Let’s talk medicines: the importance of taking your medications to hospital

NHS Western Isles is re-introducing its medicine awareness campaign to remind those in our communities of the importance of bringing your medication with you when you are admitted to hospital or when you come for an appointment.

As we enter the winter months, it is likely that the number of admissions to hospital will increase. This is why we’re reminding people to bring their medicines with them when being admitted to hospital (both planned or unexpected) or when attending outpatients appointments.

We understand that it may be difficult to take your medications with you if you are admitted as an emergency via ambulance. However, we ask that you get a family member or friend to drop them off if possible as our hospitals may not be stocked with the medications you require.

This will help NHS Western Isles avoid medicines waste by using the medicines that you already have. The local hospitals also do not hold every medicine prescribed across the health board, so bringing your own medicines will help to avoid missing important treatments. It also helps the pharmacy team to get your discharge medicines ready faster when you are ready to go home.

Please bring all prescribed medicines like tablets, liquids, creams, inhalers and suppositories, along with any over the counter medicines, herbal medicines or vitamins that you take regularly.

Before you are discharged, you will meet a member of the Pharmacy Team who will review your medicines, answer your questions and help to solve any medicines related problems you might have.

At home, it is important to remember to only order the medicines that you need. Unused medicines can’t be reused. However, if you do have medicines at home that you no longer need, please return them to a local pharmacy for safe and sustainable disposal. Never dispose of unused medications in fires, toilets, sinks, or bins. Returning your medicines for proper disposal helps to reduce their impact on the environment.

Sue Price, Chief Pharmacist, NHS Western Isles, said “It is really helpful to hospital staff if patients bring their current medications with them when coming to the hospital. This includes prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and any herbal supplements you may be taking. Having your medications on hand helps our medical team ensure accurate treatment and avoid potential drug interactions. Additionally, bringing your medications can help reduce unnecessary delays and costs, as it may prevent the need to supply replacements during your stay. If possible, please also bring a list of your medications, including dosages and schedules, to assist in providing you with the best care possible. If you have any questions about medicines remember to speak to your pharmacist, we are the medicines experts.”