MEDICINES

Joint statement on key legal and ethical obligations for the medicines' supply chain (13th November 2009)
The guidance sets out the key legal and ethical obligations that manufacturers, wholesalers, NHS Trusts, registered pharmacies and dispensing doctors have in the supply and trading of medicines. Recent increases in the export of medicines are a major contributor to supply problems and risk jeopardising patient care. It was developed jointly with ten organisations including the Department of Health representing the different parts of the supply chain.
Guidance

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

Review of the MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency) (8th September 2009)
The Department of Health has a responsibility to carry out reviews of its agencies periodically to ensure they are fit for purpose and are operating in the most efficient way. A review of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) was carried out between October 2008 and March 2009 and the report and recommendations can be found below.
Report

PATIENT SAFETY

Safety in doses: improving the use of medicines in the NHS (3rd September 2009)
This report, published by the National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA), identifies risks and areas for action based on a detailed analysis of 72,482 medication incidents. The report includes examples of how local practice may help to prevent future incidents.
Report

PRESCRIBING

Allied health professions prescribing and medicines supply mechanisms scoping project report (10th August 2009)
A report of an initial piece of work to determine if there is an evidence base for further work to extend prescribing and medicines supply mechanisms by allied health professions. The report makes recommendations for future phased work.
Report

IMPACT ASSESSMENT

Impact assessment of the reformed complaints regulations for health and social care - consultation with stakeholders (18th March 2009)

Impact assessment of the Medicine (Products for Human Use - Fees) Regulations 2009 (18th March 2009)

Impact assessment of the Medical Devices (Fees) Regulations 2009 (18th March 2009)

Impact assessment of the Blood Safety and Quality (Fees Amendment) Regulations 2009 (18th March 2009)

Impact Assessment - Valuing People Now 'making it happen for everyone' (11th March 2009)

MEDICINES

The Medicines (Pharmacies) (Responsible Pharmacist) Regulations 2008: guidance (27th February 2009)
Factual guidance on new regulations relating to the sale and supply of medicines from registered pharmacies.
Guidance

MEDICINES

PCT decision making processes on medicines (20th January 2009)

Draft Directions have been drawn up to underpin the guiding principles for processes supporting local decision making about medicines. The Directions will come into force on 1 April 2009.
Draft Directions