Which medicines to bring?
Please bring in all medicines that you are taking. Not just medicines prescribed by your GP, but also any medicines, vitamins or herbal supplements that you buy from a shop or pharmacy. This includes tablets and capsules, as well as sprays, drops, inhalers, injections and creams etc.
Why should I bring my medicines into hospital?
Bringing your medicines into hospital with you can have many advantages:
- You will be taking medicines you are familiar with and that you recognise.
- It helps us make sure we prescribe all the medicines you are taking whilst you are in hospital.
- If your medicine is on the ward when you need it, there is less chance of you missing doses of medicines that are critical to your wellbeing.
- If your medicine is changed while you are with us, we can safely dispose of any unused or unneeded medicines with your permission, to avoid confusion when you are discharged.
What happens when I bring my medicines into hospital?
Staff will check they are of a suitable quality to be used in the hospital, and they will be stored safely.
Your medicines will be labelled and have your name on the container.
What if the medicine is no longer needed or cannot be used?
There may be several reasons why a medicine cannot be used, such as staff not being able to clearly identify it.
If the medicine is no longer needed, or cannot be used, then staff will ask your permission to dispose of it safely.
The medicine that you bring into hospital with you will only be used for you. We are not allowed to give your medicine to anyone else.
What happens next?
Staff will ask you if they can give you your own medicine during your stay with us.
If you say no, staff will order more medicine for you from their pharmacy supplier.
When leaving our care, your medicines will be returned to you if you are still prescribed them and it is safe to return them.
We will always ask your permission before we dispose of your medicine.
Contact
This information has been written by the specialist mental health pharmacists who work for the Trust. If you would like to contact us, ask your ward or team to put you in touch with the pharmacist in your area.
If you want to know more about a specific medicine or you would like to discuss what you have read here, ask a member of your mental health team.
BSL Video Relay
https://connect.interpreterslive.co.uk/vrs?ilc=AvonWiltshireMHT and ask for our number; or for switchboard 01225 731731 to connect you.
For information on Trust services visit www.awp.nhs.uk.
PALS
To make a comment, raise a concern or make a complaint, please contact the Trust’s Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)
Tel: 01225 362 900
Freephone: 0800 073 1778
Email: awp
Other languages and formats
If you need this information in another format (such as large print, Easy Read), please call the PALS number.
For information in other languages, audio and ‘read aloud’, please click on the Recite Me button at the top of our website 
Lead: Chief Pharmacist
Leaflet code: AWP -091
Last reviewed: 2022
Next review due: 2024