The examples below provide insight into how other Good or Outstanding rated services are succeeding in this area of inspection.
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Using PRN medicines safely and consistently
The service had robust arrangements for managing PRN (as-needed) medicines, supported by detailed, person-centred protocols. These clearly explained when medicines should be given, the signs that indicated a person might need them, and alternative approaches staff should try before administering medication. The guidance ensured staff responded consistently and helped reduce the risk of unnecessary medicine use. Staff also demonstrated a good understanding of how to monitor whether PRN medicines had been effective and when further advice from healthcare professionals was required. This structured approach supported safe, consistent and person-centred medicines management.
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Care provider: Flora Innes House
Date published: June 2026
Strengthening medicines safety through robust systems
The service had comprehensive systems in place to ensure medicines were managed safely and consistently. Medicines were checked on receipt, with regular stock and balance checks completed to maintain accuracy. Topical medicines were clearly documented on medicine administration records and supported by body maps, helping to reduce the risk of errors. Storage temperatures were monitored and recorded to ensure medicines remained safe for use, while accurate records were maintained for medicines administered during off-site visits. Clear processes were also in place to report, review and learn from medicines incidents, reinforcing a strong culture of safety, accountability and continuous improvement.
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Care provider: The Old Orchard
Date published: June 2026
Real time eMAR and oversight
The service made sure that medicines and treatments were safe and met people’s needs, capacities and preferences. They involved people in planning, including when changes happened. The provider had made clear improvements since the last inspection. Records were accurate and updated when people’s medicines changed. Staff completed training and the registered manager ensured all responsible staff had their competency assessed. With the provider’s updated digital monitoring system that had been implemented since the last inspection, medicines information was monitored in real time. Samples of electronic medicines administration records (eMAR) showed the management team was alerted and took appropriate action if any medicines task had not been completed.
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Care provider: UK Prime Care Services
Date published: December 2024
Competent, STOMP aware medicines oversight
Staff were able to describe in detail how they administered people’s medicines. Staff correctly described the procedures to follow if a medicines error occurred. They were able to confidently tell us how to administer as required (PRN) medicines. Staff who administered medicines confirmed they have had medicines competency assessments carried out.
The manager was able to tell us how they ensured medicines were managed safely. They told us they maintain oversight of the use of sedative / anti-psychotic medicines. The said, “People are supported to have annual medicines reviews with their general practitioner (GP). As an organisation, we have Stopping the over medication of people with a learning disability (STOMP) forums. People we support are on our campaign to change. We have ambassadors and accessible information. The quality assurance audits check for evidence to support STOMP. One of my actions is to raise awareness of medicines within the service.”
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Care provider: 231 Brook Lane
Date published: October 2024
Safe, competent medicines management
Medicines were ordered, checked and available when people needed them. Medicines were stored, administered, recorded and disposed of safely. Staff were trained and assessed as competent to administer medicines. Robust processes were in place to ensure people received their medicines in line with their prescriptions. The pharmacist told us staff were skilled at identifying any concerns regarding medicines and would raise this promptly to look at what adjustments could be made. This supported people’s safety and well-being. Staff were confident and knowledgeable regarding the medicines they were administering and demonstrated a skilled approach in supporting people. We spot checked medicines against stock lists, we found no concerns.
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Care provider: Manor Lodge
Date published: September 2024
Proactive, confident medicines administration
Staff and the management team told us that some people required support to manage and administer their medicines. They confirmed that regular monitoring and audits were completed by way of checking people’s medication administration records (MAR), spot checks and feedback from clients and their representatives. All the staff we spoke with confirmed they had completed training for medicines management and administration and were confident with this area of responsibility. Staff also understood their responsibility for reporting problems or errors with people’s medicines. One member of staff told us, “I will call the GP if they are still open, if not 111, and discuss the situation; call the office and let them know and follow the instructions given to me. Then I will note in feedback and follow up.” Other staff members made comments such as, “I am very confident towards all clients with their medication.” And “Very confident and if l have any problems l will call the office.”
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Care provider: London Care (Westminster)
Date published: June 2024
Working closely with the psychiatrist to manage medicines
Staff had achieved outstanding outcomes for autistic people by supporting medical professionals to reduce or stop a reliance on medicines and explore alternative ways to help people manage their needs.
The provider identified a previously unrecognised negative impact on a person's wellbeing due to the side effect of an anti-psychotic medicine. Staff worked closely with the psychiatrist to develop a support plan and provide additional staffing to allow the person to reduce the use of this medicine.
This improved the person's wellbeing in other areas of their life. Only one antipsychotic medicine remained for the person, so the staff team then worked with the psychiatrist to remove this, resulting in the autistic person being free of all antipsychotic medicines and their case closed to psychiatry services after decades of treatment. The person was able to live successfully in their community with a reduced support package.
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Care provider: Avenues South East
Date published: November 2022
Using NICE guidance to support collaborative working with specialists
This provider implemented new medicines policies using . To ensure their medicines procedures were stringent, they worked with pharmacists to incorporate specialised knowledge. Throughout, their service they have found NICE’s shared remit for producing guidance across health and social care enabled strong collaboration with other professionals including social workers, commissioners, GPs, nurses, dentists, and more.
See also: NICE social care quick guides
Care provider: Anonymous
Date published: January 2022