What is the New Medicine Service? 

The New Medicine Service (NMS) is structured to provide advice and self-management to individuals enduring long-term health conditions. As well as this, additional support and information on newly prescribed medications is provided to patients via a pharmacist.  

Who is eligible for this service? 

This service is available to patients who have given consent or, have provided consent on behalf of patients unable to provide it themselves, such as carers and guardians. Once consent has been given, these individuals can access support on how to manage newly prescribed medications.  

What is the list of conditions available with this service? 

This service is accessible to individuals experiencing the following long-term health conditions, including: 

• Asthma and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) 
• Type 2 diabetes  
• Hypertension (high blood pressure) 
• Hypercholesterolaemia (elevated levels of cholesterol in the blood) 
• Osteoporosis (weakened bones) 
• Gout  
• Glaucoma  
• Epilepsy 
• Urinary incontinence/retention  
• Heart failure  
• Acute coronary syndromes  
• Atrial fibrillation  
• Long-term risks of venous thromboembolism/embolism  
• Stroke/transient ischemic attack  
• Coronary heart disease  

How can a pharmacist help? 

At Allied Pharmacies, our pharmacists can assist patients through the New Medicine Service via the following stages: 

•  Discussion  

A pharmacist will meet with a patient privately in either a consultation room, in their home or remotely. If the discussion fails to take place on the allocated date, a pharmacist will only make one attempt for a follow-up appointment. 

•  Assessment  

After the discussion, a pharmacist will assess the patient's commitment to taking their prescribed medication as well as identify any issues where more support or information is needed. 

•  Next steps 

A follow-up appointment will then be scheduled with the patient. If there were no medical issues identified, the next assessment will be arranged (at the earliest two weeks' time). If problems arise, appropriate remedial steps will be recommended.