ALERT: Returned medicines causing concern to patients, particularly controlled drugs (CDs)

Written by admin on Friday 4th September 2020

Reports of some pharmacies refusing to accept returned patient medicines because of COVID-19 risks have been highlighted to the LPC

 

This is a particular issue with Controlled drugs and as such pharmacy contractors are beginning to have complaints raised about them for this.

Pharmacies are in breach of their NHS contract when they refuse to accept returned drugs from patients, or their representatives, unless they have a cast iron reason. At the very least they should also be signposting if they have no capacity themselves to accept returns.

Complaints raised formally to our NHS stakeholder partners will be shared with the LPC in future in an attempt to investigate and understand the local issues and hopefully minimise the non-delivery of this 'Essential service'. 

The national guidance published for community pharmacies is provided below:

Action required:

Please ensure your pharmacy is meeting the necessary requirements