Local Prescribing Resources
There are a number of useful prescribing resources available to access when not using a NHS linked computer (intranet).
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The Formulary provides a range of information:
Chapters on each body system
Newsletters eg. medicines management, cost effective choices
Guidance on over the counter (OTC) medicines and the “minor ailments scheme”
Deprescribing guide
A range of patient information resources
The content of the Northern Ireland Formulary is maintained by the Regional Pharmacy and Medicines Management Team with the support of Panels for Prescribing Advice (PPA). Each PPA includes hospital specialists, general practitioners, community pharmacists and other healthcare professionals when appropriate. PPAs meet and consider prescribing patterns, the most recent clinical evidence for efficacy, patient safety, patient acceptability and cost effectiveness when making their recommendations to the panel for consideration. The proposals from the PPAs are then submitted to the Prescribing Guidance Editorial Group (PGEG) for approval. Chapters of the formulary are reviewed regularly, approximately every three years proactively and on an interim basis if new evidence or otherwise becomes available.
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This resource provides guidelines on antibiotic prescribing by body system. The aims are to:-
provide a consistent Northern Ireland wide approach to empirical management of common bacterial infections in primary care.
promote the safe, effective and economic use of antibiotics.
To minimise the emergence of bacterial resistance in the community.
Website NI Primary Care Guide
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It is the responsibility of an individual doctor to ensure that all medications carried are appropriately stored and ‘in date’.
As a sessional GP, ‘stock’ medication can be ordered from a practice that you work in using a HS21S stock order form. Authorisation for this should be given by the GP whose name appears on the form. The form should be signed by you.
All drugs should be ordered as a complete pack, as pharmacies can only supply original and complete packs in this case. The GP whose name is on the stock order requisition form retains the bottom copy of the triplicate stock order form for 2 years and the top two copies are sent to the pharmacy.
It is good practice for locums to take a photocopy of each stock order form that they use, for their own records.
A local NI GP has created an App to assist with keeping a record of stock medication in your bag and expiry dates. It is called Ampoule and can be downloaded for £1.99 via the App store.