Report shows improvement in safe management of controlled drugs

We have today published a report showing the continued improvement of health and social care organisations in their management of controlled drugs.
Our annual report for 2009 is the third of its kind and details the progress made in implementing regulations brought in following the Shipman Inquiry.
As part of our regulatory work, we were asked to report to government annually on how safer management arrangements are working following the case of Dr Harold Shipman.
The report covers the monitoring of controlled drugs including opioids such as morphine, sleeping tablets, anabolic steroids and growth hormones.
The key recommendations made in the report are that:
• The safe management of controlled drugs should remain a high priority for organisations.
• The Royal Colleges should develop guidance on the appropriate use of opioids and amphetamines for all sectors.
• The Department of Health should revisit requisition regulations and guidance to better capture data in line with the original policy intent.

• Read our full press release on the release of the report
http://www.cqc.org.uk/newsandevents/pressreleases.cfm?cit_id=36526&FAArea1=customWidgets.content_view_1&usecache=false
• Find out more about our work with controlled drugs and download the full report http://www.cqc.org.uk/guidanceforallhealthcarestaff/managingrisk/controlleddrugs/ourrole.cfm