Controlled Drugs
This page contains a range of NPC publications / resources relating to controlled drugs. Our resources aim to support the safe and effective use of controlled drugs, in line with regulatory changes and best practice.
This section contains information on the post Shipman changes to the legal framework around the use and management of controlled drugs. It signposts the user to the relevant legislation and guidance from Government, professional bodies and other agencies.
Guidance on changes in the management of Controlled Drugs
There have recently been a number of changes to the monitoring and inspection, prescribing, supply and record keeping requirements for Controlled Drugs. The changes, which are a mixture of legislative and good practice requirements, have led to a number of changes in day to day practice for pharmacists. This section outlines the changes, clarifies whether they are legislative or a matter of good practice and provides links to further information.
The Government has published the End of Life Care Strategy - promoting high quality care for all adults at the end of life which is the first for the UK and covers adults in England. Its aim is to provide people approaching the end of life with more choice about where they would like to live and die. It encompasses all adults with advanced, progressive illness and care given in all settings. The strategy has been developed by an expert advisory board chaired by Professor Mike Richards, National Cancer Director, and including key stakeholders from statutory health, social care, third sector organisations, professional and academic organisations. The strategy has been informed and shaped by the work on end of life care undertaken by strategic health authorities for the NHS Next Stage Review.
We have produced this guide, building on the excellent work carried out from 1993 to 1995 by the Citizen's Charter Complaints Task Force, to help you improve your complaints systems. It replaces:
the Good Practice Guide, published by the Complaints Task Force in June 1995; and
the Complaints Review Arrangements in Public Services guidance, published by the Citizen's Charter Unit in March 1997.
The Healthcare Commission has produced a new guidance document: Complaints Toolkit - handling complaints within the NHS. This has been developed to offer advice and assistance to NHS bodies and primary care providers on best practice in handling complaints at a local level and will also help trusts to ensure they have the right procedures in place meet Core Standard 14.
NCPC publishes a range of titles which can help you develop and implement your palliative care strategies, support clinical governance and offer guidance on clinical and ethical issues.
The Fire and Carers Together (FACT) scheme is a free service for family carers and vulnerable people with any additional needs who might find it difficult leaving the home in the event of a fire.