February 3rd 2026

By Ailsa Colquhoun

DDA lobbies for improved urgent medication provisions

DDA Welsh chair Dr Fiona Porter is calling on health boards across Wales to support dispensing practices in emergency prescribing situations.

The request reflects guidelines for dispensing urgent medications to ineligible patients published by Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board and is supported by the DDA, which encourages DDA members to share the guidelines with their local LMC.

Dr Porter describes the guidelines as “a clear, practical framework that supports patient safety” while remaining fully aligned with the National Health Service (Pharmaceutical Services) (Wales) Regulations 2020.

She says there are occasions in real-world practice where the patient is unable to access an open pharmacy within a clinically appropriate timescale. In these situations, practices are often forced to choose between delaying essential treatment or making an emergency supply without contractual protection and at a financial loss.

The Betsi Cadwaladr policy lists 49 suitable drugs, including painkillers, antibiotics and asthma medications.