The General Pharmaceutical Council’s new approach to premises inspection has met with a favourable response from independents that have been inspected under the prototype procedures.

Speaking at a joint GPhC/Independent Pharmacy Federation webinar on January 29, IPF chairman Fin McCaul admitted that the new process created challenges but said that independents preferred it to the old system. Mr McCaul explained to the nearly 1,000 pharmacists and staff logged in to the webinar that the inspections were structured and extensive but supportive.

Inspectors were prepared to receive feedback during this prototype phase about how the model could be improved, and support staff enjoyed being asked questions and engaging in the process.

The new outcomes-focused approach was not a “one size fits all”, said Mr McCaul. This enabled independents to demonstrate how they, for example, managed risk in a way that best suited their business. Mr McCaul suggested reviewing the five principles listed in the GPhC’s ‘Standards for registered premises’ and considering good examples of practice to describe alongside supporting evidence before an inspection. “Know what you’re good at and be prepared to explain it,” he said.

Independents reported challenges that included the length of time taken (up to four hours, although this is expected to decrease as those involved become more familiar with the process), and deciding which evidence and processes could be used to illustrate certain points. A two-day time limit to return inspection questionnaires was also a challenge for some independents.

Professionalism – a key aim

Mark Voce, head of inspection at the GPhC, explained that professionalism was a key strategic aim of the new system. “Professionalism, rather than rules and regulations provides the most effective protection for patients,” he said. The focus was on safe and effective outcomes rather than prescriptive roles.

“Pharmacies should have as their top priority patients and keeping them safe, and should be able to show how they do that every day.” It would be up to pharmacies to provide the evidence and examples in whatever way they chose.

Prototype inspections have been running since November 4 and most identified “a number of relatively minor issues”. Inspectors discovered a low level of awareness of the premises standards in general.

Inspectors found that pharmacists valued the instant feedback they were given and welcomed the new “show and tell” approach. Pharmacists reportedly viewed the experience as a learning and development opportunity for the whole pharmacy team. “Be confident in what you’re doing, be proud and ready to tell the inspector,” said Mr Voce.