From Boots to Jhoots - a pharmacy based in a medical centre on the Isle of Wight is changing hands.

As of yesterday (March 8), national chain Boots has closed its branch at Cowes Medical Centre, on Newport Road.

The pharmacy is being taken over by independent chain, Jhoots.

A spokesperson for Boots told the County Press it is closing some of its pharmacies based within close proximity to others, as part of a store consolidation programme.

Read more: Isle of Wight LloydPharmacy branches bought by Jhoots thanks to HSBC

It said all team members in affected stores will be offered alternative roles.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board told the County Press pharmacy services are due to be provided by Jhoots from March 18, although Cowes Medical Centre has said they are likely to start next week.

Patients who have Boots Cowes as their preferred pharmacy will be automatically transferred to Jhoots Cowes.

While there is a period of transition, Cowes Medical Centre said prescriptions will be sent to the cloud.

A spokesperson for the medical centre said: "Having your prescription sent to the cloud means you can go into any pharmacy and ask them to download your prescription and fill it. 

"You will need to have your NHS number with you to do this.

The pharmacy is independent to the medical centre but both are based in the same building. 

"The practice was not involved in this process, nor has any influence over it", a spokesperson added.

"Any concerns or compliments about the pharmacy service should be directed to the pharmacy."

Last year the County Press reported how Jhoots had bought both Lloyds pharmacies, in East Cowes and Ryde.

Jhoots already has premises in Sandown and Ventnor.