Injecting medicines accountability into practices

The storage and handling of medicines are under the spotlight. We are set to take on a new task designed to help the veterinary profession demonstrate that the right safeguards are in place.

The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) proposes that, from 1 April 2009, veterinary surgeons should only be allowed to supply medicines from premises registered with the Secretary of State. The VMD has also suggested that we might take on the task of registering premises on behalf of the Secretary of State. At its meeting today, Council considered our response.

One reason behind the proposal is that the VMD wants to introduce better safeguards for the handling of controlled drugs in veterinary practice.

Providers of human healthcare are already subject to new rules following the Fourth Report of the Shipman Inquiry. The VMD also believes a register of premises will make it easier to enforce the EU legislation on veterinary medicines.

Retail suppliers have to record the prescription-only medicines they supply and keep the records available for inspection for five years.

Council agreed that there should be a register, particularly of premises where controlled drugs are stored. Council also took the view that the College is the right body to keep the register.  We already publish the (voluntary) Directory of Practices.

There needs to be further discussion of the exact scope of a register for the purposes of the medicines legislation and, in particular, what should count as premises subject to registration.

The VMD has also suggested that we might carry out periodic inspections to ensure that medicines are being stored and handled correctly. We already accredit and inspect practices under the RCVS Practice Standards Scheme, and the standards cover compliance with medicines legislation.

The VMD will need to take stock of response to its consultation and advise DEFRA Ministers how to proceed. In Council's view, the setting up of a register to help monitor compliance with the medicines legislation was to be welcomed, and the College should play its part. The devil will be in the detail, however, and there is much to be discussed with the VMD.

RCVS President Sheila Crispin said: "There are significant health and safety issues around the handling of medicines, for the public, animals and the profession. We need to offer the public an assurance that the profession's handling of medicines, and particularly controlled drugs, is beyond reproach.

"The VMD's proposals for registration will provide a solid basis for monitoring, and the RCVS is best placed to maintain a register at minimal cost to practices."