Monday, August 15, 2011

17.20 - PCTs reveal extent of riot closures

South London riots caused as many as 10 per cent of pharmacies to close last week, PCT clusters have confirmed. Approximately 10 per cent of NHS pharmacies inthesouth-eastcluster, which covers six PCT areas,  were temporarily closed during the civil unrest, and three pharmacies were damaged, a spokesperson confirmed.Pharmacies in south-west London suffered a similar fate as 69 pharmacies closed early and two were damaged, the cluster said.

 

17.00 - Lawyers warn pharmacies to claim for riot damages ‘as soon as possible'

Pharmacies must claim compensation and insurance cover for riot damages "as soon as possible" to ensure they are eligible, lawyers have warned.

Following the riots, the government has said it will allow claimants 42 days to file for compensation against the police. But pharmacies should notify their insurance companies "at the earliest opportunity" before attempting such a claim, said David Reissner, head of healthcare and a partner at Charles Russell lawyers.

"Before making a claim directly to the police, pharmacy owners should first notify their insurers, who may pursue a claim against the police on their behalf," he explained. "It is important to notify insurers as soon as possible, as they often require notification within seven days."

Read the full story here.

 

Friday, August 12, 2011

 

14:40 - A quarter of Sandwell pharmacies close due to "traumatic" riots

A quarter of pharmacies were forced to close early in Sandwell PCT this week, mainly in the West Bromwich area, the trust has confirmed. Sandwell LPC branded the riots "traumatic" as 21 of the area's 85 pharmacies closed due to fears of violence. "It was quite serious and we were having contractors ringing up quite scared," LPC secretary Ali Din told C+D. "They could see trouble brewing – people were hanging around and they knew it was going to kick off." But pharmacies managed to escape serious damage, Mr Din reported. "There was quite a large group of rioters in West Bromwich, but there were no pharmacy incidents that I'm aware of."

 

13:50 - London pharmacies get back to work as other retailers struggle

Pharmacies in London have been delivering service as usual today while many other retailers in riot-hit areas are still struggling to get back to business.

In Clapham Junction, the Boots branch forced to close all day on Tuesday is now offering patients a full range of dispensing and OTC services, although the windows remain boarded up. But several nearby retailers also looted on Monday night were still displaying signs directing customers to other branches this morning.

 

11:00 - Pharmacy and retail groups welcome PM's recovery plan

Pharmacy and retail bodies have welcomed David Cameron's plans for riot recovery, which will give retailers access to a £20 million high street support scheme and business rate relief.

Local authorities would have powers to slash "at least three quarters" of local business rates, while badly affected retailers would be able to defer tax payments, the Prime Minister told parliament yesterday. Mr Cameron also confirmed retailers would be able to claim compensation under the riot damages act.

The British Retail Consortium and NPA welcomed the measures, but warned the government must also implement a long-term plan to help retailers.

NPA chief executive Mike Holden explained: "Whilst a remedial support is very welcome, it is also important to look at how to limit the magnitude of damage to community-based businesses in any future incidents."

Read the full story here.

 

10:50 - Wholesalers battle to maintain normal service

Wholesalers have reassured pharmacists they have contingency plans to maintain normal supply despite this week's riots continuing to cause disruption across the country.

Alliance Healthcare said it was continuing to make deliveries as normal "where possible" and contacting customers where road closures had restricted access. Meanwhile, Sigma reported that it had completed 99.9 per cent of its deliveries during the first two days of riots earlier this week.

The comments followed reports from pharmacists that Alliance had experienced problems at its Croydon branch as vans struggled to get in and out of the depot and drivers reported a lack of stock.

Alliance confirmed it had experienced "some minor issues" in Croydon but stressed that customers had been kept "regularly updated" and that it had worked with police to gain access to certain areas. It added that service had been "operating as normal" since Tuesday's disruption.

Read the full story here.

