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Written question asked by Lord Weir of Ballyholme (Democratic Unionist Party) on Thursday, 23 July 2026, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 6 August 2026. It was answered by Baroness Merron (Labour) on Wednesday, 9 September 2026 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.

Skin: Surgery

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to monitor patient outcomes and adverse events associated with unlicensed perioperative skin preparation products including their potential impact on surgical site infections and wider NHS costs.

Answer

Skin antisepsis products approved for use in the United Kingdom by the National Health Service are outlined in the British National Formulary. Guidance on skin antisepsis and surgical site infections is outlined by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Further joint guidance from the Royal College of Surgeons and Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency covers the importance of using medicinally licensed products for perioperative skin preparation.

Adverse events associated with the use of specific medicines and devices in the UK are monitored and recorded via the yellow card scheme. This scheme would apply in the event of adverse events associated with use of an unlicensed product.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL2785
Session
2026-27
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Costs Patients Skin Surgery
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk