I attended the pharmacy for the time ever today for a flu vaccine, I found customer service was excellent, and all members of staff were very pleasant and efficient, and the pharmacist was very professional and extremely nice, I came out thinking what a very pleasant experience that was to say I’d just had a needle in my arm! (and it didn’t hurt or mark my arm at all). I would recommend the pharmacy 100%.

I have been a patient of the Arthur medical practice for 20 years and have always been very impressed with both the treatment I have received by the surgery staff and its associated services, including the pharmacy and its staff. However, unfortunately, I felt the need to comment on my experience in the pharmacy this morning when I collected my pre-ordered prescription. The person who served me obviously had that Monday feeling and was quite abrupt with me. There were no pleasantries at all despite it not being busy and they were verging on rude. The person put my medication on the counter and I passed them my pre-payment card, which they took and noted the number on my prescription. The person then placed the prescription and a pen in front of me without a word. I regularly collect medication so luckily I knew what to do. Whilst I was signing the prescription, a matter of a few seconds, they turned their back on me and was fiddling with something on the counter behind them. There was a few seconds where I was stood waiting for the person to acknowledge that I had finished and could take my prescription. I had to say 'am I finished'. They said 'yes' and then as I walked out they shouted me back quite rudely, saying that I had not 'ticked the box - what was the reason for my exemption?' As they had obviously taken my prepayment card a few seconds earlier this was quite obvious! I appreciate it was my duty to complete the prescription, but without any guidance or instruction from them anyone not used to completing a prescription would have been struggling. As a clinical manager in the NHS, working with a dominantly elderly population, I fully support the 'putting the patient first' concept and I certainly did not feel that this morning. If I had witnessed any of my staff behaving how this member of staff did this morning, I would have been giving them feedback on the importance of good customer service. At a time, when the NHS is under pressure and often the brunt of criticism, customer service is one area that costs nothing and should be a priority. My experience definitely left me feeling quite disappointed and was a negative start to the week. I am not one to complain, but this lady really was quite rude and abrupt in their manner.
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I've used Amber Pharmacy for many years even before it was separated from the GP Practice.I can honestly say that the staff and pharmacy have always been beyond reproach, without their service I would be lost.So all I can say is keep up the excellent service.Many thanks.
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