Wim’s protocol for the safe prescribing and monitoring of clozapine

On this page you can read about and download Wim’s protocol, a practical guide to help with the prescribing of clozapine. It also contains information for family, friends, support workers and others interested in patients’ welfare.
Wim’s protocol is named after William (Wim) Northcott-Spall who tragically died in the context of taking clozapine. Several issues were identified in the inquest into his death and these, along with various others, led to RCPsych developing this protocol for safe prescribing of clozapine.  
 
Whilst clozapine is an incredibly effective treatment for patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia, unacceptable deaths like Wim’s continue to occur that could potentially be avoided.  
 

Drawing on carer lived experience, academic and clinical expertise Wim’s protocol is a simple, practical guide with core standards for prescribers across the UK.

The protocol synthesises current evidence and best practice for physical health monitoring at all stages of treatment with clozapine, with a focus on being deliverable in a range of settings.   

Recognising the wide range of people involved in supporting a patient prescribed clozapine, effort has been made to ensure the protocol is not only aimed at clinical staff but also family, friends, support workers and other people within a patient’s community. It will enable these key people in a patient’s life to notice potential warning signs and to act on them. 

While we are grateful to many, we particularly thank Wim’s sister, Kate Northcott-Spall and Nichola Crawford whose brother-in-law Sean, like Wim, tragically died in the context of taking clozapine. Without Kate and Nichola’s constant conversation, collaboration and support the development of Wim’s protocol would not have been possible. 


View Wim's Protocol (pdf)
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