Bristol PharmacyGPhC

Pharmacy context

This is a community pharmacy in a residential shopping area in the south-eastern suburbs of the city of Bristol. Most people who use the pharmacy are elderly. The pharmacy team members dispense prescriptions, sell over-the-counter medicines and give advice. They also supply several medicines in multi-compartment compliance packs to help vulnerable people in their own homes to take their medicines. The pharmacy offers several services including Medicines Use Reviews (MURs), the New Medicine Service (NMS), seasonal flu vaccinations and the Community Pharmacy Consultation Service (CPCS). The inspection was carried out during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Standards by principle

• Principle 1 – Governance

  Standards met

  The pharmacy’s working practices are generally safe and effective. It has made changes to its written procedures as a result of COVID-19. And, some physical measures are in place to reduce the risk of transmission of the disease. The pharmacy is appropriately insured to protect people if things go wrong. It keeps the required records. The pharmacy team members keep people’s private information safe and they know how to protect vulnerable people.

• Principle 2 – Staff

  Standards met

  The pharmacy generally has enough staff to manage their workload safely. The team members are flexible and cover sickness. They are encouraged to keep their skills and knowledge up to date. The pharmacy team work well together and are comfortable about providing feedback to their immediate manager. But, the team could be better supported from the higher management to accommodate staff members on holiday.

• Principle 3 – Premises

  Standards met

  The pharmacy looks professional and is suitable for the services it offers. It is clean, tidy and organised. The premises are thoroughly cleaned to reduce the likelihood of transmission of coronavirus. The pharmacy signposts its consultation room and so it is clear to people that there is somewhere private for them to talk.

• Principle 4 – Services

  Standards met

  Everyone can access the services the pharmacy offers. And it offers a good range of services. The pharmacy has planned for the safe delivery of the upcoming flu season. It manages its services effectively to make sure that they are delivered safely. The team members make sure that people have the information they need to use their medicines properly. They intervene if they are worried about anyone. The pharmacy gets its medicines from appropriate sources and stores them safely. The pharmacy makes sure that people only get medicines or devices that are safe.

• Principle 5 – Equipment

  Standards met

  The pharmacy has the appropriate equipment and facilities for the services it provides. And, the team members make sure that it is clean and fit-for-purpose. The pharmacy has taken some actions to reduce the spread of coronavirus but these could be more robust.

Inspection history summary