Information for patients and carers
Self administration of medicines
A self administration of medicines scheme is in operation in the in-patient units at St Margaret’s Hospice Care. This allows certain patients to be responsible for the administration of their own medication from a locked drawer located in their bedside locker.
The self-administration scheme is designed for the following patients:
- Patients who normally give their own medicines at home, where changes are not being made to their medication whilst they stay in the hospice
- Patients who are about to go home, where they will be responsible for giving their own medicines.
Self administration is not compulsory and you do not need to feel that you have to take part in this aspect of your care, even if asked to do so.
If asked and you agree, you will be seen by one of the doctors who will explain about your medications and make the necessary arrangements for your medicines to be dispensed. They will also give you a sheet of paper, which details your current medication requirements. This will help you to take the medication at the right time of day or night.
Your responsibilities for the safe self administration of your drugs
- You must ensure that your medicines are kept in the locked drawer in your room/locker and that the key is kept by you in a safe place
- You should take each medicine as directed on the label and never exceed the stated dose
- If you forget to administer the medicines, or have any questions about what you are doing, ask one of the Never take medication if you are not certain of what you are taking
- If you have any reason to suspect someone has taken your medicines, tell one of the nurses immediately
- Nursing staff may ask to check your medicines periodically
- When you are ready to go home, one of the nurses must check all the medicines in your drawer before you leave
- Please return your key to one of the nursing staff prior to going home.
Feedback – we welcome your compliments and complaints
We are keen to develop and improve our services and welcome positive and negative feedback, including any concerns you may have. You can:
- Speak to any member of the team either in person or over the phone by calling our 24-hour adviceline on 01823 333822 or 01935 709480
- Email us at [email protected] or through our website.