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21/03/25 > Medication for Patients having MRI Scans
After very careful consideration, Charnwood Community Medical Group have decided to no longer prescribe diazepam for patients having MRI scans or other investigative procedures. We have a duty of care to provide safe, consistent, and appropriate care for our patients. We hope the reasons outlined below help to explain our main concerns.
- Small doses of benzodiazepines such at 2mg diazepam are probably sub- therapeutic for most adults for any effective sedation. Conversely anxiolytics can have an idiosyncratic response in patients, and even very small doses can cause increased agitation in some subsets of patients.
- A patient may take a sedative 'an hour' before their assumed procedure, to then attend the hospital to find their procedure has been delayed, therefore the timing of the anxiolytic being sub optimal.
- GPs are not regularly involved, skilled, trained, or appraised in sedation skills.
- All Hospital consultants, both those requesting imaging and those providing it, have access to the same prescribing abilities as GPs. If a patient needs a certain medication to enable an investigation to go ahead, they are just as well positioned to provide a prescription, either through the hospital pharmacy or a hospital FP10.
- Sedated patients should be regularly monitored, and we have been made aware of a case where a GP provided sedative was given, the patient not monitored, and subsequently had a respiratory arrest in an MRI machine.
References:
https://www.rcr.ac.uk/publication/sedation-analgesia-and-anaesthesia-radiology-department-second-edition"Safe and effective analgesia and sedation should be delivered by an appropriately trained and credentialed team with good access to anaesthetics, pre-procedure assessment, sedation plan and checklist, with appropriate monitoring and availability of resuscitation equipment and reversal agents"
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Prescription mix up, wrong pharmacy collected prescription. Receptionist kindly helped – original script voided and and re-issued to correct pharmacy |
Thank you for your feedback, we are glad that the receptionist was able to help. |
A little put out after being ten minutes late for my appointment, was asked to sit & wait to see if the Dr would still see me. Seems cruel of a "first offence |
We are very sorry that we could not accommodate your appointment on this occasion. It is often a question of maintaining the balance of not running late for the other Patients whilst being as accommodating as possible. |
Fill the waiting room with bright and cheerful colors |
Thank you for your suggestion, we will bear this in mind when we next decorate. At the moment the scheme is neutral to try and keep the atmosphere as relaxing as possible for people while they wait. |
I find it difficult to see my preferred Doctor, they know my history. When I ring on the day all the appointments with that specific Doctor have all gone |
Thank you for your feedback, we are sorry that it isn't always possible to see your preferred doctor, this is usually as a result of a large demand to see that particular doctor. All of our doctors have access to your notes and are able to help when your preferred doctor is not available. |
Absolutely lovely surgery! |
Thank you for your positive feedback. |
I have had Four Star treatment for the last year |
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My husband and I have had exceptionally good experience throughout the years, he cannot thank the Doctors, Nurses and Receptionists enough for their care and concern |
Thank you for your feedback, we are glad that we have been able to help. |
I am rather dismayed at there being no water fountain available |
We have made water available behind reception at all three surgeries, please ask the receptionist if you would like water and they will be happy to help. |
My daughter has Learning Difficulties and the nurse was excellent with her. Explained things clearly and took time to re-assure her. Fantastic practice – Thank You |
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Saw Dr Subramanian, she was absolutely lovely, very professional and friendly and was very thorough. Called me in to see her in person following a telephone consultation which was very much appreciated thank you. |
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Saw a nurse for bloods. Just want to say how cheerful and lovely she was. Very helpful and professional. |
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Staff are always so lovely and polite. Anytime I've rang to get an appointment reception staff have always been so helpful |
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