- tablets or capsules
- liquids
- inhalers and nebules
- injections
- creams or ointments
- nasal sprays
- eye, ear and nasal drops
- patches
- contraceptive pills or hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
- vitamins, minerals or supplements
- any other prescribed items
- any items bought from a chemist, supermarket or herbal shop
- compliance aids (seven-day medicines pack dispensed by your community pharmacy)
Bringing your own medicines into hospital
If you are coming into hospital it is important to bring in a supply of any medications you are taking, in the original packaging.
We will use your medicines while you are in hospital, after checking they are suitable for use. You may hear our staff call the medicines PODs (patient’s own drugs).
We will use your medicines while you are in hospital, after checking they are suitable for use. You may hear our staff call the medicines PODs (patient’s own drugs).
Types of medicines you should bring into hospital
Why we ask you to bring in your own medication
- to make sure you do not miss any doses of your medication
- to give hospital staff a full record of all the medications you are taking
- to make sure any new medicines prescribed in hospital are safe to use with your existing medicines
- to make sure your medicines go with you when you move to another ward or go home
- to help to reduce wastage of medicines and reduce our environmental impact
Please bring your medicines in the original packaging. If you have left your medicines at home, we may ask for a relative or carer to bring them in for you.
What we will do with your medicines
A member of the medical, nursing or pharmacy team will check your medicines. Our staff will keep your medicines safe and give them to you when they are due. If any of your medicines are unsuitable for use e.g. if they are out of date or you are no longer prescribed them, we will let you know and dispose of them safely. Any suspected illicit substances will not be returned and will be disposed of.
When you are ready to go home, we will send you home with the remainder of your own medicines if they are still needed, as well as a supply of any new medicines. If you have used the supply while in hospital or your medications have been changed while you have been in hospital, we will give you a new supply to take home.
When you are ready to go home, we will send you home with the remainder of your own medicines if they are still needed, as well as a supply of any new medicines. If you have used the supply while in hospital or your medications have been changed while you have been in hospital, we will give you a new supply to take home.
What to do if you have concerns
Please speak to a nurse, doctor or member of the pharmacy team in the ward if you have any questions or concerns about your medicines while in hospital.