 

Thursday, August 11, 2011

 

13:34 - Lloydspharmacy: sector should not have to fear violence

Pharmacy staff are dedicated to serving their communities and should not have to fear violence while doing so, Lloydspharmacy has said. Pharmacies "play a central role within a community, particularly to those who are more vulnerable and in need of vital medication," the multiple said in a statement this morning.

"The safety of our customers and staff is paramount and during the disturbances we worked closely with police to monitor developments. Where pharmacies were deemed to be vulnerable we closed the store and informed the PCT and local GP surgeries. Patients requiring urgent medicines were directed to non-affected pharmacies," it added.

All Lloydspharmacy branches that were affected during the disturbances are now open and operating as usual, the spokesperson also confirmed.

 

13:00 BRC lists priorities for riot clearup

The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has called for help to "rebuild our high streets" in a letter to David Cameron this morning.

The consortium has listed four priorities for retailers, suggesting:

·        A temporary suspension of business rates and National Insurance for those trading in affected premises, together with flexibility in making VAT returns

·        Supportive, expedient planning processes for premises needing substantial repair

·        Affected businesses should have recourse to compensation under the Riots Damages Act 1886, with a notification extension from 14 days to 42 days to reflect loss assessment needs 

·        Effective local partnerships to help get high streets up and running again should be given realistic material support and expertise

 

12:00 Government statement on support after riots expected today

The Government is expected to outline what support it will make available for businesses affected by this week's riots later today, the NPA has reported. The association attended a meeting with Metropolitan Police representatives, business leaders and Department of Business and Skills officials yesterday, Wednesday August 10, to discuss the incidents of public disorder which have affected pharmacies and other businessesaround the UK. Mark Prisk, minister for business, innovation and skills, told attendees that a statement about support for businesses would be issued by the government today, the NPA said.

 

09:35 - Arson and vandalism force West Bromwich pharmacies to close

West Bromwich pharmacy staff have reported having to close early on Tuesday night as properties were "torched" and "smashed up". The High Street Lloydspharmacy closed at 1pm, while the nearby Boots closed at 12.30pm. "There were quite a few properties that had been torched and smashed," said Julie Smith, pharmacy technician at Boots, Princess Parade. "We've heard rumours that it's starting up again nearby and it might come up here, but we don't know anything for sure,"she said yesterday. But Lloyds reported a calmer day on Wednesday. Annette Larkin, healthcare assistant at Lloydspharmacy, told C+D: "Some of the shops were raided last night but it's been very quiet today."

 

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

17:36 - Wolverhampton pharmacies closing early amidst riot fears

A Wolverhampton pharmacy says it is closing early today over potential riots in the city centre.

"We had to close early yesterday and we are having to close early today," a Superdrug employee at its store  in the Mander Centre told C+D this afternoon (4.45pm).

"I am making sure all customers are out as there is nothing but youths and police on the street," he told C+D before leaving the store.  The Superdrug branch had been forced to close early yesterday on Tuesday August 9 as well.

Last night, Wolverhampton saw riots that caused thousands of pounds of damage, the national media have reported.

A nearby Boots pharmacy on Dudley Street was not answering its phone when C+D called the branch this afternoon.

However, the problem appears to be localised as an Asda pharmacy and All Saints Pharmacy, both in Wolverhampton city centre, were both open and All Saints Pharmacy informed us that it would not be closing early tonight. The Asda pharmacy could not confirm to C+D what its plans were.

 

17:18 - Boots branch recovering after Monday raids

A Boots pharmacy on Walworth Road was raided on Monday night, with rioters stealing medicines and cosmetics, staff have confirmed.The team arrived yesterday morning to find the shop front damaged and much of their stock taken, pharmacist Bhavini Patel told C+D. "They smashed everything in the shop, including the tills. Everything was a mess."

The dispensary remained untouched, but many of the counter lines had been looted. In the midst of the damage yesterday, the pharmacy provided prescriptions for methadone addicts, but were advised to close at 1pm by the police, leaving six people without their prescribed medicine. Staff were then supported by colleagues from other Boots branches to help with a clean-up operation again this morning, and the pharmacy provided a basic service for prescription and dispensing services before opening fully at 12.30pm.

