Analysis of death certificates by the Office National Statistics indicated that in 2017 3,756 people died by drug poisoning, a rate of 66.1 deaths per 1 million population. 74% of these deaths were accidental. Our population stands at 982,000. Prescription controlled drugs included in the statics include fentanyl, tramadol, pregabalin, gabapentin, diazepam and zopiclone. There is increasing global concern that these drugs are prescribed for too long, at too great doses, and in combination. Patients are being exposed to debilitating short and long-term side effects. Shockingly, the evidence that many of these drugs work is limited. Patients are experiencing harms without benefit.
Please see this flyer for further information.
If you have any other questions please email the Medicines Optimisation Team on capccg.prescribingpartnership@nhs.net
CCG Educational Event: Managing controlled drugs in general practice – 16 April 2019