Wednesday 11 September 2013

Monitoring of controlled drugs: The CQC calls for continued vigilance


The sixth annual report into the management of controlled drugs was published by the CQC last month. The report warns that whilst the arrangements for monitoring controlled drugs have worked well, continued vigilance is needed to make sure this good practice continues.

In 2013, changes were made to the regulations governing controlled drugs to align them with the new NHS guidelines.
The report details the progress made in implementing regulations introduced in response to the Shipman Inquiry which found ineffective monitoring had allowed Dr Harold Shipman to divert supplies of diamorphine to kill many of his patients without being detected.
New systems and processes are being rolled out across the NHS and while this is happening, the CQC Chief Executive, David Behan warns that it is vital that vigilance is maintained to ensure the safety of patients.
The CQC is looking at the governance arrangements for controlled drugs in primary medical services now that they are the regulator for these services.
The report outlines trends within the prescribing of controlled drugs and has made five key recommendations. These include:
·      Health and social care professionals must ensure they know the mechanism for reporting controlled drug concerns.
·      CDAOs must ensure contact details on the CDAO register are accurate.
·      Effective systems developed at the local level for secure gathering, sharing and recording of intelligence relating to concerns about safe management of controlled drugs should be preserved and transferred into the new NHS structure.
·      CDAOs must be aware of their continuing responsibilities for good governance and safe use of controlled drugs to ensure monitoring and vigilance.
·      During 2013, the CQC must incorporate providers’ governance arrangements for controlled drugs into its inspection model for primary medical services.
To download the full report, click here.

Image: e-MagineArt.com
Source: www.cqc.org.uk

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