Searching the knowledge hub

The pharmacy is reviewing whether people continue to need their medicines dispensed into multi-compartment compliance packs. It is doing this to manage the increased workload and space issues. And is discussing any required changes with people.

The pharmacy does not have a working fire alarm. And people in the pharmacy can’t hear the alarm in the adjoining health centre. This poses a health and safety risk to both staff and people visiting the pharmacy and adjoining health centre. The pharmacy does not have an appropriate waste management contract in place. This means that waste is accumulating and poses a risk to staff and the surrounding environment, where it is stored.

The pharmacy has robust safety processes. And its team members are committed to sharing learning to help continuously drive improvement. Pharmacy team members have clearly defined roles and responsibilities. And the pharmacy manages the risks associated with delegating its tasks well, through regular audit.

The pharmacy has robust learning and development strategies which encourage pharmacy team members to expand their knowledge and skills. Pharmacy team members demonstrate how they apply their professional judgement and learning by working in specialised roles focussed on improving outcomes for the people using the pharmacy's services.

Work with charities supporting local patients as well as liaison with local amenities and service providers demonstrates positive outcomes for patients while widening accessibility to pharmacy and other services.

There is an innovative approach taken to using the Accuracy Checking Technician’s skills, enhanced use of the pharmacy team and thorough and robust record keeping to free up pharmacists’ time to deliver additional services safely, while ensuring that the dispensing and supply of medicines remains safe, and compliance and medicines optimisation is addressed.

A range of extended services for people with dementia and their families is aligned to patients' needs and expectations and ensuring patient safety and effective care across all services.

Dispensing is highly automated using 2 robots which are maintained and serviced regularly and providing an efficient dispensing process. There is a range of high specification equipment for extended services which is calibrated and PAT tested annually. These are used in consultation rooms protecting the privacy and dignity of patients.

The pharmacy premises are safe, properly maintained, clean, hygienic and suitable for the pharmacy services provided. A very professional environment is portrayed with the design and layout of the premises tailored to the services delivered. 3 consultation rooms ensure the privacy and dignity of all patient groups using the various pharmacy services.

Integrated governance procedures are in place which improve patient outcomes and patient safety. Collaborative procedures are in place with other healthcare providers and wider community groups. The pharmacy had a strong focus on medicines optimisation and proactively identified and managed potential risks to patients.

All services are risk assessed before commencing, and on an ongoing basis to ensure that risks are managed. There is awareness of potentially weaker areas in processes, so strategies including doublechecking and additional audits are in place to manage these. There is very thorough record-keeping and checking of high-risk activities. Improvements have been demonstrated by making comparisons after new services and technology are introduced with previous arrangements.