Services Database Needle Exchange Programme (Buckinghamshire)

The prescriber requests supervision of consumption of a substance used in the treatment of opioid addiction, on a regular basis, either as part of a detoxification programme or maintenance treatment.

The pharmacy contractor will:

• ensure compliance with an agreed care plan by dispensing prescribed medication in specified instalments;
• ensure each supervised dose is correctly administered to the patient for whom it was intended (doses may be dispensed for the patient to take away to cover days when the pharmacy is closed);
• liaise with the prescriber, named key worker and others directly involved in the care of the Service User (where the Service User has given written permission);
• monitor the Service User’s response to prescribed treatment; for example if there are signs of overdose, especially at times when doses are changed, during titration of doses, if the Service User appears intoxicated or when the Service User has missed doses and if necessary withholding treatment if this is in the interest of Service User safety, liaising with the prescriber as appropriate;
• provide Service Users with regular contact to healthcare professionals; and
• provide referral or signposting to other related services.

There are two bands of Service delivery available:-

Band One
Pharmacists should have successfully completed either the distance learning pack Substance use and misuse CPPE 2010 or RCGP  Part One Certificate  in the Management of  Drug Misuse (or equivalent as approved by the Council) to take responsibility for the Service on the premises. 

Band Two
Pharmacists will need to have completed the RCGP Certificate Management of Drug Misuse Parts One and Two.