Medicine and Drugs Cabinets: Protecting Patients & Practice

In any healthcare or pharmaceutical setting, ensuring the secure storage of medicines and controlled drugs is a legal and ethical priority. From hospitals and care homes to GP surgeries and veterinary clinics, the safe storage of medication protects both patients and staff—while helping facilities remain compliant with UK regulations.

At SMP Security, our range of medical and controlled drugs cabinets is designed to meet the stringent security requirements of the healthcare sector, offering peace of mind and professional-grade protection.

Why Safe Storage of Medicines Matters

Medical facilities often deal with high-risk, high-value substances—many of which are subject to strict control under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. Improper storage can result in theft, tampering, or accidental misuse. It can also lead to serious compliance issues, impacting a facility’s license and reputation.

The Misuse of Drugs (Safe Custody) Regulations 1973 outlines how certain medicines and controlled substances must be stored. These laws apply to all organisations handling controlled drugs and set clear expectations for cabinet construction, locking mechanisms, and installation.

Our cabinets are built in line with these regulations, featuring reinforced steel construction, high-security locking options, and internal shelving for organised storage.

Secure cabinets not only reduce the risk of unauthorised access but also provide accountability. Lockable and traceable storage helps meet NHS and CQC requirements, while safeguarding vulnerable individuals and controlled substances.

Who Needs a Controlled Drugs Cabinet?

Any organisation involved in storing or administering controlled drugs must store them in an appropriate, lockable cabinet. This includes:

• • Hospitals and health clinics
  • Pharmacies
  • GP surgeries
  • Nursing and care homes
  • Rehabilitation centres
  • Veterinary practices

Even first-aid rooms in schools or workplaces may require secure medicine storage, particularly if high-strength medication is kept on-site.

Key Features of a Compliant Drugs Cabinet

Our medical and controlled drugs cabinets specifications and build quality exceed those laid down by the current statutory regulations for the safe custody of controlled drugs.

Standard features include:

• • Solid steel construction with reinforced doors
  • Secure locking systems (with optional upgrades to digital or keyless entry)
  • Internal shelving for organised storage
  • Wall and floor-fixable options for enhanced security
  • Durable paint finish for hygiene and easy cleaning

With various sizes and configurations available, facilities can select a model that matches their volume of controlled substances and space requirements.

We also offer custom solutions tailored to specific requirements, ensuring each cabinet suits your operational needs and compliance responsibilities.

Supporting Compliance and Audits

In environments where inspections and audits are routine, having compliant storage solutions simplifies record-keeping and demonstrates a commitment to safety. A high-quality drugs cabinet not only protects contents but also enhances organisational transparency.

Lockable medicine cabinets also support the controlled logging of access, ensuring only authorised personnel handle medication. This is particularly important in care settings where staff rotations and shift changes are common.

Trusted Security for Critical Environments

As a UK manufacturer of security solutions, SMP Security provides robust and reliable cabinets that healthcare professionals can trust. All units are engineered for long-term durability and are built to the same high standards as our security-rated safes.

Whether you’re updating a clinic, expanding a care facility, or fitting out a new medical room, our cabinets deliver dependable protection where it matters most.

Ready to Secure Your Medication?

Explore our full range of medical and controlled drugs cabinets to find the right solution for your facility. If you’re unsure which model best fits your needs, our expert team is on hand to help.