Former Wolverhampton nurse dies amid dementia drug shortages

New Cross Hospital in Wolverhampton has confirmed it did not have any Galantamine for the first 48 hours of Pearl’s admission.

A spokesperson expressed condolences to Pearl’s family, adding: “Where national or local medication shortages occur, we work closely with our pharmacy teams and relevant partners to source medicines or, where necessary and clinically appropriate, identify suitable alternatives to ensure patients continue to receive safe and effective treatment.”

The National Pharmacy Association has spoken out this year about shortages affecting a range of drugs.

Sehar Shahid, from the National Pharmacy Association, said: “The shortages have been around for about a year so it could be different things, the global supply chain for example, global issues that are happening across the world.

“The UK has a very narrow supply chain as well when it comes to medicine so it’s already very fragile and vulnerable but the effects of this is obviously patient safety risk.”

The Department of Health passed on heartfelt condolences to Pearl’s family.

A spokesperson said it had “… issued guidance to the NHS to help clinicians manage these issues, including advice on alternative medications that remain available.”

Olivia said: “It’s so sad when I know so many people in the country have dementia and especially as more people are getting early onset dementia. I understand the medication’s expensive but it’s an issue that needs addressing.”

John: “She suffered, she’s gone, we’ve got to think of other people. That’s what Pearl would’ve done and always did. She thought of others more than herself.”

The government said it was engaging with other countries to bolster supplies. And enhancing manufacturing capability in this country.