Boots confirms no north-east store closures after MSP voices concerns
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HEALTH and pharmacy giants Boots has confirmed there is “no change” to the status of its north-east stores but warned a “small number” will close across Scotland.
The announcement comes following concerns as a to the future of many north stores by North east Conservative MSP Douglas Lumsden.
He had previously written to the pharmacy chain asking for clarity on what outlets would be impacted across the region after the company announced it would close 300 of its UK branches within the next year.
Mr Lumsden said the announcement had caused concern among communities who rely on Boots, particularly for prescriptions.
However, in a response to the MSP, Boots said no plans have been made to close north-east stores despite its Union Street branch shutting its doors in April.
Mr Lumsden said: “While Boots has said all north-east branches will operate as normal, I am still concerned the door is open for closures and will continue to seek clarity on this issue.
“For the time being, I’m glad there has been ‘no change’ to the status of these branches which form an integral part of communities across our region.
“Concerned residents have told me that the pharmacy is a lifeline for them, particularly those living outside Aberdeen city centre and in rural areas of the north-east.
“While Boots says it’s seeing an increase in people shopping online for its services, we cannot risk leaving vulnerable people unable to access their prescription medications and other pharmacy services which they rely upon.
“I’m also concerned that if any closures do go ahead, the pharmacies which do remain will not have sufficient resources to take on all the patients displaced by closures which would be hugely detrimental to communities across the north-east.”
Responding to Mr Lumsden’s letter, head of public affairs for Boots, David Leach, said: “We anticipate there will be a small number of closures in Scotland over the next 12 months, although the impact on coverage will be minimal and no redundancies are planned as affected team members will be offered redeployment to other Boots stores.
“Store locations have not been confirmed, however, so there is no update or change regarding the status of any Boots stores in north-east Scotland.
“Please be assured that continuity in healthcare provision is important to Boots and we will adopt a responsible approach to local communities in Scotland to ensure that our pharmacies continue to deliver a consistent, effective, and reliable service to our patients.
“I appreciate that you are seeking more clarity, but we will update you in due course should there be any developments regarding the Boots stores in your region.”
