First reported 30 Mar 2015•Latest report 29 Apr 2026
Definition
What this concern includes
Includes failures of controls specifically intended to regulate, authorise, supervise, audit or restrict access to dangerous drugs across healthcare, ambulance, pharmacy, online-supply and comparable drug-access settings, including the anchor's insufficient regulatory safeguards and auditing and failures involving unregulated online supply or pharmacy safeguards.
Not included
Excludes generic regulation, auditing or trust concerns where no dangerous-drug access or control issue is identified.
Excludes controls for non-drug hazardous items, weapons, chemicals or other substances unless the assertion specifically concerns dangerous drugs or drug supply.
Excludes clinical prescribing, administration, monitoring or treatment failures where access or supply control is not the unsafe condition.
Excludes the existing narrower concern concerning access to prescription-only medicines outside regulated prescribing when the assertion is specifically limited to that named prescription-only-medicine supply boundary.
Reports
14
Distinct published reports
Individual concerns
22
A report can raise multiple concerns
Date range
2015–2026
First to latest report issue date
Stated actions
36
Described in published responses
Reports over time
Reports over time
Reports about this concern issued each year.
* 2026 is projected from reports observed to 7 Sep 2026.
Most frequent recipients
Most frequent recipients
Reports about this concern sent to each recipient.
Department of Health and Social Care6
NHS England4
Home Office3
Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency3
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport2
General Pharmaceutical Council2
General Practitioners Committee UK2
Recipient name withheld2
Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs1
Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust1
Boots UK Limited1
Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (2017 to 2023)1
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology1
National Crime Agency1
NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care Board1
Ministerial department9
Executive non-departmental public body4
Health and care professional regulator3
Medicines and medical devices regulator3
Sub-organisation2
Type not available2
Advisory non-departmental public body1
Executive agency1
Integrated care board1
NHS trust1
Non-ministerial department1
Private limited company1
Professional body1
Concerns and responses across reports
Only concerns grouped under this recurring concern are included. Select any concern, action or position to view the source wording.
Birmingham and Solihull
Concerns raised1
Failure of NHS England guidance to address prompt decisions on suspension and withdrawal of easy access to fatal drugs
This report raised 4 other concerns. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
No linked response statements
No respondent-stated action or position is linked to these concerns in the published data.
Ceredigion
Concerns raised1
Unregulated and unlawful online sale of prescription-only medicines and controlled drugs
This report raised 6 other concerns. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
Actions described in response An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised.9
Action
Enhance collaboration with search engines and UK internet service providers to block harmful content through targeted filtering.
Stated by Department of Health and Social CareStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 25 April 2025.
Action
Collaborate with Ofcom to explore preventative opportunities under the Online Safety Act.
Stated by Department of Health and Social CareStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 25 April 2025.
Action
Increase collaboration with UK Border Force to expand border operations and increase seizures of illegally trafficked medicines.
Stated by Department of Health and Social CareStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 25 April 2025.
Action
Use technology to identify, track and seize proceeds of crime, including cryptocurrency.
Stated by Department of Health and Social CareStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 25 April 2025.
Action
Roll out an online service enabling users to check whether pharmaceutical-selling websites have been deemed fraudulent by the MHRA.
Stated by Department of Health and Social CareStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 25 April 2025.
Action
Implement a web-based scheme allowing users to report suspicious websites, marketplaces and social media listings to the MHRA.
Stated by Department of Health and Social CareStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 25 April 2025.
Action
Collaborate with UK banking and payment providers to disrupt payment mechanisms used by illegal prescription-medicine suppliers.
Stated by Department of Health and Social CareStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 25 April 2025.
Action
Use artificial intelligence to proactively identify illicit internet domains for enforcement action.
Stated by Department of Health and Social CareStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 25 April 2025.
Action
Work with Ofcom to implement the Online Safety Act quickly and effectively.
Stated by Department for Science, Innovation and TechnologyStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 25 April 2025.
Respondent positions A position is what a respondent says about the concern when they do not describe a specific action.4
Position
The GPhC, other professional regulators, CQC and MHRA have responsibility and powers to investigate unlawful online providers and take enforcement action.
Stated by Department of Health and Social CareRedirects responsibilityThe respondent said that another organisation was responsible for deciding or taking action.
Position
UK authorities cannot seize or control illicit overseas domains or compel registrars to suspend them, especially beyond UK jurisdiction.
