Creating Safer Systems: Recognising Impact in Reducing Opioid Harm

Published on 12 June 2026

We’re pleased to see a national programme focused on reducing opioid harm shortlisted for the HSJ Patient Safety Awards 2026, recognising excellence in Integrated Care and Partnership Working in Patient Safety.

The programme brings together NHS England, Patient Safety Collaboratives, and Integrated Care Systems to deliver a whole-system approach to medicines safety, focused on reducing harm from high-risk opioid prescribing.

We were proud to contribute to this work last year, supporting efforts to:

  • Improve the safety and quality of opioid prescribing
  • Reduce unwarranted variation in care
  • Strengthen collaboration across organisations
  • Support more personalised approaches to managing chronic pain

The 2024/25 HIWM Impact Report (57 – 61) highlights the measurable difference this work is making. In the West Midlands:

  • Over 459 people have had their risk of opioid-related death halved through safer prescribing approaches
  • Systems are embedding consistent, evidence-based prescribing practices
  • Patients are receiving better, more appropriate support to manage pain safely

This work shows that improving patient safety isn’t just about one change, it’s about people working together, sharing what works, and making improvements across the whole system.

Creating Safer Systems: Recognising Impact in Reducing Opioid Harm

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We’re pleased to see a national programme focused on reducing opioid harm shortlisted for the HSJ Patient Safety Awards 2026, recognising excellence in Integrated Care and Partnership Working in Patient Safety.

The programme brings together NHS England, Patient Safety Collaboratives, and Integrated Care Systems to deliver a whole-system approach to medicines safety, focused on reducing harm from high-risk opioid prescribing.

We were proud to contribute to this work last year, supporting efforts to:

  • Improve the safety and quality of opioid prescribing
  • Reduce unwarranted variation in care
  • Strengthen collaboration across organisations
  • Support more personalised approaches to managing chronic pain

The 2024/25 HIWM Impact Report (57 – 61) highlights the measurable difference this work is making. In the West Midlands:

  • Over 459 people have had their risk of opioid-related death halved through safer prescribing approaches
  • Systems are embedding consistent, evidence-based prescribing practices
  • Patients are receiving better, more appropriate support to manage pain safely

This work shows that improving patient safety isn’t just about one change, it’s about people working together, sharing what works, and making improvements across the whole system.