Why doesn’t the NHS know where its medicines are? | Synapse
April 16, 2026
Why doesn’t the NHS know where its medicines are?
Key Points
This research examines why the NHS cannot monitor medicine availability in real time.
Analyzed current tracking systems in general practices and pharmacies
Assessed the impact of limited visibility on patient care
Gathered reports from healthcare professionals
Current systems are unable to provide real-time tracking of medicines
Lack of visibility contributes to potentially life-threatening emergencies
Improvements in tracking are necessary to enhance patient safety
Abstract
General practices and pharmacies cannot track medicines availability across the UK in real time. This lack of visibility is leading to life threatening emergencies, reports Abigail Hodder