A pharmacy unaffected by the flooding has become a vital lifeline for Monmouth residents after severe flooding forced three of the town’s pharmacies to close last week.

On the morning after the Monmouth floods, pharmacist and director Dan Rosser was running a flu clinic at his Bristol branch of D.R. Rosser Ltd when he received an urgent call from the health board. With the other pharmacies in the town flooded and unable to operate, Monmouth’s medication supply chain had effectively collapsed.

With the Well Pharmacy, Boots and Superdrug out of action, Dan returned to his Church Street branch and met with his pharmacist Rachael to map out an emergency plan of action as they were about to become four times as busy. Together, they made swift and decisive changes to keep medicine flowing to every resident who needed it.

The pharmacy extended its opening hours—staying open until 7:30pm on weekdays and operating through the weekend. Anticipating a sharp rise in demand, they rapidly increased stock of essential prescription items.

“Our first thought was simply: People need their medications. We cannot let anyone go without,” Dan said.

The demands of the crisis were intense, but the team rose to the challenge with remarkable dedication.

Sandra, Karen, and Lorraine worked ten-hour shifts every day, ensuring the dispensary never fell behind. Sharon, who was away on holiday during the peak of the crisis, immediately offered to cut her break short and return to help. The team encouraged her to stay away and enjoy her time off before coming back to chaos—but she has been working “extra hard” this week to support the continued pressures.

Delivery driver Mark also stepped in, taking on extra days to ensure every urgent medication reached vulnerable patients unable to travel.

Despite the sudden surge in prescriptions and patient queries, Pharmacist Rachel continued to run her private COVID vaccinations, flu vaccinations, and weight management appointments, maintaining essential services alongside the emergency response.

To strengthen the Monmouth team further, Dan arranged for extra locum pharmacists to support his Bristol branch, allowing him to base himself in the town in the crucial days after the flood.

The customers—both long-standing locals and new patients from the flood-affected pharmacies—have played a huge part in keeping morale high.

“They’ve been marvellous,” the team at Rossers said. “Patient, kind, understanding—everyone has helped make an incredibly stressful situation feel manageable.”

The Monmouth community’s response has not only lightened the workload but also introduced the team to many new faces. The pharmacy says it will be delighted to welcome these new customers as long-term members of its independent community pharmacy family.

In a week marked by chaos and uncertainty, D.R. Rosser Ltd has served as a reassuring constant for the people of Monmouth. Through long hours, teamwork, and unwavering commitment, the staff ensured continuity of care when it mattered most.

“We’re so proud of our team and so grateful to this community,” Dan said. “It’s been tough—but it has also reminded us why independent community pharmacies are so important.”