Alford PharmacyGPhC

Pharmacy context

The pharmacy is close to a medical practice on a busy through road in the market town of Alford, Lincolnshire. Its main services include dispensing NHS prescriptions and selling over-the-counter medicines. The pharmacy offers a medicine delivery service and a blood pressure testing service. It provides some medicines in multi-compartment compliance packs, designed to help people remember to take their medicines. And it supplies medicines to people living in a local care home. The inspection took place during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Standards by principle

• Principle 1 – Governance

  Standards met

  The pharmacy effectively identifies and manages the risks associated with providing its services. It keeps people’s private information secure. And it generally maintains all records required by law. The pharmacy advertises how people can provide feedback about its services. And it responds appropriately to the feedback it receives. Pharmacy team members understand how to recognise and respond to safeguarding concerns. They have a good understanding of their roles and responsibilities. And they are committed to sharing learning to help reduce risk following mistakes made during the dispensing process.

• Principle 2 – Staff

  Standards met

  The pharmacy employs a small, dedicated team of people who have the appropriate skills and knowledge to deliver its services effectively. Pharmacy team members demonstrate enthusiasm for their roles. They are confident in sharing their ideas. And they know how to raise a professional concern if needed. Pharmacy team members engage in some continual learning at work. But they have not yet had an opportunity to engage in structured appraisals intended to support their learning and development needs.

• Principle 3 – Premises

  Standards met

  The pharmacy premises are suitably maintained and secure. They provide an appropriate space for the delivery of healthcare services. People using the pharmacy can speak with a member of the pharmacy team in a private consultation room.

• Principle 4 – Services

  Standards met

  The pharmacy’s services are accessible to people. It has written procedures to support its team in managing its services safely. The pharmacy appropriately identifies higher risk medicines. And its team members provide supportive information to people when supplying these medicines. The pharmacy obtains its medicines from reputable sources. And it stores its medicines safely and securely. But it does not regularly record the checks it makes to ensure medicines remain safe and fit to supply.

• Principle 5 – Equipment

  Standards met

  The pharmacy has the required equipment for providing its services. It maintains its equipment to ensure it remains fit for purpose and safe to use. And it’s team members use the equipment in a way which protects people’s privacy.

Inspection history summary