Lacors: Checks will give peace of mind

Checks on weighing scales used in hospitals will "give patients peace of mind" that they are receiving the right level of medication, the chairman of Lacors has said.

Lacors (the Local Authorities Coordinators of Regulatory Services) is to carry out checks from April 2008 after pilot studies found that that some hospitals are using unsuitable scales to calculate dosages of medication for patients, including small children.

Geoffrey Theobald, chairman of Lacors, said people need to have "full confidence" they are being given the right dose of medicine when they go into hospital for treatment.

"The new National Medical Weighing Project will give patients the peace of mind that they are receiving the correct level of medication and will help hospitals iron out any problems involving the accuracy of their weighing equipment," he said.

"Trading standards officers haven't traditionally visited hospitals, but it was clear from the pilot studies carried out that the accuracy of hospital scales is cause for concern."

Mr Theobald added: "The new scheme will focus on making sure that hospital staff have the information and guidance they need to maintain the highest standards of accuracy. It is not about naming and shaming hospitals that are found to have problems, it is about working together to tackle a longstanding problem.

"Councils are committed to putting local people first and will work closely with their local NHS Trusts to make sure that hospital patients receive the best care possible."