Guidance on the safe management and use of controlled drugs

They have been written to support healthcare professionals and organisations in implementing the strengthened governance arrangements for controlled drugs in Northern Ireland and describe the legislative changes which have been made as a result of the Government's response to the Fourth Report of the Shipman Inquiry.

The guidance documents below will act as a key support to healthcare workers and organisations in ensuring that there are robust systems for obtaining, storing, supplying, recording, monitoring and disposing safely of controlled drugs while, at the same time, helping to ensure appropriate and convenient access for those patients who require them.

Please note* 

*The Safer Management of Controlled Drugs - A guide to good practice in primary care (Northern Ireland) was first published August 2010, revised in July 2011 with a further revision in May 2013 (Version 3). Version 3 takes account of recent legislative changes.

*The Safer Management of Controlled Drugs - A guide to good practice in secondary care (Northern Ireland) was first published in August 2009 and revised in August 2012 (version 2). A list of changes made in this revision can be found on Page 6. 

*Accountable Officer Nomination Form - All Designated Bodies are required under The Controlled Drugs (Supervision of Management and Use) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2009 to nominate or to appoint an Accountable Officer and the Department must be notified of this appointment in writing. 

Video demonstration of Relevant Independent Hospital questionnaire.

Letters and Correspondence for Accountable Officers

Click here to view Letters and Correspondence for Accountable Officers.