National Patient Safety Alerts (NaPSA)

National Patient Safety Alerts (NaPSA) are reviewed for applicability in NI and issued by DoH in response to patient safety issues identified (via the Central Alerting System) by governing organisations within the UK e.g. NHS England, UKHSA, DHSC

Actions within NaPSAs require executive level oversight and should be undertaken by the relevant healthcare organisations.  SPPG will seek assurances as to implementation. 

NaPSA Responses

2025 onwards:

NaPSA – Supply of Steriflex® No. 109 (1l) and No. 171 (2l): Potassium Chloride 0.15%, Sodium Chloride 0.45%, Glucose 2.5% Bags

NaPSA - Recall of Quetiapine Oral Suspension (unlicensed medicine), manufactured by Eaststone Limited due to a potential for overdosing

NaPSA - Risk associated with adult breathing circuits lacking a patent exhalation route

NaPSA - Harm from Delayed Administration of Rasburicase for Tumour Lysis Syndrome (TLS)

NaPSA – Supply of Licensed and Unlicensed Epidural Infusion Bags

NaPSA – Harm from Incorrect Recording of a Penicillin Allery as a Penicillamine Allergy

NaPSA – Shortage of Antimicrobial Agents used in Tuberculosis (TB) Treatment (updated information)

NaPSA – Shortage of Bumetanide 1mg Tablets 

NaPSA – Discontinuation Of Promixin® (Colistimethate) 1-Million-Unit Powder for Nebuliser Solution Unit Dose Vials

Prior to 2025:

Safety and Quality Standards Circulars (for NaPSAs relating to clinical practice)

HSS(MD) Letters (for NaPSAs relating to medicines)

NICAS Website (for NaPSAs relating to medical devices)