PHARMACISTS will be able to visit patients at home to help ensure people are taking the right prescription medicines.

The new service, which is available to people who are housebound and live in parts of Rhondda Cynon Taf and Merthyr Tydfil, is an extension of the regular medicines use review service.

Pharmacists across Cwm Taf Health Board have been providing a medicines use review service from community pharmacies since 2005. But they are now able to offer a home visit to people who can’t get to their local pharmacy.

Medicines use reviews are available to people who regularly take more than two prescription medicines or to people who are taking medicines for a long-term illness, such as asthma, arthritis or diabetes.

Emma Hinks, Cwm Taf Health Board’s community pharmacy facilitator, said: “The review involves an appointment with a pharmacist at your local pharmacy to focus on how you are getting on with your medicines.

“It is designed to help you to find out more about the medicines you’re taking and to pick up any problems you may be having with your medicines.

“They can also help improve the effectiveness of your medicines because there may be easier ways to take them or you may find you need fewer medicines than before.”

Medicines use reviews also help the NHS as they help prevent prescription waste by ensuring the right medicines are being prescribed and they are being taken properly.

Emma added: “If you are unable to attend the pharmacy for a medicines use review appointment because you are housebound, your pharmacist may be able to visit you at home.

“If you feel that a review would help you understand more about your medicines, then please contact your community pharmacist for more information.

“Remember you can ask your pharmacist questions at any time, but a review will give you both more time to concentrate on you and your medicines.”