Why do I need a medication review?

As part of our continuing care to our patients, we ask that all medication used to treat long term conditions is reviewed by the practice at least once a year. This is to ensure that the medication is still effective and appropriate for the condition for which it is being prescribed. Please note that you may also be monitored at a hospital or other institution but we are also required to review you if we issue any prescriptions.

What will happen at the review?

The annual review may include a blood test, blood pressure check, etc. and appointments with the appropriate clinicians in our medication review clinics (details of these can be found overleaf). For some patients, e.g. diabetics, this may be more than once a year.

How will I be invited?

You will receive an invitation to attend for your review before the month of your birth and then a further reminder attached to your prescription. For safety reasons, if you do not respond to these requests, your GP may have to restrict the quantity of medication on further prescriptions or opt to hold back further supplies until you are reviewed. Therefore, we ask that you respond as soon as possible. Your letter will be automatically generated by the practice. It is then sent electronically to a specialist company (approved by the NHS) which posts it for us.

Your letter will advise you:-

• Which conditions you require monitoring for. You do have the option of asking to see your GP for this review, but remember that the practice has specialist pharmacists and nurses who are suitably qualified.
• If you only need to complete an online questionnaire. Further to the answers you give, you may be required to attend a face to face appointment. Details of how to access the questionnaires are on the letter.

How do I book?

We offer a range of ways to book your review to make it as easy and convenient for you as possible:

• Request an appointment via our website (preferred method). Go to www.tamarvalleyhealth.org.uk and click on the Prescriptions and Medicine Centre, choosing medication review request and complete the form
• Telephone your usual Health Centre between 10:00-12:00 noon and 14:00-17:00 to make an appointment
• Visit the Practice between 10:00-12:00 noon and 14:00-17:00

Who to see for which condition?

• Atrial Fibrillation — HCA* and GP
• Asthma — Complete questionnaire online or via website—children under 12 to see Practice Nurse or Pharmacist
• Coeliac Disease —HCA* and Pharmacist
• COPD — Complete questionnaire and Practice Nurse
• Dementia — GP
• Depression — GP or Pharmacist
• Diabetes — HCA*, Practice Nurse (and Pharmacist if more that one condition)
• Epilepsy — Pharmacist
• Gestational Diabetes — HCA*
• Heart Disease — HCA* and Pharmacist
• Heart Failure — HCA* and GP
• Hypertension — HCA*
• Learning Disabilities — LD* nurse
• Kidney Disease — HCA* and Pharmacist
• Mental Health — HCA* and GP
• Peripheral Vascular Disease — HCA* and Pharmacist
• Pill Check — Complete questionnaire online or via website
• Post-Bariatric Surgery—HCA* and pharmacist
• Pre-Diabetes—HCA*
• Rheumatoid Arthritis — HCA* and Pharmacist
• Stroke/TIA — HCA* and Pharmacist

6 Monthly Medication Review

• Diabetes — HCA* and Practice Nurse (not all diabetics)

*HCA = Health Care Assistant, trained in phlebotomy, BP checks, ECGs & other nursing assistant tasks.
*LD —Learning Disabilities