 

16:55 -  Manchester and Salford pharmacies hit hard in riots

Manchester and Salford pharmacists were forced to close early yesterday, as riots spread across the country.

One Lloydspharmacy in Salford had its window smashed yesterday on Tuesday, August 9.

"They didn't go through the windows but they will need to be replaced which we will have to wait about a week for. They are currently boarded up. It was absolutely horrible when we discovered them in the morning when we opened the branch," an employee told C+D.

An employee in one Boots pharmacy, Circus Street in Manchester city centre told C+D that they were worried riots might happen again tonight.

"We have heard from customers that it might go to the city centre tonight and other pharmacies have been targeted," they said.

 

16:52 - Co-operative pharmacy reopens after riot break-in

A Co-operative pharmacy in Enfield has reopened today after a break-in left it "unable to trade" for two days. Rioters forced their way into the pharmacy on Silver Street on Sunday, leaving pharmacists unable to open the shop. "Over the last couple of days we have been working closely with the nearby surgery to help ensure patients could access their medicines," said a Co-operative spokesperson. The chain confirmed that roughly seven of its pharmacies in the London area closed early on Monday, with 19 branches shutting early yesterday in the Enfield, Chingford, Birmingham and Salford areas.

 

16:48 - Looters steal diazepam from Croydon Boots

Looters stole around twenty packs of diazepam from a Croydon Boots branch on Monday night. Riots saw the George Street branch, located next to East Croydon station, targeted as rioters raided the dispensary during the early hours of the morning.

The store closed early the following day due to rumours of more unrest, explained dispenser Claire Asgar. "Yesterday we closed early at 2.30pm because there were rumours the riots were going to hit Croydon again," she told C+D. "But today we will probably close at the normal time of 7pm."

Croydon LPC secretary Andrew Mc Coig confirmed the area was now "much calmer".

 

16:47 - Don't wait for police to evacuate pharmacies, says LPC secretary

Pharmacies should close if they feel in danger and not wait for police advice, LPC secretary Hemant Patel has suggested.

"People should protect themselves and their pharmacy staff and then take police advice if necessary," said Mr Patel, LPC secretary for north-east London. "If in their judgement the situation warrants a closure, they shouldn't wait until police give them the go-ahead to leave." And staff members should evacuate the premises as soon possible, he stressed.

"Please don't lock yourself in the pharmacy, because if a fire starts then you're trapped," Mr Patel advised. "The best thing is to get out, close the doors and pull the shutters down, because once you're outside you've got a better chance of running away."

He added that pharmacists should only phone to make arrangements once they were safe. "Have a list of numbers you need to phone and do that once you're safe, because a five-minute delay could make all the difference," he warned.

Pharmacy bodies warned yesterday that patient and staff safety was of "paramount importance" but stressed pharmacies should inform PCTs, doctors and substance misuse services of any closures.

 

16:21 - Birmingham Boots reports "very busy" day following riots

A Birmingham Boots has reported being "very busy" following yesterday's riots in the city centre. "The riots have impacted on our service," a pharmacist at Boots' High Street branch told C+D.

 

15:44 - Whitaker's Pharmacy in Enfield, Middlesex, damaged

An Enfield pharmacy suffered smashed windows in last night's riots. "Our window was smashed but we're back to working normal hours now," said Shalim Shalam, owner of Whitaker's pharmacy. "The area is fine now, but the Co-operative Pharmacy next to us was badly hit [on Tuesday]"

 

15:38 - Health minsters fail to respond to riots

We asked the Department of Health whether any health ministers had spoken to pharmacists or healthcare providers affected by the riots. No minster has yet done this, a spokesperson has just confirmed.

 

15:13 - A Boots store in Manchester may have to close early after other pharmacies in the area were targeted last night

"Our store was fine but we are being warned by customers that it is going to continue tonight. Other pharmacies have been targeted. We didn't close early last night but we are worried that we may have to tonight," said a Boots employee.

