Staff shortages have been to blame for a reduction in opening hours, limiting patient access to prescriptions.

Lloyds Pharmacy in Sainsbury’s in Witney has been closing early or for limited hours, causing some patients to believe the pharmacy, which is already due to close later this year, had already shut down.

However, Lloyds Pharmacy apologised and said the "temporary disruption" was due to a lack of staff and the branch has now resumed service.

The pharmacy will close later this year as part of Lloyds Pharmacy’s withdrawal of services from all Sainsbury’s stores during 2023 but no date has been set.

A spokesperson said: "Final plans for each pharmacy are being determined on a branch-by-branch basis.

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“Throughout the process, Lloyds Pharmacy is committed to helping patients easily find a suitable alternative provision.

"As part of this, branch teams are keeping patients informed of when services from their specific pharmacy will end so that they can transfer their nominations to an alternative provision.

“We can confirm that no other Lloyds Pharmacy store is at risk of closure, except those within the Sainsbury’s estate.”

It comes as the NHS and the government announced plans for pharmacists to be allowed to prescribe drugs that were previously only authorised by GPs for seven common conditions including earache, sore throat, or urinary tract infections by next winter.

Women will also be able to get oral contraceptive pills direct from pharmacies in an effort to reduce pressure on GPs.

Pharmacy services will get £645million over the next two years to boost staffing and resources, said the government.

Dr Veronica Barry, Executive Director of Healthwatch Oxfordshire, said: “While we welcome plans by NHS England to help make accessing care easier, we are also aware of the existing pressures on pharmacy services in and around Witney as this is something we have been hearing about for some time.

“Pharmacies play an essential role in primary care and as a first port of call for the public for advice and treatment on many common health issues. The loss of any community pharmacy can only increase local pressures.

"We will continue to urge commissioners to ensure that the needs of residents of Witney and the surrounding areas for pharmacy access are taken into account when planning services.

“In the meantime, anyone who has difficulties accessing their local pharmacy is encouraged to contact us at Healthwatch Oxfordshire.

"People can get in touch by emailing hello@healthwatchoxfordshire.co.uk or calling 01865 520520.”