Medicines

out, you can find a lot of information which can help you in the managing at home (page 37), equipment and adaptations (see page 30) and getting out and about (page 21) sections of this Guide.

If you need further help and advice, contact your local adult social care department opposite.

Hampshire County Council

Tel: 0300 555 1386 Web: www.hants.gov.uk (search ‘when you leave hospital’).

Portsmouth City Council

Tel: 023 9268 0810 Web: www.portsmouth.gov.uk (search ‘emergency care and recovery’).

Southampton City Council

Tel: 023 8083 3003 Web: www.southampton.gov.uk (search ‘going home from hospital’).

Help from your local pharmacist

Getting advice from a local pharmacist is the best first step for a minor health concern. They can help you with:

• Common illnesses like sore throats, coughs, colds, stomach troubles and aches and pains.

• Stopping smoking and alcohol.

Most local pharmacists have consultation rooms for private conversations and are open until late and at weekends. You don’t need an appointment – you can just walk in.

Find your local pharmacist and see what times they are open. Visit

www.nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-pharmacy

Medication concerns and reminders

If you’re worried about the side effects of medication you are taking, you can:

• Keep a list of the effects that you think are due to the medication and talk to your doctor or pharmacist about this.

• Contact the NHS 111 Service who will ask you a series of questions to assess your symptoms and immediately direct you to the best medical care for you. medicines, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice. There is also a variety of medication management tools available to purchase online. If you need advice over the phone, the Disabled Living Foundation has advisers who are available Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 5.00pm. Call 0300 999 0004 or visit

www.livingmadeeasy.org.uk

New medicines and prescriptions

If you’re prescribed a medicine to treat a longterm condition for the first time, you may be able to get extra help and advice about your medicine from your local pharmacist through a free scheme called the New Medicine Service (NMS). Ask about your eligibility.

If you are having problems with running out of your tablets or collecting your prescription, ask your local pharmacist if they offer a home delivery service. There are also many repeat prescription delivery services run by major pharmacies. Many of these let you order your repeat prescription online and will request your medicine from your GP and then deliver to your door.

Review your medicines as you get older

As you get older, the way medicines work in your body can change. Some medicines, or combinations of medicines, can make you sleepy or dizzy and can cause you to fall. Ask your GP, pharmacist or Community Matron to review all the medicines you