§ Mr. BurstowTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many hospitals do not have one stop dispensing or dispensing for discharge schemes. [124588]
§ Ms Rosie Winterton"Pharmacy in the Future—Implementing the NHS Plan" sets out an agenda for change in the hospital pharmaceutical service, which 1009W includes the re-engineering of services, putting more emphasis on to clinical services, self administration schemes, the continued use of patient's own medication and dispensing for discharge.
Results from the Department's Medicines Management Performance Framework and from the Audit Commission report, "A Spoonful of Sugar", suggest that the majority of trusts have introduced dispensing for discharge, or one stop dispensing, where appropriate. More detailed information is not collected centrally.
The next revision of the Medicines Management Framework is expected later this year and will build on current good practice.
"Pharmacy in the Future" made a commitment to establish a collaborative programme to share and spread best practice. The Department is exploring options for delivery including discussions with the National Prescribing Centre and other stakeholders.