Your Medicals (9012314) - Improvement action plan

The pharmacy has undertaken some risk assessments of its services including a risk assessment for the supply of weight loss medicines and the sale of Pharmacy Only (P) medicines online. But it does not have an overarching risk assessment that shows how it has considered and mitigated all of the risks of the model it is using including the overall risks of the service, ensuring prescribers have the right competencies for the treatments provided, ensuring appropriate records are kept and staff communication. And the pharmacy is not following its own procedures for the supply of P medicines which are liable to misuse, overuse or abuse.

We have updated the risk assessment to ensure that all prescribers involved in weight management services are competent and appropriately trained in this area. We have acknowledged in the risk assessment that a prescriber lacking competence in weight loss management can result in an incorrect or inappropriate prescription, which poses significant clinical risk. This has been formally included in the prescriber risk category and preventative measures sections.

We have ensured that prescribers leave clear notes on each order, explaining the rationale behind their clinical decisions and the process followed in reaching those decisions. These notes are accessible to pharmacy owners, providing full visibility and allowing them to review and understand the prescriber’s clinical reasoning.

We have implemented a process where a note is made for each sale of P medicines that are liable to abuse. Customers are proactively contacted to assess the clinical need for the medication, particularly if requested frequently. Where necessary, the Summary Care Record (SCR) is accessed to confirm ongoing conditions, with prior consent obtained from the customer; if consent is not given, the sale may be declined. Additionally, verification occurs through an external agency, and if verification fails, the customer is contacted directly.

Purchase patterns are assessed, and repeat orders are flagged.

There is excessive clutter and boxes on the stairs and the front entrance. This presents a significant health and safety risk.

All unnecessary clutter has been cleared, and empty boxes have been properly discarded. The pharmacy is cleaned regularly, and walkway areas are kept clear at all times to eliminate potential hazards and maintain a safe working environment.