New Medicine Service (NMS)

The NMS is a free NHS service where our pharmacists provide extra support and advice to patients starting certain new medicines. This service focuses on specific conditions such as:

Asthma and COPD
Type 2 Diabetes
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
Anticoagulant therapy (blood thinners)

How Does the Service Work?
The NMS typically involves three stages:

Initial Discussion (at dispensing):
When you pick up your new prescription, our pharmacist will identify if you are eligible for NMS and offer you the service. They’ll briefly explain what to expect.

First Follow-Up (7-14 days later):
Around one to two weeks after you start your new medicine, you’ll have a confidential follow-up consultation with our pharmacist, either face-to-face or over the phone. During this chat, we’ll discuss:
How you are getting on with your new medicine.
Any problems you might be experiencing, such as side effects.
How to take your medicine correctly and store it safely.
Any other questions or concerns you may have.

Second Follow-Up (14-21 days later):
A second brief check-in may occur if needed, particularly if there were issues identified in the first follow-up.

Our aim is to empower you with confidence and knowledge about your new medicine, helping to improve its effectiveness and your overall health. Speak to a member of our pharmacy team if you are starting a new medicine for a long-term condition to see if you are eligible for this valuable service.