SOUTH Essex pharmacies have been included in national data on under-performing chemists, with almost 150 reprimanded for providing sub-standard care in the UK.

Inspections in the past year conducted by the General Pharmaceutical Council have seen pharmacies in Basildon, Leigh and South Ockendon not meeting ‘required standards’ with one chemist facing enforcement action.

Upon inspection, five principles are examined – governance, staff, premises, services and equipment.

Derix Healthcare Pharmacy in London Road, Leigh, failed to meet required standards in four out of five categories, governance, staff, premises and services.

The inspection summary read: “The pharmacy does not always adequately identify or manage the risks associated with its services.

“The pharmacy does not always ensure that people’s personal information is protected properly.

“The pharmacy does not always ensure that its team members do the required training for their roles.”

Further notes from the inspection on January 9, last year, note the pharmacy does not ‘always keep its premises tidy’ and does not ‘manage all of its medicines safely or store them securely.”

Great Berry Pharmacy in Nightingales, Langdon Hills, Basildon, was also listed among the most underperforming pharmacies in the past year.

Following an inspection on May 16, the pharmacy was criticised for its governance, premises and services.

The inspection read: “They are cluttered and disorganised, with little or no clear dispensing space. This could increase the risk of mistakes happening.

“Its team members are not all familiar with its written procedures and they do not always follow them.

“The pharmacy does not always keep its medicines secure or store them properly.”

Allcures Pharmacy in Arisdale Avenue, South Ockendon, received positive feedback for its staff, premises and equipment.

However, it’s governance and services were criticised following an August 10 inspection, resulting in enforcement action taking place on January 24, this year.

The enforcement summary read: “The pharmacy has failed to provide assurances that suitable controls are in place to make sure that over the counter medicines are supplied safely online.

“The risks are heightened by the nature of the services provided including the supply of high-risk medicines liable to abuse, misuse and overuse, with inadequate risk management and safeguarding in place.”

A spokesman for Allcures Pharmacy said: "We work closely and amicably with our regulators on any recommendations they might have.

"Patient safety and service is and remains our priority and any improvement recommendations will be actioned appropriately within the given timeframes and within prescribed action plans."

All three pharmacies have been contacted for comment.

For more information on inspections visit bit.ly/3HPImKP.