Risk assessment for new services

Pharmacy type

Community

Pharmacy context

The pharmacy is located amongst other retail shops in a residential area. It dispenses approximately 5,000 NHS prescription items per month and provide medicine use reviews (MUR), alcohol screening, weight management – lipotrim, new medicine service (NMS), methadone for 30 patients (15 supervised consumption). Services provide under a patient group direction include a flu vaccination service for private and NHS patients.

Relevant standards

• 1.1 - The risks associated with providing pharmacy services are identified and managed
• 4.2 - Pharmacy services are managed and delivered safely and effectively

Why this is notable practice

Risk assessments are carried out prior to the commencement of clinical services including the introduction of the influenza vaccination service, and all appropriate controls were in place to ensure the safe provision of vaccinations, including actions required in the event of an adverse reaction.

How the pharmacy did this

There are up to date, signed PGDs and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the influenza vaccination service for private and NHS patients. The pharmacist was accredited to provide the service having completed the relevant training, to help ensure the service is delivered safely for patients. A risk assessment had informed the declaration of competence. The process for carrying out the service was in accordance with the PGDs and SOPs in place. A risk assessment had been conducted prior to commencing the influenza vaccination service. This ensured that adequate equipment and facilities were in place to provide the service safely for patients. Appropriate equipment included in date influenza vaccinations and adrenaline injections in case of anaphylaxis, swabs, gloves, alcohol hand gel, consent forms and patient information leaflets. Patients were asked to wait in the pharmacy for 5-10 minutes after administration of the influenza injection to ensure they had not experienced any adverse effects. The sharps bin and equipment used to provide the service were kept in a locked cupboard in the consultation room.

What difference this made to patients

Patients receiving vaccinations can be assured that all the risks associated with the procedure have been identified and measures put in place address these, including provision for emergency medical response in the event of any unforeseen adverse reactions.