Pharmacy type
Community
Pharmacy context
Covid-19
Relevant standards
- 4.1 - The pharmacy services provided are accessible to patients and the public
Why this is notable practice
The pharmacy is working with another local pharmacy to help co-ordinate the availability of its services and opening hours during the Covid-19 pandemic.
How the pharmacy did this
This busy surgery pharmacy had seen an increase in work volume caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. It had recognised the need to close for some periods of the day to help its team members safely catch up with dispensing tasks without interruption. To manage this effectively it had liaised with another local busy surgery pharmacy to ensure opening times were co-ordinated between the two pharmacies.
What difference this made to patients
People requiring acute access to pharmacy services did not have to make a return trip if the pharmacy was closed. And both pharmacies were able to continue providing key services to people such as, managing referrals from NHS 111 and the sale of over-the counter medicines.
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: