Important Petition for Support Services! (T-A-P)

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Online petition for establishing taken as prescribed support services:

 

https://www.ipetitions.com/petition/taken-as-prescribed-support-services?utm_medium=email&utm_source=email&utm_campaign=Send%2Bto%2BFriend

 

Apologies if this has already been posted. 

 

From the petition:

 

 

• Taking a 'harm reduction' approach, T-A-P Support Services will help people 'manage' their prescribed medication and ultimately, where appropriate, achieve successful long term withdrawal from antidepressants, benzodiazepines, opioids and ADHD drugs. The service will provide long- term or one-off support, work intensively with people who have been on the drugs for a long period and help an individual manage their situation to regain control of their physical and psychological health.

 

• A website will act as a prescribed drug resource providing support to both patients and clinicians. This will include current online resources providing accurate, evidence-based, relevant and up to date information about prescribed drugs.

 

• A telephone helpline service will provide support, as recommended by the BMA. The helpline would provide information on prescribed drug dependence, slow tapering protocols, coping strategies and support for families and carers.

 

• A prescribed drug dependence register will be developed to help protect the rights of patients. Prescribed drug dependent individuals often find themselves vulnerable and a record of their dependence is vital to protect their rights and keep them safe.

 

• T-A-P will work with key partners including primary care. Providing revised guidance and education to doctors on safe prescribing, management and withdrawal of prescription drugs is essential. Clinicians in hospitals and other healthcare professionals need better education and training. Pharmacists also play a key role in providing healthcare services including harm reduction advice as they are often the healthcare professionals who have the most contact with those receiving prescribed medication.

 

• Education and awareness is vital if we are to make long-lasting change. This problem affects all sectors of society.