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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