PharmacoEconomics & Outcomes News 280 - 16 Sep 2000

Warning added to UK NHS-issuedPGD guidance

UK health authorities and National Health Service(NHS) trusts drawing up patient group directions(PGDs) under the New Medicines Act legislation havebeen issued a warning regarding antibacterials, ‘blacktriangle’ drugs,* and drugs used outside of the drug’ssummary of product characteristics, reports thePharmaceutical Journal.1

Effective from August this year, the PGDs enablespecified NHS bodies to supply prescription-only andrestricted pharmacy medicines for administration bydesignated healthcare professionals.2**

The warning, issued in a Health Service Circular,singles out the use of antibacterials in PGDs, saying thatthey should be used only when absolutely necessary,such that strategies already in place to combat risingantibacterial resistance will not be jeopardised.1

Taking into account any exclusions outlined in a givenPGD, the act specifies that a pharmacist, as well as adoctor or dentist, has to sign for every PGD.2 However,further to this legal requirement for PGDs, the HealthService Circular has stated that all parties involved musthold senior positions in addition to being a part of thePGD development.1

* recently licensed drugs which are subject to special reportingarrangements** Healthcare professionals who may sign a PGD in place of an NHSbody include pharmacists, midwives, nurses, and others who areregistered or certified.

1. NHS issues guidance on PGDs. Pharmaceutical Journal 265: 255, 19 Aug 2000.2. New legislation paves the way for patient group directions. Pharmaceutical

Journal 265: 2, 12 Aug 2000.800763765

1

PharmacoEconomics & Outcomes News 16 Sep 2000 No. 2801173-5503/10/0280-0001/$14.95 Adis © 2010 Springer International Publishing AG. All rights reserved