Source: The CCQ 11.07.24
Designated bodies
The role of the controlled drugs accountable officer
Visibility of the controlled drugs accountable officer (CDAO) is important because it can help to encourage both proactive conversations about making the use of controlled drugs safer as well as an open reporting culture. We have seen some good examples of CDAOs making time to promote their role and visibility within their organisation. This is especially helpful in larger organisations with multiple locations, where it might not always be easy to identify and locate the CDAO.
As pressures in the healthcare sector continue, we are hearing that not all CDAOs have access to the resources they need. This is a crucial role, and the Controlled Drugs (Supervision of management and use) Regulations 2013 are clear that designated bodies must provide the funds and resources necessary to enable the CDAO to effectively discharge their responsibilities.
The role of the controlled drugs accountable officer
Visibility of the controlled drugs accountable officer (CDAO) is important because it can help to encourage both proactive conversations about making the use of controlled drugs safer as well as an open reporting culture. We have seen some good examples of CDAOs making time to promote their role and visibility within their organisation. This is especially helpful in larger organisations with multiple locations, where it might not always be easy to identify and locate the CDAO.
As pressures in the healthcare sector continue, we are hearing that not all CDAOs have access to the resources they need. This is a crucial role, and the Controlled Drugs (Supervision of management and use) Regulations 2013 are clear that designated bodies must provide the funds and resources necessary to enable the CDAO to effectively discharge their responsibilities.
Board-level oversight of controlled drugs
The function of a CDAO is often viewed as a ‘pharmacy team responsibility’ within designated bodies such as NHS trusts and independent hospitals. Over the last year, we have heard about a range of incidences where employees of designated bodies at director level – including those who sit on boards – have not been proactively engaged with CDAOs who have raised controlled drugs concerns with them.
CQC expects that issues and concerns raised by the CDAO are discussed at board level and that these will be prioritised and scrutinised as appropriate for the specific circumstances.
It is also important that other leaders working in designated bodies engage effectively with the CDAO – including the chief nurse and medical director. Where NHS trusts take the view that ‘controlled drugs are everyone’s business’, we often observe a much more open approach to raising concerns and problem solving.
Resourcing of controlled drugs liaison officers
Each police force has a controlled drugs liaison officer (CDLO). This role was created by the 2006 Health Act and provides an important link between the police and partner agencies, and with stakeholders such as health and social care providers, regulators and NHS England. Their work is focused on the safe management of controlled drugs and can involve preventing or even prosecuting offences in relation to them. CDLOs are important members of controlled drug local intelligence networks (CDLINs) and will share information and intelligence, where appropriate, with partners.
CDLOs provide organisations with invaluable advice on the safe management and use of controlled drugs. They can also provide basic advice on security and more sophisticated law enforcement and intelligence gathering techniques. Although the criminal justice system is vitally important, most CDLOs will adopt a problem-solving approach to the issues and challenges facing healthcare providers.
We again emphasise the importance of knowing the identity of your CDAO and CDLO. It is always better to make early contact with your CDLO. Unless the matter is an emergency, this is preferable to calling the police directly, as CDLOs have the time, experience and knowledge to more effectively assist health and care providers.
CDLOs and partner organisations have raised concerns with us regarding the lack of national coverage of CDLOs across the country. Some CDLOs have a number of other roles and a few forces have long-term vacancies, which reduces the service provided to health and care providers. This issue is being addressed at a national level with the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC).
