Pharmacy type
Community
Pharmacy context
COVID-19
Relevant standards
- 1.8 - Children and vulnerable adults are safeguarded
Why this is notable practice
The pharmacy promotes the ‘Safe Space’ initiative and is proactive in keeping the victims of domestic abuse safe.
How the pharmacy did this
At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic the pharmacy had registered as a Safe Space under the initiative for victims of domestic abuse. And it had placed a promotional poster in a prominent position in its front window. Since promoting the Safe Space, four people had used the service. And where appropriate, the pharmacy had escalated its concerns about people’s safety through the relevant safeguarding channels, including to the police. When necessary, the pharmacy staff had kept people safe in the consultation room until the safeguarding agencies had dealt with the situation. One agency had written to thank the pharmacy for its intervention.
What difference this made to patients
People can use the pharmacy to remove themselves from an abusive or violent environment. And by contacting relevant safeguarding agencies the pharmacy can protect people from ongoing abuse.
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: