The issue of mixing drugs has been prominent over the past few years. A recent change in the law resulted in the DH commissioning the National Prescribing Centre (NPC) to produce supporting guidance for all clinicians involved in the mixing of medicines. Physiotherapists remain involved in the mixing of medicines either by following PSD’s or by acting as Supplementary Prescribers.

 Read the full DofH policy statement and the NPC guidance

 Mixing of Medicines – Mixing of Medicines DoH

Mixing of Medicines – Mixing of medicines NPC

 The key messages are:

• Mixing must not occur purely for the benefit of the healthcare provider
• Mixing must NOT occur under a PGD under any circumstances whatsoever
• A licensed product must be used in preference to any sort of mixing where a licensed product is available
• Any instruction to mix MUST be in writing for each patient
• Where a patient does suffer harm as a result of mixing medicines, the adherence by the professional/organisation to good practice guidance published by professional bodies/ NPC/DH etc may be taken into account in determining if negligence has occurred.

 The impact of these statements is self-explanatory, but the last part is extremely important in that there is now the default expectation that physiotherapists MUST KNOW AND ACT UPON both CSP, DH and NPC guidance and should not be mixing at all unless they can clearly demonstrate that they and their organisations have followed the process in the NPC guidance. The CSP remain active in this process and are also using the iCSP site to update members.

Formed in 79- is when it all began

Based on the work of Dr Cyriax- a clever man

With the aim to teach physios and doctors alike

In assessing, diagnosing + treating all to get right.

From histology, anatomy, examination + manips

The courses are full of many clinical tips

Tutors are knowledgeable, patient and fun

It’s amazing in 4 days what gets done

Things have developed over these years

Thanks to hard work, commitment and the occasional tears

From 3 core modules A, B + C

To now include advanced, injection and an MSc.

The modules are practical, informative + clear

With approximately 50 being run each year

Interactive, clinical, factual – what a lot

With a book of the course- what’s more to be got?

 Teaching aids are used with no bounds

Flumps, tights, chicken joints will all be found

From case studies + assessments to exams and reflection

The courses aim to point all in the right direction

This year has been particularly exiting and cool

With the opening of head office in Liverpool

Headed by Julia, the C.E.O.

And run by David, Christine, Sharon + co!

Where do we go from here, there + now?

Prescribing for physios? Drs saying ‘back pain-wow!’

It’s all in hand with Principles, tutors, Council + all

Together “better training for better outcomes” they call

What a thirty it sure has been

“But give us some more” we hear the members scream

So I’ll ask you each to raise your glass

To the future, the present and the past

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SOM!!

Extra Module A’s in Edinburgh, October 26-29 & Guy’s, London, November 6-7 & 13-14 added to 2010 programme. Book your place now via this site.