Society for Endocrinology - a world-leading authority on hormones

National Patient Safety Alert issued for NHS Steroid Emergency Card

13 Aug 2020


A National Patient Safety Alert has been issued asking providers to ensure all eligible patients with adrenal insufficiency are issued with an NHS Steroid Emergency Card, to support early recognition and treatment of adrenal crisis in adults. The alert requires that processes are put in place to check if a patient has an NHS Steroid Emergency Card ahead of any emergency treatment, elective surgery, or other invasive procedures. 
 
This has been sent via the Central Alerting System to all NHS acute and community providers, including GPs and ambulance trusts, and will filter through over the next few days. There is a statuary requirement to complete the actions on the alert in the timeframes stated. There are four actions that need to be undertaken by all organisations and there are links on the Alert to help organisations find useful information. Endocrinologists will have a key role in ensuring there are processes and systems within their institutions to fulfil these actions and support organisations in implementing local policies to ensure the safety of our patients with adrenal insufficiency.
 
Visit our adrenal crisis webpage for more information and resources. A webinar with a Q and A is planned for September to share this with Society members, details and dates to be confirmed shortly. Email [email protected] for more information