As previously reported; the CQC analysed inspection reports, notifications of incidents and enforcement notices and then categorised the most common areas of risk with medicines across regulated health and adult social care services. A comprehensive report was issued by the CQC which is available HERE

The key themes highlighted below are pertinent to Mental Health and Learning Disability providers.

Please consider if your service is managing these areas of risk – how can your service improve practice in these areas?

For further support in these areas please speak with your ward pharmacist or a member of the Speeds Healthcare on team on 0843 506 55 66.

Prescribing, monitoring and reviewing high-risk medicines;

·         Monitoring post rapid tranquilisation

·         Physical health monitoring of patients prescribed high dose antipsychotic therapy

·         Monitoring of patients prescribed lithium

·         MHA ‘consent to treatment’ practise

 Administration of medication;

·         Accurate administration and recording

·         Missed doses of medication

·         Self-medication schemes

·         Management of covert administration

·         Management of medication administered ‘when required’

 Transfer of care;

·         Management of medicines for ‘home leave’

·         Medicines reconciliation at transfer of care

·         Medicines being an integral part of the patient pathway

·         Admission and discharge processes with respect to medication

Reporting and learning from incidents;

·         Reporting and sharing learning from all medicines related incidents

 Supply, storage and disposal;

·         Storage of medication

·         Stock control

 Staff competence and workforce capacity;

·         Competency to administer medication

·         Good medicines governance e.g. effective audit, policy and procedures

·         Value of pharmacy professionals in the safe and effective use of medicines