Written question asked by Mike Amesbury (Labour) on Friday, 5 January 2018, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 10 January 2018 (named day). It was answered by Steve Brine (Conservative) on Wednesday, 10 January 2018 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.

Prescription Drugs

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, whether he has received any representations on difficulties experienced by GPs in obtaining (a) diamorphine and (b) other prescription drugs; and whether he is taking steps to increase the ease of access to such drugs by GPs.

Answer: The Department has not received any queries on behalf of general practitioners about diamorphine supplies. However, we are aware that supply issues do occasionally occur with prescription drugs. The Department works closely with the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, the pharmaceutical industry, NHS England, clinical experts, and others operating in the supply chain to help prevent shortages and to ensure that the impact on patients is minimised when they do arise.

Secondary information