Unprofessional, demeaning and dismissive

This email says it all:

Good morning,

I am writing to express my disappointment regarding the manner in which I was treated at your pharmacy today. I was spoken to rudely and in an accusatory tone, and this occurred in front of other customers, simply because I purchased a codeine-containing cough medicine. I was unwell yesterday and had the same medicine delivered.

On a previous occasion — approximately four months ago — the same pharmacist imp**** that I purchase this product regularly, when in reality I have only bought it about four times in the past 13 months. Each time, it was for a legitimate cough, as I know the product to be effective and helpful for sleep when ill.

I also purchase Nurofen Plus once a week. About two months ago, I discussed my concerns about chronic use with the same pharmacist, who asked about my dosage and assured me it was acceptable. I have been managing chronic knee pain and headaches following a serious car accident three years ago.

I initially chose your pharmacy because of the excellent and personable service, and even transferred my chronic prescription to you. Due to cashflow constraints, I could only collect a partial script earlier, and when I returned today to collect the balance, I was again spoken to harshly. Despite explaining my circumstances and medical condition, I was met with little understanding or empathy.

What was most upsetting was being made to feel as though I am an addict, both by the language used and the fact that these comments were made in front of other customers. If there are genuine concerns about my medication use, I would have expected a private, professional discussion — not public humiliation. Instead, I was told I should use another pharmacy.

I left feeling embarrassed, insulted, and deeply disappointed. Pharmacists play an important role in patient care, and I believe such matters should always be addressed with professionalism and compassion.

I am not someone who writes complaints or negative reviews lightly, but this experience was distressing and inappropriate. I hope this matter can be addressed respectfully, and that I receive an apology and some assurance that other customers will not be treated in the same way.

I remain a hard-working professional managing chronic pain, and I deserve to be treated with dignity and understanding.

Sincerely, Ryan Ambrose