Melvyn Blount

“Mr [name redacted] had a consultation with a non-prescribing mental health practitioner at his GP practice who considered that he would benefit from the prescription of zopiclone. As a non prescriber he had to seek the assistance of a GP to actually prescribe the tablets and this was done after discussion between the two professionals. There was no direct contact between the GP and Mr [name redacted]. The mental health practitioner was aware of a relevant drug alert but did not inform Mr [name redacted]. From the evidence”

“The lack of a clear policy gives rise to the risk that drug alerts are not seen by non-prescribers and therefore not communicated or are being seen or known about but still not communicated”

“what should happen to ensure that an alert is digested and disseminated when it is the GP who receives the alert but is prescribing at the behest of a non prescriber and so does not see the patient”