This leaflet provides information about what to do with your own medication, and medication given to you at Trinity, during your stay.
What to do with your medication when you first come to the hospice
Please bring all your medicines with you, including any medicines you have bought over the counter. This includes inhalers, eye drops, creams and any herbal, vitamin or alternative medicine preparations that you are currently taking.
Keep your medicines in their original containers and remember to bring in any pill organisers, blister packs or other devices that you use to help you take your medicines.
If you do not bring your medicines in with you, don’t worry, we will ask your permission for a friend or relative to bring them in for you
A member of the pharmacy or nursing team will check through your medicines so that we can make sure you get everything you need.
This is important so please help us by showing us all your medicines so that we can make sure you have everything you need.
During your stay on the inpatient unit at Trinity
Wherever possible we will always try to use your own medications during your stay Your medications will still belong to you, so we will ask your permission to use them in your care
We will also ask your permission to dispose of those drugs that are:
No longer used for your treatment
Out of date or we feel may not have been stored properly.
Are not clearly identifiable (please try and keep your medicines in their original containers).
Medicines you do not have with you or those which have been prescribed during your stay will be supplied by the hospice pharmacy.
Your medicines will be locked in the ‘ patient ’s own drugs’ locker next to your bed. A nurse will give you your medicines from this locker at set times of the day.
You must not take any of your own medication including any breakthrough medication or medications you may have brought over the counter without the permission of your doctor or nurse as this may affect any treatment that the Doctors have prescribed you at the Hospice.
Self-Medication
You may be able to continue to take your own medicines yourself while you are in the hospice, rather than have a nurse give them to you
If you would like to do this then please speak to your nurse who will arrange for a member of the medical team to discuss this with you
Going home or weekend leave
If you are planning to go on weekend or day leave, please let us know as soon as possible so we can order your medications with the help of our hospice pharmacy team in advance Remember to bring these back when you return to the hospice
On discharge home a fresh supply of medicines will be given to you to ensure you have at least fourteen days to take away If you want to take your own medicines away as well, please speak to a member of pharmacy or nursing staff
If you do not want us to store, use or dispose of your medicines for you during your stay, or have any other questions, please talk to a doctor or member of the nursing or pharmacy team.
Useful information about your team
Your hospice/community nurse is:
Contact number:
Your pharmacy technician is:
Contact number:
Your chemist is:
Contact number: