The Boots branch on Stonehenge Walk in Amesbury, near Salisbury, closed earlier this month (July 6) after two people – Charlie Rowley and his partner Dawn Sturgess – were exposed to the nerve agent Novichok in the area on June 30.

According to the Metropolitan Police, Mr Rowley visited the branch of Boots at “around midday”, before returning to his home “around half an hour later”. Later that day both Mr Rowley and Ms Sturgess were taken to hospital. Ms Sturgess died on July 8.

For the last two weeks, patients have been directed to use the only other pharmacy in the area – a Boots branch within walking distance, on nearby Salisbury Street. Pharmacy services have continued to be provided at a Lloydspharmacy branch 2.5 miles away, and in the neighbouring towns of Salisbury, Tidworth and Ludgershall.

NHS England said “following feedback from patients” it has agreed to extend the Boots branch’s opening hours to “give the people of Amesbury more access to pharmacy services in their local community”.

As of yesterday (July 23), the Salisbury Street branch is open from 8am to 8pm on weekdays, and from 8.30am to 5pm on Saturday. The pharmacy will also open on Sunday for the first time on July 29, from 10am to 4pm, Boots confirmed.

NHS England “pleased” with branch’s progress

The multiple said it is working closely with NHS England while the Stonehenge Walk branch remains closed indefinitely. Deborah Elliott, director of commissioning at NHS England South West (North), said they are “pleased” with the “progress” made by the Amesbury branch over the last two weeks to accommodate patients affected by the “unexpected closure” of the Stonehenge Walk branch.

“Redesigning the store layout, bringing in additional staff and drug supplies and moving non-essential work elsewhere has improved the situation at Salisbury Street pharmacy.”

Extra pharmacists and dispensing teams

Sian Wilton, head of customer experience in the area the Boots branches are located, said extra pharmacists and dispensing teams – including pharmacy staff from the Stonehenge Walk branch – have also been deployed at the Salisbury Street branch, in addition to extended opening hours.

“[We] hope that this will give our patients in Amesbury more flexibility when picking up their prescription medicines,” she said.