Trust induction booklet - University Hospital Southampton NHS ...

Medication SafetyAnnual Update2011-12IntroductionThis update is intended to highlight the priorities for education and training in medication safety for2011. The general information contained in this update will be useful for non-clinical staff who comeinto contact with medicines at any time. Being aware of the issues highlighted in the update will helpto prevent medication errors.All staff who encounter medicines in any way should read the update including:• Porters• Ward Clerks• Managers• Non-clinical StaffThe use of medicines in the trust is covered by the medicines policy which can be found on Staffnetunder “medicines”Medication ErrorsA medication error is any unintended or unexpected error which could have or did lead to harm fromthe use of a medicine.Safe and Secure MedicinesIt is vital that medicines are kept safe and secure at all times. This is to prevent the medicines gettinginto the wrong hands and potentially resulting in patients taking the wrong medicines. Somemedicines are extremely expensive and if they get lost time is wasted looking for them or they haveto be re-dispensed.Please remember;-• When delivering medicines make sure you inform a member of ward staff.• Hand controlled drugs and refrigerated items to a member of ward staff directly.• If you receive medicines make sure they are stored securely in the correct location.From 3 rd September 12 Page 29 of 31