Business Continuity/Pandemic

Risk Horizons

There are controllable risks; where action and planning can reduce the likelihood and severity of an event.  Yet there are also risks which arise from the operating environment, larger events which impact on the entire community not just your pharmacy. Your pharmacy may not be able to prevent these events, however, your pharmacy's preparedness and response is critical.

Be Prepared

Have some specific approaches agreed before an event occurs.  Taking a healthcare crisis as an example, consider the following:-

• Will the business trade during the crisis, or on reduced hours?
• What is the minimum staffing required and what are the core skills required?
• How will supply be managed and maintained?
• What is the policy regarding sick leave and immunization and precautions for staff in the event of a health crisis?
• How is communication going to be managed?  Customers, staff, medical practitioners, suppliers and government agencies will be seeking information.
• How will the financial impacts be managed.