Letchworth PharmacyGPhC

Pharmacy context

The pharmacy is on the edge of the main shopping area of the town. It provides NHS and private prescription dispensing mainly to local residents. The team also dispenses medicines in multi-compartment compliance packs for some people. And it provides treatment and support for people being treated for substance misuse. The pharmacy invests in technology using a dispensing robot and an automated machine allowing 24-hour access to dispensed medicines. It uses an electronic device to monitor its medicine delivery service. People can access an ear wax removal service offered by independent practitioners in the pharmacy consultation rooms.

Standards by principle

• Principle 1 – Governance

  Standards met

  Members of the pharmacy team usually work to professional standards and they mainly identify and manage risks appropriately. They record a few of the mistakes they make during the dispensing process. And they try to learn from these to avoid problems being repeated. The pharmacy generally keeps its records up to date and this help to show that it is providing safe services. Its team members understand how they can help to protect the welfare of vulnerable people. And they keep people's private information safe.

• Principle 2 – Staff

  Standards met

  The pharmacy has enough team members to provide its services, using locum dispensers. They work effectively together and support one another. They have the appropriate skills, qualifications and training to deliver services safely and effectively. But the regular use of locums makes the service provision less robust. Team members receive some ongoing training. But this is not very structured. This could make it harder for them to keep their knowledge and skills up to date.

• Principle 3 – Premises

  Standards met

  The pharmacy's premises are clean, secure and provide an appropriate environment to deliver its services. People can have a conversation with a team member in a private area. The pharmacy website advertises services which it no longer offers, which may mislead people.

• Principle 4 – Services

  Standards met

  Overall, the pharmacy delivers its services in a safe and effective manner and it gets its medicines from reputable sources. Pharmacy team members are helpful and give advice to people about where they can access other support. They try to make sure people have all the information they need so that they can use their medicines safely although there are times when this does not happen consistently.

• Principle 5 – Equipment

  Standards met

  The pharmacy generally has the right equipment for its services. It makes sure its equipment is safe to use.

Inspection history summary