllr Mackie highlighted the ease of access to the facility, which has a large car park and sits on major bus routes.

He stressed that those living near the outgoing Lloyds may notbe able to access the other pharmacies nearby by foot, bus or car.

Thorpe St Andrew town councillor Peter Berry expressed his sadness for the staff affected and concerns for folk who rely on the Pound Lane pharmacy.

Thorpe St Andrew town councillor Peter Berry (Image: Archant 2021)

"LloydPharmacy not only provides a service for passing customers in Sainsbury's but they also administer flu jabs for those unable to travel further," he said.

"Although it's LloydsPharmacy's decision to close, I would hope that Sainsbury's will ensure that there is a pharmacy presence in their stores to serve the community."