Yeovil District Hospital NHS Foundation Trust are constantly working to improve your care. One of the ways we have chosen to do this is through Homecare Medicines.
Why have I been given this leaflet?
A service is available to deliver the medicine(s) you have been prescribed by your hospital clinician directly to your home or other appropriate location. This is called a Homecare Medicines Service.
What is a Homecare Medicines Service?
A Homecare Medicines Service is the delivery of certain hospital prescribed medicines directly to your home or other appropriate location. Where applicable, the service may also include training in your home to use an injectable medicine or regular home visits by a nurse to administer your medicine.
On your understanding and accepting of the service, a registration form will be completed, which is then passed to the homecare company.
Who will provide my medicines?
The homecare providers we use are private companies who are not part of the NHS or the hospital but have been chosen by us to provide this service to you.
Occasionally, the Homecare Provider delivering your homecare service may change. This will always be carefully managed and you will be notified beforehand.
How will a Homecare Medicines Service benefit me?
Homecare medicines services offer convenience, with more control over your medicines supply. Delivery of your medicines can be scheduled around your normal life rather than waiting in the outpatient pharmacy or returning to hospital simply to collect more medicines. Repeat prescriptions will be automatically requested by the homecare provider to your clinician, meaning you should always have enough. Where applicable, you may also be able to have some of your treatment at home, rather than in the hospital.
How will my medicines be delivered?
Typically, deliveries are made by van delivery to your home or to an appropriate alternate location of your choice (e.g. your place of work or a friend or relative’s address).
Your medicines will always need to be signed for by yourself or another named individual (“Authorised Signatory”). This ensures your medicines reach you successfully.
Your Medication cannot be left outside and only you or a designated person can sign for it. The delivery driver will provide proof of identity.
What are my responsibilities?
You must continue to attend your routine clinic appointments, blood tests or GP check-ups as requested by your clinician to allow your health to be monitored appropriately.
You must be contactable, typically by telephone, to arrange your deliveries.
You, or your Authorised Signatory, must be available to receive your medicines at the time and location agreed with your homecare provider.
Your clinician may withdraw you from the service if you are unable to meet these requirements. You may withdraw yourself from the service at any time.
What information will the Homecare Provider know about me?
You can find all the information about how your personal data will be managed in our privacy notice which can be found here https://yeovilhospital.co.uk/patient-privacy-notice-2/ Alternatively, a paper copy can be requested from the Patient Advice and Liaison (PALS) on 01935 384706 or by e-mail pals@ydh.nhs.uk
The Homecare provider is bound by the same rules as NHS staff in terms of the information held. (The Data Protection Act 1998). The Homecare provider will not discuss your treatment with anyone who is not involved with your direct care.
What other information is available?
Welcome Pack:
With your first delivery, your homecare provider will send you a welcome pack with useful information about the service they will provide you including specific contact information.
Who do I contact if there is a problem with my delivery?
The patient care co-ordinator from the Homecare Company will usually be able to help you with delivery problems. You will find contact details in your homecare welcome pack.
If you have a problem which requires medical assistance you should always contact your clinical team at Yeovil Hospital.
Who do I contact if I have a complaint?
If you have a problem that you feel has not been handled well, you have the right to make a complaint. Please ensure that you have attempted to resolve any complaints first, with your Homecare provider, Pharmacy Homecare Team or Clinical team at Yeovil District Hospital.
Details of Yeovil District Hospital’s complaints process are available from the Trust’s Patient Liaison Service (PALS) by e-mail pals@ydh.nhs.uk or https://yeovilhospital.co.uk/patients-visitors/pals/.
Alternatively the PALS team can be contacted on 01935 384706 or you can also write to the PALS team, Level 3, Yeovil District Hospital., Higher Kingston, Somerset. BA21 4AT
Ref: 34/21/10
Review: 04/23
