What is self administration?

We may ask patients on this unit to be personally responsible for taking their medicines. This is called ‘self-administration’.

Being responsible for taking your medicines can:

•   help you understand what your medicines are for;

•   help you understand how to take your medicines safely;

•   increase your confidence in taking your medicines, ready for when you leave hospital and have to take your medicines on your own.

What does it involve?

Your own medicines from home may be used if suitable.  The hospital pharmacy will get you any other medicines you need.

All your medicines will be clearly marked with your name and the name of the medicine.

Your medicines may be kept in a locked cupboard, electronic or key safe in your room, or in the medicine trolley. Where they are kept will depend on how well you are, and how much support you are needing to take your medicines. 

We will give you written information about your medicines. Instructions on how to take them will be written on the label.

What to do if you would like to self administer

If you decide you would like to be responsible for taking some, or all, of your medicines yourself, one of the nursing or pharmacy team will talk with you about what this will involve and what support you may need.

We will ask you to sign a form saying that you are happy to self-administer your medicines, and that you will keep them safe.

Do I have to self administer my medicines?

No, you do not have to administer your own medicines, if you don’t feel ready to.

However, if you have been or will be administering your own medicines at home, we usually ask you to self-administer them before you leave the hospital.

Remember

  • If you have medicines in your room, you must keep them safely locked away, and must not let anyone have access to them, apart from the nursing staff.
  • If anyone tries to take your medicines, tell the nursing staff immediately.
  • Remember - medicines can be dangerous, if not used properly.
  • You must take the medicines as written on the label. Do not take more than the stated dose.
  • If you forget the number of tablets or when to take them, please ask one of the nursing staff.
  • If you have any questions, please speak to the nursing staff, or ask to speak to one of the pharmacy team.

Further information

This information has been written by the specialist mental health pharmacists who work for the Trust.

If you have any questions about your medicines, including potential side effects, please speak to the nursing staff, a doctor or pharmacist on the ward.

For information on Trust services visit www.awp.nhs.uk

BSL Video Relay www.awp.nhs.uk/bslcontactus and ask for our number or for switchboard 01225 731731 to connect you.

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.pals@nhs.net

Other languages and formats

Please ask the ward staff if you need this information in another language or another way (such as large print, audio, Easy Read).

Or for information in other languages, audio and ‘read aloud’, please click on the Recite Me button at the bottom of our website.

Lead: Chief Pharmacist

Leaflet code: 092 AWP
Last reviewed: January 2025

Next review due: January 2027