HC Deb 24 November 1981 vol 13 cc364-5W
42. Mr. Torney

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he is satisfied with the procedures for identifying faulty batches of dangerous drugs and the speed with which the recall procedures c an be implemented.

Dr. Vaughan

Well-understood arrangements exist for the presence of batches of actual or suspected defective medicines to be reported by telephone to the Department at any time of the day or night. Some refinement of existing procedures is under consideration, but I am satisfied generally with the arrangements and with the speed with which action is taken once the existence of a hazard is known.

43. Mr. Hardy

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what consultations he has had with regional pharmaceutical officers on the recall procedure in relation to dangerous drugs.

Dr. Vaughan

Regional pharmaceutical officers have recently seen and welcomed a draft revision of the procedures for reporting and dealing with reports of possibly hazardous medicines. The purpose of this revision is to clarify existing guidance and to remove possible ambiguities. Their comments will be considered along with others and it is hoped that the revised guidance will be made available to the NHS early in the new year.

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