Area Drug and Therapeutic Committee

ADTC Minutes | Meeting Dates
Membership | Policies & Reports

Area Drug & Therapeutic Committee meets bi-monthly on the 4th Wednesday of the month.

The remit of the ADTC is:-

  • To advise and support the strategic direction of all aspects of medicines governance and usage in all care settings ensuring inclusion within wider strategic planning carried out by the NHS Board.
  • To ensure multi-stakeholder engagement and joint working on all medicine related issues within all care settings, including social care settings.
  • To develop and monitor Borders-wide prescribing policies and treatment guidelines to optimise safe and cost effective use of medicines.
  • To advise, monitor and co-ordinate the development and approval of policies and procedures relating to prescribing, administration and the safe and secure handling of medicines and support NHS Borders Board in meeting its statutory responsibilities in relation to medicines and prescribing.
  • To support NHS Borders Board in the delivery of a comprehensive approach to national policy regarding medicines, linking with Regional and National groups.
  • To oversee the systems for safer medicines use, including SPSP Safer Medicines Group / Medicines Reconciliation
  • To respond to national directives and initiatives related to the use of medicines, in particular that issued by the Scottish Medicines Consortium, Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN), National Institute for Healthcare and Clinical Excellence (NICE).
  • To oversee the system for evaluation of new therapeutic developments and effectively manage their introduction into routine use in NHS Borders. The committee will consider new medicine applications where a decision is required before the next Formulary Committee meeting.
  • To ensure systems are in place for the dissemination of information and advice to professional staff, patients and public promoting safe, efficient and cost-effective use of medicines taking into account current evidence and best practice.
  • To promote seamless care for patients transferring between community and hospital care.
  • To ensure equitable access to medicines through non-medical prescribing and patient group directions.

The ADTC provides advice to NHS Borders, and supports the work of the Area Medical Committee, Area Pharmaceutical Committee, Area Nursing and Midwifery Committee and other relevant profession committees.