Medicare Chemists (1039630)

Inspection summary findings

Principle 1. Governance

The pharmacy generally identifies and manages the risks associated with its services. It keeps the records required by law. Pharmacy team members know how to keep people’s private information secure. And they know what to do if there is a concern about the welfare of a child or vulnerable adult. Pharmacy team members record and discuss some mistakes that happen. They sometimes use this information to learn and make changes to help prevent similar mistakes happening again. But, they don’t always record enough detail about why these mistakes happen. So, they may miss opportunities to improve. The pharmacy has written procedures. But it does not regularly review these procedures. Not all pharmacy team members have read them or always follow them. So, they may not be working in the most effective way.

Principle 2. Staff

The pharmacy team members have the right qualifications and skills for their roles and the services they provide. Pharmacy team members complete ad-hoc training. And, they learn from the pharmacist and each other to keep their knowledge and skills up to date. They reflect on their own performance. And, set objectives to improve their knowledge when they need to. Pharmacy team members feel comfortable discussing issues and act on ideas to support the effective delivery of services. But, the pharmacy owners are sometimes slow to respond when pharmacy team members raise issues.

Principle 3. Premises

The pharmacy has suitable space for the health services provided. And, it has a room where people can speak to pharmacy team members privately. The pharmacy is generally maintained to the required standards and has a safe and effective workflow. But, some benches are cluttered and untidy, which can increase the risks of mistakes being made.

Principle 4. Services, including medicines management

The pharmacy is generally accessible to people and it mostly manages its services safely and effectively. It sources its medicines from licenced suppliers. And it stores and manages its medicines appropriately. Pharmacy team members dispense medicines into devices to help people remember to take them correctly. They provide information with these devices to help people know when to take their medicines and to identify what they look like. Pharmacy team members take some steps to identify people taking high-risk medicines. And, they provide them with some advice. But, they don’t always have written information for people to take away. So, people may not have all the information they need to help them take their medicines. And, they do not routinely maintain an audit trail of deliveries made to people. So, it might be difficult to deal with any queries or concerns.

Principle 5. Equipment and facilities

The pharmacy has the necessary equipment available, which it properly maintains. And it manages and uses the equipment in ways that protect confidentiality.