What the practice consumes.
WHAT STOCK TYPICALLY INCLUDES
Consumables: gloves, dressings, syringes, reagents
Medicines, where dispensed Reagents and test kits Cleaning and sterilisation supplies
WHY IT DESERVES CONTROL
It is a substantial cost and it is subject to expiry and loss.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
A record of what is held, and its expiry.
WHY EXPIRY
Using expired items is unsafe and it exposes the facility.
WHAT TO ORGANISE
Stock so that items expiring first are used first.
WHAT TO CHECK REGULARLY
Expiry dates, across all stock.
WHAT TO DO WITH EXPIRED ITEMS
Remove them from use immediately, and dispose of them properly.
WHAT COLD CHAIN REQUIRES
Refrigeration maintained continuously Temperature monitored and recorded Backup power
WHY IT MATTERS
Items outside their temperature range are ineffective and unsafe.
WHAT TO RECORD
Temperatures, routinely.
WHAT TO DO ABOUT A COLD CHAIN FAILURE
Establish what was affected, and discard per the applicable guidance.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
That decision in advance, not during the event.
WHAT TO CONTROL
Access to stock.
WHY
Consumables and medicines disappear where access is open.
WHAT TO RECORD
Issues from stock, against use.
WHAT TO RECONCILE
Consumption against patient numbers.
WHAT DIFFERENCES REVEAL
Waste, theft or recording failure.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH ABOUT SUPPLIERS
That they are licensed, and that products are registered.
