This week a reminder about ordering controlled drugs (CD) for patients.  There have been a few incidences where patients have missed getting their CDs or they have been administered late. This can have an impact on their recovery and wellbeing. We're also asking colleagues to think about forward planning for weekends and Bank Holidays.

Some of the issues that the pharmacy team have encountered include:

• CD Orders not being completed fully completed (an example could be that a box of CDs are ordered is ordered, but we need the precise number of tablets required)
• Not discussing the degree of urgency to dispense the CDs with Pharmacy staff, so dispensing is not a priority (if patients need their CDs urgently, please tell us)
• Not thinking ahead and ordering CDs in advance of weekends/Bank holidays and collecting them promptly (more staff are available to dispense and collect them on weekdays)

In respect of the last point: We know this isn't always possible, for example if there are newly prescribed CDs, unexpected prescription changes or urgent items. 

Supporting us with this will help you, us and our patients.