Introducing services to meet the needs of the local population

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 identifies opportunities to increase the range of services offered to meet the needs of the local population and it acts to introduce new services.

How the pharmacy did this

The pharmacist was aware that due to COVID-19, access to sexual health clinics and GP surgeries was limited. This meant it was likely there would be an increase in the number of requests made to community pharmacy, including from people who might need to obtain emergency hormonal contraception (EHC). The pharmacist liaised with the local NHS team to arrange for patient group directions (PGDs) to be sent to the pharmacy. The PGDs gave the pharmacist the authority to supply the EHC after completing the relevant training.

The pharmacist provided the service in the consultation room to enable the conversation with the person to be in private. The room was big enough to support social distancing. The pharmacist wore a face mask and the person accessing the service wore a face covering to reduce the risk of transmitting COVID-19 in an enclosed space. And the room was cleaned thoroughly after each use. The pharmacy had seen an increase in the number of people using the EHC service over recent months. The success of the EHC service had led the pharmacist to begin a review of other services which may benefit the local population. And they had commenced discussions about providing a needle exchange service.

What difference this made to patients

People in the local community have access to a service that was not provided before the pandemic. This means they can access the medicine they require from a pharmacy close to their home.