Utilising the support of the Local Pharmaceutical Committee to update the pharmacy's business contingency arrangements.

Pharmacy type

Community

Pharmacy context

​COVID-19

Relevant standards

• 1.1 - The risks associated with providing pharmacy services are identified and managed

Why this is notable practice

The pharmacy’s superintendent pharmacist is updating contingency plans for if he becomes unwell or needs to self-isolate during the COVID-19 pandemic.

How the pharmacy did this

The pharmacy’s superintendent pharmacist had considered the risks associated with him taking ill and needing to self-isolate whilst working. He contacted the Local Pharmaceutical Committee (LPC) and found out they were coordinating locum pharmacists. And they could arrange emergency locum pharmacist cover if necessary. This gave him the reassurance he needed to update his contingency plans. And he passed the information onto the pharmacy team, so they would be able to make the arrangements, if necessary.

What difference this made to patients

The pharmacy is more likely to find a replacement pharmacist in the event their usual pharmacist is unwell or has to self-isolate. This means people will continue to receive their medicine as needed.