GPHC Methadone Concerns
There have been reports of a number of incidents involving supplies of Methadone beyond the term of instalment prescription – i.e. an extra supply being made without realising the last instalment had already been supplied. There is no known reason why these incidents seem to have been prevalent recently but it is suspected that there is some complacency when dispensing methadone compared to other Schedule 2 CDs because of the frequency that supplies are made.
There is still some confusion about the documentation required when pharmacies supply morphine to paramedics against requisitions. There is published guidance that suggests standardised requisition forms are necessary but these are not always in use and there appears to be some confusion about whether they are legally required. There was discussion about the fact that the forms do not have to be submitted to the NHSBSA in the same way that requisitions from other practitioners are.
The GPhC is doing some work about workplace pressure and intends to hold a meeting in October to discuss the issue with stakeholders
