British National Formulary for Children launched
With the publication of the British National Formulary for Children,
pharmacists, doctors and nurses will have access to the most recent
data about medicines use in children, which should lead to safer prescribing.
Ian Costello, lead editor, speaking at the launch of BNF-C in London
earlier this week, explained that in compiling the reference work the
team had searched for information about the use of medicines in children
beyond the standard sources. In addition, they had consulted many expert
advisers in different specialties in order to create some consensus on
what was best prescribing practice for children whose ages might range
from neonates to 18, particularly those who suffered from rare conditions
and who were being prescribed medicines off-licence.
George Rylance, who chaired the BNF-C formulary committee, said that
the publication fed into wider government strategy to develop a research
network for medicines for children and would demonstrate gaps where research
was required.
The BNF-C, which has been jointly published by the Royal Pharmaceutical
Society, the British Medical Association and the Royal College of Paediatrics
and Child Health with the Neonatal and Paediatrics Pharmacists Group,
will be updated on an annual basis. It has been purchased by the four
departments of health in the UK and will be distributed to all health
care professionals involved in the care of children.
Article, p373
New NHS children’s director
Sheila Shribman
has been appointed to the post of National Director for Children
for the NHS in England. She will join the Department of Health
on 1 December.
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