 

13:54 - Boots reports further damage after a store in Walworth was hit on Monday night

A Boots pharmacy on Walworth Road was raided on Monday night, with rioters stealing medicines and cosmetics.

Staff arrived on Tuesday morning to find the shop front damaged and much of their stock taken.

"They smashed everything in the shop, including the tills," said pharmacist Bhavini Patel. "Everything was a mess." The dispensary remained untouched, but many of the counter lines were looted.

In the midst of the wreckage yesterday, the pharmacy provided prescriptions for methadone addicts, but were advised to close at 1pm by the police, leaving six people without their prescribed medicine.
Staff were supported by colleagues from other Boots branches to help with a clean-up operation this morning.

 

13:37 -  IPF issues advice

Some members of  the Independent Pharmacy Federation (IPF) have had to put in insurance claims following attacks on their pharmacies during riots, the IPF confirmed.

In light of the recent riots and looting of pharmacies across the UK, the Independent Pharmacy Federation (IPF) is advising members to ensure their stock is well protected. Raided pharmacists have already had to make insurance claims following attacks, it claimed.

The IPF guidelines are:

-          Pharmacists with CCTV should ensure it is fully operating and recording,

-          Independents in particular should ensure stock is well secured,

-          Make sure computer records are backed up before leaving the premises,

-          Keep up to date with local police information and close early if necessary.

 

13:35 - Clapham Junction pharmacy sees business halved

A pharmacy near Clapham Junction station said business was halved on Tuesday, following riots in the area.

Battersea Pharmacy on Northcote Road managed to avoid any damage, though nearby shops were affected on Monday, August 8.

"We had half the volume of business we normally have yesterday," said pharmacist at Battersea Pharmacy Karen Reid. "There are a lot of mums with young children in the area, and a lot of them were nervous about coming out with their kids."

After the rioting on Monday night and into Tuesday morning, staff were unable to walk their normal route to work. "Every single building was closed off on the main street and right up Lavender Hill (on Tuesday)," said Ms Reid. "It's normally a seven-minute walk from the station, but everyone had to do a loop around the main street and it took double the time."

Police arrived at the pharmacy on Tuesday, August 9 at 3.30pm and advised staff to leave early. The pharmacy closed an hour early at 5pm, but staff ensured dosette boxes would still be delivered to elderly patients in the area.

People were trying to return to normal, Ms Reid added. "This is quite a nice area, with a community feel," explained Ms Reid. "For this [rioting] to come so close – a lot of people are just disgusted and very angry."

 

13:25 - Rioters target four Morrison's stores, but pharmacies "not particularly affected"

Rioters have targeted four Morrison's stores in London, but pharmacies "haven't been particularly affected", a company spokesperson has confirmed. "We have had a few stores that have been targeted," he said. "These were all in the London area but no pharmacies have been particularly affected."

 

13:00 - Slow start in Croydon pharmacies after riot fears and early closures last night

Fears over fresh riots forced Croydon pharmacists to close early and even board up their premises last night.

And trading this morning has been slow so far with shopping centres unusually quiet, pharmacists have reported.

Police advised businesses to close early yesterday following the fires and break-ins in the area on Monday. Pharmacies in Croydon's Whitgift centre closed before 5pm yesterday, while independent pharmacy Mccoig boarded up its windows to prevent damage.

Read the full story here.

 

12:52 - Pharmacy's begin to report a loss in takings following shop closures

Scotts Pharmacy in Bromley lost around half a days takings after it was forced to close two and a half hours early because of riots threats.

Scotts Pharmacist Peter Deadmon said: "We have a police radio that we were listening to throughout the day. There was a lot of misinformation about what was happening, but it was very stressfu, particularly for the younger members of staff."

 

12:47 - DH issues advice

Healthcare professionals do not need to "expose themselves to unnecessary risks", a Department of Health spokesperson saidfollowing ongoing riots across the country last night.

