Exhibition Stands News
Dispensing errors ''should be decriminalised''
09 Apr 2009
There have been renewed calls for the decriminalisation of one-off dispensing errors in pharmacies.
Following the sentencing of a pharmacist at the Old Bailey Last week, the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain (RPSGB) renewed its support for changing the law.
Elizabeth Lee dispensed beta blockers to a 72-year-old patient who was supposed to receive steroids.
The person died three days after taking the drugs, although it was ruled Ms Lee bore no responsibility for the death as it was shown to be due to the underlying long-term illness.
However, the pharmacist received a three-month suspended sentence - something that led RPSGB president Steve Churton to suggest a change to the way cases are dealt with.
"The society''s council considered this issue in December 2006 and fully supported the decriminalisation of dispensing errors and agreed that a change to the legislation which would have the effect of decriminalising errors, be sought," he said.
It was recently announced that the RPSGB has agreed the outcomes of two consultations on professional standards and guidance for responsible pharmacists.
