Business continuity and IG toolkit reminder

Please remember that pharmacy contractors are no longer exempt from requirement 319 – the requirement to have a business continuity plan.

The importance of a business continuity plan and its effective implementation can be seen in the event of a failure or a disaster.  The cause of failures as we have seen can be natural, accidental or even deliberate.  Vital business processes still need to be carried out if our patients are to have continued access to pharmaceutical services. Having documented business continuity plans and procedures assists this process enabling all pharmacy staff to know what they need to do in the event of a security failure or disaster.

Therefore, pharmacies must have a business continuity plan in place and provide the necessary assurances via the IG return no later than 31st March 2016. Do not leave it to the last minute!

Guidance on developing a plan can be found in the clinical governance section of the PSNC’s website and further support in completing the IG toolkit is available here.