The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) has outlined plans to update and improve the way it inspects pharmacies.
A summary of the proposed changes:
- More targeted inspection activity to focus on areas of higher risk by employing a shorter, focused inspection methodology for some routine inspections.
- The ability to carry out re-inspections at any time up to six months plus two weeks from the date of initial inspection, resulting in more timely follow-up when standards have not been met.
- Taking a more flexible and risk-based approach to when and how we carry out inspections for newly-registered pharmacies
- Shorter, clearer inspection reports and improved standardisation of approach across the inspectorate.
The planned changes are due to be implemented during January 2025. As well as focused and full inspections, other types of inspections will continue, including re-inspections, intelligence-led inspections and themed inspections.
Chief Pharmacy Officer at the General Pharmaceutical Council, Roz Gittins, said:
“Pharmacy inspections are a vital part of our role as the pharmacy regulator. They help to ensure patients and the public get safe and effective pharmacy care – whether that is online or face-to-face.
“Updating the inspections process means we can be more targeted, focusing on areas of higher risk, and the key standards for patient safety.
“It means we will be able to carry out more inspection activity as efficiently as possible.”
“Our priority is patient safety, and inspections help with assuring the public that they can have trust in pharmacy and the services they provide.”
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