CM36 - Over the Counter Medication Policy and Procedure

React Homecare CM36 – Over the Counter Medication Policy and Procedure 1. Purpose 1.1 To enable Service Users to have access to non-prescription medicines that are available over the counter (OTC) from pharmacies. 1.2 To meet the legal requirements of the regulated activities that React Homecare is registered to provide: o The Care Act 2014 o Medicines Act 1968 2. Scope 2.1 The following roles may be affected by this policy: o Registered Manager o All staff trained and competent to administer medicines 2.2 The following service users may be affected by this policy: o Service Users 2.3 The following stakeholders may be affected by this policy: o Family o Representatives o GP o Pharmacist 3. Objectives 3.1 By use of an agreed list of over-the-counter homely remedy medicines, Care Workers can support Service Users in a timely manner to manage minor ailments on a 'when required' basis for a short-defined period of time. 3.2 Trained Care Workers support Service Users to self-care by enabling the purchase and use of over-the-counter medicines, either at the request of the Service User or their relatives, or on the recommendation of a health care professional. 4. Policy 4.1 React Homecare recognises that in order to offer Service Users treatment for minor ailments with homely remedies, a procedure must be in place for safe practice. By partnership working with Local GPs and Community Pharmacists, an agreed list of medication enables React Homecare staff to support Service Users efficiently. 4.2 React Homecare recognises that in order to support Service Users to selfcare with over-the-counter medicines, a procedure must be in place to ensure that the product is fit for purpose, appropriate for use and that there are safeguards in place to protect the Service User. Changes by NHS England to over the counter medicines that should not be routinely prescribed in primary care may also impact Service Users. Page 1 of 5