Supply of medicines

Before leaving the hospital, we will supply around two weeks of your medicines, including your repeat medicines and any new medicines that may have been started during your hospital stay. You may receive specialist medicines – such as cancer medicines – in a different way.

We will give you a copy of your discharge letter, including a medication summary. This includes details about your admission, treatment received, current medicines and a care plan.

Supply of medicines after discharge

Further supplies need to be ordered through your GP or a specialist service, if applicable.

Please make sure that you request a new prescription from your GP at least seven days before you run out of your medicines. You may need to take the discharge medicines list to your GP surgery to do this.

How to take your medicines

Please follow the instructions written on the medicine label and on the patient information leaflet provided.

We may give you a list of your current medicines, called a medicines record card. This summarises what medicines you take, what they are for and how to take them, including any special instructions.

How to store your medicines

All medicines must be stored out of the reach and sight of children. Some medicines have special storage instructions – such as storing in the fridge – which can be found on the label or packaging.

It is important to keep your medicines in the original containers so the medication, instructions, expiry date and/or other relevant information can be identified easily. If you are using a self-filled medication box, please make sure you prepare no more than four weeks in advance, the box is clearly labelled with the date prepared and that you or your carer can identify the medicines if needed.

Store your medicines separately from anyone else in your household. Do not share your medicines or take medicines prescribed for someone else.

What to do if you experience side effects

Side effects are unwanted symptoms which may appear after taking a medicine. They may range from mild to severe, short term to permanent. However, most side effects are mild and do not last long. The patient information leaflet contains details on side effects specific to that medicine.

If you experience side effects or have any concerns, always speak to your GP or a pharmacist. Do not stop taking your medicines unless advised by your GP or another healthcare professional.

How to dispose of your medicines

If you have any old medicines left at home when you return, it is important that you, a family member or your carer check them against the medicines list provided from the hospital to make sure you do not use any medicines that have been stopped. Alternatively, you can take all the medicines you have at home to your local pharmacy or GP surgery and they can check them for you.

Please return any medicines which you no longer take or use to your local pharmacy to be disposed of – do not dispose of them in your household waste.

Support after hospital discharge

If you have any queries about your medicines after discharge, please contact your local pharmacy or your GP surgery.

Your community pharmacy

Your local community pharmacy may help you with information and advice regarding your medicines. They provide free NHS services, such as the New Medicine Service or the Discharge Medicines Service.

New Medicine Service

This service is intended to help you better understand your condition and your new medicine(s). You may be eligible for this service if you were prescribed a new medicine for a long-term condition. Your community pharmacist may invite you to use this service. Alternatively, check with your pharmacist if you are eligible.

Discharge Medicines Service

The Discharge Medicines Service is an NHS service that aims to provide continuity of care after discharge, by helping patients managing their long-term conditions and medicines. You may access this service through a referral from the hospital or by asking your community pharmacist if you are eligible.

If you have an urgent query about your medicines or become unwell due to your medicines, please contact your GP surgery. Out of hours, you can phone NHS 111 to get in touch with an out-of-hours GP, nurse or pharmacist. In an emergency, call 999.