Skip to main content Skip to accessibility tools

At Royal Papworth Hospital, we understand that taking medication can sometimes feel overwhelming.

Our goal is to help you feel confident and informed about the medications you're prescribed. This page provides easy access to important information, all designed to support you in managing your treatment. 

Whether you're learning about new medications, understanding how they work, or looking for advice on side effects, we’re here to help you every step of the way.  

Specific information on how your medicine works, how to take it and possible side effects can also be found on the medicines section of the NHS website.

I am being admitted into hospital, what now?

It is important for the team looking after you to know about all of the medicines that you usually take at home, this is so they can make sure you are given the right medicines in hospital.

Please bring in:

  • Your regular medicines including any regular medicines you buy over the counter
  • A current repeat prescription slip

Most wards have a pharmacy team that visits Monday to Friday. They can answer any questions or worries you may have about your medicines.

If you would like to speak to a pharmacist or pharmacy technician, please ask your nurse to contact the team for you.

I've just been discharged from hospital, what now?

When you leave the hospital, you’ll be given the following:

  • At least a two week supply of any new medicines
  • Any of your regular medicines that have changed (for example, if the strength has been increased)
  • A replacement of your own medicines if needed
  • A medicines information card which will list your medicines and any changes made during your hospital stay

Your GP usually receives your discharge letter automatically when you are discharged. They will update your records and give you a prescription for any medicines you are to continue.

Please ensure you request a prescription before running out of any medicines you are to continue. It is always a good idea to contact your GP to let them know that you have been in hospital and to check they have received your discharge summary. They may wish to schedule a follow up appointment with you.

If you need to take your medicine regularly, you’ll need a repeat prescription. This means you can order your medicine without having to see a GP every time.

It’s important to request the prescription up to 5 working days before you need your medicine

You might be able to ask your pharmacy directly for your medicines if your GP has set this up (repeat dispensing). If not, you’ll need to order your medicines through a repeat prescription from your GP surgery.

There are 3 ways to order a repeat prescription from your GP surgery:

  • Using your NHS account
  • Using other online services or apps
  • Contacting your GP surgery

For more information on how to use your NHS app or account visit 'How to order a repeat prescription - NHS' [opens in a new window]

Prescription charges are for each item not each prescription. For example, if your prescription has 5 medicines on it you will have to pay the prescription charge 5 times.

If you have to pay for a lot of NHS prescriptions, it may be cheaper to buy a prescription prepayment certificate [opens in new window]

Discover here if you are eligible for free NHS prescriptions. [opens in new window]

If you have run out of your prescribed medicine and need some urgently, there are a few ways to get an emergency supply, including out of hours:

·       Use the 111 online emergency prescription service

·       Visit a community pharmacy

·       Visit an urgent treatment centre

·       Call your GP surgery

·       Go to A&E if it’s an emergency

Further details are available on the NHS website [link opens in new window].

Discharge Medicines Service (DMS) is an essential service all community pharmacies must provide to patients who would benefit from extra support related to their medicines

Here at Royal Papworth Hospital we are able to refer patients to their regular community pharmacy on discharge from hospital.

 

This service can help to:

  • Ensure you are taking the right type and dose of medicines
  • Make sure you use your medications safely once discharged from hospital
  • Improve the transfer of information about your medicines from hospital to your community pharmacy
  • Improve your understanding of medicines
  • Help with taking your medicines
  • Provide ongoing support and information around your medicines

 

Who is referred?

  • Patients who may benefit from the service include those with:
  • Changes to medicines
  • New medicines
  • Taking multiple medicines
  • A need for help at home taking your medicines

The ward pharmacy team will assess if you will benefit from a conversation around your medications with the community pharmacy.

​​​​​​​

If you have any questions about your medicines, you can either phone or email our Medicines Helpline, available Monday to Friday, on:

Telephone: 01223 368777

Email: papworth.pharmacyoutpatients@nhs.net

 

Please remember to have the following details available:

  • Your full name, hospital number and contact number
  • Your question(s)
  • The ward or clinic where you were treated

If your question cannot wait until the following day, please contact the Pharmacy department directly on 01223 638179 (Monday to Sunday)

If your questions relate to side effects, please call your GP or community pharmacy for advice.

Commonly used medications at Royal Papworth Hospital

Here is a list of commonly used medicines prescribed at our hospital.

Please remember:

  • This is not a complete list of all possible medicines
  • Not every medicine we prescribe at Royal Papworth is shown here
  • Each link will take you to specific information on the NHS website about how your medicine works, how to take it and possible side effects (links will open in a new window).

 

Cardiology​​​

 

Surgery

 

Antibiotics

Contact us

Contact our Medicines Helpline for any questions or concerns you may have about your medications.

Phone: 01223 638777 

Email: Contact the team

 

Please remember to have the following details available:

- Your full name, hospital number and contact number

- Your question(s)

- The ward or clinic where you were treated

If your question cannot wait until the following day, please contact the Pharmacy department directly on 01223 638179 (Monday to Sunday)

If your questions relate to side effects, please call your GP or community pharmacy for advice.

Back to Pharmacy