Quality statement

We expect providers, commissioners and system leaders live up to this statement:

We make sure that medicines and treatments are safe and meet people’s needs, capacities and preferences by enabling them to be involved in planning, including when changes happen.

What this quality statement means

• People are appropriately involved in decisions about their medicines.
• People are involved with assessments and reviews about the level of support they need to manage their medicines safely and to make sure their preferences are included. This is clearly documented in their care plan.
• The approach to medicines reflects current and relevant best practice and professional guidance.
• People’s medicines are appropriately prescribed, supplied and administered in line with the relevant legislation, current national guidance or best available evidence, and in line with the Mental Capacity Act 2005.
• Accurate, up-to-date information about people’s medicines is available, particularly when they move between health and care settings, in line with current national guidance, when transferring between locations or changing levels of care.
• People’s behaviour is not inappropriately controlled by medicines.
• There are appropriate arrangements for the safe management, use and oversight of controlled drugs. 

I statements

I statements reflect what people have said matters to them.

• I feel safe and am supported to understand and manage any risks.
• I know what to do and who I can contact when I realise that things might be at risk of going wrong or my health condition may be worsening.
• If my treatment, including medication, has to change, I know why and am involved in the decision.
• I have considerate support delivered by competent people.

Subtopics this quality statement covers

• IV medicines /fluids/medical gasses
• Medicines management 
• Roles and responsibilities, delegation 
• Prescribing 
• Self-medication
• Consent/decisions/covert administration (including MCA)
• Controlled drugs
• Storage and disposal
• Antimicrobial stewardship
• STOMP/STAMP