The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 277 No 7430 p702, 707
9 December 2006

Society summary

Monitoring and inspection of Controlled Drugs: role of the Society's inspectors

SUMMARY

The Royal Pharmaceutical Society's chief inspector, Jackie Giltrow, explains the new role of the Society's inspectorate in the monitoring and inspection of Controlled Drugs in community pharmacies in England from January 2007 and in Scotland from March 2007, with observations on the situation in Wales

Few practising health care professionals will have been unaffected by the implementation of recommendations made in the fourth report of the Shipman Inquiry, published on 15 July 2004. As a result of the changes to the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001 and Royal Pharmaceutical Society guidance on Controlled Drugs (CD) issues such as running balances, the report and its recommendations have had a far reaching impact on many members of the profession, who are grappling with the practicalities of the new legislative and good practice requirements. Against this backdrop, plans for the monitoring and inspection of compliance with the legislation and relevant codes of practice have been drawn up ready for implementation early next year.

This article looks at the background to the monitoring and inspection proposals and the role of the Society’s inspectorate in the new proposals. It is important to note that the Society’s inspectors will be undertaking CD monitoring and inspection in community pharmacies in England and Scotland only.

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