Crystal Clear Mark

The Crystal Clear mark recognises the critical role pharmacies play in helping people understand their health issues and the steps they need to take to improve their health. The mark is awarded to pharmacies where there is evidence of, and commitment to, providing a literacy friendly service. This means the pharmacy is taking account of and supporting the literacy and numeracy needs of its customers and  communicating clearly.

The mark has been developed by the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU), Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD) and NALA and is supported by Healthy Ireland. We award the quality mark for 3 years and it is free to apply.

To date we have awarded the quality mark to 105 pharmacies in 19 counties.


Read who has the mark

How do you become a Crystal Clear Pharmacy?

To become a Crystal Clear Pharmacy, pharmacies apply by completing an audit consisting of 10 questions. These questions look at:

  • communication;
  • staff awareness and responding sensitively;
  • policies and procedures; and
  • evaluating and improving.

The pharmacy supplies evidence such as photographs of clear signage, examples of plain English medication labels and describe the ways that staff communicate effectively with people in a literacy friendly way.

Pharmacies who pass the audit get the Crystal Clear mark for three years and get a certificate and sticker to display in their pharmacy.

For more information look at the Guide to becoming a Crystal Clear Pharmacy.

If you are interested in the Crystal Clear programme please email communications@nala.ie


Read the Guide

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