Due to recent changes with regard to the “Inspection & Safe Custody of Controlled Drugs” we have provided the information below highlighting our understanding of inspecting bodies and their responsibilities. If you have any queries on the storage of controlled drugs, please do not hesitate to call our sales team.
Important Changes to the Inspection & Safe Custody of Controlled DrugsInspection
Recently a number of changes have been made with regard to the inspection of the storage of controlled drugs. As of April 2009, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) has taken over responsibility for checks from the Healthcare Commission, the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) and the Mental Health Act Commission in April 2009.
| Area |
Inspecting Body |
| GP Practices |
Primary Care Trusts will arrange a small number of inspections of a random sample. Inspections will be announced and can be combined with other visits (i.e. QOF and clinical governance) |
| Community Pharmacies |
The Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, (RPSGB) will include inspection of CD's in their routine inspections of community pharmacies. Inspections will be informed by self assessment, CD reviews and other monitoring |
| Primary Care Trusts |
Care Quality Commission |
| NHS Trusts |
Care Quality Commission |
| Independent Health Care Sector |
Care Quality Commission |
| Care Homes |
Care Quality Commission |
“Safe Custody” of Controlled Drugs
Our understanding of the requirements for the “Safe Custody” of Controlled Drugs…
• As a minimum all Controlled Drug cabinets must conform to “The Misuse of Drugs (Safe Custody) Regulations 1973”. Although there have been many amendments to this regulation up to and including 2007, the standards relating to the Controlled Drugs cabinet have not changed, please see a summary of the key requirements below…
1. Cabinet shall be constructed from 1.5mm sheet steel
2. All cabinet seams/joints must be fully welded
3. The cabinet must be fitted with a lock having at least 5 differing levers or a 6 pin cylinder. Both types must have at least 1000 keyed differs
4. If the cabinet has a door where the vertical edge exceeds 914mm and the length of the horizontal edge of the door exceeds 457mm, a double locking mechanism should be fitted
• Where there are large amounts of drugs in stock at a given time, and/or there is not a 24-hour staff presence, or easy control of access, cabinets must conform to “Sold Secure” standard SS304
• Where patients are self medicating, “Controlled Drugs” may be kept in a locked receptacle immediately adjacent to their bed, or in their bedside locker. The receptacle should not be easily portable. The use of electronic locks may want to be considered, as they provide a high level of security and an audit trail of who accessed the locker.
Bristol Maid™ Recommendations
| |
Area Of Use |
Features |
MS Range |
Controlled Drug Storage - Private/NHS |
o Suitable for the storage of controlled drugs within Private and NHS establishments
o Complies to Sold Secure “Silver Accreditation”
o Complies to The Misuse of Drugs (Safe Custody Regulations 1973)
o Six point locking
o Anti-pick and drill resistant key retaining six pin cylinder lock confirming to BS3621
o Compatible with electronic key and keyless locking systems
o Seamless welded 3.0mm mild steel construction
o Chemically cleaned & iron phosphated
o Finished in lead free epoxy/polyester powder coated paint
o Fitted with a fixed shelf
|
 CD Range |
Controlled Drug Storage- NHS |
o Suitable for the storage of controlled drugs within NHS establishments
o Complies to The Misuse of Drugs (Safe Custody Regulations 1973)
o Single point locking
o Anti-pick and drill resistant key retaining six pin cylinder lock confirming to BS3621
o Compatible with electronic key and keyless locking systems
o Seamless 1.5mm mild steel welded construction
o Chemically cleaned & iron phosphated
o Finished in lead free epoxy/polyester powder coated paint
o Supplied with adjustable & removable shelves |
PC Range |
Drug & Medicine Storage |
o Suitable for the storage of drugs and medicines
o Complies to BS2881: 1989 Specification for Cupboards for the Storage of Medicines In Health Care Premises, “Security Level One”
o Single point locking
o Anti-pick and drill resistant key retaining six pin cylinder lock confirming to BS3621
o Spot welded 0.9mm mild steel construction
o Chemically cleaned & iron phosphated
o Finished in lead free epoxy/polyester powder coated paint
o Supplied with adjustable & removable shelves/door shelves, (model dependant)
o Models compatible with MDS and Nomad Cassettes
|
 SA Range |
Self/Nurse Administration |
o Suitable for the storage of MDS packs with divider/name cards, (frames max 100mm depth)
o Single point locking
o Flush fitting, lever operated CAM Lock
o Beech effect melamine construction
o Spot welded 0.9mm mild steel construction
o Supplied with adjustable & removable shelves |
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