- by Peter Walker
- BBC News, Cambridgeshire
image source, Getty Images
Benzodiazepines, which contain diazepam (Valium), are a class of drugs that relieve nervousness, nervousness, and other symptoms of anxiety.
Hundreds of people in the UK will have their Valium prescriptions reviewed over fears they are taking it too long.
The Local Authority and Social Welfare Ombudsman reviewed benzodiazepine prescriptions produced by Change Grow Live (CGL), Cambridgeshire.
The ombudsman said CGL should investigate the cases of 343 other customers with similar long-term prescriptions.
The ombudsman’s office said the charity “cooperated fully”.
Benzodiazepines, including diazepam (trade name Valium), are a class of medications that relieve nervousness, nervousness, and other symptoms of anxiety.
The ombudsman’s chief executive, Nigel Ellis, said: “Clinicians need to weigh the benefits and risks for patients taking these drugs long-term and should have a clear rationale for continuing to prescribe them.” said.
Inspectors investigated CGL following complaints about services operated on behalf of Cambridgeshire County Council.
A clinician at the charity said that as of September 2022, three of the nine customers had “not documented the basis for their prescription, which is not in line with UK NHS guidelines”.
The Ombudsman’s report said the CGL did not review people’s prescriptions regularly enough or kept adequate records of reviews.
The charity has 343 clients receiving long-term benzodiazepine prescriptions as part of its services, on commission from 50 other councils in England.
The Ombudsman advised Cambridgeshire County Council to take action within three months, ensuring that the CGL would review its policy and improve recordkeeping.
Ellis said both organizations accepted and “welcome” the recommendations.