"Trusts and employing organisations are responsible for the health and safety of their staff, but collectively NHS services are already keenly aware of the environment they operate in and the need not to expose themselves to unnecessary risks," they explained.

 

12:46 - Sainsbury's continues to monitor situation

Sainsbury's will continue to monitor the situation at stores throughout the dayto determine whether rioting could remain a threat, a spokesperson has confirmed.

Yesterday the supermarket closed most of its stores within the M25, following police advice and "as a precaution".

"Half a dozen stores were affected overnight but only experienced minimal damage. All stores have opened this morning and are trading as usual," a spokesperson confirmed.

 

12:40 - Early closures leave staff scared at Paydens

Staff at Paydens pharmacies in London reported being "very scared" last night as police asked them to close their branches early, the group has reported. "We had to close a few of our pharmacies early due to requests from police," Natalie Pay, marketing manager at Paydens, told C+D. "The biggest thing for us was that the pharmacists and staff were very scared. We tried to say open as long as we possibly could to serve customers, but obviously when staff members are becoming more and more scared, we had to put their safety first." Ms Pay confirmed that Paydens' branches in Balham, Beckenham, Avery Hill, New Eltham, Bromley and Darford were among those affected.

 

12:26 - More images from the damaged ABC Pharmacy in Peckham, London

 

12:02 - Pharmacy staff flee for their lives

Staff at Baums Pharmacy on Manor Park Parade in Lewisham have reported having to close early and flee to safety on Monday after hearing reports that looters were headed their way. "We had to flee for our lives," said pharmacist Rebecca Fiagbe.

Most of the shops and business along Manor Park Parade were damaged in the riots, including a pub, a hairdressers, and a few grocery shops.

The pharmacy remained untouched but had to close at 12pm. "We tried to be open for business, but everywhere else was closed and we would have been the centre of attention," says Ms Fiagbe. "The place was very quiet. People were all in their homes and it was very sombre – like a ghost town."

The pharmacy was open for business as usual today, she confirmed.

 

11:46 - Picture of the damage at Boots in Clapham Junction

 

11:11 - Images of the destruction at an ABC Pharmacy in Peckham, London

 

11:00 - Pharmacies report early closures last night

Pharmacies in Stratford, east London, still faced early closures last night despite suffering no major damage during riots in the area earlier in the week. The local Boots branch said it had managed to avoid  trouble. "We've had a few problems in the area – the shopping centre we are in has had a few break-ins but the pharmacy hasn't had much trouble," said Karan Shah, pre-reg pharmacist at Boots, The Stratford Centre yesterday. "We probably will be closing early though." Cartwrights pharmacy reported a similar situation. "There was some trouble a couple of miles up the road, but we're still open and we hope we will be forewarned about any problems," said locum pharmacist Ian Springer.

 

10:30 - Clapham pharmacy damage evident

Clapham Junction pharmacists were still feeling the strain of Monday night's riots this morning. Boots, which was unable to even dispense prescriptions yesterday but is hoping to be open again today, remained boarded up early this morning, with the damage done by Monday's rioters still very evident. The multiple confirmed last night that "a small number of stores" had been damaged on Monday, but said most were open and trading as normal yesterday.

 

9:30 - East London pharmacists told to follow police advice

A London PCT has told pharmacists to take police advice on closing if rioting flares up in the capital again. East London and City PCT community pharmacy advisor Tony Carson also offered advice for those still struggling to provide services after the violence earlier in the week.

Pharmacists should consider their substance misuse patients in particular, as well as patients waiting for prescriptions, he said. "You need to contact customers [with uncollected prescriptions] to see if they  are urgent or can be put off. You can direct them to open pharmacies, walk in centres and A+E," he added.

The advice follows reminders from pharmacy bodies that pharmacists should put staff and patient safety first, and comes as pharmacies across London still come to terms with the damage inflicted earlier this week. Some of the worst violence was seen in areas of east London, including Hackney and Bethnal Green.

