Self-administration is the term we use to mean being personally responsible for taking your medicines. A self-administration scheme operates on this inpatient unit.
It aims to:
• help you understand the purpose of your medicines
• 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 medicines will be kept either in a locked cupboard, electronic or key safe, in your room or in the medicine trolley.
Whether you have access to this will depend on what stage of self-administration you are. This depends on how well you are, and how much support you are needing to take your medicines.
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. We will give you written information about your medicines and instructions on how to take them will be provided on the label.
If needed, we may supply your medicines in a blister pack, where all the medicines for a certain time of day are together in one section. These are not suitable for everyone, and the nurses and team pharmacist will check whether this will help you.
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 that shows 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 or will be administering your own medicines at home, we usually ask you to self-administer them before you leave the hospital.
Please 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 ward 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.
Contact
If you have any questions, please speak to the nursing staff or ask to speak to one of the pharmacy 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: 092 AWP
Last reviewed: 2022
Next review due: 2024