The regulations surrounding the supply of stock medication have become increasingly stringent in recent years, with increased licensing and more in-depth inspections. This is creating a range of issues for hospices as they seek a consistent and reliable supplier. Perhaps the biggest impact has been created by the MHRA’s Wholesale…
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Questions on medicines, procedures and practice from hospice staff: 1. Do we have to crush solid dose forms of CDs before destruction? Destruction of Controlled Drugs involves rendering them ‘irretrievable’. We generally use a commercial product that turns to a solid gel when mixed with the liquid contents of ampoules…
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Under the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001, all Controlled Drugs (CDs) classified under Schedules 2, 3 or 4 (part 1) should be denatured and rendered irretrievable before disposal. Please note, this does not include Schedule 5 CDs and legally these do not have to be denatured. The Health Act 2006…
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The Ashtons Live View system facilitates the electronic reporting of pharmacist audits and communication between the pharmacist and clinical staff in the hospital. The pharmacists report any clinical interventions, audits and compliance issues following their ward visits and this information is emailed to the relevant staff and managers. The hospital…
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This NICE guideline provides recommendations on symptom management (pain, breathlessness, nausea and vomiting, anxiety, delirium, agitation and noisy respiratory secretions) and maintaining hydration in adult patients receiving palliative care during the last days of life (two to three). The recommendations included in this guideline include: Recognising when people are entering…
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This Nice quality standard was published in September 2017 and covers end of life care for infants, children and young people (from birth to 18 years) who have a life-limiting condition. It also covers support for family members and carers. This Nice quality standard makes six statements on: Advanced care…
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This updated NICE guidance covers safe and effective prescribing of strong opioids for pain relief in adults with advanced and progressive diseases. It aims to improve pain management and patient safety. The update in August 2016 deleted recommendation 1.1.12 and two out-of-date research recommendations. It also replaced the link to…
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Palliative care can provide great comfort to patients suffering from a terminal illness, and also their families. The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines palliative care as “an approach that improves the quality of life of patients and their families facing the problem associated with life-threatening illness, through the prevention and…
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Maintaining and improving the quality of medicines management in hospices is a constant challenge. We have been successfully helping hospices with this for over 20 years. We will help you to promote the safe and effective use of medicines. This will not only positively affect the day-to-day lives of your…
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Childrens Hospice Week (CHW) is currently the only awareness and fundraising week for children with serious conditions, of its kind. These children’s hospices greatly need support and Childrens Hospice Week will go a long way to help with funding, but will also help share stories or strength and bravery to…
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