Boots criticised for decision to close 'vital' Cornwall pharmacies
A pharmacy in St Austell is one of around 300 set to close across the UK
Last updated 14th Nov 2023
Boots have been criticised for their decision to close 'vital' pharmacies in Cornwall.
Around 300 stores across the UK are expected to face closure.
Polkyth Parade pharmacy in St Austell is one which has received backlash from locals living nearby.
Michelle Dormand, who looks after her nine year old son who is disabled, said: "It's a local chemist which is just five minutes down the road for us and it is for a lot of people.
"People will then have to travel a lot further afield to get their medication which is going to be very difficult for a lot of people.
"It is an essential service really"
"We're being told by NHS doctors not to keep coming to the GP, to go to the chemist for minor ailments like cold and flu, but if they're going to close the pharmacy, people aren't going to have access to that option. They're going to go back to a GP or possibly even the A&E department."
She has described the pharmacy as a 'lifeline' for her son's medication.
Michelle added: "The staff got really involved with my son because he needed an electric wheelchair. They helped raise money for that. They always know exactly what we need when we go in.
"If we have to order online we just become a number.
"We would like Boots to not close that chemist. It's not just that one chemist we're going to lose. It's going to make it a lot more difficult to get the medication."
Boots pharmacy have refused to provide a comment.