Cogges Hill Pharmacy (1035992)

Inspection summary findings

Principle 1. Governance

The pharmacy does not always identify or manage risks associated with its services effectively. It has written instructions to help with this. But, team members don’t always put them into practice. And, their training records are not kept up to date. This makes it harder for the pharmacy to show that its staff have been properly trained and that they are working safely. Pharmacy team members record some information about the mistakes they make during the dispensing process. But, they don’t formally review them. This could mean that opportunities to spot patterns or trends are missed. Whilst the pharmacy team has some understanding of data protection, the pharmacy doesn’t provide people with information explaining how it handles or stores data, so it may not comply with data protection laws. And, team members are sharing one of their colleagues NHS smart card to access electronic prescriptions. Their password is easily accessible. This makes it more difficult for the pharmacy to control access to people’s records and keep information safe. The pharmacy generally maintains the records that it must keep by law. But, not all team members understand how they can help to protect the welfare of vulnerable people. So, they may not know how to respond to concerns appropriately.

Principle 2. Staff

The pharmacy has experienced staffing issues in its recent past although, it does now have enough staff to manage its workload safely. But, there is a risk that services could be interrupted again if the current numbers of staff are not maintained. Members of the pharmacy team have access to training material. But, they don't have protected study time. This means that they may not always have opportunities to complete ongoing training and keep their skills and knowledge up to date. And, the team do not have regular performance reviews. This could mean that gaps in their skills and knowledge are not identified or supported.

Principle 3. Premises

The premises are adequate to ensure the effective delivery of pharmacy services. Some items were stored on the floor. This could increase the chance of trips or falls occurring. The pharmacy is also small. And, there is limited space to store dispensed medicines and stock safely. But, the company is currently reviewing this in order to improve the amount of space available. 

Principle 4. Services, including medicines management

In general, the pharmacy sources, stores and manages its medicines safely. The team are making some checks to ensure that medicines are not supplied beyond their expiry date. But, the pharmacy has no up-to-date written details to demonstrate this. So, the team may not always be able to provide assurance that all stock is fit for purpose. Pharmacy services are generally provided safely and effectively. But, members of the pharmacy team don't always record relevant information when people receive some medicines. This makes it difficult for them to show that appropriate advice has been provided when these medicines are supplied. And, they are not removing date-expired prescriptions in time. This increases the chance of these medicines being supplied unlawfully. 

Principle 5. Equipment and facilities

The pharmacy has the equipment and facilities it needs to provide services safely.