In Views

Follow this topic

Bookmark

Record learning outcomes

Pharmacists who have embraced private services such as vaccinations and health checks know they are commercially beneficial and professionally rewarding, says Mandeep Mudhar…

Independent pharmacies are navigating a period of uncertainty, with pressures from reimbursement structures, rising costs, workforce shortages, and unpredictability in funding.

All these factors can create significant stress for pharmacy owners. Despite these pressures, there is an opportunity for pharmacies to reconsider how they operate and find ways to deliver value to patients and their local communities.

Rethinking the role of pharmacists

A key change in recent years is how pharmacists are spending their working day. Where most of their time used to be focused on dispensing, increasing numbers are now spending more time in consultations, providing clinical services, and ultimately using their expertise to improve patient outcomes.

Whilst we support the shift towards a Pharmacy First model, it requires careful planning of workflows and trust in the wider pharmacy team members.

It can be challenging to implement, but when it works well pharmacists are able to concentrate on clinical care while team members can take on more responsibility. This creates a more personalised experience for patients and allows the pharmacy to make better use of its skills and resources.

Innovating beyond traditional dispensing

Innovation in service delivery is key to addressing the pressures the pharmacy sector faces. Members who have embraced private healthcare services such as vaccinations and health checks know these services are commercially beneficial and professionally rewarding.

They respond directly to evolving patient needs and allow pharmacies to broaden their services offer beyond traditional dispensing.

By developing services that are additional to the pharmacy’s main activity, independent pharmacies can strengthen both their financial footing and their position in the local community as a trusted healthcare partner. 

Improving operations to support care

Operational innovation also underpins this. Practical tools such as time-motion studies can help staff teams understand how their day is structured and where efficiencies can be made.

Adjustments in workflow, stock management or retail layout can create key capacity for patient services. Improvements to signage, optimised planograms or an over-the-counter product can impact both turnover and patient experience.

Pharmacies that choose to view the challenges they face as a catalyst for innovation will not just manage uncertainty - they will shape the future of community pharmacy, creating stronger businesses and healthier communities in the process.

Mandeep Mudhar is the head of Alphega Pharmacy.