The Patient Safety Collaborative (PSC) at Health Innovation North East and North Cumbria (NENC) has been commissioned by NHS England (NHSE) to deliver a new Medicines Safety Improvement Programme (MedSIP). This initiative aims to reduce harm from psychotropic medication prescribed to individuals with a learning disability who do not have a diagnosed serious mental illness (SMI).
Psychotropic medications are often used to manage behaviour that challenges, but when prescribed outside of a clear mental health diagnosis, they can lead to unnecessary harm. This programme seeks to address that risk by promoting safer, more appropriate prescribing practices across the region.
Despite previous efforts, there has been no significant or sustained change in prescribing patterns. This programme introduces a quality improvement approach, working collaboratively with local healthcare systems to drive meaningful change.
This work complements several existing NHSE national workstreams:
The programme will implement a 7-step, whole-system approach to change, in partnership with local Integrated Care Boards (ICBs). The first year will focus on:
To support this system-wide mapping exercise, the team are seeking input from professionals and stakeholders across the region. They are particularly interested in:
The information gathered will help shape a shared vision, aim, and action plan for safer prescribing practices.
Please complete the short questionnaire by Wednesday 17th September 2025, using the following link: https://forms.office.com/e/bNYZzWrYad
Your contribution is vital to improving outcomes for people with learning disabilities across our region.
