Summary
Inspections are not new in pharmacy, but under the standards their format has changed and superintendents will not be able to satisfy an inspection by simply saying they have SOPs in place. Inspectors will expect pharmacies to demonstrate that they meet all principles and all pharmacy staff will be expected to demonstrate that they are achieving the required standards for the delivery of pharmacy services, consequently ensuring they are protecting their patients and the public.
Did you know we can provide support to dispensary staff through our Numark Information Services Helpline? Call 0800 783 5709* (option 2). Guidance on the types of evidence that could be used to demonstrate compliance with the principles is also available on NumarkNet.
What should you do next?
After reading this module, consider the following questions and actions.
- Discuss as a team how to prepare for an inspection
- Have you got a job description?
- Are you aware of the roles and responsibilities of other staff in the pharmacy?
- Are you aware of the patient complaints procedure and is it displayed in the pharmacy? Can you think of something you do differently as a result of feedback or a complaint?
- Consider how the information governance requirements link in to the new standards
- Are you aware of the safeguarding procedures for vulnerable patients? How does this work in practice in your pharmacy? Refer to Counter Excellence, Safeguarding children and vulnerable adults
- Do you have a procedure in place for holiday requests?
- Consider how you share ideas in the pharmacy. Do you have staff meetings? If not, how could you implement them? Perhaps start with a coffee and catch up
- Do you understand the whistleblowing policy? Refer to Counter Excellence, Whistleblowing
- Do you have a formal cleaning rota that is implemented and recorded?
- How is patient information stored and disposed of?
- Think about how you might challenge a customer trying to enter a restricted area of the pharmacy
- Look at the services you offer and how you advertise them in the pharmacy
Further information and guidance, together with any sample templates and documents you may require are available on NumarkNet or through our Information Services helpline on 0800 783 5709* (option 2).
*Calls may be recorded for training and quality control purposes.