©  The Village Pharmacy 2021, All Rights Reserved.

The New Medicine Service.

Between 30% and 50% of prescribed medicines are not taken as recommended.
This means that a lot of medicines are wasted or are not as effective as they could be.

The service will:

• Help you to find out more about the new medicine you are taking
• Help to sort out any problems you are having with your new medicine
• Give you a chance to ask questions about your medicine and discuss any concerns
• Help to improve the effectiveness of your new medicine, for example, there may be an easier or better way to take it
• Help you to make your own decisions about managing your condition

• Help you to improve your health, which could lead to fewer GP and hospital visits.

The New Medicine Service will help provide better value for you and the NHS by making sure that your medicines are right for you.

When you are given your new medicine you will be asked if you want to sign up to the service, which will be provided in three parts. If you agree, you will need to sign a consent form to allow your pharmacist to share your information with other parts of the NHS

How will I know if I’m eligible?

You can take part in the service if you live in England and have been prescribed a new medicine for any of the following conditions:

Asthma;Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; Type 2 diabetes; High blood pressure; or have been given a new blood-thinning medicine.

How do join the scheme?

When you bring your new prescription to us, ask our pharmacist if you can take part in the service.

What’s happens during the service?

When you start your medicine:

   You can talk to our pharmacist when you first start your medicine and ask any questions you many have about it.  For example, you might want to know about side-effects, or how you can fit your treatment around your lifestyle.

   Your second appointment

   You will have a follow-up appointment two weeks later, when you and our pharmacist can talk about any issues you might have experienced with the medicine.  For example, if you are not taking it regularly, or are finding a tablet hard to swallow, our pharmacist can help you get back on track.

   Your third appointment

   You will have your last appointment a fortnight later when you can catch-up with our pharmacist on how you are getting on with your medicine.  The service then ends, but our pharmacist will always talk to you about your medicines when you need help.  

Do I have to talk about my medicines over the counter in the pharmacy?

At The Village Pharmacy, we have a private consultation area.  This is a separate room where you can’t be overheard.

All the discussions with our pharmacist can take place in person or by phone.

How long will each appointment take?

The appointments are designed to fit around you but a typical consultation will take around 10 to 15 minutes.

Do I have to pay?

No. This service is free through the NHS.