Self-Prescribing and Prescribing for Family Members and Colleagues

Introduction

There is no provision within the NHS for medical staff to prescribe for themselves. All doctors are advised by the General Medical Council (GMC) in the interests of their own health and welfare, to register with a General Practitioner (GP). Referral for consultant advice or care should be made via the doctor’s GP.

The GMC Good practice guide states the following:

Wherever possible you must avoid prescribing for yourself or anyone with whom you have a close personal relationship.

Scope

This policy applies to all medical staff and non-medical prescribers employed by Ashford and St Peters Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Policy

Any member of staff requiring immediate medication in order for them to remain on duty is required to attend A&E for a formal assessment and are not to ask a colleague to prescribe.

As per the Trust policy for A&E / Outpatient prescriptions supply will be limited to one course of antibiotics or an original container (creams, inhalers etc).

NHS prescriptions charges and exemptions will apply. Only Trust Formulary and licensed medication may be prescribed.

Medicines will not be supplied until payment is received.

Medicines will not be sold or supplied to medical staff or non-medical prescribers to send overseas or to third parties in accordance with the directions from the Chief Pharmaceutical Officer at the Department of Health.

Prescribing for long term conditions and family members to be done via GPs and are not to be prescribed.

Policy Details

See also:

• Medicines Policy