Department of Health

Website of the Department of Health

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Overview

  • Last modified date:
    9 February 2007
The Fourth Report of the Shipman Inquiry focussed on how Dr Harold Shipman was able to amass stocks of controlled drugs over a long period of time without detection. The government's response to the Fourth Shipman Inquiry was published in December 2004 as Safer management of controlled drugs.

The response accepted the case for strengthening the controls for these drugs provided it could be done in a way that did not impede appropriate use of controlled drugs to meet patient needs.  Safer Management set out a comprehensive action programme to address the recommendations of the Inquiry's report in five key areas:

  • monitoring and inspection;
  • prescribing of controlled drugs;
  • the audit trail;
  • information for patients; and
  • training and professional development.

2006 will see significant new legislation (subject to Parliamentary approval) on controlled drugs, plus several packages of guidance to support implementation by organisations and healthcare professionals. 

The existing legislation and guidance surrounding controlled drugs is shared between a variety of government departments and other agencies.  For example, the Misuse of Drugs Act and associated regulations fall within the remit of the Home Office but some drugs may also be subject to the Medicines Act, managed by the MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency).

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