Hospital discharges and medication

During this pandemic, we appreciate that the care sector is playing a vital role in accepting patients as they are discharged from hospital – both because recuperation is better in community settings and also because hospitals need to have enough beds to treat acutely sick patients. Some of the patients that will be discharged to care homes may have COVID-19, whether symptomatic or asymptomatic. Please be reassured that these patients can be safely cared for in a care home if the guidance is followed.

Following the publication of the government's COVID-19: our action plan for adult social care, testing will now be provided to all potential care home residents before they are discharged from hospital. This is to provide reassurance to residents and family members, and help care providers to take appropriate action – including implementing isolation procedures for those who test positive.

Please refer to section Safe discharge from the NHS to social care settings which provides expectations relating to:

• Testing
• 14 day isolation period for residents who have tested positive for coronavirus and those who are asymptomatic

The guidance regarding the admission and care of residents in care homes is currently being reviewed so in the meantime care providers are asked to refer to COVID- 19 Action plan for adult social care guidance.

• testing for residents: paragraphs 1.27, 1.30, 1.32 and 1.33
• testing for staff: paragraph 2.8
• managing outbreaks: paragraph 1.23
• personal protective equipment (PPE): paragraphs 1.11 and 1.16

All stakeholders are committed to working closely together to ensure that care homes have all the information and support they need to safely admit and care for patients during this pandemic.

To organise Patient Transport Service (PTS) when a resident is discharged from a D2A care home bed, Call PTS (South Central Ambulance Service) on 0300 1233235 and confirm the patient is moving from a D2A bed.

For patients being discharged from hospital

Patients will be provided with medication for 4 weeks for patients being discharged from Wexham Park Hospital and 6 weeks for those discharged from Buckinghamshire Healthcare Trust.

Administration

During the coronavirus pandemic, a number of community pharmacies may be unable to supply medications in blister packs.

The following guidance contain information to help support all staff involved in medicines administration, on how to safely administer medicines from original packs. Staff should refer to the document to obtain tips on how to avoid particular areas of risk when it comes to medicine handling and administration. All the information is applicable for both care homes and domiciliary care providers.

Good Practice Guidance: Switching from Monitored Dosage Systems to Original Packs (PDF document).

Providers are encouraged to access the e-learning course which is now available by registering for e- learning on PrescQIPP:

Managing Medicines for adults receiving social care in the community course 1 and 2

Please select Buckinghamshire ICB (Integrated Care Board) as your organisation when registering to access the free training.

Do not hesitate to contact [email protected] if you require further information or support.