Stated by Department of Health and Social CareUnable to actThe respondent said that a constraint prevented them from taking the relevant action.
Position
Regulation of medicines and devices, including unlawful prescription-medicine websites, is largely outside the department’s remit.
Stated by Department for Science, Innovation and TechnologyOutside remitThe respondent said that this matter was outside its role or authority.
Position
The MHRA is responsible for addressing the unlawful websites and will respond separately about its approach.
Stated by Department for Science, Innovation and TechnologyRedirects responsibilityThe respondent said that another organisation was responsible for deciding or taking action.
Hampshire, Portsmouth and Southampton
Concerns raised3
Failure to verify the stated need for potentially lethal drugs through independent veterinary scrutiny
Lack of adequate controls over veterinary surgeons' access to potentially lethal drugs
Failure to prevent unaccompanied removal of potentially lethal drugs from the veterinary surgery
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
Actions described in response An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised.5
Action
Issue guidance requiring veterinary surgeons and nurses to securely lock away schedule 3 barbiturates.
Stated by Royal College of Veterinary SurgeonsStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 15 November 2024.
Action
Advise practices to return controlled drugs to their controlled-drugs cabinet for overnight storage wherever possible.
Stated by Royal College of Veterinary SurgeonsStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 15 November 2024.
Action
Review schedule 2 controlled-drug legislative requirements and decide whether provisions should be extended to schedule 3 drugs through RCVS guidance.
Stated by Royal College of Veterinary SurgeonsStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 15 November 2024.
Action
Continue engaging with the Home Office on implementing additional safeguards for controlled drugs used for euthanasia in veterinary medicine.
Stated by Royal College of Veterinary SurgeonsStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 15 November 2024.
Action
Review guidance on returning controlled drugs to practices when veterinary professionals are off duty.
Stated by Royal College of Veterinary SurgeonsStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 15 November 2024.
Respondent positions A position is what a respondent says about the concern when they do not describe a specific action.3
Position
A universal two-person rule for euthanasia drugs is impractical for rural and ambulatory practitioners and could harm animal welfare.
Stated by Royal College of Veterinary SurgeonsUnable to actThe respondent said that a constraint prevented them from taking the relevant action.
Position
The Home Office is responsible for controlled-drugs legislation, and the Veterinary Medicines Directorate cannot change it.
Stated by Veterinary Medicines DirectorateRedirects responsibilityThe respondent said that another organisation was responsible for deciding or taking action.
Position
The Home Office is responsible for the legislation governing controlled drugs.
Stated by Royal College of Veterinary SurgeonsRedirects responsibilityThe respondent said that another organisation was responsible for deciding or taking action.
East London
Concerns raised1
Ineffective controlled drug management systems for detecting prolonged theft and self-administration
This report raised 8 other concerns. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
Actions described in response An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised.4
Action
Trial a digital key system on each ward for controlled medication management.
Stated by Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS TrustStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 4 July 2024.
Action
Explore installing CCTV in medicine preparation rooms.
Stated by Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS TrustStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 4 July 2024.
Action
Introduce a Medicine Management Nurse role to support compliance with medication policies.
Stated by Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS TrustStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 4 July 2024.
Action
Assign sole responsibility and ownership for Controlled Medication Keys to identified individuals at the start of each shift.
Stated by Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS TrustStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 4 July 2024.
Respondent positions A position is what a respondent says about the concern when they do not describe a specific action.1
Position
The Trust will respond separately to the concerns about care and processes.
Stated by Department of Health and Social CareRedirects responsibilityThe respondent said that another organisation was responsible for deciding or taking action.
Rutland and North Leicestershire
Concerns raised3
Sale of online drugs in doses and quantities larger than ordinarily prescribed
Lack of regulation of online supply of powerful drugs
Failure to control duplicate, excessive or frequent online drug purchases
This report raised 4 other concerns. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
Actions described in response An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised.4
Action
Investigate the illicit website through the MHRA criminal enforcement process.
Stated by Department of Health and Social CareStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 14 June 2024.
Action
Disrupt access to the illicit website through search-engine delisting, parental-control blocking, industry referrals and registry takedown requests.
Stated by Department of Health and Social CareStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 14 June 2024.
Action
Develop targeted ISP filtering with search engines and UK internet service providers to block harmful online medicines content.
Stated by Department of Health and Social CareStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 14 June 2024.
