The Healthcare Commission has urged NHS hospitals to step up efforts to improve the prescribing and dispensing of medicines. The Commission made the plea when publishing comparative assessments on medicines management for all 173 acute hospital Trusts in England.
In the 12 months to July 2006, there were over 40,000 medication errors in hospitals in England and Wales. These covered a variety of issues, including giving the wrong amount or type of drugs. The vast majority of mistakes did not cause harm, but some 2,000 led to moderate or severe harm, and there were 36 deaths.
Anna Walker, the Commission’s chief executive, said: “Overall most Trusts seem to be getting the basics right when it comes to managing medicines safely, although it is clear that some organisations are better than others.
“But our hospitals still have some way to go when it comes to involving patients in decisions about medicine. Trusts need to do more talking to patients about their medicines and their potential side effects. They need to make sure patients feel empowered to discuss any concerns. Hospitals also need to do all they can to minimise risks, particularly when giving injections or using intravenous drugs.”
The Commission adds that pharmacists should have a significant role in advising hospital staff and patients about drugs and their management to prevent errors occurring.
