Medication Safety

Including medicines with Risk Minimisation Measures (RMM) in PGDs

10 November 2025Medicines with RMM may not be suitable for inclusion within Patient Group Directions (PGDs). If used, the RMM must be stated within the PGD.

Handling injectable cytotoxic medicines in clinical areas

17 November 2025Handling of injectable cytotoxic medicines in clinical areas should take into account risks to staff

Assessment and storage of medicines for self-administration

17 January 2025Suitable medicines must be stored safely and securely in accordance with organisational policy, while still supporting self-administration

Preventing parenteral nutrition rapid over-infusion in babies

10 August 2023There is a risk of severe harm or death if PN is unintentionally infused too rapidly in babies. Healthcare professionals need to ensure safe practice.

Understanding why temperature management is important for medicines storage

25 July 2025Temperature control and monitoring of storage areas to avoid temperature excursions; ensuring medicines are fit for purpose at administration to patients

MSATS – Safe use of valproate

28 February 2024Discussion of key current medication safety challenges within healthcare with a focus on the safe use of valproate; inspiring partnership across the system

Investigating suspected tampering with medicines

11 June 2024A systematic approach should be taken to responding to reports of possible malicious tampering, securing the evidence, and seeking specialist advice and support

Managing risks associated with oxytocin infusions during labour

23 September 2024Safety strategies can minimise the risk of harms related to oxytocin infusion overdose and delayed therapy.

Managing the risk of confusion between injectable penicillin salts

16 October 2024Minimising the risk of confusion between injectable benzylpenicillin salt formulations may prevent harms.

Managing complexities of medication use across care boundaries

26 June 2024Exploring the risks for patients on complex or specialist medicines moving across care boundaries with a focus on strategies to reduce harms