Guidelines issued for private areas in pharmacies

NEW DRAFT guidelines for patient consultation areas in pharmacies have been published by the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland.

Under regulations introduced in November 2008, all pharmacies are required to have a designated area for patient consultation and patient counselling in their premises by November 1st this year.

Among the main recommendations outlined in the draft guidelines are that the consultation area is constructed in a way that will ensure a “reasonable level” of privacy for the patient, and that the area will be used solely by the pharmacist for the purpose of patient consultation and counselling.

The area should be conveniently located and easily accessible to the patient and wheelchair users, according to the guidelines, while it must have sufficient space and facilities to allow the pharmacist, the patient and his or her carer or guardian to be seated.

The guidelines also state that the installation of security features such as CCTV cameras or panic buttons may be considered provided patients are informed of the presence of these devices.

Announcing the publication of the guidelines, PSI Registrar and chief executive, Dr Ambrose McLoughlin, said the introduction of public consultation areas would make it much easier for patients to get the information and advice they need. “Communicating the correct information in a confidential manner to patients is as important as providing the medicine itself,” he said.