1. Purpose
This policy outlines the procedures for safe and effective medicines management at Restored Healthcare. It aims to ensure compliance with relevant legislation and guidance to support patient safety.

2. Scope
This policy applies to all staff involved in medicines management, including prescribing, administering, dispensing, storage, and disposal. It covers both inpatient and outpatient medicine use.

3. Responsibilities
- The Chief Pharmacist is responsible for oversight of pharmacy services and medicines management procedures.

- Medical staff are responsible for safe prescribing and administration of medicines to patients under their care.

- Nursing staff can administer prescribed medications to patients as required.

- Pharmacy staff dispense prescribed medicines and offer advice to patients on safe administration and storage.

- All staff have a duty to report any medication errors, adverse reactions, or concerns to the Chief Pharmacist.

4. Prescribing
- Medicines must only be prescribed by authorized medical prescribers.

- Prescriptions must be written following legal requirements and professional guidance.

- The indication and directions for use must be clearly stated.

- Any allergies or cautions should be documented.

5. Dispensing
- Medicines will be dispensed by the pharmacy against valid prescriptions.

- The dispensing team will clinically screen all prescriptions to ensure the medication is suitable for the patient.

- Patients will be provided with information on safe administration and storage.

6. Administration
- Medicines may only be administered by staff who are trained and competent to do so.

- Staff must verify the medicine against the prescription and check the patient's identity.

- Administration must be recorded accurately.

- Patients should be observed after administration where risks or side effects are possible.

7. Storage
- Medicines must be stored securely with access restricted to authorized staff.

- Fridges must be used for medicines requiring refrigeration and temperatures monitored daily.

- Controlled drugs and other high-risk medicines must be stored in locked cupboards and registers maintained.  

8. Disposal
- Unused or expired medicines should be returned to the pharmacy for safe disposal.

- Controlled drugs should be denatured prior to disposal which must then be witnessed and documented.

- Other medicines can be placed in pharmaceutical waste bins for collection by a specialist contractor.  

9. Errors and Incidents
- Medication errors and near misses must be reported to the Chief Pharmacist immediately.

- Root cause analysis will be undertaken to identify contributing factors and prevent recurrence.

10. Monitoring
- Audits of medicines management procedures will be undertaken regularly.

- Compliance with this policy will be monitored through observation, inspection, and audit.

- Issues identified will be addressed through additional staff training, changes to procedures, and other corrective actions.