A NEW service offering patients support to take complex combinations of medicines has been rolled out across Wyre Forest GP practices.

NHS Wyre Forest Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) has provided funding with most practices choosing to employ a pharmacist to deliver the service – making sure patients are on the most appropriate drugs and are supported in taking them correctly.

The service is primarily aimed at helping frail and elderly people, who are often taking combinations of medicines and may have a lot of hospital or clinical appointments.

It was rolled-out following a successful pilot at Bewdley Medical Centre, which demonstrated benefits for patients and providing improved results from the medicines that they took.

Dr Simon Rumley, chairman and clinical lead for NHS Wyre Forest CCG, said: “This project has been an excellent example of utilising the right people with the right skills to ensure that patients of Wyre Forest are taking the most appropriate medicines for their condition.

“We can help patients understand their medicines which mean they are more likely to take them correctly and safely.

“For some patients these checks can avoid unnecessary side effects, avoid admission to hospital and even have the potential to save lives.

“We plan to keep learning from this project together with our patients.”

The service has been named runner-up at the NHS Alliance Innovation in Action Awards for CCG Primary Care Champion.

For more information about the service, contact a local surgery or call Wyre Forest CCG on 01562 513559.