NPA calls for improved management skills in care homes

The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) has called for improved management skills in care homes after research was published delving into medication errors.

According to the association's chief executive John Turk, the management of medication in care homes is vital.

He claimed that many patients take a complex mix of drugs for a variety of long-term conditions, so healthcare professionals need to ensure mistakes in prescribing and administering are avoided.

Mr Turk said: "Health professionals, including pharmacists are working hard to provide good care, but they need a clear framework in which to operate.

"We would urge government to ensure local care is better coordinated by the NHS," he added.

His comments come after researchers at the University of London School of Pharmacy showed that employee skills in some nursing home staff were lacking, with many not knowing which medications needed to be taken with food or how to ensure there were adequate supplies of drugs to hand.