To consider a report of the Chief Executive, Wirral University Teaching Hospital in response to a request by the Committee in relation to Medicines Management.

The Committee considered the report of the Chief Executive, Wirral University Teaching Hospital in relation to Medicines Management in hospitals.

The report indicated that medicine management encompassed the entire way that medicines were selected, procured, delivered, prescribed, administered and reviewed to optimise the contribution that medicines made to producing informed and desired outcomes of patient care.

In January 2012, a CQC (Care Quality Commission) report stated that there were moderate concerns with medicines storage at Wirral University Teaching Hospital in light of information received following an audit of storage across the Trust. The medicines storage facilities had been developed as part of the original hospital build in 1982 and, unlike in many more modern hospitals, there were not bespoke areas where medicines were selected and prepared on most wards.

In April 2012, the Trust received an unannounced CQC inspection. The rating was reduced to minor concerns following their visit during which they noted improvements in the storage of medicines as a result of both behavioural changes and a significant on-going programme of investment in storage facilities at ward level. They did observe issues with the way medicines were reconciled when patients were admitted to the Trust and an over reliance on the pharmacy service to ensure that this was completed properly (medicines reconciliation is the process by which a medicines history is taken and then the correct medicines are prescribed on admission). They also identified that the bedside lockers used to store patient medicines were not fit for purpose.

In September 2012 a further unannounced CQC inspection occurred. Following the inspection the Trust was found to be fully compliant with the medicines management standard.

Mr Allison indicated that a range of work has been undertaken to improve the way medicines were managed in the Trust. Over £500,000k had been invested to provide a medicines storage room on every ward with British regulation compliant medicines and controlled drug cupboards; over £150,000k had been invested in new bedside lockers to support medicines administration by nurses and self-administration by patients where appropriate; ward stock lists had been reviewed to separate medicines types and cupboards were organised and labelled alphabetically to support healthcare professionals to find the medicine they need. Pharmacy support staff now put away medicines on many of the Trust wards to release nurses to spend more time on patient care.

A programme of education relating to medicines storage was delivered to nursing and healthcare workers at ward level. Pharmacy support staff now undertook unannounced medicines spot checks and fridge temperatures were regularly monitored. Checklists were introduced for ward sisters and monthly matron spot checks occur, and the results were monitored at the Trust Governance Committee. A range of publicity materials were developed - newsletters, flyers, etc which highlighted key issues and actions required. 

In relation to Medicines Reconciliation, A lead consultant was nominated to champion medicines reconciliation; updated documentation was launched following feedback and an intensive period of education occurred at all junior doctor handover, to emphasise the importance of completing  ...  view the full minutes text for item 64

To consider a report of the Chief Executive, Wirral University Teaching Hospital in response to a request by the Committee in relation to Medicines Management.

Due to the unavoidable absence of the Chief Executive, Wirral University Teaching Hospital the Chair moved to defer this item to the next meeting.