9.1 Where a person, child or young person is assessed as able to manage their own medication, this must be agreed through a formal risk assessment and care or placement planning process.
9.2 We encourage people who are managing their own medication to take their medication as prescribed and to store it safely, in line with their responsibilities.
9.3 Medication must be registered as being on the premises even if the person is self-medicating. We will explain that medication must be securely stored on our premises so that other people using the service cannot access it. Risk assessment is required for storage of controlled drugs.
9.4 We will provide an appropriate lockable space and meet any special storage requirements, such as refrigeration. We will ensure that people can access their medication when they need it.
9.5 Where the plan requires staff to remind someone to take their medication or to monitor that they are managing it safely, staff must record their observation.
9.6 In children’s services, self-administration must:
- be risk assessed
- Consider risks to other children in the home
- Be agreed through placement planning processes
- Include safe storage arrangements appropriate to shared living environments
9.7 If the person expresses concerns about their health or medication, we will suggest that they consult their GP or other health professional. Where appropriate, staff will liaise with family, carers or those with parental responsibility to make sure that this happens.
9.8 If it appears that the person is not taking their medication as prescribed, not storing it safely or there is any other potential risk to the person or others using the service, staff must take whatever action is appropriate and necessary to reduce the risk of harm and:
- record concerns and any actions taken in the person’s record
- review the risk assessment and make any necessary changes to person’s plan
