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 has assessed the risks of cross contamination when handling paper FP10 prescriptions during the COVID-19 pandemic. In response to this risk assessment it has adapted the way it handles these prescriptions to help mitigate risks.
How the pharmacy did this
Although the pharmacy knew of no reports of cross-contamination when handling paper FP10 prescriptions, the team had identified it as a risk especially as several local pharmacies had refused to dispense these. The pharmacist and pharmacy team had discussed the importance of dispensing these prescriptions, so that people could receive their medicines. They had decided to place the paper prescription in a clear re-sealable bag. The pharmacist was designated as the person handling the prescription and putting it in the bag prior to dispensing. She then changed the gloves she was wearing. The prescription remained in the clear bag throughout the dispensing and checking process. It was then stored separately for around 72 hours before being filed. There was no scientific significance to the 72 hours, but this fitted in with their processes and the team decided handling the prescriptions in this way could reduce the risk.
What difference this made to patients
People in the locality continue to be able to access their medicines from paper FP10 prescriptions and the cross contamination risk to the pharmacy team members is minimised.
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: