Ein cyf/Our ref:
DM/JPJ
Pencadlys Bwrdd Iechyd Hywel Dda
Llys Myrddin, Lôn Winch, Hwlffordd,
Gofynnwch am/Please ask for:
Jenny Pugh-Jones
Sir Benfro, SA61 1SB
Rhif Ffôn: (01437) 771220
Rhif Ffôn /Telephone:
07794 274 633
Ffacs/Facsimile:
xxxxx.xxxxxxxxxx@xxxxx.xxx.xx
Hywel Dda Health Board Headquarters
E-bost/E-mail:
Merlins Court, Winch Lane, Haverfordwest,
Pembrokeshire, SA61 1SB
Date: 7d January 2013
Tel No: (01437) 771220
Dear GP Colleague
As part of the on going work that is looking at dementia care across the Health Board we
are reviewing the way in which dementia medicines are accessed following some safety
concerns. In line with current NICE guidance it is appropriate that these medicines be
prescribed in primary care for stable patients.
By repatriating these medicines to primary care we will make it easier and safer for the
patient to receive their medication. Currently a high volume of dementia medicines are
posted to patients, which is not satisfactory from a governance perspective. There have
been instances of duplication of therapy due to the hospital and GP both prescribing the
dementia medication. Concerns are also raised that GPs may be unaware that their own
patients are receiving therapy for dementia as they are not prescribing the drugs and
therefore it does not show on the drugs summary or repeats screen. Completion of this
transfer will reduce the above risks significantly for the benefit of patients.
Secondary care consultants will continue to carry out regular reviews of their patients
prescribed these medicines. There will be no requirement for you to undertake any
additional review related to the prescribing of these medicines as part of this transfer. For
your information I have taken the opportunity to attach additional prescribing details about
these medicines. Included in the prescribing information are contact numbers for the
secondary care consultants that are responsible for dementia care of your patients.
Patients suitable for transfer of the prescribing of their medication will be identified by their
Secondary Care Consultant. The Mental Health Pharmacy team will be notified and will
write to you to request taking over prescribing for the individual. In order to ensure that
there is no confusion over who will continue the prescribing the dementia medicines you
will be asked to sign and return a confirmation slip to the Mental Health Pharmacy
Department. A sample is attached for your information.
Pencadlys Bwrdd Iechyd Hywel Dda
Hywel Dda Health Board Headquarters
Cadeirydd / Chairman
Llys Myrddin, Lôn Winch, Hwlffordd,
Merlins Court, Winch Lane, Haverfordwest,
Mr Christopher Martin
Sir Benfro, SA61 1SB
Pembrokeshire, SA61 1SB
Rhif Ffôn: (01437) 771220
Tel Nr: (01437) 771220
Prif Weithredwr /Chief Executive
Rhif Ffacs: (01437) 771222
Fax Nr: (01437) 771222
Mr Trevor Purt
Bwrdd Iechyd Hywel Dda yw enw gweithredol Bwrdd Iechyd Lleol Hywel Dda
Hywel Dda Health Board is the operational name of Hywel Dda Local Health Board
To ensure that this transfer does not adversely affecting prescribing performance it is
proposed that the dementia medicines are top sliced from the practices prescribing budget
using the high cost drugs list. This will be reviewed on an annual basis.
Work continues both at a Hywel Dda and Locality level to develop a clear pathway of care
for dementia patients. Transfer of prescribing, as with many other chronic conditions is a
small step that can be taken now to reduce the risks identified above.
Yours Sincerely
Jenny Pugh- Jones
Acting Head of Medicines Management
2
Page of 4
ANTI-DEMENTIA MEDICATION PRESCRIPTION REQUEST FORM
Part A: To be completed by Specialist Memory Assessment Service
Dear Dr.........................................................................................
GP Practice……………………………………………………………
Patient’s name
Date of birth
Address
The above patient has been assessed by the specialist memory service and has been
stabilised on the following treatment for their Alzheimer’s/Dementia Disease.
I am requesting your agreement to continue prescribing this medication
Medication, dose and frequency
Date of most recent issue of
medicine(s)
Date next issue is due
Date of next memory clinic review
appointment
Name of consultant
Date:
3
Page of 4
Part B: To be completed by GP Practice
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF TRANSFER OF PRESCRIBING
Patient’s name
Date of birth
Address
Medication, dose and frequency
Date of Next Issue
I AGREE / DO NOT AGREE TO CONTINUING THE PRESCRIPTION OF THE ABOVE
MEDICATION TO THIS PATIENT (PLEASE INDICATE)
Signed……………………………………………………………………
Print Name………………………………………………………………
Date………………………………………………………………………
GP Practice……………………………………………………………….
Please return to
Eileen Richards
Mental Health Pharmacy
Glangwili Hospital
Carmarthen
SA31 2AF
Tel: 01267 227367
Or FAX to SAFE HAVEN FAX on 01267 227720
4
Page of 4