There are two suppliers of diamorphine to the United Kingdom market, Novartis and Wockhardt. Both are working to their full available capacity, but are currently unable to produce enough to meet historic demand, although that demand may have changed owing to changes in prescribing practice. The supply position improved during 2006 and the trend is expected to be maintained during 2007. However, the improvements vary by product strength, reflecting manufacturing capacity issues. Some strengths remain in relatively poor supply, while the position for others is satisfactory. We believe that through careful prescribing and use of available stocks, as advised in the guidance the Department issued to prescribers and healthcare professionals in December 2004, patient care is not being compromised.