What can you help with?

We help patients over 18 who are frail, have complex needs or who are high risk of medication-related harm, get the best outcomes from their medicines, by taking their medication safely and effectively in their own homes.

You will need to be referred by another healthcare service or professional. Most of our referrals come from multi-disciplinary teams who are looking after you.

We assess each patient and can help with:

• liaising with other agencies, for example, GPs, pharmacies, social services and care agencies
• involving family or friends, where appropriate, with your medication
• a medication adherence assessment
• a review of your medicines
• clarifying medication discrepancies and routine on discharge from hospital
• information about medications – verbal and written explanations
• suggestions for medication prompts, for example placing by the bed, kettle or alarm clock and specialist alarmed dispensing devices
• labelling modifications, for example larger writing or additional labelling
• container modifications, for example blister packs transferred to bottles and plain caps
• informal training for social services carers regarding specific medication
• family-filled multi-compartment compliance aids
• further liaison with your community pharmacy.

We can usually visit you at home or your place of residence, however, in some circumstances we can complete a phone or video assessment.

What information will you need about me and my medications?

We need as much background information as possible so we can help. This includes:

• your details
• your GP details
• a copy of your repeat medication list
• information about recent hospital admissions and discharge information
• specific details about the reason for your referral and what you think you need support with
• details of family or friends who have given consent to be contacted – this could be people who support you day-to-day
• details of other healthcare professionals involved in your care
• details of social services or care agency involvement.

How will the recommendations be communicated?

All recommendations are discussed and agreed verbally with you and the relevant people involved in your care. A written action plan is then sent to all health and social care professionals involved.