Audit tool

Medicines storage audit

An audit of how medicines are stored and accounted for in a clinical area: general storage, refrigerated medicines and controlled drugs.

Fill it in online - free, no account needed. 27 questions.

What it is for

One visit, three areas: the medicines cupboard, the fridge and the controlled drugs record.

The full question list

1. Controlled Drug Storage

  1. CD cupboard is locked when not in use *
  2. CD cupboard key is held by designated nurse *
  3. CD register entries are complete and accurate *
  4. Running balance matches physical stock count *
  5. No discrepancies identified in the register *

2. General Medication Storage

  1. Medication room/cupboard is locked when unattended *
  2. Medications are stored at correct temperature (15-25C room temp) *
  3. No expired medications found in stock *
  4. Patient-specific medications are clearly labelled *
  5. Internal medications separated from external preparations *

3. Fridge Storage

  1. Fridge temperature is between 2-8C *
  2. Temperature log is completed daily *
  3. No food items stored in medication fridge *
  4. Fridge is clean and defrosted *
  5. Record current fridge temperature *

4. STORAGE & SECURITY

  1. Is the CD cupboard double-locked and secured to the wall? *
  2. Are CD keys held by the nurse in charge at all times? *
  3. Is the cupboard interior clean and well-organised? *
  4. Are fridge-stored CDs in a separate locked container? *

5. RECORD KEEPING

  1. Is the CD register complete with no gaps or alterations? *
  2. Are running balances calculated and correct? *
  3. Are two signatures present for every administration? *
  4. Are discrepancies documented and reported immediately? *

6. STOCK CHECK

  1. Does the physical stock match the register balance? *
  2. Are all CDs within their expiry date? *
  3. Are returns/destructions documented correctly? *
  4. Discrepancy notes (if any)

References

How the score works

The score is the share of scored questions that pass. N/A is left out of the score; text, dates and signatures are recorded but not scored. A completed template is a record of what you checked; it is not an inspection by a regulator or an accreditation body.