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The GPhC says its new inspection model is currently taking on average around three to four hours per pharmacy visit, longer than the two hours initially envisaged.

However, despite criticism from pharmacists and other professional bodies that the current system of unannounced visits leaves little time for pharmacy teams to prepare, the regulator is €unlikely€ to move away from this approach as it is considered important for public credibility, head of inspection Mark Voce told the IPF spring conference.

Training had been held for inspectors on making the visits more streamlined, he said. €We are working hard to make the process as efficient as possible.€ Independents could help things along by doing as much preparation in advance as possible, including thoroughly briefing their support staff.

€It's not about catching people out. We are taking a human approach,€ he said. No reports of pharmacy visits will be made available to the public during the prototype phase of the scheme, he reassured delegates.

Comments received so far from inspected pharmacies had been positive, according to Mr Voce. Pharmacists valued the instant feedback from inspectors and welcomed the new 'show and tell' approach.

Visits were seen as a learning and development opportunity for all the pharmacy team, he added.

Mr Voce urged pharmacists to €get on the front foot€ with the inspections. €Don't wait to be asked: tell the inspector the three or four things you are most proud of and why patients love your pharmacy and how you keep them safe. Don't be afraid to proactively identify areas for improvement and say what you are doing to make the changes.€

It is up to pharmacies to provide the evidence and examples required in whatever way they choose, he said.