Safer Storage and Preventive Maintenance of Controlled Drugs in Care Homes

Introduction

The safe storage and governance of controlled drugs (CDs) in care homes has come under renewed national scrutiny. The Care Quality Commission’s (CQC) Annual Update 2024/25 highlights ongoing risks, including poor storage practices, limited access during end-of-life care, and inconsistent documentation — all of which can compromise resident safety and place providers at risk of enforcement.

To support providers, NHM Maintenance Ltd has released a new white paper: Ensuring the Standard: Safer Storage and Preventive Maintenance of Controlled Drugs in Care Homes (2025). The paper outlines the regulatory context, identifies sector challenges, and sets out how preventive maintenance and compliance support can reduce risk and strengthen care quality.

The Regulatory Landscape

Under the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001, care homes may not store certain Schedule 2 controlled drugs unless they hold a Home Office licence, or unless at least 50% of their funding is publicly or charitably sourced. In addition, providers must comply with:

• CQC Key Lines of Enquiry (KLOEs)
• Misuse of Drugs (Safe Custody) Regulations 1973
• Home Office Controlled Drugs Licensing Guidance

The CQC has raised particular concern that homes often face delays in obtaining or holding controlled drugs, which can affect the speed and quality of symptom control at the end of life.

Key Challenges for Care Homes

Despite best intentions, providers continue to face significant operational and compliance issues:

• Confusion over whether a Home Office licence is required
• Outdated or non-compliant CD cabinets
• Weaknesses in staff training around key handling and register use
• Lack of documented security checks or preventive maintenance processes
• Missed opportunities to coordinate with multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) for safe medicine access

These factors not only jeopardise compliance but can also affect the dignity and quality of care for residents.

NHM’s Proactive Compliance Approach

Drawing on over 20 years of national compliance and preventive maintenance expertise, NHM provides a structured support framework to help care homes meet and maintain regulatory standards:

1. Controlled Drugs Storage Audit

• Full inspection of CD cabinet condition and installation
• Lock testing and multi-key verification
• Key policy and access control review
• Alarm and security checks
• Review of documentation and staff awareness

2. Licensing Advisory Support

• Step-by-step Home Office licence guidance
• Funding structure review to assess exemptions
• Recommendations for security upgrades prior to application

3. Planned Preventive Maintenance (PPM)

• Annual/biannual lock, alarm and fixing inspections
• Service logs for a clear audit trail
• Automated reminders for servicing and repairs
• Upgrade recommendations where required

4. Staff Training & Documentation Systems

• Awareness sessions on CD handling, register use, and emergency access
• Ready-to-use document kits (registers, ReSPECT folders, drug charts)
• Guidance on MDT coordination across GPs, pharmacies, and ICBs

Benefits for Care Homes

By adopting NHM’s programme, providers benefit from:

• Improved safety for staff and residents
• Confidence during CQC inspections
• Clarity on licensing requirements
• Peace of mind through documented PPM
• Operational continuity via timely servicing and repairs

Conclusion

The CQC has made it clear: controlled drug storage is a priority area of inspection. Failures in governance can lead to risks for residents and enforcement for providers. NHM Maintenance delivers a practical, preventive framework — from audits and licensing guidance to training and documentation — helping care homes remain secure, compliant, and ready for inspection.

📖 Download the full white paper: Ensuring the Standard: Safer Storage and Preventive Maintenance of Controlled Drugs in Care Homes

📞 Contact us:
NH Maintenance Ltd, Consort House, Jubilee Road, Burgess Hill, West Sussex RH15 9TL
Tel: 01444 250 350 | Email: sales@nhmaintenance.com | Web: www.nhmaintenance.com