Repeated failures around the prescribing of medications. A call for investigation and action to be undertaken

I have recently received new instructions regarding a patient who was wrongly treated with another patient’s medicine whilst being admitted at hospital. Unfortunately, I have been approached on numerous occasions in recent years regarding concern surrounding the administration of medication and/or, the prescription itself. Having received such instructions, I have once again been prompted to think of the Gosport War Memorial Hospital Scandal (“Gosport Scandal”). I had hoped the devastating scandal would have highlighted the need for imminent further safeguarding surrounding prescriptions and the administering of that treatment, however, I am concerned that lessons have not been learnt. It is disappointing to hear similar facts over and over again, particularly when considerable pain is consequently suffered.