Enter and view: Well Pharmacy, Longridge

Healthwatch Lancashire undertook an enter and view visit to Well Pharmacy Longridge on 30 September 2024 in response to concerns about general physical accessibility and access to specific services.  They spoke to 18 people.

There was a high level of satisfaction expressed by patients who attended the pharmacy throughout the visit. Most patients visited the pharmacy to pick up their prescriptions after they had attended an appointment at a GP surgery. Two patients were visiting the pharmacy for a follow up visit as they were unable to get their prescription on a previous visit due to stock issues, which they mentioned the staff at the pharmacy had worked to resolve. 

Most patients were not aware of the Pharmacy First initiative but were confident that they could go to a pharmacy with a minor issue instead of phoning their GP. Patients were happy with the advice that staff gave them, and they felt that staff were approachable, particularly with medication enquiries. 

Staff felt that they had a positive working relationship with each other and the patients . Some concerns were raised about capacity to deliver all services they were expected to, in light of the upcoming seasonal vaccinations which meant that some staff would be diverted from some of the core aspects of their work. 

The facility itself had good accessibility with some minor issues that required some attention (see recommendations). Staff were welcoming and supportive of the visit.