Safe and Secure Handling of Medicines
Introduction
The use of medicine to manage or diagnose disease is one of the most common interventions used in any healthcare setting. The NHSGGC Safe and Secure Handling of Medicines Policy describes the practical arrangements in relation to medicines (e.g. procurement; ordering; storage; transport; administration; supply etc). Therapeutic considerations e.g., choice of medicine, are outwith the scope of this policy and the relevant Clinical Guidelines / Therapeutics Handbook section etc should be consulted.
The Policy is supported by subject-specific Guidance sections, which provide more detailed information based on best practice guidance / consensus opinion.
The Policy applies to all staff working in any setting in NHSGGC who handle medicines in any way. Many areas will also have complementary locally developed and approved Standard Operating Procedures / Work Instructions etc. in line with the Policy statements. The Guidance sections provide more detailed information for staff who work within hospital-settings in NHSGGC. (Some sections of the Guidance sections may also be applicable in other settings).
If you have any questions / comments on the Policy or Guidance documents, please contact sshm@ggc.scot.nhs.uk