Publish date: 6 November 2024
Medication-related incidents remain one of the most frequently reported categories of patient safety incidents, accounting for about 10% of reported incidents across the NHS.
Launching a new campaign Blackpool Teaching Hospitals aims to educate patients and their visitors on the importance of declaring all medications they have brought into hospital to the medical team. These can include but are limited to previous prescriptions, over the counter products, herbal, creams, and inhalers.
Kathleen Ibison, who is the Trust’s Medication Safety Officer commented, “Not many patients realise that something as innocent as taking an over-the-counter medication from home while they are in hospital could have an adverse reaction to new medication which could make them more poorly.”
“We are also encouraging relatives/visitors, if they are asked by a loved one to bring in something from home to please speak to the nursing team first. We all want the best for our family and friends and would encourage you not to put them at risk by giving them medications from home.”
Our pharmacy team work closely with ward colleagues to ensure medications are closely monitored and that best practice is shared across the Trust.
