Procedure for the Administration of Medicines within In-patient Areas

1. Ensure Equipment required is prepared and ready for use where appropriate. This includes the following:
• HEPMA system and any concurrent prescribing tool (including recording document)
• Medicine trolley keys
• Medicine Cups or appropriate receptacle
• Water and appropriate receptacle
• Purple apron and/or signage as per NHSGGC Medicines Administration 1133-24 section 5.1

• Medicine crusher for crushing/cutting tablets where appropriate
• Current online BNF

2. Ensure stock is sufficient prior to commencing medicine procedures

1. Read the appropriate patients HEPMA record carefully

2. For paper prescriptions, ensure patients prescription is complete, identifying the following:
• Please note there may be a concurrent prescription tool i.e. detoxification regime or reducing dose schedule
• Start date
• Medicine
• Dose
• Route
• Time due
• Prescriber
• Allergies

1. HCSW (or appropriate other i.e. student nurse or registered nurse) to escort patient to the treatment room as delegated by the registered nurse.

2. Confirm the identity of patient following process described in the Policy & Procedures for the Safe Identification of Patients  

3. Ensure the environment where administration is to take place is clean, tidy and free from interruptions.

4. Where appropriate check patient's vital signs are within normal limits.

5. Confirm the patient’s allergy status.

6. Unlock and open medicine trolley.

7. Check the prescription medicine label i.e. the name, form, dose and expiry date.

8. Check recording sheet to ensure dose has not already been given.

9. Confirm medication with patient and verify verbal informed consent.

10. Dispense into appropriate receptacle and administer as prescribed.

11. Offer water as required.

12. Observe patient whilst medication is taken.

13. Record administration on HEPMA system and (if required) concurrent prescription tool.

14. If prescribed medicine self-administered record clearly, including the time of administration.

15. If prescribed medicine refused or not given for any reason this must be documented on HEPMA record and the responsible doctor informed, if necessary.

16. Close and secure medication trolley.

17. Ensure area is left clean and tidy.

1. Registered Nurse to release medication trolley from wall if taking trolley out of treatment room.

2. The trolley should remain locked until patient is located and the process of dispensing begins.

3. Confirm the identity of patient following process described in the Policy & Procedures for the Safe Identification of Patients  

4. Where appropriate check patients vital signs are within normal limits.

5. Check for allergies.

6. Unlock and open medication trolley.

7. Check the prescription medicine label i.e. the name, form, dose and expiry date.

8. Check recording sheet to ensure dose has not already been given.

9. Confirm medication with patient and verify verbal informed consent.

10. Dispense into appropriate receptacle and administer as prescribed.

11. Offer water as required.

12. Observe patient whilst medication is taken.

13. Record administration on HEPMA system and (if required) concurrent prescription tool.

14. If prescribed medicine self-administered record clearly, including the time of administration.

15. If prescribed medicine refused or not given for any reason this must be documented on HEPMA record and the responsible doctor informed, if necessary.

16. Close and secure medication trolley.

17. Ensure area is left clean and tidy.