Self-administration is a programme used on this ward to help you take medicines by yourself and improve your knowledge about the medicines so you are able to manage when you go home.

It will help you to:

• maintain your independence by taking your own medication
• understand why you are taking your medication
• understand how to take the medication safely
• get support and/or contact healthcare professionals outside of the hospital once you go home if you
  need help.

Before you start to self-administer

Before you take part in this programme you will have a chance to speak with a member of the pharmacy or nursing team who will be able to discuss the benefits of the programme with you. The programme is not compulsory and you don’t have to take part, even if you are asked to. You can also change your mind at any time.

What happens next?

If you agree to take part, you will be asked to sign a form to say you understand the programme and would like to self-administer. The nurse or pharmacist will explain exactly how the programme works and provide information about how to take your medicines and at what times. A detailed medication information card can be provided to help you remember the information. Where possible, your own medicines from home will be re-used and any other new medication will be supplied by the ward. All medication will be labelled with your name, the name of the medicine and full instructions on how to take the medicine correctly.

What happens if I have any problems?

Please talk to your pharmacist or nurse on the ward if you:

• are unsure about how or when to take any medicine/s
• forget to take a dose
• are going to run out of medicines or if you are due to run out soon
• have any further questions about your medicines or the programme
• have decided not to continue with the self-administration programme.

Keyholder information

As part of the self-administration of medicines programme you may have been given a key. Here is some important information about keeping your key and medicines safe while you are on the ward.

Please remember:

• to keep all medicines out of the reach of children
• that medicines, if not properly used, can be dangerous
• it is your responsibility to keep your medicines and the key in a safe place
• if a visitor or other patient tries to take your medicines and/or your key, inform a nurse immediately
• never share your medicines with anyone else
• to tell a member of nursing staff if you have forgotten to take a dose of medication
• not to exceed the prescribed dose
• your medication will be checked before you go home
• to return your key to a nurse before you go home.

If you have any questions, are unsure about anything or if you have changed your mind about participating in the programme please speak to a member of staff.

What happens when it is time to go home?

We will always try to send you home with enough medicines (usually a minimum of seven days’ supply) until you are able to get a new prescription from your doctor. All your medicines will be checked before you leave and you may be given the medicines information card to take home.

What happens if I have problems with my medicines at home?

When you are at home if you have any difficulties with self-administration your local community pharmacist can provide you with additional support.

Please carry your medicine information card with you at all times once discharged from hospital.

Always contact your local pharmacist or doctor if you have any difficulty with your medicines at home.