non-NHS-medicines in hospital.

[jaxnbreeze]

While she is in hospital my mother's medication has been 'confiscated' but she is being given meds. for blood pressure etc. My concern is would we be given any non-NHS -prescibed medictions in hospital? I am thinking about supplements and Armour etc.

[helvella Administrator]

Each PCT (or whatever they are called today) and maybe each hospital might have their own policies. You need to get in touch with them to find out.

I suggest you contact the relevant PALS team in the first place.

Some hospitals used to have a blanket "if we didn't prescribe it, you can't take it" policy - even to the extent of re-prescribing the self-same medicines. But the cost implications of that seem to have dawned and some are more flexible (from reading around the place).

[editfmrt]

I have recently had the same problem with my sister and it was a nightmare, so I really sympathise with you. In the end we 'smuggled' in her meds because it was too difficult to fight the system but it was difficult. If I had to do it again, I would go through PALS if I could not get anywhere with the consultants to get an agreement. Perhaps offer to provide a written disclaimer taking responsibility for supplementary medication. Wishing you luck.

[Hidden]

Hello,

If it is a planned stay in hospital this information will usually come out pre-admission. This is what happened in our case on 2 occasions. The surgeons and anaesthetists concerned were not in the least interested so we carried on taking the Armour which we had taken in. I assumed this was because they knew nothing about it and thought it was some sort of herbal remedy, and didn't pursue it. I would be reluctant to involve them any more than absolutely necessary - i.e. if the hospital or PCT were involved I've become used to them saying no, so my feeling is to say as little as possible and carry on with what is best for you.

Jane

x x

[Hidden]

I have had 6 operations while on Armour-the first being in 2004.Then they didn't know what it was, but now they seem more familiar with it.They have always been OK about me taking it-luckily for me!! in the pre-op assessment I always declare that I take it and nowadays they don't even question it.

[nobodysdriving in reply to Hidden]

ROFL

how 'extraordinary' that one takes a T4/T3 combination 'prescription only drug' and they don't even know what it is!!!! absolutely 'ridiculous' and that they won't bother to find out either! (take the shame doctors!) heeeeee heeeeee (sorry )

[Hidden in reply to nobodysdriving]

Don't say sorry!! Mind you, the pharmacists who go onto the wards always have a little chat about armour and ask what it is! I'm glad to be able to further their education, tee hee.

[Hidden]

I dont think they can stop you taking it, although I'm sure they can make it difficult if they want. but I do think its important to be upfront that you are taking it. Hiding the fact may cause problems if there are any possible interactions with other drugs they may give you, or possible conflicts of test results

[Framboise]

I've had surgery in a private hospital while taking Armour and hydrocortisone and the anesthetist simply queried the hc then gave me extra during the surgery, although she didn't understand the reason I had it in the first place and said 5mg was a 'huge' dose as she got it mixed up with prednisone!

If a hospital (especially an NHS one) tried to confiscate any meds I was taking, whether they were on prescription or if I was self treating, I'd complain bitterly and would refuse to hand them over. Probably some people in some circumstances wouldn't remember to take their meds or know how much to take, but as long as we're ok to sort them out ourselves a hospital shouldn't try to take them away and administer them, after all if we're considered competent to take meds at home why not in hospital!

I've made sure a couple of people close to me know what I take and are willing to bring it in to me in hospital if necessary because I just wouldn't trust a hospital with meds they probably don't understand or agree with anyway.

[belford]

I took my medication into hospital and they were going to confiscate mine I told them they were NOT having it as it belonged to me and as such they are not allowed to confiscate it they told me that some people would steal some of my medicine I again told them it was my own personal stuff they had to give in in the end and they gave me a drawer that had a key to it moral of this is no one is allowed to take any of your possesions without your permission as that would be classed as theft a hospital will try every and any way to get their hands on medication you should stand your ground if your mum cant do so you can do so for her