Medicine bags scheme gets green light

A NEW system to help patients transport medicines throughout hospitals is being rolled out across Lothian after a successful trial.

The green bag initiative, which sees patients issued with a medicine bag before being admitted to hospital, was introduced at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary in September.

Using the green bag means staff will know exactly what medication patients are on and prevents pharmacies from having to supply fresh batches.

The bags could contain items such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines like tablets, creams, ointments, inhalers, patches and sprays.

Scott Garden, acting director of pharmacy for NHS Lothian, said: “After successful pilots at several of our hospitals, we have received positive feedback about the initiative. We would encourage all patients being admitted to hospital to use a green bag, as it provides easy access to all of their medicines.”

Paul Bassett, south-east general manager for the Scottish Ambulance Service, said: “All our crews in Lothian will carry green bags to give to patients. The initiative is a simple idea that improves medicine management for patients.”