Safer Medicine Use – It’s OK to Ask!
Why do I take this medicine?
How long should I take this medicine for?
I wonder if I still need to take all of my tablets?
These are the types of questions NHS Dumfries and Galloway’s safer medicine campaign wants to encourage the public to ask of their GP, Pharmacist or other health professional.
NHS Dumfries and Galloway are proud to declare its first Safer Medicine Week a great success. The week was launched by Chief Executive Jeff Ace who presented a certificate and voucher to UWS Student Nurse, Sarah Inglis who designed the logo for the campaign.
The opening educational session for staff and students was provided by Andrew Longmate, National Lead for Patient Safety and a storyboard competition demonstrating best practice, learning and sharing open to staff and students which was won by Antimicrobial Management Team and Orthopaedic team.
A stand in the front hall of the Infirmary which had staff available to talk to members of the public and providing information and advice. Information stands were also located near the dining rooms at the Infirmary and at the Galloway Community Hospital in Stranraer.
The Health Board’s Chief Pharmacist, Mike Pratt said:
“Medicines are a very widely used healthcare intervention. We need to ensure they are used correctly, and that our patients achieve the greatest benefits, and avoid the risks. Safer Medicines Week gives us an opportunity to address some of those issues with both staff and public to improve the health of our people.
The public side of the campaign is to encourage patients to ask any questions they have relating to the medicines.”
Posters and cards have been produced to promote to patients and carers that if they are “Not sure? It’s OK to ask” your doctor, pharmacist or healthcare professional. These are being distributed to GP Practices, Pharmacies and hospital sites throughout the region.
