What does it mean for patients? Patients can be assured that contingency plans for shortages are well established by hospital pharmacists to obtain all medication needed or alternative supplies. This includes whenever there is a shortage it or an emergency, ensuring a continuous supply of medicines is a high priority for the pharmacy service.

What does it mean for healthcare professionals? Doctors will face fewer barriers in prescribing habits and nurses will face fewer problems, while there are contingency plans for medicines shortages and purchases in emergencies established by hospital pharmacists. Ensuring the appropriate medicines are available for the patients is a high priority for the pharmacy department. Hospital pharmacists ́ goal is to minimise any interruption to the treatment of the patients. If a medication required for prescribing is not obtainable the pharmacist will discuss with doctors the possible alternative treatments. Hospital pharmacists will advise on contingency supplies for emergencies and for supply shortages and will enable ease of access to government schemes for medication access, as appropriate.

What does it mean for Hospital Pharmacists? Hospital pharmacists should establish contingency plans for shortages and purchases in emergencies for medicines and all products under their responsibility. They should organise a formal mechanism for pharmacists to request designated funds, if this possibility exists to procure medicines for the patients. Hospital pharmacists should have clear and transparent policies for procurement during shortages and during emergencies. Hospital pharmacists should remain knowledgeable about all government schemes to assist with the supply of medication and should engage with all procedures to aid with the supply of medications to patients in line with available resources.

Learn more about medicines shortages here.