Page 6 - PSUK march 2025 mag (print)

Countering

increased costs.

By Caroline Pond

Having read the article on minimum wage and NI increases in last months PS magazine,
I thought it would be useful to give you some practical guidance on calculating staffing
levels for a dispensary. After all, we must ensure we have adequate staff hours to
manage the dispensing workload efficiently and safely but if staff costs increase
above a level that the dispensary can sustain then your business will fail.

First though, let’s be clear on what we mean by ‘dispensary staff hours’ because
sometimes even this simple description can be misunderstood, and tthis can have a
knock-on effect on how the dispensary accounts look.

“Most dispensing

doctor practices will be

signed up to DSQS, The

Dispensary Services

Quality Scheme and this

is a good thing.”

The Dispensary Services Quality Scheme (DSQS) is a framework designed to ensure
the delivery of high-quality, safe, and effective dispensary services in general practices
that provide dispensing services to patients. It aims to improve the overall standard
of dispensing practices by promoting the implementation of robust systems, regular
staff training, and patient safety measures. Under the DSQS, practices are required
to conduct regular audits, maintain accurate records, and offer medication usage
reviews to patients, especially those on multiple prescriptions. It also recommends
minimum safe staffing level guidance based on the number of items being dispensed.
Participation in the scheme is voluntary but incentivised through financial support,
encouraging practices to meet the required standards and continually improve the
quality of care.
6 PS Magazine | Countering increased costs

07/02/2025 16:29:09
PSUK march 2025 mag 07-02-2025.indd 6
PSUK march 2025 mag 07-02-2025.indd 6 07/02/2025 16:29:09