To think a pregnancy test is an essential item?

[FluffyKittensinabasket]

I popped to the local pharmacy today. There was a sign on the door saying two customers at any one time. So I waited outside.

A pharmacy assistant came to the door.

“You have to wait outside you know, you can’t just barge in!”

I looked at her, a bit confused. “Yep I know, that’s why I’m waiting here.”

She asked me what I wanted. I said a pregnancy test. She took real umbrage to that. “THAT IS NOT AN ESSENTIAL ITEM! You can pick up a prescription or medication ONLY.”

I just looked at her. “Well I would like to see if I’m pregnant or not, please can I buy one or can I speak to the pharmacist?”

“I’ve just told you no. You shouldn’t be trying to conceive at a time like this anyway.”

I walked away at that point, came home and ordered one on Amazon to arrive tomorrow. I am left dumbstruck by this interaction. I was polite, I stood well back from her, I didn’t raise my voice. But it’s okay to be shouted at now? And being told I shouldn’t have a baby? Very bizarre.

Stop spamming the place

What? So you were waiting outside and she came and told you to wait where you were. She asked personal questions, then refused to serve you and thought she had the right to lecture you about having a baby.
I an usually on the side of the retail staff but that is a disgusting way to behave. Yes I would complain and would have done at the time.
Send an email and give them a time frame to respond. At the very least she needs retraining.

the shops that remained open stopped caring about what is an essential purchase back around the time of that second "update", mid-May

they shouldn't have been policing it full stop. I didn't have a very high opinion of Boots anyway before all this started, but it went down even more when they started taping off aisles and telling people what they could and couldn't buy. So I went to Superdrug instead.

That is BONKERS.

The government said people could buy what the shops had for sale. They never restricted it to ‘essential’ items only because people have different ideas of what that is. They said limit shopping trips where possible but if a shop sells it, you can buy it.

She really shouldn't have asked about your personal medical business loudly and outside where anyone could have heard it, so for that alone she needs training (a stern bollocking) let alone the way she spoke to you and telling you you shouldn't be getting pregnant at the moment. Maybe they think that, because they are the only pharmacy in town, they have guaranteed business and can treat people how they like. Definitely complain, in writing, and ask for a written response.

OP I would definitely complain. She was absolutely out of order. It is also sad that you had to resort to Amazon which will be the death knell for small independent shops like her employer.

I think your route for this is privacy concerns - forcing you to discuss your reason for visiting on the pavement when they are providing healthcare-related services which necessitate a degree of privacy and discretion.

And a strongly worded letter hand delivered to the manager (phone first so you know they are on the premises) - lie if you need to, to gain entry.

Given the fact primark and half the high street have reopened today selling non essential items I think a pregnancy test is a bit more important then a £2 T-shirt from Primark!
She sounds off her rocker!

I'd have been really angry at that and probably would have wanted to slap her one. Obviously making a complaint is the best route to go down.

I would absolutely be complaining and I'd be going back tomorrow and telling them I'd be waiting until I was able to speak to a manager.

Outrageous!

Also, please update us when you’ve POAS!

I’d ring shop again. Or go back and just say you need to speak to pharmacist about a confidential medical matter. Having to announce what you need on street is totally inappropriate then to be denied it and then prevented from speaking to trained pharmacist. Some girl could be her next victim. Our Alexa flashes an Amazon shipment is due and speaks what it is, so many reasons why online not suitable.

Definitely keep phoning to complain, I would also complain about when you phoned to complain. Her attitude stinks.

So people can try on shoes in the clothes sections of the supermarket but they cannot but a pregnancy test in a pharmacy! This is madness!

Complain.

Back in days of yonder I managed a pharmacy and I would be appalled at this.

Complain complain complain

That is absolutely fucking ridiculous!!

Very strange.

Please keep trying to make a formal complaint. She was a bitch to you and needs to be re-trained!

What a rude, judgemental cow! Of course you want to know if you may be pregnant. It is perhaps not” essential” as such ( you know, compared to Insulin for example) but it is definitely bloody important. It’s not her business to comment on you trying to conceive, whether you were or not.

Wow that's appalling service I'd definitely complain. My last trip to the chemist I did collect scripts as well as kitchen roll, soap and some matey bubble bath. All requested at the kiosk at the front from the display un window. Chemist is a business and I was led to believe they didn't make much per script (I may be wrong) I'm sure the business owner would like to know that is how staff were greeting customers.

Complain!!

That's awful! Please complain, I work in a pharmacy and would be utterly horrified to have a colleague like this.