Page 14 - P4304.1-V109_PS Magazine - May 2025 (print)

The vital role of succession
planning for dispensary managers
In the ever-evolving landscape of GP
Practices, dispensary and practice managers emerging talent within the practice by
play a critical role in ensuring profitability,
compliance with regulations, and patient
satisfaction. As the need to manage the
dispensary grows, so does the need for
effective succession planning, particularly
for this critical position. This article explores and nurturing internal colleagues to fill
the significance of succession planning for
dispensary managers and its impact on
long-term success.
When I began managing my first pharmacy
15 years ago, I was handed the keys and left and often a new industry. This proactive
to figure it all out on my own. In hindsight, I
often reflect on how invaluable it would have maintain profitability, minimise disruption,
been to have a mentor by my side, guiding
me through my initial transition before the
previous manager vacated the position.
The pharmacy, which I was responsible for,
was disorganised and struggling, creating
a stressful environment that took months
to stabilise. In the world of dispensing
practices, there is no luxury of time—the
repercussions of inexperience can lead to
significant financial losses. Therefore, it is
crucial for practice/dispensary managers to
Mitigating knowlege gaps
We work in a niche industry full of
complexity, dispensary managers
accumulate a wealth of knowledge
regarding operations, PAs, how
prescriptions make money, order
management and using tools such as
the Dm+D browser. Unexpected senior
staff departures, whether due to personal
reasons, retirement or change of career/
Richard Fenwick
Sales Controller
14 PS Magazine | Succesion Planning
P4304.1-V109_PS Magazine - May 2025 6.5.indd 14
P4304.1-V109_PS Magazine - May 2025 6.5.indd 14
future-proof their businesses and nurture
investing in development opportunities, such
as sending colleagues to PSUK study days
and shadowing current Dispensary Leads.
Succession planning involves identifying
key positions as and when they become
available . Recruiting externally is often
expensive, time consuming and can often
take many months for new members
of staff to adapt to a new dispensary
approach ensures that GP Practices can
and cultivate leadership from within. In a
dispensary setting, where discounts are ever
changing and knowledge on how practices
can maximise or reduce losses, having a
well-prepared manager is essential.
Here are some of the main areas that
succession planning can play a huge part in
reducing future problems.
surgery, can create significant knowledge
gaps. Succession planning allows for the
sharing of vital processes to successors,
ensuring a seamless transition and
a reduction of an induction period
. Implementing a good succession
strategy can help motivate and retain
staff as they learn new skills and develop
within the business.
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14/04/2025 15:10:24
14/04/2025 15:10:24