All pharmacies in Scotland have a duty of candour. This is a legal requirement, which means that when unintended or unexpected events happen that result in death or harm as defined in the Act, the people affected understand what has happened, receive an apology, and that organisations learn how to improve for the future. An important part of this duty is that we provide an annual report about how the duty of candour is implemented in our services.
How many incidents happened to which Duty of Candour applies?
Between 1st April 2022 and 31st March 2023 there were 3 incidents where the duty of candour applied
Type of Unexpected or unintended incident | Number of times this happened |
Someone has died | 0 |
Someone has permanently less bodily, sensory, motor, physiologic or intellectual functions | 0 |
Someone’s treatment has increased because of harm | 0 |
The structure of someone’s body changes because of harm | 0 |
Someone’s life expectancy becomes shorter because of harm | 0 |
Someone’s sensory, motor or intellectual function is impaired for 28 days or more | 0 |
Someone experienced pain or psychological harm for 28 days or more | 0 |
A person needed health treatment in order to prevent them dying | 0 |
A person needed health treatment in order to prevent other issues | 3 |
To what extent did Asda Pharmacy follow the duty of candour procedure?
All dispensing incidents reviewed in line with policy and Standard Operating Procedures. Affected patients contacted and followed up.
Information about our policies and procedures
We have many Standard Operating Procedures to ensure we keep our patients and customers safe.
When something goes wrong, we investigate then report to Head Office. An action plan is put in place to ensure appropriate learnings and changes take place. If the duty of candour process is triggered, head office follow the process with the person concerned. All our pharmacists and pharmacy colleagues are trained on the duty of candour and support is available for any colleagues affected by a duty of candour incident.
Other information
As required, we have submitted this report to the required authority and is available on our corporate website..
If you require any further information please contact us at Compliance.pharmacy@asda.co.uk or Pharmacy Compliance Team, ASDA House, Great Wilson Street, Leeds, LS11 5AD