Rowlands PharmacyGPhC

Pharmacy context

This is a pharmacy opposite the Health Centre in Stevenston . It offers the usual range of Pharmacy First services as well as needle exchange, a travel clinic and flu vaccination. Vaccination is also provided for Hepatitis B. It dispenses a large volume of prescription items per month, including for a care home and people on multi-compartment compliance packs as well as people receiving supervised Methadone doses. ​

Standards by principle

• Principle 1 – Governance

  Standards met

  The pharmacy team members make use of an internal audit system to identify and manage risk. But their use of it is inconsistent. They do not record all near misses, and those that are, lack detail. And there is a lack of action taken on non-compliances. Staff do not always fully follow their Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). The pharmacy informs people how to provide feedback about its services. But it does not actively seek feedback so may miss opportunities to drive improvement. Generally, the pharmacy protects people’s privacy and confidentiality. But the pharmacy does not always make sure that it holds all sensitive information securely. Staff are aware of how to protect children and vulnerable adults from harm. ​ ​

• Principle 2 – Staff

  Standards met

  On the day of the inspection there were suitable numbers of qualified staff. These staff can provide a range of services. But, there are signs that staffing is under pressure. These include incomplete records and a lack of tidiness in the dispensary. Staff have access to training and have time in store to use these resources to develop their skills. There is a lack of a culture of learning.

• Principle 3 – Premises

  Standards met

  The pharmacy is generally clean and tidy. But the dispensary seems cluttered and needs swept. The premises are well protected from break-ins and controlled drug security is good. There are arrangements for patients to have private talks with the pharmacist but the consultation room is also cluttered​. ​

• Principle 4 – Services

  Standards met

  The pharmacy offers a wide range of services to meet the needs of local people. It uses a range of safe working techniques. These include baskets to keep items together. And audit trails to track dispensing. But the pharmacy needs to make improvements to the system for the supply of multi-compartment compliance packs. The pharmacy has good arrangements for dealing with medicine recalls. But it does not yet follow the requirements of the Falsified Medicines Directive. This increase the risk that the pharmacy may issue medicines that are not genuine. ​

• Principle 5 – Equipment

  Standards met

  The pharmacy has sufficient equipment for the services it offers and such equipment is well maintained to provide accurate measurement.

Inspection history summary