National Patient Safety Alert – Steroid Emergency Card

Community pharmacies are reminded of their responsibilities in relation to the National Patient Safety Alert issued regarding Steroid Emergency Cards in 2020: “Community and pharmacies should ensure they can source and supply Steroid Emergency Cards, to replace those lost by patients or which become damaged.”

Community pharmacies should also be aware that prescribers and organisations initiating steroids should issue a Steroid Emergency Card to all eligible patients so they can signpost patients accordingly if they have queries and have not been issued their card when initiated.

We have been alerted to a few recent examples of community pharmacies in Hertfordshire that are unaware of the Steroid Emergency Card. Please ensure you have advised all your staff appropriately on the above information.