A NORTH East care home, which has taken a pioneering approach to medication, has starred in a film about the subject.
Hadrian House, Wallsend, which belongs to Prestwick Care, part of Newcastle-based Malhotra Group PLC, has been working with pharmacists and GPs to look at ways of reducing the medication being taken by its 50 residents.
And now the newly commissioned care home’s visionary approach has been featured in the first of a series of five films, launched by independent health charity the Health Foundation, looking at ways of tackling the challenges faced by the NHS nationally.
Pills: Reviewing Medication in Care Homes, reveals how the lives of residents were improved when they and their families became more involved in decisions about their medication.
As a result of the review, the amount of medicines prescribed to residents was reduced by 17 per cent: not only saving money but also improving quality of life, by reducing drowsiness, for example.
“I am delighted that not only were we chosen by Northumbria NHS Trust to be a pilot for this review into medication but that the results were so impressive,” said Sylvia Dixon, clinical governance manager for Prestwick Care.
“As the film shows, a very great deal can be achieved when people work together with a common interest – not least, a better quality of life for the elderly.”
The Power of People films can be viewed on the Health Foundation’s website and each depicts an innovative project to improve care and show the positive impact good health care can have on people’s lives.
Will Warburton, director of improvement at the Health Foundation, said: “These films show what can be achieved when people are given the time and resources to transform and improve patient care.
“There is a lot of excellent work being done in the NHS and beyond and it’s important to celebrate that. We hope these films will be shared widely and inspire others to recognise the power in themselves to generate change.
“The demands on the NHS are growing – the ideas of the people working in the health service will be essential in meeting this challenge.”
The other four films in the series are Flo: telecare with a human touch, about a project that enables people to better manage their health and wellbeing through the use of text message reminders and Bottoms Up: everyone can influence safety, which showcases projects led by health professionals at Ulster Hospital in Belfast.
Recovery College: from mental health patient to recovery student, shows how the lives of people with serious mental illness can be turned around when they gain the skills, knowledge and confidence to manage their condition.
And Gold Line: bringing healthcare home, is a moving account of a 24/7 telephone service for people in their last years of life and highlights the experiences and depth of personal courage shown by people and their families who use the service.
To view Pills: reviewing medication in care homes, visit http://www.health.org.uk/pills.
