Controlled Drug Destruction – Requesting Attendance of Authorised Witness
Community Pharmacists should complete the CD Destruction – Authorised Witness Visit Request Form or use the QR code below to request a visit for CD destruction.
The Controlled Drug Governance Team will be in touch to arrange an appointment for the visit, which should be completed within an hour.
Please complete the CD Destruction Form – see link below, listing all Schedule 2 CDs that require to be destroyed and present this to the Authorised Witness when they attend (you do not need to email this to the CD Governance Team).
In advance of the appointment, Community Pharmacists should:
- Ensure that all items are recorded in an appropriate CD register
- Check that balances are correct
- Ensure there are no unresolved discrepancies
- Ensure that there are sufficient kits for the volume of CDs requiring destruction
- Have a member of staff available for the duration of the appointment
Note – There is no legal requirement for patient-returned CDs and pharmacy stock of Schedule 3, 4 and 5 CDs to be destroyed in the presence of an Authorised Witness; destruction of these must be recorded and signed for in the back of the private prescription book (agreed by the GPhC Inspector).
If you have any questions, please contact the Controlled Drug Governance Team on:
E: ggc.cdgovernance@nhs.scot
T: 0141-201-6032
CD Destruction Form – Please complete and retain this form.
Responsible Person: Mantej Chahal
Last Updated: 27/08/25