June 9th 2023

By Ailsa Colquhoun

Medicines storage and fridge checks highlighted by Welsh regulator

Inspection review flags up common themes of risk

Safe storage of medicines and incomplete fridge temperature checks are among the key reasons for an Immediate Assurance letter to be issued, the Welsh GP regulator has said.

Dispensary related risks are among general practice concerns identified in inspections in the following areas:

• Incomplete safeguarding records and follow up of concerns
• Incomplete checks of emergency equipment and drugs
• Incomplete DBS checks on staff including admin/reception staff
• Poor compliance with mandatory training including safeguarding, CPR and infection prevention and control
• Out of date equipment including sterile sutures, sterile gloves, urine sample collection packs, minor surgical operations packs and needles.

The Welsh regulator, Healthcare Inspectorate Wales, says that these failures represent a clear patient safety risk. It adds: “While they all take time to complete, the resource investment is worthwhile as it helps to protect patients and staff.”

Despite the service pressures, patient experience surveys regularly conclude that staff treat patients with dignity and respect, said the regulator. However, around a quarter of patients say they struggle to access an urgent appointment.