FOI2026/1938

I would like all the information in regards to the scheme to deprescribed promazine in the greater Manchester area. 

Questions about the deprescribing of promazine in greater Manchester scheme that’s currently taking place.

The reasons behind the scheme?

who makes the final decision is it to deprescribed promazine to each individual

The review process the GP and others should follow, including the pharmacist?

What are the safety procedures for patients you’ve put in place with deprescribing promazine medication?

What treatment plans are going to be put in place when things go wrong for the individual 

The lack of services already available and waiting list times, for the mental health department, how is putting the additional stress of this scheme going to be accommodate?

What is the criteria for patients to stay on Promazine and also to be taken off Promazine?

Its states in the minutes of the meeting regarding promazine

“There is a need to avoid referrals back to mental health teams for existing patients to be reviewed.

 Again how is this helping to keep me and others around me safe?

Who makes the final decision when my secondary care team isn’t being contacted?

Why haven’t I been referred back to support and review correctly?

How is this in line with the NHS community mental health frame work states that states 

You should receive support and treatment for your mental health in line with the NHS community mental health framework for adults and older adults. 

The Framework aims to:

• put you at the centre of you care, with choice,
• have one care plan for you, shared by
• people who support you, and
• prevent problems, treat illness, and improve your quality of life.

Any information in regards to the scheme, meeting held, safety procedures of patients, would be appreciated.

In May 2025 a position statement was published by GMMMG regarding oral Promazine- This statement was developed as a collaboration of Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust and Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust. The position statement is accessible via the GMMMG website under the GMMMG Guidance, Medicines and devices recommendations.

The rationale for the reviewing of prescribing of Promazine and deprescribing where appropriate is detailed within the ‘Therapeutic Use and Background’ section of the position statement.

The decision to deprescribe promazine is made on an individual patient basis by a clinician within the sector of care who initiated the prescribing.

The review process is detailed within the position statement, under the heading ‘Guidance to support the review of promazine prescribing’, considerations and strategies for a reduction and deprescribing alongside suggested treatment plans if a reduction or deprescribing is not appropriate or successful is also listed within this section.

Each patient is reviewed on an individual basis, there is no set criteria for a patient to remain on Promazine or deprescribe, a discussion regarding the risk: benefit of continued use should be discussed with the aim to reach an agreement using a shared-decision making approach.

Under the FOI process we cannot comment on an individual’s care, for personal elements of the request we would advise to contact the individual’s GP or treating mental health service, NHS Greater Manchester Patient Services can also be contacted.

If you have any other concerns around an individuals care this can also be directed to PALs/GP practice manager or if there is an immediate risk of harm 999/A&E.

The minutes for meetings held regarding GMMMG guidance and policies can be found on the GMMMG website under the meetings tab.