Deciding to build a granny flat is simple, designing and building the extension can be a lot harder. You'll have a lot of questions to answer along the way. Can you use a general contractor or is is better to use one who has built a lot of granny flats before? Is a template design better than a customised one? Should you let the person who'll live in the flat have a say in what it looks like? Luckily, I'm here to help. My name is Maria. We moved my Mum into a purpose-built granny flat last year, so I've had to answer all these questions and more. I thought it'd be useful for other people to see how we managed the process, so here we are — get reading!
Pharmacy Fitouts: What You Need to Know
If you are planning to open a new community pharmacy, it is important that you carefully consider the layout and fittings inside the store. This article will introduce you to many things you should consider when fitting out a pharmacy so your patients can have a pleasant, informative and safe visit.
Reception area
The reception area is the first thing that greets your patients when they enter the store, so it's important to showcase this area to potential customers. It should have signs directing people towards their products or maps showing how to get there.
Category-specific displays
You should also provide separate display areas for each category of medication in your pharmacies, such as cough and cold remedies, vitamins and over-the-counter pain relievers. These areas should be brightly lit so customers can easily see what is on offer. Customers shouldn't be forced to walk around the store when looking for specific products; they should be able to browse easily in a well-organised space.
Patient consultation area
The consultation area is your main focus when fitting out a pharmacy. This is the place where patients will discuss intimate medical issues, and you must make sure it's comfortable and inviting for them. Consultation areas should be soundproof areas out of public view.
Dispensing area
You must set aside a separate area for staff members to fill prescriptions and perform other behind-the-scenes tasks. Dispensing areas should have a counter and window at which staff can interact with customers. You will also need to display clear signage explaining how the dispensing system works. You may also want to include security cameras, dispensing record cabinets and emergency first aid kits in this area for added safety precautions.
Back office
The back office is where staff members will handle bills, report sales information and perform other managerial tasks. Staff will need access to work surfaces, tables, chairs and desk lamps. You should consider installing cabinets for back-office customer records that are separate from their medical records to avoid confusion.
Secure storage
Controlled drugs must be stored in a secure room that's not accessible to everyone in the pharmacy. The room should also be monitored at all times to stop unauthorised access and theft of medication. Installing a drug safe or other secure storage as part of your fit-out is a must.
For more information about pharmacy fitouts, contact a shopfitting service today. A member of the team will be happy to help.