 

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

16:15 - Sainsbury's monitors riot situation on hourly basis

Sainsbury's is assessing the riot situation on an "hour-by-hour" basis to ensure the safety of customers and staff, a spokesperson has said. A number of Sainsbury's stores were forced to close early yesterday due to riots,the supermarket confirmed earlier today. "A number of our stores were closed earlier than usual yesterday as a precaution, in some cases on the advice of police. Sixteen of our stores experienced serious incidents during the disturbances last night. All of these stores have now reopened, except three of our convenience stores, which remain closed and will reopen as soon as possible. All our other stores are open for business as usual. As far as we are aware, no customers or store colleagues have been injured, and their safety remains our priority," a spokesperson said. The supermarket said earlier that it would continue to take advice from police and other authorities.

 

16:10 - NPA and Numark issue advice for this evening as rioting continues

The NPA and Numark have issued advice for pharmacists affected by the ongoing riots across the UK. Pharmacies should notify their PCT, local GP practice and substance misuse clinics if they are forced to close in riots, both have advised. "Pharmacists within a riot zone may be advised by the police to close their pharmacy," said Leyla Hannbeck, head of information at the NPA. "If this happens, pharmacists should inform their PCT and liaise with their local GP practice so that patients can be directed to non-affected pharmacies for urgent medication."

Patients may be advised to wait for non-urgent requests, she explained, but pharmacists"should also advise substance misuse clinics of closures so they can make suitable arrangements for patients requiring methadone or buprenorphine."

Ms Hannbeck added: "Pharmacists forced to close can help to maintain patient care by putting a notice outside their pharmacy informing customers of the closure with details of nearby pharmacies which may still be open."

Numark echoed the comments, advising pharmacists in "unsafe environments" to evacuate the premises, close the shutters and inform relevant parties.

Read what PSNC and legal experts advised pharmacies earlier today.

 

16:00 - Pharmacies ‘shuttling prescriptions to patients' in Tottenham

A Lloydspharmacy in Tottenham has been "shuttling prescriptions to patients" from a cordoned-off riot area today. The pharmacy branch, located on Tottenham's High Road, was "right by where the bus exploded" in the weekend's riots. But business has continued where possible, pharmacy manager Sid Meah told C+D. "We haven't actually closed – we've got people in and made a real effort to get prescriptions out to patients," he explained. "We liaised with police to get deliveries out and as we're in a cordoned-off area, we're shuttling prescriptions out to patients." The pharmacy had escaped damage in the riots, he added. "It's kicking off left, right and centre here but luckily we've been unscathed."

 

15:45 - Croydon pharmacies could close early again

Croydon PCT has been holding a meeting to decide whether to close pharmacies in the area, a local pharmacist has told C+D. "We are told the riots are going to start again so the PCT is holding a meeting to decide what to do [about pharmacies]," said Michael Hammond, pharmacist at Croydon Pharmacy. Croydon PCT was not available for comment as the press office had closed due to riots.

 

15:30 - Riots force South London pharmacies to close

The threat of fresh riots is forcing pharmacies to close in Thornton Heath and Wandsworth, LPC secretary Andrew McCoig has told C+D. "In Thornton High Street, there are youths parading down the street and shops are boarding themselves up – including Superdrug," said Mr McCoig, LPC secretary for Croydon, Sutton, Merton and Wandsworth. The problems have also spread to Wandsworth, he confirmed. "Southside shopping centre has been shut down by police," Mr McCoig told C+D. "A very agitated pharmacist called me to say she had been ordered to close her pharmacy."

Today has seen widespread distress across pharmacies in the area, he added. "I had 100 e-mails this morning, all on the public disorder," Mr McCoig explained. "Many pharmacies are being advised to close and we have to pull the rule back about not closing early, which seems to be accepted by the NHS." He advised pharmacists: "Protect yourself and your staff – that's your primary concern."

 

15:00 - Retailers group seeks reassurances from government

The British Retail Consortium (BRC) is seeking urgent reassurances that a range of issues thrown up by the riots in city centres will be addressed by government.

