Lloyds Pharmacy takes safety of colleagues 'very seriously'

Lloyds Pharmacy says it takes the safety of colleagues and patients very seriously.

It comes following reports of 'ongoing abuse' towards local employees of the pharmacy - including screaming, swearing and even death threats.

Yesterday, Manx Care said all pharmacies across the Island are struggling due to staffing and medicine shortages, which has been described as a 'international issue.'

In a statement, a spokesperson for LloydsPharmacy has apologised to patients and customers for the disruption - adding 'understandably it's a cause of frustration'.

Further, the company says it hasn't dealt with any serious incidents or customer behaviour - that's despite a local employee of the pharmacy, who decided to remain anonymous - telling 3FM they'd been told 'I hope you get cancer' whilst they were at work.

A statement from Lloyds Pharmacy says it has an 'extensive package of support' for colleagues, which includes 24/7 confidential counselling and advice.

Lastly, the business says it doesn't tolerate abuse towards its colleagues and reviews every incident reported so it can implement further measures to protect colleagues - as needed.