Medicines Management Policy - Dudley Primary Care Trust

14 Alcohol
14.1 Patient/client under the influence of alcohol.
In the circumstance where the patient/client is thought to be under the influence
of alcohol or illicit drugs the community nurse should not administer the
prescribed treatment (unless it is life saving) but make alternative arrangements
to administer required doses at a later time. The patient/client’s Registered
Medical Officer (RMO) or GP should be informed immediately and the guidance
on non-administration of a drug (section 9.9) must be followed.
14.2 Possession of alcohol on trust premises
All patients should be informed of the general policy of no alcohol on Trust
premises. If a patient is found in possession of alcohol, it must be stored in an
appropriate place until the patient is to be discharged or removed from the ward
by a family member with the patient’s permission. If the patient has been
informed about Trust policy, staff can remove the alcohol from the patient on
best interests ground.
Some clients in long-term care may be allowed small amounts of alcohol, which
are purchased by PCT staff and consumed under supervision. NB: the effect of
alcohol on any medication must be checked with a pharmacist.
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