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A new research paper finds that single-branch independent pharmacies and small chains are more likely to fail a GPhC inspection than those with larger ownership structures.

Published in the academic journal Pharmacy, the paper was co-authored by University of Strathclyde researchers and the General Pharmaceutical Council’s chief pharmacy officer Roz Gittins and GPhC research manager Yoni Carmel.

Looking at data from 2,197 pharmacy inspections between January 2022 and December 2024, the authors wrote: “A gradient effect was observed across pharmacy-ownership categories, with progressively higher odds of inspection failure as the ownership model size decreased.”

They found that seven per cent of single-branch independents failed at least one of the GPhC’s standards for pharmacy premises when an inspector visited, compared with five per cent of businesses with between two and five outlets, four per cent of those with between six and 25 pharmacies, two per cent of those with up to 250 premises and one per cent of both business with 251-1,000 pharmacies and those with over 1,000.

Looking at feedback provided by GPhC inspectors, the authors found that governance and organisational oversight, issues with the physical environment and staff competence and training were some commonly cited areas for improvement.

They wrote: “Strengthening governance structures, workforce development and infrastructure support, particularly in smaller independent pharmacies, may improve consistency in regulatory compliance, and support safe, high-quality delivery of vaccination services from community pharmacies.”

The authors also noted that community pharmacies providing vaccination services were significantly more likely to pass an inspection, with 91 per cent meeting all standards compared with 80.4 per cent of those not offering an immunisation service. 

Similarly to the variance in rates of meeting standards observed with different ownership structures, the paper identifies inadequate governance – particularly for online pharmacies – staffing levels and competency and issues with the physical environment as stumbling blocks for non-vaccinating pharmacies, while those that do provide these services were often found to perform well in these areas.  

National Pharmacy Association chief executive Henry Gregg commented: "Our members work incredibly hard to comply with the regulations and provide a first class, safe service to the patients they serve.

"The NPA also supports its members with practical inspection guidance, governance resources, training and expert advice to help them meet GPhC standards and continuously improve."

Related: GPhC inspections up 85% over two years