The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 269 No 7227 p798
7 December 2002

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NHS Direct Online (www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk)

NHS Direct launches policy on standards for advice in pharmacy and medicines

NHS Direct, the 24-hour telephone advice and information service, has launched a policy that sets national standards for advice and support on all aspects of pharmacy and medicines.

According to NHS Direct, the need for national guidance and standards on hand-ling medicines-related calls is illustrated by research showing that 4.9 per cent of NHS Direct callers ask for advice about medicines and 2.3 per cent call about poisoning. In addition, 40 per cent of callers receive advice about medicines.

The policy supports close working relationships between NHS Direct call centres and local pharmacy organisations, in particular local pharmaceutical committees and medicines information centres.

Key features of the policy include: definitions of medicines and poisons-related calls; standards for the handling of medicines and poisons-related calls; standards for training; standards for pharmacy support to NHS Direct call centres; recommended medicines information resources; details of service level agreements to be held between call centres and local pharmaceutical committees; and details of service level agreements to be held between call centres and medicines information centres

Hazel Jamieson, national pharmacy adviser to NHS Direct, said: "This new policy will help to establish a consistent level of pharmacy advice throughout NHS Direct."

Beth Taylor, member of the NHS Modernisation Board, said: "I am delighted that the policy has been launched and it is the outcome of some excellent collaboration."

The policy is available at www.pharmacyinthefuture.org.uk