Drawing on GPhC data, we look at what the main causes of poor performance in pharmacies are and how our services can drive regulatory improvement.
Standards which play a key part in a pharmacy’s overall performance
The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) sets standards for registered pharmacies and pharmacists in the UK. It is against these standards that registered pharmacies and pharmacists are judged and, if failings are found, the GPhC will take regulatory and fitness to practise action.
A brief overview of the GPhC standards for registered pharmacies:
- Principle 1: The governance arrangements safeguard the health, safety and wellbeing of patients and the public.
- Principle 2: Staff are empowered and competent to safeguard the health, safety and wellbeing of patients and the public.
- Principle 3: The environment and condition of the premises from which pharmacy services are provided, and any associated premises, safeguard the health, safety and wellbeing of patients and the public.
- Principle 4: The way in which pharmacy services, including the management of medicines and medical devices, are delivered safeguards the health, safety and wellbeing of patients and the public.
- Principle 5: The equipment and facilities used in the provision of pharmacy services safeguard the health, safety and wellbeing of patients and the public.
GPhC inspection data has shown that Principle 1 was consistently demonstrated to be the principle with the strongest influence on good and poor overall pharmacy performance, followed by Principle 4. In addition, pharmacies rated good on Principle 2 were frequently found to be rated good overall.
In particular:
Standards found to drive both good and poor overall performance:
- Standard 1.1 (risk identification and management)
- Standard 1.2 (reviewing and monitoring the safety and quality of services)
- Standard 4.2 (safe and effective service delivery)
Standards found to drive poor overall performance:
- Standard 4.3 (sourcing and safe, secure management of medicines and devices)
Analysis of this data concludes that:
- Struggling pharmacies should begin by focussing on governance and service delivery, as these are the key areas associated with poor performance.
- Pharmacies that invest in improving the quality of their staff will perform better overall.
- The research found that for pharmacies that had undergone more than one inspection, it was more common for the inspection rating to have improved rather than to have deteriorated.
- Pharmacies will only perform well against the standards if pharmacy owners have made sure that their pharmacies have the right governance, systems and culture in place, and are investing in their staff. Once these elements are in place, the pharmacy staff are then able to deliver good or even excellent practice. Strong leadership may be associated with having these in place.
- Struggling pharmacies should ensure that not only do they reflect on their performance and learn from their mistakes, but that they also share knowledge and learning amongst the pharmacy team.
How our services can drive regulatory improvement for pharmacists and pharmacies
Drawing on the analysis of the GPhC data, Kings View Resolutions’ services are well-placed to assist registered pharmacies and pharmacists with driving and maintaining improvements.
As leaders in our field, we are set up and able to deal with the most complex cases with sensitivity and in a timely manner, always open and transparent about our fees and charges. If your business is facing regulatory issues, or you are not sure and require advice and support, speak to one of our legal consultants today.
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Area of Poor Performance |
Our Service |
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Focussing on governance, systems and culture |
Our Mock Inspection service can help with identifying poor performance and weakness in your governance arrangements, systems and internal culture. Following a mock inspection, we can help your business with remedial actions, including: 3. Conducting Internal Investigations and policies and procedures |
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Investing in improving the quality of staff |
Investing in your staff and staff training is key to improving regulatory compliance and avoiding GPhC sanctions and enforcement.
We offer businesses a broad range of training services or products to meet their individual needs and requirements.
Training is important for businesses as evidence of a proactive culture of compliance, seeking to maintain high levels of regulatory compliance or as part of remedial steps necessary to achieve regulatory compliance.
If your business is seeking to take a proactive approach to regulatory compliance through training, we can offer your business a range of training packages and topics tailored to your specific needs.
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Re-inspections |
Our Mock Inspection service can help with identifying poor performance and weakness in your governance arrangements, systems and internal culture. Following a mock inspection, we can help your business with remedial actions, including: |
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Reflect on performance and learn from their mistakes |
Our Mock Inspection service can help with identifying poor performance and weakness in your governance arrangements, systems and internal culture. We can also assist you with preparing for investigations, inspections and reviews drawing on the lessons identified from the mock inspections. |
Our Services
Disclaimer: This article is for guidance purposes only. Kings View Chambers accepts no responsibility or liability whatsoever for any action taken, or not taken, in relation to this article. You should seek the appropriate legal advice having regard to your own particular circumstances.
