Chemist Corner (1110431) - Improvement action plan

The pharmacy has not assessed key risks in relation to the sales of medicines via eBay and there is no standard operating procedure for the service.

Key risks in relation to the sale of medicines via ebay have been assessed and new risk prevention measures have been implemented. The SI and staff have reviewed the updated guidance released by the General Pharmaceutical Council in April 2019 regarding the services provided by a Pharmacy at a distance including the internet (Guidance for registered Pharmacies providing Pharmacy services at a distance, including on the internet document).The 5 principles noted within this document have been incorporated and implemented into our new current SOPs.
Existing SOPs have been adapted to cover all risks associated with the sale of medicines via the internet and on ebay.
The updated SOP has been reviewed by members of the team that are involved with this.

The pharmacy sells excessive quantities of medicines without challenge and without obtaining sufficient information to be able to assess whether they are safe and appropriate.

The new SOPs implemented covering the sale of medicines via ebay covers all the risks associated with the purchase of any excessive quantities.
All sales are vetted by the Pharmacist prior to approval of any sales completing. Any relevant questions associated with the item being purchased are asked by the Pharmacist ensuring the safe supply of medication.
In the instance that a supply is thought to be excessive or unjustifiable then the sale shall be refused.
At present, all ebay sales are suspended whilst new updated measures are incorporated into this particular activity. This will ensure that any associated risks will have had robust measures in place to combat any problems that may arise.

The pharmacy has supplied a prescription only medicine to people via eBay without a prescription which is unlawful. The pharmacy cannot demonstrate that they are obtaining information from people to ensure medicines sold on eBay are appropriate.

The issue regarding the supply of POM medication via ebay has been actioned by removing this particular item for sale immediately. All ebay sales are currently suspended and customers are unable to make any purchases. The SI is currently reviewing all ebay item listings to ensure no further POM medicines have been listed mistakenly.
The new SOPs implemented consider all risks that may be associated with the sale of medicines and offer a robust framework to follow. Any repeat sales or excessive quantities are refused by the Pharmacist and this is closely monitored.
In order to ensure any purchase is genuine and appropriate, a messaging protocol (as described in the SOP) is used to ask a series of questions before a decision is made weather a successful supply should be made or not. This sale is always at the discretion of the Pharmacist and can be refused upon grounds of professional judgement.