HC Deb 16 June 1942 vol 380 cc1360-2
13. Mr. Woodburn

asked the Secretary of State for War what minimum of training is required for orderlies who dispense medicines; and what steps are taken to prevent the handling of dangerous drugs by untrained personnel?

Sir J. Grigg

As the answer to this Question is rather long, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the answer:

Dispensers of medicines in the Army fall into three classes; regular soldiers who qualified in the Army trade of dispenser before the war after not less than 10 months' training in that trade; soldiers enlisted during the war who hold certain civilian qualifications; and a very small number of soldiers, enlisted during the war, who trained for but had not obtained these same qualifications, but whose skill and training showed them to be up to the necessary standard, and who, having been trade tested, have been mustered as dispensers. The civilian qualifications in Question are, the Druggists and Chemists Qualification of the Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, that of Licentiate of the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland, a Colonial qualification as Pharmacist, registered as such by the Pharmaceutical Societies of Great Britain or Ireland, a Certificate as Assistant to an Apothecary of the Society of Apothecaries of London, and a Certificate as Assistant to an Apothecary of the Society of Apothecaries of Dublin.

To prevent the handling of dangerous drugs by untrained personnel it is laid down that those classified as Poisons shall be kept in containers distinctly marked with the word "Poison," and if liquid shall be kept only in their original containers or issued in bottles distinguishable by touch from ordinary medicine bottles. Poisons must be kept under lock and key in a cupboard set apart solely for this purpose, which must be kept locked when not in actual use and of which the key must be in the custody of the dispenser when he is on duty and must be handed over by him, when he goes off duty, to the relieving dispenser or orderly officer. Other dangerous drugs must likewise be kept under lock and key and the key must be kept in the personal possession of the dispenser in charge. No medicine may be administered unless it has been prescribed by a Medical Officer. Prescriptions may be dispensed only by qualified dispensers. All prescriptions containing dangerous drugs must be initialled by the dispenser and marked with the date on which they are dispensed. The dispenser must file them separately and copy them into a special Record of Dangerous Drugs Dispensed; and this is kept for two years from the date of the last entry by the Officer Commanding the Hospital. Medicines must be carefully labelled and dated and the name of the patient and directions for use added. A poster emphasising the main points in these regulations is posted in a conspicuous position in every room where medicines and disinfectants are kept, dispensed or administered.