Multiple Suffolk pharmacies run low on lateral flow tests after surge in demand
Pharmacies in Suffolk have experienced a surge in lateral flow test uptake, leaving many with a dwindling supply.
Here's a breakdown of the situation in each Suffolk town.
Sudbury
It's a mixed bag in the market town of Sudbury, as some pharmacies report having a steady supply and others say they're quickly running low.
As of this morning, North Street Pharmacy reported having a safe stock of tests in store.
However, Lloyds in Sainsburys on Cornard Road said they had none and were awaiting delivery.
Haverhill
Haverhill was a slightly more positive story this morning, with more lateral flow tests available to collect.
Well Haverhill on Mill Road said they had a stock of the tests in the store, but that they were implementing a one box per person rule to ensure everyone could access them.
David Holland on Norton Road reported having "two full boxes" of tests in their stock.
Woodbridge
Residents in Woodbridge may have had trouble accessing lateral flows this morning, as many pharmacies were out of stock.
Woodbridge Pharmacy on The Thoroughfare and Waterton Pharmacy at Farmfield Medical Centre both had no tests and were hoping to receive deliveries later today.
However, deliveries can often change and Waterton Pharmacy said "deliveries can't be promised".
Mildenhall
Lloyds Pharmacy on Manor Court in Mildenhall were also waiting for a delivery this morning. When contacted, they were completely out of tests.
Thetford
Thetford pharmacies were a mix this morning, with some running low and others with plentiful stock.
Healthy Living Pharmacy on Croxton Road said their stock had completely depleted and they were trying to get another delivery. It is unknown when this will come.
Tanner Street Pharmacy had some tests in stock at 11am.
Southwold
Southwold residents may be out of luck if they're looking to grab some lateral flows to tide them over the festive period.
Reydon Pharmacy on Teal Close ran out this morning at around 10.30am and said they are waiting on a delivery this afternoon.
However, they reported that a delivery was meant to arrive yesterday, but didn't turn up.
Queen Street Pharmacy also said they are awaiting a delivery planned for this afternoon.
Newmarket
Pharmacies in Newmarket seem to be running especially low on lateral flow tests.
As of this morning, there were none available in Boots, Lords or Superdrug in the town.
Bury St Edmunds
Croasfales Chemist on The Traverse had some left over this morning but reported that they would be out of stock shortly.
They said a delivery of 59 kits are usually gone within an hour or two and added: "We are out of stock more than we are in stock."
Ipswich
Test kits in Ipswich also seem to be dwindling fast. Day Lewis Pharmacy said they had around five left as of this morning.
They added that they are expecting a delivery in the next five days and last received a delivery of 59 two days ago. They said they don't usually have as many customers but have seen more visitors for lateral flow tests.
Rushmere Pharmacy have no tests currently after running out today. They don't know when they're next delivery is coming.
Lowestoft
It is a similar story in Lowestoft as kit deliveries are snapped up fast.
Victoria Pharmacy on Victoria Road have no tests today after running out yesterday and are unsure when their next stock will arrive.
Village Rise Pharmacy on Weston Road said testing kits have 'flown out' in recent days. They said they are ordering a box of 54 a day and they are not enough.
They added that before they would’ve given out about 80 a week but now it’s more 200-250.
Felixstowe
Walton Pharmacy in Felixstowe also have no kits in stock after demand has gone 'crazy' since about two days ago.
They also said they’ve been talking to other pharmacies in the town who are in a similar situation. They were supposed to have a delivery this morning but it didn’t arrive.
Stowmarket
Stowmarket residents may struggle to find kits today as many are out of stock and awaiting delivery.
Combs Ford Pharmacy and Boots Pharmacy were both out of stock this morning after an increase in demand from Monday.
Boots got a delivery on Tuesday but reportedly ran out by yesterday lunch time. They said they have been giving only one box per person as they don't want to run out.
Beccles
Worlingham Pharmacy had some this morning, but are limiting them to one per person and people have to download a code from the NHS app to pick them up.
