Cootes Pharmacy

This is my regular pharmacy and I have never had a problem till today went to collect my prescription and when I got home to sort out my medications I saw they have given me someone elses prescription this is unacceptable as I shouldnt need to check if it is mine as they asked for your postcode to confirm that you are the patient; now I have to wait till Monday to get my correct prescription and what is most annoying is that I bet when I go there they are gonna say theres no prescription for me even though my GP has already sent the prescription electronically to Cootes for it to be distributed this is gonna be a nightmare to rectify
Apr 26th, 2023

Have used this pharmacy a few times without absolutely any problems. Quite the opposite staff have always been friendly and polite. However, today I had to deal with a very rude pharmacist who refused to apply for my repeat prescription from the GP even though this is my designated pharmacy. He told me that they are not obliged to do it and that I should do it myself. Not only did he not seem happy to do his job but his tone and demeanor were outright rude. I asked for a way to complain against this member of staff but was told that he is the owner!!! There is no way for me to verify this but, just saying... He then in a state of anger came over to me to force me to wear a face mask even though I told him that I am exempt and told me that I cannot stay in the pharmacy without a face mask (presumably, this was not a problem before he heard that I intend to complain about the service and attitude he displayed). Compare this man's behaviour to what it says on Alphega pharmacy's website: "As a leading European network of independent pharmacies, Alphega Pharmacy prides itself on the role it plays in your local community. Our friendly, professional Pharmacy team takes the time to understand your health and wellbeing needs before offering solutions or advice. And well always explain things in a simple and helpful way." I will not be using this pharmacy again, goes without saying and do not recommend to others. Such individuals do not have a place in the local community nor on the professional or healthcare scene. UPDATE: The supposed response from the Pharmacy is wrong. They never requested my prescription from the GP. They refused to do it. This is the point. I have switched to Tesco pharmacy since where there hasn't been the slightest of problem. They are always happy to liaise with the GP and get the eye drops as well as other medication that I have been prescribed. They are always professional. Also, the regulation about face coverings at the time allowed for exemptions, such as mine. Other than aggression, there is no other excuse for your staff/owner's behaviour. Your response re-enforces the image of lack of professional integrity that I experienced on my final visit there and I have not been back since.
Apr 26th, 2023

I booked in for a PExpo (londontesting.co.uk) "PCR Fit to Fly Test" ahead of a holiday to Morocco and selected Cootes pharmacy as my location. After booking, I started to panic as I read lots of bad reviews at PExpo and became so anxious. Some reviews said their results never came and Pexpo was a total scam, others said their results were late and they missed their flights etc. Our flight was 6:30am Wednesday and the test could be taken no earlier than 48 hours of boarding so we booked for 9am on Monday and selected the next day service. We arrived at Cootes and took the test - the testing area are based in little rooms at the back of the pharmacy that are clean, bright and the staff member was nice. The tester told me that the "next day service" meant the results would be sent out between 17:00 and 21:00 on Tuesday - this felt close to the wire as we would be boarding 12 hours later and if they didn't come, it would be the middle of the night and we'd have no way of getting another one done. Anyway, I am delighted because less than 12 hours after taking the test the results have arrived - even though we did a next day service they came say day at 18:00 hours... 24 hours earlier than they were due. I am sooo relieved and now know I can look forward to the holiday knowing that I will be able to board the plane! Thanks PExpo (and Cootes pharmacy!) TIP: The specimens are collected from the pharmacy at midday (and I think at another point later in the day)... so if you are pushed for time I would recommend getting a pre-midday test slot so you make that midday collection.
May 14th, 2022

Mar 17th, 2022

My favourite pharmacy - the chief pharmacist always takes such care to look after everyone. I really appreciate the good service and knowledge, and very grateful to have this as our local chemist.
Mar 12th, 2022