Staff shortages may mean reduced hours or closure of local pharmacies

Pharmacy services on Island are to be reduced over the next few weeks due to a UK-wide shortage of pharmacists.

As a result, Lloyds has been struggling to provide cover at some of its Manx stores in recent weeks - and it's expected to get worse.

This means some of the chain’s stores may be working reduced hours or closed around the Island over the next few weeks.

The Manx government's warning people to plan ahead when it comes to ordering and collecting prescriptions from the Lloyds chain.

The message is: Don't leave it until the last minute and be prepared for delays.

If you normally collect medication from a Lloyds outlet you're advised to phone ahead or make arrangements elsewhere.

Lloyds Pharmacy stores account for 10 of the Island’s 23 community pharmacies- other pharmacies remain unaffected.

Updates to the situation will be published on the government website and social media. 

Matt Cringle, a pharmacist working for Manx Care says not all branches will be affected: