In previous times the community pharmacy would often find that the turnover split of business would be roughly equal, with about 50% coming from over the counter sales and the balance from the dispensary. The consequence was that much of shop space was allocated to a wide range of product on shelves and perhaps 25% of shop area to the dispensing area.

The changes came about because of the Supermarket inroads on areas which had previously been the local Chemists domain. Sales fell and margins were squeezed.

However, a couple of factors held good for the community pharmacy, namely the need to have a licence to dispense drugs and the restrictions on the sales of pharmacy only medications.

These constraints resulted in a level of protection from Supermarket pressure. The main effect was that retail sales shifted downwards and prescriptions upward. Investment also shifted to developing more efficient Dispensing areas. Prescription rates have increased year on year and many have benefited from Surgeries amalgamating. Broadly, those Pharmacies in the right places have flourished.

Pharmacy has not suffered in the recession, indeed prescription levels have increased due to the sicknesses which occur as the result of difficult times and circumstances.

Pharmacies who currently operate, in general have made significant changes to the arrangements of their premises by refitting to account for the market moves.

The outcome of all this has meant that refitted Pharmacies are re-configured to include larger dispensaries, consultation rooms, medical testing services and facilities to cater for Disabled customers and employees. Overall, changing the face of retail pharmacy to present a much more “ethical” image.

The needs and demands of operating Community or Surgery based Pharmacy are manifold. It is therefore essential that any Design and Fit out partner chosen for a refurbishment, has the up to date knowledge and understanding to account for all the aspects involved.

Ensuring that the Dispensary area, the heart of any Pharmacy, is designed for efficiency and accounting for current and future needs is essential. Accounting for trend changes of the recent past and looking towards the needs of the future as well as consulting with all parties to any project are important ingredients.

Therefore, finding the right Designer is critical and achieving the right balance in all areas absolutely essential. A mistake at this level could cost dear for years to come.

Want to find out more about Pharmacy Furniture, then visit Ken Rand’s site. Planning a refit and want to choose experience seePharmacy Design and Fitting to contact an expert.

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