Nine pharmacies did not meet GPhC standards in past five months

The latest inspection report of the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) revealed that nine pharmacies did not meet their standards out of 52 pharmacies that were inspected between January 2023 and May 2023.

Pharmacies are inspected on five principles - Governance, Staff, Premises, Services including medicines management and Equipment and facilities. Out of nine, eight pharmacies did not meet GPhC standard of governance which is defined to safeguard the health, safety and wellbeing of patients and the public.

Six pharmacies did not meet the GPhC standard of principle four which defines 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.

The purpose of these standards is to create and maintain the right environment, both organisational and physical, for the safe and effective practice of pharmacy. The standards apply to all pharmacies registered with GPhC.

Nine pharmacies that did not meet GPhC includes - Alpha Pharmacy, Scotland inspected on 16th January, 2023; Tesco Instore Pharmacy, England, inspected on 27th February 2023; Kamsons Pharmacy, England, inspected on 24th March; Jhoots Pharmacy, England, inspected on 27th March; Rana Dispensing Chemist, England, inspected on 27th March; New Bridge Pharmacy, England, inspected on 28th March; Dalton Square Pharmacy, England, inspected on 28th March; Swanpool Pharmacy, England, inspected on 13th April; and Minimax Pharmacy, England, inspected on 18th April.

According to GPhC, when a pharmacy has not met all standards, they are required to complete an improvement action plan. The council monitors progress to check the improvements are made and inspect again after six months to make sure the pharmacy is maintaining these improvements.