Using learning from the COVID pandemic to inform pharmacy design

Pharmacy type

Community

Pharmacy context

COVID-19

Relevant standards

• 3.3 - Premises are maintained to a level of hygiene appropriate to the pharmacy services provided

Why this is notable practice

The pharmacy is designed with features to support its team members in following good infection control measures. It provides a professional and controlled environment for delivering healthcare services.

How the pharmacy did this

The pharmacy owners had considered the need to future-proof the pharmacy. They had recognised that throughout the pandemic, they had experienced an ongoing process of learning. And this had led to ongoing changes in the pharmacy’s processes. The pharmacy’s public area was small and open planned. So, to reduce the risk of people crossing paths the pharmacy had provided separate access routes into the consultation room for team members and members of the public. The room was secured by a touch free lock system. And the pharmacy had positioned chairs in the room in a way which allowed for maximum social distancing between team members and members of the public. The pharmacy had also fitted plastic screens at the medicine counter to reduce the risk of spreading coronavirus. Team members completed regular cleaning tasks throughout the day. They followed a rota to help ensure that cleaning was regular and thorough. And deeper cleans took place several times a day. Team members followed good hand hygiene practice throughout the working day. The pharmacy had a touch free antibacterial hand sanitiser unit in the public area. It was touch free to avoid the risk of cross contamination between people using it.

What difference this made to patients

People can feel confident that the pharmacy is doing all it can to manage infection control risks. This helps people to more comfortable when accessing pharmacy services.