The BRC has outlined a number of critical issues which it wants to raise on behalf of retailers, including:

• Assurances that  police and fire services are adequately resourced and equipped, and are authorised to use robust operational tactics to close down situations quickly
• Assurances that there will be resolute pursuit of offenders with effective prosecutions
• Immediate support to help shopkeepers protect their properties, including timely intelligence and practical assistance in securing and clearing up after attacks
• Early discussions on how affected communities can be helped to recover, given the likelihood that a significant number of small shops will fail following these attacks
• Joint discussions with the insurance industry to ensure affordable insurance remains available in the affected areas and more widely to the sector
• Joint discussions with the banks to ensure short to medium term credit arrangements enable retailers to refit and re-open.

It hopes to put these points directly to home secretary Teresa May.

 

14:00 - PSNC offers guidance for pharmacies in riot areas

PSNC has issued brief guidance for pharmacists caught up in the ongoing riots, stressing that their first priority must be the safety of staff and patients. "Pharmacies must close where patients or staff are at risk," said head of regulation Steve Lutener. He said contractors in vulnerable areas should take advice from the police and follow any advice given. If contractors had to temporarily suspend the provision of pharmaceutical services, then PCTs should be notified and "all reasonable endeavours" should be made to resume provision again as soon as possible, he said.

 

13:30 - Boots Opticians burns in Hackney, but pharmacies remain calm

After last night's Newsnight reports of riots damaging a Hackney Boots branch, C+D has clarified with store managers that rioters burned part of the Boots Opticians on Mare Street, but the damage did not reach the pharmacy. "The shutters got burnt in the opticians down the road, but there are no problems in the chemist," said Rosslyn Annan, manager of Boots, Mare Street. "We're fine here". Nearby Carsil Chemist also reports "no problems".

 

13:00 - Watch video footage of pharmacy looters in Peckham

Video footage of looters leaving the ABC Pharmacy in Peckham has been posted on You Tube. Watch the footage here

 

12:40 - Rioters cause £130,000-worth of damage at Peckham pharmacy, Day Lewis reports

Rioters in London caused around £80,000-worth of property damage and stole £50,000-worth of stock from a Day Lewis owned pharmacy in Peckham last night. The rioters smashed the shop front and wrecked the retail area of the ABC-branded pharmacy, Day Lewis has told C+D.  Click here to read the full story.

 

12:20 - Purley remains calm

Despite riots in nearby Croydon, pharmacies in Purley say they have steered clear of the troubles. "It's fine here at the moment, but it might be coming through Purley, and Croydon has definitely been affected," said Jackie Gibbons, counter assistant at Orion pharmacy. "Here there are only a few shops that have had their windows smashed, but some were burned down in Croydon." Boots echoes the calm reports. "I'm not worried because there aren't many signs of riots here," said pharmacist Uzman Sheikh. "Someone called earlier to give us emergency numbers, but the delivery driver said it was quite calm on the roads."  

 

12:10 - Pharmacy suffers smoke damage in Croydon

Some of the most dramatic pictures last night came from Croydon, where fires caused extensive damage to some local businesses. Barkers Chemist has reportedly had to close due to smoke damage today, but nearby Kent Chemist remains open and is taking on extra patients. "A lot of the shops in the neighbourhood have been broken into – luckily we weren't," Kent Chemist's Raj Patel told C+D. "It looks like Barkers has just suffered smoke damage and the pharmacy itself is intact – hopefully they will be able to go in there in a few days time." Mr Patel adds: "We've been told that if the police come and tell us to close early, we might have to close then."

 

11:50 - Welcome to C+D's live coverage

Welcome to C+D's live coverage of how pharmacy is fairing in light of last night's rioting across the country. Our reporters are already out on the streets to see first-hand the aftermath of the attacks in London. We will keep you updated with reports, tweets and pictures, so keep checking throughout the day.

We also want to hear from you: email isobel.smith@ubm.com, phone me on 020 7921 8739, or tweet using the hash tag #cdriots.

Thanks

Isobel Smith, C+D online reporter