Action
Explore preventative online-safety measures with Ofcom under the Online Safety Act.
Stated by Department of Health and Social CareStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 14 June 2024.
Respondent positions A position is what a respondent says about the concern when they do not describe a specific action.2
Position
Responsibility for the unregistered overseas supplier falls to the MHRA rather than the General Pharmaceutical Council.
Stated by Department of Health and Social CareRedirects responsibilityThe respondent said that another organisation was responsible for deciding or taking action.
Position
UK law enforcement cannot seize or compel suspension of illicit domains registered beyond UK jurisdiction.
Stated by Department of Health and Social CareUnable to actThe respondent said that a constraint prevented them from taking the relevant action.
Cheshire
Concerns raised1
Online sale of drugs for ending life
This report raised 2 other concerns. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
Actions described in response An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised.3
Action
Seek to tackle suppliers of harmful substances intended for suicide at source.
Stated by Department of Health and Social CareStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 11 January 2024.
Action
Operate measures to reduce awareness of and limit access to suicide methods, including the method involved in the death.
Stated by Department of Health and Social CareStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 11 January 2024.
Action
Lead a cross-sector, cross-government working group that meets regularly to address emerging suicide methods and remain vigilant to new intelligence.
Stated by Department of Health and Social CareStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 11 January 2024.
Respondent positions A position is what a respondent says about the concern when they do not describe a specific action.1
Position
DSIT is responsible for explaining how the Online Safety Act will address illegal and harmful suicide and self-harm content.
Stated by Department of Health and Social CareRedirects responsibilityThe respondent said that another organisation was responsible for deciding or taking action.
Manchester North
Concerns raised1
Failure to enforce pharmacy questioning and pharmacist presence for over-the-counter cyclizine purchases
This report raised 3 other concerns. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
Actions described in response An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised.1
Action
Review cyclizine safety, including misuse evidence and this case, to determine whether current risk-minimisation measures remain sufficient.
Stated by Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory AgencyStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 12 December 2023.
Respondent positions A position is what a respondent says about the concern when they do not describe a specific action.2
Position
Clinical practice, including pharmacy information and patient consultation, is outside the respondent’s remit.
Stated by Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory AgencyOutside remitThe respondent said that this matter was outside its role or authority.
Position
Concerns about pharmacy information and patient consultation should be raised with the GPhC or CQC, which regulate relevant services.
Stated by Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory AgencyRedirects responsibilityThe respondent said that another organisation was responsible for deciding or taking action.
Cornwall and Isles of Scilly
Concerns raised1
Lack of restrictions on the import, export, possession or administration of oral morphine
This report raised 1 other concern. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
Respondent positions A position is what a respondent says about the concern when they do not describe a specific action.1
Position
The Home Office takes decisions on controlled-drug scheduling, informed by advice from the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs.
Stated by Department of Health and Social CareRedirects responsibilityThe respondent said that another organisation was responsible for deciding or taking action.
London Inner (West)
Concerns raised2
Lack of sanctions for pharmacies mislaying controlled drugs
Lack of physical checking of prescription-box contents during controlled-drug audits
This report raised 5 other concerns. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
No linked response statements
No respondent-stated action or position is linked to these concerns in the published data.
Inner West London
Concerns raised2
Unrestricted internet availability of potentially dangerous and addictive drugs
Failure to perform further checks when filling prescriptions for potentially dangerous and addictive drugs in UK pharmacies
This report raised 2 other concerns. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
Actions described in response An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised.1
Action
Work with other health regulators to address patient-safety risks from remote consultations and distance-selling medicine supply.
Stated by NHS EnglandStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 23 February 2019.
Respondent positions A position is what a respondent says about the concern when they do not describe a specific action.2
Position
The death appears unrelated to NHS services because the consultation, prescription and medication were obtained outside the NHS.
Stated by NHS EnglandDisputes the concernThe respondent disagreed with part of the concern or the basis for it.
Position
CQC and MHRA are better placed to explain and address online prescribing safety work.
Stated by NHS EnglandRedirects responsibilityThe respondent said that another organisation was responsible for deciding or taking action.
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Includes failures of controls specifically intended to regulate, authorise, supervise, audit or restrict access to dangerous drugs across healthcare, ambulance, pharmacy, online-supply and comparable drug-access settings, including the anchor's insufficient regulatory safeguards and auditing and failures involving unregulated online supply or pharmacy safeguards.
