Leaving medication out, to be taken later

In a home care setting, in certain circumstances, doses of medication can be taken out of their original packaging and left out for a service user to take them later. However, this must only be done with the agreement of the service user, and they must have the capacity to make their own decisions. A risk assessment must also be in place to support the situation.

If medication is left out staff must clearly record on a medication recording sheet (for example a MAR) and use the specified code. See Auditing of a medication administration record (MAR) for guidance. Also, staff must record in the daily records that medication has been left out to be taken later as described in the support plan.

It is important to check with the pharmacist before medication is left out to be taken later as some medication may become ineffective if removed from its original packaging.

Staff are not permitted to remove medication from its original packaging for support to be given later by a third party, such as other staff or family member as this is secondary dispensing. See refer to secondary dispensing for guidance.

The situation must be closely monitored by staff and any concerns must be communicated to their line manager without delay.

Medicines must not be left out for longer than 24 hours.

Any medicines that have not been taken must be disposed of safely. Refer to Kirklees Medication Good Practice Guidance for storage and disposal for guidance.

Further guidance

Managing medicines for adults receiving social care in the community | Guidance | NICE