Paydens Pharmacy

Very poor experience today. Sadly the staff just don't see to care very much. I have continued to use this pharmacy as they are conveniently located under the doctor's surgery but I won't be using again after today. I went in to collect a prescription, (a day later than the doctor advised it me it would be ready as I know they are often understaffed and so gave it a bit of extra time to be sure.) The first member of staff we met was a trainee assistant and couldn't have been less friendly or interested, we watched as she (very slowly) went looking for my prescription for about 10 mins only to come back and just say "it's not there", no offer of a solution (where it is, when it might be available etc or apology.) and no attempt to ask someone to help her as it was clear she was inexperienced. I asked her if she could please check again perhaps ask another staff member as it's something that I know is normally held in stock as a very common item and can often be dispensed in the moment. She left to search again and at this point another more experienced staff member stepped in, which I was grateful for, as I think he could see we were getting a little frustrated, taking more details from me to help the search. At first very helpful so I was hopeful, but then came back and advised me they had none in stock and that there was none on order as there was a national shortage. At this point this is a stressful thing for me to hear and not going to lie, panic sets it. I am handed a piece of paper saying my script is returned, no empathy shown by the clerk, quite frankly seemed liked they couldn't have cared less and it wasn't their problem. Why they wouldn't have contacted the surgery or me when they received the perscription at the time to say it wasnt possible? But there seems to be no communication between the surgery and pharmacy despite being located in the same building. I ran up to the surgery upstairs who luckily were super helpful, the doctor and receptionist assured me there was no national shortage and re issued my prescription so that I could use it elsewhere. Worth noting I rang ahead to other pharmacies to check they had it in stock before I went there and no issues at all with supply. Would appear that I was lied to by the pharmacy about this 'national shortage', or perhaps worse they were just disorganised, either way doesn't fill me with confidence. I am quite shocked that when dealing with peoples healthcare that the staff here seem to show no care or sensitivity towards their customers when providing concerning information like this. In complete contrast Imperial on the Pantiles were so lovely and kind, they could see I was panicked at the thought of not being able to obtain what I needed and were so reassuring. They then dispensed what I needed in 2 minutes no problem at all, service with more than a smile and where I will be going from now on even if it means an extra 20 min walk! I want to be supportive of the healthcare industry as I know things are super difficult but this is not the first bad experience I've had at Paydens over the last couple of years. They just always seem to be so disorganised, and I no longer have confidence in their ability to handle any of my prescriptions and medication. I appreciate staffing shortages mean that hiring is difficult these days, but the staff really give the vibe that they don't want to be there....
Mar 28th, 2023

I needed a particular type of bandage and had been to all other chemists in and around Tunbridge Wells to no effect. Then I remembered Paydens. Just the job. They had the bandage in stock. They agreed to keep a box for me to collect later. The shop is bright, clean and well stocked and had very good staff.
Apr 9th, 2023

Apr 2nd, 2023

Dec 25th, 2022

Unfortunately this pharmacy always has staffing issues, prescriptions are late arriving, now no Saturday opening and more and more often closed for lunch, no delivery service for those that can't get out, and in the recent snow, it's very poor to have not removed the ice outside, maybe time to re-evaluate my pharmacy of choice
Dec 4th, 2022