Decision Report 201708706

Summary

Mr C complained that the practice had unreasonably stopped prescribing his Capasal (medicated shampoo) medication on NHS prescription. Mr C said that he had psoriasis (a skin condition) and had been prescribed Capasal for many years. He was suddenly told by the practice that in accordance with health board guidance, he would have to purchase Capasal over the counter at a chemist.

We took independent advice from a general practitioner. We found that Mr C's medical records contained information that Mr C had been diagnosed with psoriasis in the past and as such he did satisfy the health board criteria which would allow the practice to prescribe the medication on NHS prescription. We upheld the complaint.

Recommendations

What we asked the organisation to do in this case:

• Apologise to Mr C for stopping prescribing his medication shampoo. The apology should meet the standards set out in the SPSO guidelines on apology available at www.spso.org.uk/leaflets-and-guidance.

What we said should change to put things right in future:

• Staff should review their decision on Mr C's medication based on health board guidelines and ensure that when considering medication reviews they have considered all the available clinical evidence in order to support their decision.