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Also in October:

• NHS Grampian Board Meeting
• Mecca Bingo Aberdeen hosts 'Know Who to Turn To' event for Long Term Health Conditions
• Kintore couple to donate £20,000 to ITU in memory of two brothers
• Gear up for Winter
• New physical activity service launches for adults with diabetes in Aberdeen
• Patient's family raise £2300 for Ward 40
• The North-East Scotland Breast Screening at Peterhead
• Help improve health services for people with neurological conditions
• New home for the Moray Quilt
• The Friends of Roxburghe House Grampian Website
• Breakthrough Breast Cancer
• Grampian Healthcare Heroes announced as award finalists
• Minister to meet patients who were awake for their brain surgery
• A GP practice for the eyes' - Public Heath Minister opens refurbished Aberdeen optometry centre
• Give Kids a Chance Christmas Hampers
• NHS Grampian launches Safe to Ask campaign

31 October 2011

 

NHSG/123/11

 

 

NHS Grampian's Medication Safety team is launching a campaign this week, called 'Safe to Ask', aimed at encouraging members of the public to ask about their medicines to improve patient safety.

 

"Everyone has questions about their medication at some time, so we want to encourage everyone to feel completely confident about asking questions, so they fully understand what they are taking, why, when, how and for how long," says Jennie Ross, Medication Safety Officer, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.

 

"Being fully informed helps you to look after your own health by using your medicines exactly as prescribed - surveys show that as many as 50 per cent of people with chronic conditions don't always take their medicines exactly as they should. So, being well informed helps you benefit fully from your medicines and avoids mistakes. It also means you can confidently tell healthcare professionals about your medication, for example in an emergency. Please don't feel shy or embarrassed − it's your health and safety that matters."

 

The campaign also features a Medication List − a sheet designed for a person to note information on each medication they take.

 

"We believe this list, which we have adapted from a Canadian approach, is the first time one has been developed for NHS patients to cover every condition," said Mrs Ross. "It folds to wallet-size and is designed both as a ready reminder for the individual, and as a good source of information for any health professionals they contact, such as a pharmacist."

 

The campaign is also aimed at healthcare professionals, enhancing the discussions with patients about medication, whether a single short course of tablets, or a wide range of medications taken over a long period.

 

Susan Healy, Principal Pharmacist at NHS Grampian, says, "We hope our work will to lead to better, more informed use of medication, which plays an essential role in many people's lives every day."

 

The Safe to Ask leaflet and the Medication List are at www.safetoask.co.uk