Monthly planner

Things to do and things to know in community pharmacy across the UK

ASK YOUR PHARMACIST WEEK, 7-14 NOVEMBER

Make the most of this week to have conversations with key stakeholders at a local level about community pharmacy services. Carry on promoting your pharmacy throughout 2017 using download posters, template social media posts, infographics, video assets and template local newspaper columns from npa.co.uk/ayp2016. UK

EXAMINE YOUR NUMBERS

Further to the Department of Health announcement on 2016-18 funding for pharmacies in England, implemented from 1 December 2016, our advice is to examine your numbers and review your wider business affairs as soon as possible, to make sure you are fit for the future. Get in touch with the NPA about the support we can offer you, including our free business management resources pack, and online prescription analysis services, Check34 and CheckRx. ENGLAND

CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR BANK HOLIDAY NOTIFICATION

Christmas Day and New Year’s Day both fall on a Sunday so Tuesday 27 Dec and Monday 2 Jan are designated as substitute days (3rd Jan in Scotland). Check on the requirements to notify your local NHS organisation on on planned opening hours on these days.

See npa.co.uk/news for country specific requirements. UK

MANAGING HOLIDAY ENTITLEMENT

There are a number of ways you can manage employees’ requests when approached about taking time off over the festive period. You could grant leave on the basis of ‘first come, first served’ or consider allowing people to choose between time off at Christmas or at New Year. Alternatively, if an employee does not get the time off they requested at Christmas time, they could be given priority when they are booking their summer holiday. For more help, contact the NPA Employment Advisory Service team on 0330 123 0558. UK

PREPARE FOR WINTER

Review your security systems and prepare your premises for the cold weather, to avoid accidents that could lead to large claims. For common sense tips from the NPA, visit npa.co.uk. UK

PLAN FOR HEALTH+PHARMACY ACCREDITATION

Seventeen pharmacies are now accredited as Health+Pharmacies, and eligible pharmacies are encouraged to progress towards accreditation before the June 2017 deadline. Pharmacies may be at one of three phases in the process: applied to the H+P initiative but have not yet attended training; training completed and working towards accreditation; or ready for accreditation.

Training involves a 2-day course, facilitated by NICPLD, for both a pharmacist and non- pharmacist assistant. Following this, the non-pharmacist assistant should also complete a distance learning course. Accreditation involves working towards achieving the standards outlined in the H+P Quality Criteria. Download the NPA toolkit from npa.co.uk to support you in the implementation of the H+P quality standards. NORTHERN IRELAND