Allied Pharmacy in Henley Avenue, Iffley, announced its closure to customers on Thursday, February 5, with a sign in the shop door, which said it would be shut until “further notice”.

Patients were surprised by the sudden closure, with the reason given by the shop as “unforeseen circumstances out of our control”.

READ MORE: Police ‘extremely concerned’ for missing Oxfordshire man

Allied Pharmacies is a chain of more than 200 pharmacies across the UK, with a second branch in Oxford on Ivy Close, Cowley.

The head office of the company was approached for comment by this newspaper but did not respond.

After hearing word of the closure from her constituents, MP for Oxford East Anneliese Dodds got in touch with the pharmacy herself to get an explanation for patients.

Oxford MP Anneliese Dodds (Image: Other)

She publicly shared their response, which said they took “immediate steps to minimise disruption to patients” by contacting surrounding GPs and pharmacies, as well as patients with medication awaiting collection.

The pharmacy team said all prescriptions at the Henley Avenue store were either collected or returned to the NHS’s central electronic prescribing system, meaning patients could download prescriptions and have them dispensed at a pharmacy of their choice with out re-ordering them.

The statement added: “In addition, multiple notifications have been displayed within the branch to highlight the temporary closure, including the expected reopening date and signposting to the nearest surrounding pharmacies.

READ MORE: Inquest into death of Le Manoir chef to be held this week

“We appreciate that closures at short notice can be concerning for patients and apologise for any inconvenience caused.

“Patient safety and continuity of care remain our priority, and we are continuing to support patients locally during this temporary close.”

The sister store, Allied Pharmacy Cowley, said they are happy to take over any patient’s prescriptions and said the Henley Avenue store will “hopefully reopen in May”.