The NHS Discharge Medicines Service is a new essential service for community pharmacy contractors, commencing on the 15 February 2021. As an essential service, it must be provided by all community pharmacy contractors.
The service has been established to ensure better communication of changes to a patient’s medication when they leave hospital and to reduce incidences of avoidable harm caused by medicines. By referring patients to community pharmacy on discharge with information about medication changes made in hospital, community pharmacy can support patients to improve outcomes, prevent harm and reduce readmissions. This service is available for anyone who has just been discharged from hospital, the free NHS Discharge Medicines Service can provide support and help you manage your medicines.