Achill pharmacy awarded health literacy quality mark

ACHILL totalhealth Pharmacy on Achill Island has been awarded the Crystal Clear Mark, Ireland’s first health literacy quality mark.

The programme recognises the critical role pharmacies play in helping patients understand their health issues and the steps they can take to improve their health. It has been developed by MSD and the National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA).

To be awarded the Crystal Clear Mark, Achill totalhealth Pharmacy had to complete an online audit and submit evidence to show how their pharmacy was health literacy friendly. The audit was then assessed by NALA, who concluded that Achill totalhealth Pharmacy qualified for the quality mark.

Commenting on their accreditation, Noel Stenson from Achill totalhealth Pharmacy said: “Pharmacists and wider pharmacy teams all have a responsibility to ensure that they provide a health literacy friendly service to the public. What we have learned through this process is that simple changes can make a big difference to the health of our patients. We are therefore delighted to receive the Crystal Clear Mark. This will enable us to provide an even better level of service to our customers in the local area.”

Pharmacies who wish to participate in the Crystal Clear programme can log on to www.nala.ie/crystalclear to complete the online audit. This will identify what they are already doing to support the literacy and numeracy needs of their patients and what they could do better. Those who are successful in completing this audit can then apply for the Crystal Clear Mark.