The safer management of controlled drugs: Annual update 2024

For national bodies and government

Ensure that the national and regional oversight of controlled drugs is assured through any future structural changes

There are still risks from controlled drugs in the health and care system. The current function operates effectively, offers good oversight of risks and shares learning well. It is crucial to retain these outcomes in future structures and to ensure effective and consistent resource for them. 

This will minimise any unwarranted variation in the ability of local lead controlled drug accountable officers to monitor and manage risk in their area.

Address the available evidence on the cost of diversion and inappropriate use of controlled drugs

There are significant gaps in the evidence relating to the costs associated with the diversion and inappropriate use of controlled drugs. Although this is a complex area with a large number of variables, it would be helpful to work towards a better understanding of the cost to the health and care system, and wider economy.

This could help to ensure that the resources to address concerns about controlled drugs are proportionate to the issue.

Work together to understand cross-border prescribing data for controlled drugs

Prescriptions produced in England for controlled drugs may be dispensed in  Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. This includes private prescriptions. However, there is no UK view of prescribing and dispensing that occurs across borders.

National organisations should collaborate to gain a better understanding of each other’s processes and available datasets, and how these can feed into a UK-wide picture of controlled drugs risks.

Enable appropriate access to controlled drugs in care homes

It’s important that people can access the right medicines, at the right time, especially at the end of their lives. It’s also crucial that staff supporting them are able to meet this need in the most timely and efficient way.

Relevant government departments and other national organisations should work together to review the impact of current practice around access to controlled drugs on people receiving care, as well as on those supporting them.

For health and care services

Designated bodies: ensure you provide effective resource for your controlled drugs accountable officer.

Non-designated bodies: ensure there is a lead for controlled drugs in your organisation.

We often hear that CDAOs are not resourced effectively. Effective resourcing is a requirement under the 2013 Regulations. Many services don’t fit the definition of a designated body. Although these services won’t have a CDAO, many will handle, prescribe and administer significant volumes of controlled drugs.

It’s therefore vital that they have a controlled drugs lead, to ensure proper oversight and management.

For healthcare professionals

Work within your scope of practice

Our findings from both inspections and prescribing data indicate that healthcare professionals are working outside their scope of practice, and in some cases, outside of the law. To ensure people receive safe care, all healthcare professionals must work within their scope of practice. All professional regulators have guidance on this.

Services should ensure they support this and do not encourage professionals to work outside of their scope of practice.