Advancing patient safety and professional development in pharmacy

A message from Claire Nevinson, Superintendent Pharmacist

At Boots, we are committed to modernising our dispensing operations and embedding new processes and technology to enhance the care we provide. These advancements are pivotal in helping us deliver high-quality care to every patient, ensuring that we remain at the forefront of pharmacy practice. As we grow in confidence with using these new systems, it’s equally important to recognise the role that human factors can play in introducing risks to patient safety.

This month all pharmacy team members are asked to complete new Human Factors training. This initiative is designed to help you reflect on your actions and the environment in which you work, considering how both can contribute to mistakes. Taking the time to stop and reflect is essential for maintaining patient safety and it helps you to work together as a team to minimise and eliminate potential risks.

Another highlight this month is the annual CPD day for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians. This is a fantastic opportunity to step away from the day-to-day work, learn something new, and connect with peers across your region. The networking and knowledge-sharing that occur during these sessions not only foster personal growth but strengthen our collective ability to meet the ever-evolving needs of patients.

As we continue to introduce new systems and training initiatives, I always refer back to the GPhC and PSNI standards for pharmacy professionals. Modernising our processes not only helps you meet these regulatory standards, but it also elevates the overall quality of care we provide. This is often reflected in the positive feedback we receive during GPhC inspections.

I want to thank each and every one of you for your dedication and hard work in continually improving our standards. Your commitment to adapting and learning helps ensure that we provide the safest, most effective service possible for our patients, and that is something we can all be proud of. Let’s continue to work together towards advancing pharmacy practice through innovation and collaboration.