Gordons Chemists, Stranraer

Apr 30th, 2023

This is a small chemist that has to deal with the sharp end of an ageing populations medical needs. The flaws of the whole NHS seem to be placed at their door. The staff work every day to try and help everyone who presents with a range of needs from complex addictions, mental health, emergency medicine and repeat prescriptions through to basic shelf based shopping. It isnt their fault there is a skeleton GP service, nor a lack of appointments for consultation with other medical professionals. It isnt their fault prescriptions are delayed or queried by medical centres, nor that supplies are less than reliable. However, I watch as people blame the deficiencies of the entire health needs on them. They are verbally abused and challenged on a daily basis, but they still go to work, trying their best. There is no doubt some prescriptions are not fulfilled, incomplete or late, but it isnt their fault. Sure, some staff can be blunt, but that is when people are downright rude to them. Is it a good service? It is better than we should expect given the framework around them, the lack of GPS, the addictions and age of the population, the needs of visitors etc. It wouldnt go amiss to remember the way they all worked during Covid, the way we relied on them, the efforts they made above and beyond, the risks they took. A thank you once in a while, a degree of understanding and decent manners would all serve us better. Is it perfect? No, but they care, they work hard and they try their best. I know a lot of people who left the pharmacy thinking they would get a better service at Boots or Lloyds. They didnt. The problems are elsewhere in the system. This is my preferred pharmacist and will stay that way. Every time I stand in the queue I see customers with terrible manners, impatience and total disregard for others. I see employees trying their best. Perhaps, we should consider how we could help; putting prescriptions in earlier, stop demanding the impossible and understanding they are just the end of a long line regarding health care. A line broken well before the pharmacist. So, a big Thank you from me to the staff of Gordons Pharmacy in Stranraer.
Apr 11th, 2023

Appalling customer service. Went in to purchase a box of paper handkerchiefs. Stood in a queue of 4. All of them were waiting for prescriptions. 4 staff in the back seemingly dealing with prescriptions. Caught the eye of a staff member who saw that I just wanted to make a purchase but told me I would have to wait. Did so for a while and then gave up. Sale and customer lost to Gordons. We are asked to shop locally but service like this drives me on line.
Nov 7th, 2022

Trying to report an error on prescription, but phone just rings and rings. It's getting worse.
May 11th, 2022

Very friendly staff
Nov 1st, 2021