Response to reports of NHS Trust selling on medicines
17.02.10 For immediate release
An investigation published by the Health Service Journal has shown that Royal Surrey County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust has profited from the wholesale trading of medicines originally intended for use for the benefit of NHS patients.
This practice was reportedly carried on after the Chief Pharmaceutical officer made it clear this was unacceptable in July 2009.
In response to these concerns PA Director Katherine Murphy said “This is very serious. All Trusts were given clear instructions not to participate in this practice but the management at Royal Surrey ignored that warning. There should be an immediate investigation into what has happened. The Trust should have to explain why thought they could ignore the clear instructions and we should get independent verification that they haven’t jeopardized patient care. We sincerely hope additional financial pressures associated with Foundation Trust status had nothing to do with what’s happened. “
To arrange interviews or to obtain further comment please contact the Patients Association on 0208 423 9111.
