Hospital pharmacists urged to prescribe only what is necessary
Thursday 16th September 2010
The importance of prescribing only what is necessary to patients is to be highlighted in letters sent by Wales's chief medical officer to health professionals.
Dr Tony Jewell intends to do this as part of a national drive launched by the Welsh Assembly Government to reduce the amount of drugs and treatments wasted every year.
Hospital pharmacists are likely to be made aware of the strategy, which is hoped to save some of the £50 million spent annually by the NHS on redundant medicines and those disposed of via household rubbish.
Included in the campaign - also to feature leaflets and radio adverts on the subject - is the case of one patient who returned some £2,000 worth of unwanted drugs. Because these have to be destroyed, there is no way to recoup the cost.
Hospital pharmacists may want to take note of the suggestions, such as to prescribe "more effectively" and fully understand any side effects or benefits of each drug.
The strategy's unveiling comes days after a locum pharmacist study revealed that medication errors in care homes could reduce in number if such personnel were responsible for running these facilities.
Written by Martin Lambert
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