NHS medicines programme delivers safer care for patients across the region

During Meds Safety Week (2 to 8 November), the NHS is highlighting how a major regional scheme is helping patients across the North East and North Cumbria get the best possible results from their medicines through safer, more effective treatment.

NHS North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) is working with GP practices, pharmacies, hospitals and other NHS services to ensure people across the region receive the right medicine at the right time.

The Prescribing Outcomes scheme supports clinical teams to review patients’ treatment, identify medicines that may no longer be needed and reduce the risk of avoidable harm.

It also helps patients get the greatest possible benefit from their medicines while making prescribing more consistent across the region.

For the first time, the scheme brings together eight previous local schemes under one shared regional approach focussing on priorities including asthma, diabetes, heart disease, long-term pain and the safe use of antibiotics.

Shared information and performance dashboards allow NHS teams to identify patients who may benefit from a medication review and focus support where it could make the greatest difference.

Early results show the scheme contributed towards 20% fewer emergency hospital visits linked to dangerously low blood sugar among older people.

There have also been improvements in the prescribing of blue reliever inhalers, antibiotics, high-dose opioids and gabapentinoids, which are often used to treat nerve pain.

Kate Huddart, deputy director of medicines, NHS North East and North Cumbria ICB, said: “Medicines can transform and save lives, but they need to be used safely, effectively and in a way that reflects each patient’s needs.

“This programme gives NHS teams a shared set of priorities and the information they need to identify where patients may be at risk or where a different approach could lead to better results.

“The early findings are encouraging and show the difference we can make by working together across the whole region.

“Behind the figures are patients receiving safer care, avoiding unnecessary treatment and, in some cases, being saved a visit to hospital.”

The programme forms part of the ICB’s five-year Medicines Strategy.

The next phase will focus on areas where further action is needed, including support for older people taking multiple medicines.

Plans are also being developed for a Community Pharmacy Medicines Outcomes scheme, extending consistent medicines advice and support beyond GP practices and into community pharmacies.