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11.1	Medicines being delivered to wards and departments must be handed over to a person authorised to handle medicines (e.g. Registered Nurse). The receipt of all medicines onto the ward is the responsibility of the Nurse in Charge.
11.2	It is the responsibility of the Nurse in Charge to ensure that all medicines (stock and dispensed medicines) are checked on receipt to ensure that they are not damaged and that the correct medicines have been supplied. For "stock" deliveries, the delivery note must be checked and signed to confirm receipt. The order form and delivery note must be filed and kept on the ward for two years.
11.3	Any discrepancies must be reported to the Pharmacy.
11.4	Once checked, medication must be locked in the appropriate cupboard or trolley. Medicines, notably those delivered outwith the routine box, must not be left unattended. Nurses must be aware that deliveries may contain items requiring refrigeration and orders must be properly stored as soon as possible. Stocks must be rotated so that the stock with the shortest expiry date is used first.
11.5	Receipt of discharge medication must be recorded on the Discharge Plan in the patient’s nursing notes and the medicines stored in a secure place until issued to the patient. If there are any items which require refrigeration and the medication is not issued to the patient immediately, they must be placed in the refrigerator. If discharge prescriptions contain Controlled Drugs and these are not issued to the patient immediately then recording and storage guidance in Section 6 (6.3) must be followed.