A WELLINGTON pharmacy is set to reopen after an acquisition from a pharmacy group.
On December 30, Allied Pharmacies Ltd announced the acquisition of 68 additional Jhoots pharmacies, in addition to the 61 acquired earlier this year, representing a total addition of 129 outlets to the Allied Pharmacies network, and a significant step in strengthening access to essential healthcare services nationwide.
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This buyout includes the reopening of the former Jhoots pharmacy on Fore Street, Wellington, which has been shut since September 2025.
This expansion comes at a time when the sector continues to face structural challenges, and Allied Pharmacies said they are "committed to playing a stabilising role" by investing in sustainable models of care.
By consolidating resources and expertise, Allied Pharmacies has ensured that it is "well positioned" to deliver reliable, high-quality pharmaceutical services across the country and to reinforce our connection with the community.
An Allied Pharmacies spokesperson said: "We are focused on bringing these pharmacies back to full operational capacity as quickly as possible to safeguard patient care, while also acknowledging the former Jhoots employees for their commitment and resilience during this challenging time.
"We want to assure them that they will receive the same consideration and care as those supported during the earlier acquisition of pharmacies this year.”
This reopening news will no doubt be sight for the sore eyes of Wellington residents, as the town also lost the facility run by Boots at Wellington Medical Centre in Mantle Street last year.
The town's MP, Gideon Amos, recognised the lack of pharmacy options in Wellinton end wrote to both Minister of State for Care, Stephen Kinnock, and Jonathan Higman, Chief Executive of NHS Somerset, calling for Wellington’s pharmacy provision to be improved.
In response to this, Mr Kinnock replied: "The local ICB is aware that the Wellington Jhoots branch closed on September 22 and has received notification of temporary suspension of services since this date.
“As with all sites that have been impacted by temporary suspensions, the ICB is taking contractual action as appropriate.
“In terms of pharmaceutical services within Wellington, there are two other pharmacies, Boots and Superdrug, within 0.2 miles of the closed Jhoots location.
“The ICB has been liaising with those pharmacies regarding the impact of the closure.
“Patients may also use distance-selling pharmacies, also known as online-only pharmacies, which are required to deliver prescription medicines directly to patients’ homes free of charge.”
An NHS Somerset spokesperson added: “We recognise local concerns around access to pharmacy services in Wellington and we are always grateful to elected representatives in bringing issues to our attention.
“We have received an application to open a new pharmacy in the town, which we will consider early next year – and local insight will be taken into consideration as part of the process.
“Part of our role is to meet local needs, while making sure overall pharmacy provision in any given area is sustainable and reliable.”
NHS Somerset also said community pharmacies play a "vital role" in supporting people’s access to medicines and healthcare advice in their local community.
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