This website uses cookies to help you make the most of your visit.
By continuing to browse without changing your settings, you agree to our use of cookies.
Give me more information
x
-->

Pharmacy inspections

Inspection reports and learning from inspections

Skip to Content (Press Enter)

Reducing risks in a small dispensary

Pharmacy type

Community

Pharmacy context

​COVID-19

Relevant standards

  • 3.1 - Premises are safe, clean, properly maintained and suitable for the pharmacy services provided

Why this is notable practice

In a small dispensary the pharmacy team had taken steps to make sure that during the working day the team kept as far apart from each other as possible to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission.

How the pharmacy did this

The pharmacy had marked out individual work stations for each member of the team in the dispensary. These were square boxes marked with tape on the floor. The boxes acted as a simple reminder to the team about the need to keep to their own work station to support social distancing and a COVID secure workplace. The team found the physical reminder was extremely helpful on busier days as it reminded them where to stand and to stay as far apart from each other as possible. Due to limited workspace in the dispensary, the work stations were not two metres apart. The team were therefore wearing appropriate personal protective equipment in accordance with Public Health England guidance.

What difference this made to patients

The pharmacy is assessing the risks associated with its workspace as part of its strategy for reducing risks associated with the transmission of the virus between pharmacy team members. This means the pharmacy is more likely to continue providing pharmacy services safely and effectively, with a full team.

Highlighted standards

We have identified the standards most likely and least likely to be met in inspections, and highlighted examples of notable practice for each of these standards; to help everyone learn from others and to support continuous improvement:

  1. 1.1 Risk management
  2. 1.2 Reviewing and monitoring the safety of services
  3. 4.2 Safe and effective service delivery
  4. 4.3 Sourcing and safe, secure management of medicines and devices
  5. 2.2 Staff skills and qualifications