GPhC Risk-based inspection programme, Pharmacists be ready!

by | Sep 3, 2021 | Blog, GPhC

The GPhC inspection programme is changing. Building on the changes they implemented in 2019 the inspections of the future will be more risk-based and the routine inspection programme will reflect your risk level.

What does this mean?

For you as the Superintendent Pharmacist of Pharmacy Owner, get it right the first time. Failure to meet the standards under the five overarching principles will increase your risk level resulting in more inspections.

What are the principles?

Principle one: There must be governance arrangements in place that ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of the patients and the public are safeguarded.

Principle two: The team members you employ to carry out pharmaceutical services; from the counter assistant to the locum pharmacist, must be competent to safeguard the health, safety and wellbeing of patients and the public and feel empowered to do so.

Principle three: The premises must allow for the safe and effective provision of pharmaceutical services to safeguard the health, safety and wellbeing of patients and the public.

Principle four: The delivery of pharmaceutical services; including the management of medicines and medical devices, safeguards the health, safety and wellbeing of patients and the public.

Principle five: The equipment and facilities available for use to deliver the pharmaceutical services safeguard the health, safety and wellbeing of Patient and the public.

Each principle has several standards which will need to be met to ensure compliance.

Further elaboration can be found here: https://www.pharmacyregulation.org/sites/default/files/document/standards_for_registered_pharmacies_june_2018_0.pdf

How do you get it right?

  • Carry out a full audit of your Pharmacy against the standards and rectify any none-conformities identified
  • Critically review your Standard Operating Procedures against the standards and update as necessary

Remember your inspection reports are now publicly available, failure to meet the standards will be displayed for all to see.

Do you need third party help? PCL can help! We can carry out an audit or complete a review of your documentation, get in touch today by contacting us on either 01252 375362 or on our contact us page

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