We know bank holidays can be a source of difficulty for pharmacies. While we typically have the same number of prescription items to complete every 28 days, the problem arises when we have a day off, as this means we must complete the same amount of work in 80% of the usual time.

This is particularly challenging when we have multiple bank holidays close together, as it compounds the difficulties we face.

For example, we know that the 5-7 days leading up to Good Friday can be as busy as Christmas week, and many staff members request holidays during these times due to school closures, which exacerbates an already difficult situation.

Several tasks become more challenging during bank holidays, including preparing Dosettes, managing methadone prescriptions, dealing with reduced stock delivery days, handling increased requests for emergency medicines, communicating changes to opening hours with patients and surgeries, and adjusting to changes in weekly meeting times. All of these factors can reduce the capacity of pharmacies, leading to the completion of fewer pharmacy services or training.

To manage these difficulties, it is essential to plan ahead and carefully manage staff availability and task scheduling. Holding a team meeting to explain the upcoming risks and challenges and ensuring that everyone knows their responsibilities can help ensure that the pharmacy runs smoothly.

Over the next eight weeks, until the end of May 2023, we have five bank holidays to manage. Therefore, it is crucial to proactively consider how to manage these and reduce the impact of bank holidays.

Please note the following bank holidays are coming soon: