Category Archives: Darlington

Incorrectly Recorded Penicillin Allergy – Increased risk of MSRA & C.difficile infection

NICE has warned healthcare professionals and the public that people who incorrectly believe they are allergic to penicillin are unnecessarily put at an increased risk of developing MRSA or C difficile. Incorrectly identifying people as allergic could also contribute to antimicrobial resistance, as people are likely to be given broad-spectrum antibiotics.  Studies suggest that: Around 10% of the UK Continue Reading »

Hyoscine butylbromide injection – supply issues

Hyoscine butylbromide 20mg/1ml injection (Buscopan injection) is included in NECN Palliative Care guidelines and linked care plans as an option for pharmacological management of distressing excess secretions – and for prescription in anticipation of possible need. The Palliative Care & Pharmacy Teams at County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust have become aware of a widespread supply problem and Continue Reading »

Prevention of Future Death Notice – the EPS system does not highlight urgent prescriptions to pharmacies

  “The EPS system does NOT allow urgent prescriptions to be highlighted to the receiving pharmacy when sent from a GP system.” This applies to all current pharmacy software. Following a Coroner’s inquest in Nottingham, the Superintendent Pharmacist for Well Pharmacy has circulated a Prevention of Future Death notice  to alert prescribers to potentially serious consequences of shortcomings Continue Reading »

Electronic repeat dispensing toolkit

Electronic repeat dispensing (eRD) is an integral part of EPS, which offers many extra benefits over paper repeat dispensing and repeat prescribing.

NHS Digital have recently published an Electronic Repeat Dispensing Toolkit, available at which contains useful tools. You can also sign up for some eRD webinars to find out more. The toolkit includes an e-learning package, developed by NECS in conjunction with NHS Digital which can also be accessed through the NECS Medicines website.