Independent Review of the Management of Controlled Drug Use in ...

6.3.4 Conclusions
All trusts had or were in the process of finalising SOPs in both pharmacies
and wards. Trusts should continue to ensure that SOPs are updated with
input from all relevant disciplines.
All wards and pharmacies had robust procedures in place for destruction of
controlled drugs. Consideration should be given to development of guidance
in relation to management of patients’ own controlled drugs.
All trusts had robust systems in place for security of controlled drugs and
controlled drug stationery in pharmacies and wards.
Assurance should be sought that accurate lists of authorised signatories for
controlled drugs are maintained and that the same person does not both order
and collect a controlled drug.
Comprehensive systems are in place to assure the safety and security of
controlled drugs when they are being transported to those hospitals which do
not have a pharmacy.
6.4 Term of Reference Four
To assess the effectiveness of communication and partnership working
between Responsible Bodies in ensuring the effective management and
use of controlled drugs in relation to secondary care.
A short questionnaire was sent to all members of the Local Intelligence
Network (LIN).
6.4.1 Local Intelligence Network
Controlled drugs legislation includes a legal duty of collaboration regarding the
use of controlled drugs. A single LIN has been established in Northern
Ireland.
The role of the LIN is to share information about incidents and concerns
relating to use and possible abuse of controlled drugs, including potential or
actual systems failures.
According to its original terms of reference the LIN in Northern Ireland will:
agree local principles for sharing controlled drug intelligence between
agencies;
actively share intelligence regarding use and possible abuse of
controlled drugs;
agree guidance on operational matters;
constitute incident panels as appropriate;
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