NHS urges people in Sussex and Surrey to prepare medicine cabinets for winter
The NHS is urging people to prepare their medicine cabinets for winter.
An announcement from the NHS Surrey and Sussex Integrated Care Board (ICB) on Thursday, October 29, said residents should ‘check their medicines, plan ahead for repeat prescriptions and report any suspected side effects as part of this year’s MedSafetyWeek campaign’.
The announcement said the 11th annual #MedSafetyWeek runs from November 2 to 8 this year with the theme ‘Side effects – don’t ignore them, report them’.
The NHS said this campaign highlights the importance of reporting suspected side effects and other problems with medicines, as well as medical devices, through the MHRA Yellow Card scheme.
Linda Honey, Chief Pharmacist at NHS Surrey and Sussex Integrated Care Board, said: “Preparing your medicines cabinet is a simple way to get ready for winter. Make sure you have the medicines you regularly need, order repeat prescriptions in good time and check that any medicines you keep at home are in date.
“Keep medicines in their original packaging, in a cool, dry place away from children and pets, and check whether any need to be stored in the fridge. Medicines needed in an emergency, such as reliever inhalers, GTN sprays and adrenaline pens, should be easy to access while being stored safely.
“If you experience a suspected side effect or have concerns about a medicine, speak to a healthcare professional. You can also report suspected side effects through the MHRA Yellow Card scheme. Reporting problems helps improve the safety of medicines for everyone.”
The announcement said anyone can report a suspected problem, which helps the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) identify potential safety concerns and take action.
The NHS said winter usually brings increased demand for NHS services. The announcement said taking ‘simple steps to prepare at home’ can help people manage minor illnesses and look after themselves.
The NHS said people can also speak to their community pharmacist for advice on medicines and winter illnesses and said seeking advice early can help people prevent problems from becoming more serious.