The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 275 No 7363 p226
20 August 2005

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· MDSs (4)
· Regulation
· Pharmacy practice (2)
· Hospital disinfection
· Controlled drugs
· Pharmacogenomics
· Registration examination (2)
· Retention fees (4)

Letters to the Editor

Controlled drugs

What problem will running balances solve?

From Mr J. S. Urwin, MRPharmS

So we may be required to maintain running balances of Controlled Drugs (PJ, 6 August, p155). Without invoking the discussion-obviating mantra of Shipman, could someone explain what practical problem this “solution” will solve? Also, how will it improve patient care?

Has anyone calculated the pharmacist-hours that will be soaked up each year by pharmacists, both locum and regular, prudently checking CD stocks before accepting control of a pharmacy? Will we eventually have to keep track of all stocks of medicines with a capacity for harm or abuse?

More sand is being poured into the machinery with the sole purpose of apportioning blame or providing self-protection.

John Urwin
Workington, Cumbria

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