PATIENTS at Musgrove Park Hospital can pick up medication prescribed in their outpatient appointments from a new outpatient pharmacy on the hospital site.

Previously, patients would have been required to visit a community pharmacy away from the hospital to pick up medication prescribed in their appointments.

From Monday, September 14 medication prescribed to patients during outpatient appointments is being dispensed by the hospital’s new outpatient pharmacy with them being routinely ready for pick up within 20 minutes.

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust’s director of pharmacy, Andrew Prowse, said: “The new outpatient pharmacy at Musgrove Park Hospital is a brilliant new facility for patients attending the hospital for outpatient appointments, who are in need of prescribed medication.

“Whether that’s a change in medication, the need for a new medication, or a recurrent prescription, similar to that of a traditional community pharmacy, the outpatient pharmacy will safely and accurately dispense the medications ready for the patient to pick up shortly after their appointment.

“There will also be over-the-counter medications such as pain relief and cold and flu remedies, as you would find in any other pharmacy, available to purchase.

“This service is not just for patients, but for anyone including visitors, and members of staff too.

Superintendent pharmacist, Shi Ning Ung, added: “We want to make the experience for patients as seamless as possible. Our pharmacy team can offer guidance on how to take the medication correctly, any side effects or things to look out for, and can answer any questions the patient may have.

“The new outpatient pharmacy isn’t only an added layer of convenience; it’s another step in a patient’s care pathway, giving them more oversight of their care.”

The new outpatient pharmacy is open Monday to Friday, from 9 am to 6 pm, located in the Duchess Building.