Re-using Medicines in Care Homes during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Assessment for Re-Use of an Individual's Medicine during the COVID-19
Pandemic
Name of Medicine being
considered for re-use:
Belonging to
(Resident’s name):
Criteria to be considered before the medicine can be re-used
Yes No Notes
Is the medicine in an If any doses have already been used, the remainder of that
unopened pack or blister blister strip should be destroyed. If the contents (including
that has not been tampered blister strips and sealed individual units such as ampoules)
with, or is the medicine in a are completely intact, then as long as they match the
sealed individual unit such as description on the packaging they were retrieved from
an ampoule? (including check of batch numbers) they can be considered
for re use.
Is it in date? Medicines should be in date. If expired, they will need to be
returned to a pharmacy/ destroyed following existing disposal
procedures in your medicines policy.
Has it been stored in line Medicines left in unsuitable conditions (e.g. direct sunlight,
with the manufacturer’s near radiators) or where appropriate storage cannot be
instructions, including any confirmed, should be destroyed. Any medication that
need for refrigeration? requires refrigeration, or that has a reduced shelf life once
removed from refrigerated storage, should be destroyed if it
has not been stored appropriately.
Is the medicine a licensed For some medicines, ‘homely remedies’ are an option in care
medicine that has either homes and should be considered in line with guidance
been prescribed by a
registered healthcare
professional with prescribing
rights or bought ‘over the
counter’?
Has the medicine remained Medicines that have been supplied to residents while in a
in the care home since it was care home or a hospice, that have been removed from that
first dispensed by the setting (other than for short periods e.g. an outpatient
pharmacy / dispensing appointment) can not be considered for re-use as storage
doctors other than for short condition cannot be confirmed.
periods e.g. an outpatient
appointment?
If the answer to all of the above questions is yes, then the risk of re-use may be judged to be minimal. If
the answer to any question is no, then the medicine should not be re-used.
Form 2: Assessment for Re-Use of a Specific Individual's Medicine
Re-using Medicines in Care Homes and Hospices in England during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Page 1 of 2
Re-using Medicines in Care Homes during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Minimise risk of cross-contamination
Yes No Notes
Has the medicine come into Ensure that adequate infection prevention and control
contact with a resident who precautions have been taken.
has a diagnosis of COVID-19
or showing symptoms of Medicines that has been retrieved from a resident infected
COVID-19? with COVID-19 should be sealed (double bagged) and
quarantined for three days. A “do not process before date”
should be fixed to the bag before the bag is stored safely and
away from any other medicines.
Ensuring permission is obtained, where possible, and residents, families and/or
carers are fully involved
Yes No Notes
If a medicine is thought to be If the resident has become responsible for the safe
suitable for re-use, permission keeping of the medicine, it is the property of the
should, if possible, be obtained for resident (although not their exclusive responsibility),
re-use from a resident for whom it but if the medicine is still in the safe custody of the care
was prescribed or (if the resident home or hospice care provider, whether the final
lacks capacity) from a person with supply to the resident has been completed is the
power of attorney, or (if the subject of differing legal views. Reflecting this
resident has died) from their next uncertainty, if possible, ensure the resident or their
of kin. next of kin agrees for the medicine to be re-used.
Has a letter of agreement been See Residents Letter. Where consent cannot be gained
signed? in a timely manner and the medicine is required
urgently for another resident, inform patient, carer,
next of kin at the earliest opportunity
Decision
This medicine is suitable for re-use.
This medicine is NOT suitable for re-use.
Signature: Manager
Registered Healthcare
Signature:
Professional
(State details e.g.
Name:
profession/role/reg no.)
Form 2: Assessment for Re-Use of a Specific Individual's Medicine
Re-using Medicines in Care Homes and Hospices in England during the COVID-19 Pandemic
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