Initiative on insulin safety

The National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA) has launched a new initiative to support the NHS in reducing harm associated with the unsafe use of insulin products.

A networked community is being set up for shared learning about the safe use of insulin across primary care in England and Wales. This will aim to provide a mechanism to disseminate examples of good practice, as well as providing a discussion forum for future insulin safety ideas and programmes. In addition to setting up the network community, a rapid response report and supporting guidance on the safe administration of insulin have been produced (www.nrls.npsa.nhs.uk). The free insulin safety forum (www.patientsafetyfirst.nhs.uk) includes a discussion group, additional resources (such as the ongoing development of an insulin patient passport) and further information on a series of free web seminars hosted by the NPSA. Please contact Stephen Leyshon at stephen.leyshon@npsa.nhs.uk or 020 7927 9326 if you wish to discuss the issues directly.