Controlled-drugs register redaction is the removal of patient and staff IDs from a scheduled-drug register. It fits the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001 and DPA 2018. anonym.plus runs locally and keeps the medicine, count, and balance.
When this applies
A scheduled-drug register names the patient and the witnessing staff per line. For a diversion review, you clear those IDs but keep the counts and balances.
How anonym.plus handles it
- Load the log into anonym.plus on your device.
- It finds patient and witness names plus staff IDs.
- Dates and badge numbers get flagged across each line.
- Confirm the flags; the medicine and count stay as non-IDs.
- Black out items for the review, or swap them for analysis.
- Save the clean file; the source stays on your machine.
What you need to provide
- The document (CSV, PDF, DOCX, or system export).
- A column map for the witness and badge fields.
- An operator (Redact for a diversion review).
Patient data entity types detected
| Category | anonym.plus entity type | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Names | PERSON | patient column → [PATIENT] |
| Names | PERSON | witness initials → [STAFF] |
| Dates | DATE_TIME | 08:00 03/05 → [TIME] |
| Identifiers | NATIONAL_ID | staff badge → [STAFF_ID] |
| Record IDs | MEDICAL_RECORD_NUMBER | entry no. 9921 → [ENTRY_ID] |
| Location | LOCATION | Ward 3 cupboard → [SITE] |
Compliance achieved
- Fits Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001 and DPA 2018 for reuse.
- Keeps the medicine, count, and balance, which are not patient identifiers.
- Offline work keeps it inside your facility.
Anonymise controlled drugs registers offline — see plans & start free →
Limitations & cautions
These logs are tightly tabular. Check that the witness and badge columns are mapped, since initials are easy to miss yet name a person. The medicine, count, and balance stay and are not treated as identifiers.
Frequently asked questions
Are witness initials personal data?
Yes. Witness initials and badges name the staff who signed off, so they are removed. The medicine and count entries stay.
Can I keep the running balance?
Yes. The medicine, count, and balance stay, so the record book still supports a review.
Does it read system exports?
Yes. CSV exports and printed record books both work, all on your own device.