Update - Clinical commissioning policies

NHS Central East Integrated Care Board (ICB) was formed on 1 April 2026 and is the successor ICB to NHS Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes ICB, NHS Cambridgeshire & Peterborough ICB and the Hertfordshire part of NHS Hertfordshire and West Essex ICB. NHS Central East ICB had transferred to it the property, rights and liabilities of the predecessor organisations. The actions and decisions of the predecessor organisation, including relevant clinical commissioning policies, relevant prescribing decisions and recommendations and relevant clinical pathways continue in effect. There are differences in places between some clinical commissioning policies, prescribing recommendations and pathways, from the predecessor ICBs. 

Clinical policies transferred to NHS Central East ICB from each of the relevant predecessor ICBs remain applicable to each part of the population for who they were originally created. These different policies will continue to apply to the relevant populations unless or until any new policy is adopted by the NHS Central East ICB (after public involvement if required). 

We are in the process of developing a new NHS Central East ICB website for clinical commissioning policies, pathways and prescribing information. During this transition period, clinicians, providers, patients and the public can continue to access all legacy policies, prescribing recommendations, and pathways via the legacy ICB websites. Where legacy policies, are superseded by new NHS Central East ICB policies, this will be clearly indicated on the relevant legacy policy and published on the new Central East website in advance of implementation.   

If you have any questions or concerns do continue to contact your local teams at the following legacy ICBs:

NHS Hertfordshire and West Essex ICB                           

NHS Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes ICB       

NHS Cambridgeshire & Peterborough ICB                            

Controlled Drugs

Photo of medications

Controlled drugs (CDs) are subject to strict regulations as they are susceptible to diversion, misuse and can cause significant harm or death. 

Legislation, regulations and other supplementary resources have been established nationally and locally to ensure CDs are, managed and utilised as safely as possible.

If you are unable to find the information you are looking for, or if you would like a resource to be considered for addition, please contact us at:  cpicb.prescribingpartnership@nhs.net

Controlled drugs list

The most encountered drugs currently controlled under the misuse of drugs legislation.

Alerts, Concerns & Incidents

Controlled Drug Alerts

CD alerts are emergency notifications that relate to CDs and are primarily sent for the purpose of avoiding CD misuse.

This list is not exhaustive, but they typically refer to:

  • Missing blank prescriptions which could be used to obtain CDs
  • Patients attempting to obtain excess CDs (including by illicit means)

Controlled Drugs Cambridgeshire and Peterborough ICB Alert Request Form

To obtain a copy of this form for completion, please email  cpicb.prescribingpartnership@nhs.net.

Controlled Drug Alert and Incident Reporting to NHS England

If you need to make a request to have an alert issued, or if you experience any other concerns or incidents relating to controlled drugs,  please report via www.cdreporting.co.uk.

Destructions

References

Legislation

Regulations

Additional Resources