Hi Sheila,
We had a new lady move into our residential home. She made the decision to move alone and has total capacity, she also wishes to self-medicate. I have received confirmation from her GP and signature that she does have full capacity. We have purchased a lockable medicine box for her bedroom, from our pharmacy. We have listed all medication and done an audit which we will do every month, more frequent if we have any concerns. The resident has also signed a form confirming her capacity, is there anything else we need to put in place?

Answered by Sheila Scott

Dear S,

Thank you for your question.

I think that there is one more thing. You need to be sure that you have a self-medication policy. If you are a customer of QCS then there is a policy covering self-medication within the section on medication.

If you are not a customer, then you must put a policy in place if you don’t already have one and make sure that all your staff are aware of the policy.

You are clearly aware that you need to keep under review through audit the needs of the service user in case there are any changes either temporary or permanent.

Best wishes.

Sheila