The NHS has embarked on a journey to become one of the safest healthcare systems in the world as part of the NHS Long Term Plan.

NHS England has a statutory duty to ensure that safe systems are in place for the management and use of controlled drugs. This is to prevent harm to patients and staff from any misuse of controlled drugs.

Controlled Drugs are drugs that are subject to high levels of regulation as a result of government decisions about those drugs that are especially addictive and harmful.

The Controlled Drugs (Supervision and Management of Use) Regulations 2013 require that any incidents or concerns relating to the use of controlled drugs are reported to the local Controlled Drugs Accountable Officer. For primary care services this is Jon Hayhurst at NHS England South West, who can be contacted at england.southwestcontrolleddrugs@nhs.net All incident reports can be made online at www.cdreporting.co.uk

Please also contact the Controlled Drugs Accountable Officer in relation to the following:

  •  Private prescribing of controlled drugs
  • Authorised witnesses for destruction of controlled drugs
  • Lost prescription forms
  • Fraudulent behaviour in relation to controlled drugs

Jon Hayhurst

Controlled Drugs Accountable Officer, and Medication Safety Officer

Medical Directorate, NHS England & NHS Improvement (South West)

Telephone: 07718130490

E-mail: jon.hayhurst@nhs.net

Website: www.england.nhs.uk

Additional Guidance and Information

Controlled Drugs information/guidance

BSW Controlled drugs summary of information

Emergency Access to Medicines Scheme information - participating pharmacies

Emergency Access To Medicines Scheme - list of medications