EMBARGOED: Queen’s pharmacist opens its doors to first Covid-19 vaccination patients

EMBARGOED until Saturday 30th January 2021 00:01


John Bell & Croyden pharmacy – which has remained open through two world wars and the Spanish Flu – has today opened its doors to its first patients as part of the NHS’ vaccination programme rollout.

The pharmacy, which opened in 1798 and has been the pharmacist to Her Majesty the Queen since 1958, will vaccinate 800 people a week. This figure will rise to 1200 from the 4th February 2021 – 1 patient every 7 minutes.

The flagship store in London’s Harley Street Medical Area is the first McKesson UK community pharmacy to participate in the vaccine rollout.

Toby Anderson, CEO of McKesson UK, said:

“McKesson UK is proud to be playing its part in the national vaccination effort.

“John Bell & Croyden has played a historic role in the development of healthcare across the UK and this will be the second global pandemic it has lived through. Today marks another remarkable milestone for the pharmacy.

“Community pharmacy, with a presence in every corner of the UK, is vital in the rollout of the vaccine. With over 1,400 Lloyds Pharmacies and trained staff across the country, we are in ongoing discussions with the NHS and Government about what more we can do to help over the coming months.”

Robin Winfield, Operations Director of John Bell & Croyden, explains:

“We are delighted to be able to play our part in supporting the Government’s nationwide Covid-19 vaccination programme.

“Pharmacists have always been the most accessible healthcare provider and at a time of stretched resources have shown we can help to maximise the efficiency of our healthcare system, be it through testing, increasing access to medicine, or vaccination.

“The pandemic may have put our skills to the test – but it has also allowed pharmacists to show their true potential and allowed customers to find the real value of the pharmacist.”

Patients – in line with the priority groups set out by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) – will be provided the option to book their vaccination appointment at John Bell & Croyden through the NHS’ booking system.


- Ends-


Notes to Editor:

For media enquiries please contact:

Sarah Newman, Senior Communications Manager

07408 832 845

Sarah.newman@mckesson.uk



Julia Price, John Bell & Croyden Press Office

07737864878

Julia.price@johnbellcroyden.co.uk



Media visits:

To coordinate press / media visits on the dates below please contact Sarah or Julia on the details above.


The first day of vaccinations starts on Saturday 30th January from 8am Toby Anderson, CEO of McKesson UK will also visit the pharmacy on the morning of Tuesday 2nd February from 9.30am.

About McKesson UK

McKesson UK is a leading provider of integrated healthcare services to the NHS specialising in medicines, pharmaceutical care and primary care patient services. It comprises LloydsPharmacy, AAH Pharmaceuticals, LloydsPharmacy Clinical Homecare, John Bell & Croyden, MASTA, LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor and ECHO.

With over 22,000 employees, including over 300 nurses, more than 1450 community pharmacies, a UK-wide logistics network and dispensing in excess of 150 million items a year, McKesson UK works in partnership with the NHS, community pharmacies and medicines manufacturers to help UK citizens live longer, with better health. McKesson UK provides customers, the NHS and patients with high levels of service, value, efficiency and innovation.

McKesson UK is part of McKesson Europe. McKesson Corporation, headquartered in the United States, is the majority shareholder in McKesson Europe AG. McKesson is one of the world’s largest healthcare organisations, employing over 78,000, and is a global leader in healthcare supply chain management, retail pharmacy, community oncology and specialty care and healthcare technology solutions.

About John Bell & Croyden:

Established in 1798 and pharmacists to Her Majesty The Queen since 1958, John Bell & Croyden’s iconic Wigmore Street store has introduced hundreds of globally sourced wellbeing and beauty products to the UK market over the last 222 years.

Passionate about putting healthcare and wellbeing first, and with over 12,000 products and accompanying advice services, the beautifully designed destination store offers world class holistic services as well as a curated selection, all handpicked from the best products across health and beauty worldwide.

London’s Luxury Pharmacy is unlike no other in the world and has been dubbed the ‘best kept secret’ amongst celebrities. It is known for being the first retailer to bring many exclusive ranges and cult products to the UK.

InResidence, John Bell & Croyden’s in-house treatment and health services brand, offers customers unique experiences such as dietetics and nutritional consultations, bespoke facial treatments and a private GP services – all available to book at johnbellcroyden.co.uk

For more information visit: https://johnbellcroyden.co.uk


About LloydsPharmacy

LloydsPharmacy has around 1,400 pharmacies across the UK. These are based predominantly in community and health centre locations and include over 200 LloydsPharmacy in Sainsbury’s stores. The company employs over 19,000 staff and dispenses more than 150 million prescription items annually.

LloydsPharmacy is part of McKesson Europe AG. With strong brands and about 38,000 employees, McKesson Europe is active in 13 European countries. Every day, the company serves over two million customers – at around 2,300 McKesson-owned pharmacies and at over 7,000 participants in brand partnership schemes. With more than 100 wholesale branches across Europe, we supply more than 55,000 pharmacies and hospitals every day with more than 100,000 pharmaceutical products. McKesson Corporation, Irving, Texas, USA, is the majority shareholder in McKesson Europe AG. McKesson Corporation is a global leader in healthcare supply chain management solutions, retail pharmacy, community oncology and specialty care, and healthcare information technology.