Implementing self-administration of medicines

[helvella]

Many posts here refer to issues that have arisen when in healthcare settings - such as hospital. Are we allowed to continue taking our own medicines? If not, who is going to do what?

The Specialist Pharmacy Service has produced a page which illustrates procedures they deem reasonable.

Implementing self-administration of medicines

Published 25 January 2023 · Last updated 18 November 2024

sps.nhs.uk/articles/impleme...

As I read it, it says that if we are usually in charge of taking our own medicines at home, and there is no overriding reason we cannot continue, then we should both be allowed and expected to do so.

Obviously it is necessary to consider the issues in context, but I think this is the right direction.

And my main reason for posting is to support anyone who is challenged on this issue. Here is an official document from the highest level of pharmacy in England.

(This website is accessible but I often get the feeling they'd be much happier if it was locked behind some sort of access denying wall.)

Added screenshot of flowchart on linked page. Text far too small to read here!

[Sparklingsunshine]

This is welcome news, especially for those who self source their own thyroid meds. We've heard several members encounter difficulties whilst in hospital, with medication locked away, doled out at inappropriate times, ie just before food, or given at the same time as contra indicated other meds.

Or not given at all. I understand the need to safeguard vulnerable patients but treating us all like children is pretty demeaning and unnecessary.

[helvella Administrator in reply to Sparklingsunshine]

I think some will still have to argue, to fight, but hopefully this will help back them up.

[Sparklingsunshine in reply to helvella]

Thanks for the post 👍

[bantam12 in reply to helvella]

I doubt it very much ! They have their rules and will stick to them like glue.

[amala57]

I've often wondered about this. Thank you for sharing .

[RedApple Administrator]

Does this mean they have no right to 'lock away' any medicines you bring in with you, which is what's often been reported here.

[helvella Administrator in reply to RedApple]

I interpret it that, so long as the flow chart processes have been gone through, and reached the point where self-medication is OK, there is no reason to lock them away, hence there can be no right to do so.

Less obvious if there are any reasons to not allow self-medication.

[JGBH]

Thank you for the post. When I went to A&E in mid September and was admitted for investigations (5 days ) a friend brought my medication. They first locked the drawer where I had placed them, so I asked for the drawer to be and remain unlocked since I was able to self medicate. So they did. However whenever keen young pharmacists came over to ‘Check’ my medication they were rather keen to remove them or lock the drawer again. So I explained to them that I was in charge, not to interfere since nurses were never on time to dispense drugs and I needed to take my thyroid tablets at 6.30 am to ensure absorption… Clearly they are not educated about the importance of taking medication at a time that will best help the patient. Basically the NHS lives in the 1940s… controlling people and intend on changing nothing. They refuse to learn so, we patients have to let them know what is best for us and, if one has no cognitive problem, retain control over taking our medication. We are not children and they treat us in that manner. I kept a sharp eye whenever a pharmacist came up to see me and told them politely but firmly not to interfere.

[helvella Administrator in reply to JGBH]

While I entirely agree with your right, with the need to take levothyroxine with care, etc., I think there is another aspect.

It is entirely wrong to cause a patient upset, annoyance, and undermine their psychological well-being. Having to be in a hospital is upsetting enough already.

[Framboise]

Thank you helvella, this is very useful.