What do I need to do if I am being admitted to hospital?
If you are coming into hospital you should try bring the following with you:
- A supply of all your current medication, preferably in the original containers so they are easily identifiable.
- An up-to-date repeat prescription list from your GP.
- Any compliance aids you use to help you take your medication such as medidose and dossette.
- Any supplementary information you think we might need to know about such as steroid cards, insulin passports, warfarin books and recent discharge letters.
What happens during my stay in hospital?
Shortly after you arrive in hospital you will be visited by a member of the pharmacy team who will discuss your medication with you. They will take a note of your drug history, record any allergies you have and assess how suitable the medication you currently take is, also considering whether any compliance aids would help you.
Throughout your stay with us a member of the pharmacy team will also arrange for any medication you need to be supplied to your ward and will review your drug chart regularly, making sure that an adequate supply of your medication is ready and available. The pharmacy team will also support the doctors and nurses involved in your care with any queries or questions relating to the medicines you have prescribed.
What happens when I leave?
A member of the team will prepare your paperwork ahead of your discharge so it is ready as soon as you are well enough to go home.
When you are ready to be discharged, the team will check your medication has been prescribed correctly, appropriately and accurately before dispensing the medication you need for your return home. They will also check you have an adequate supply of your medication to keep you going.
When you are discharged you will also receive one copy of your discharge letter. One copy will remain in your hospital notes and another in the Pharmacy Department. Your GP will also receive an electronic copy from the hospital.
How long will I wait for my medication?
The hospital pharmacy at Russells Hall Hospital serves both outpatients and inpatients from across the Trust. While safety is always our main focus we strive to complete prescriptions to the highest clinical standards and as quickly as possible.
We will always try our best to get you your medication as quickly as we can but we do experience busy periods where you may have to wait longer than usual.
The average waiting time for outpatient prescriptions is 30 minutes. If you do find yourself waiting significantly longer than this please speak to a member of pharmacy staff.
What happens when I hand in my prescription?
The Pharmacy Department is aided by a modern robotic system which delivers medicines to the dispenser down a ‘helter skelter’.
How much will I pay for my prescription?
You do not have to pay for any prescriptions or medication you receive while you are an inpatient.
Outpatient prescriptions are subject to the same charges as those you would receive from your GP. Click here for up-to-date information about how much you will pay for your prescription and to find out if you eligible for free prescriptions.
