New Medicine Service

The New Medicine Service is a free NHS service available here at Newdays Pharmacy, providing support for anyone with a long-term health condition and who has been prescribed new medication, with the aim being to help improve medicine adherence. By providing this service, it is hoped that patient adherence will improve, which will, in turn, reduce medical waste, as well as drive down hospital admissions due to adverse drug reactions by identifying them early on. You may be eligible for this service if you have just started medication for diabetes, hypertension, asthma/COPD, or antiplatelet/anticoagulant therapy.  During your consultation with one of our experienced and professional pharmacists, you will also be given advice on what you can do and what lifestyle changes you can make to help manage your conditions more effectively. During your initial appointment, you will be provided with general information relating to your new medication. A follow-up appointment will then be scheduled for two weeks’ time, during which you will be asked how you got on with the treatment and what if any, issues you experienced. Any relevant advice and support will be provided at this time. A final meeting will then be arranged for one to two weeks’ time to make sure that you have a solid understanding of your medication and treatment programme, as well as to ensure that you aren’t experiencing any adverse side effects.

Who is the New Medicine Service for?

The New Medicine Service is available to anyone prescribed with new medication and who may require further advice on how and when to take the medicine properly. This includes anyone taking medication for:

• High blood pressure
• Gout
• Glaucoma
• Epilepsy
• Osteoporosis
• Asthma
• Diabetes (Type 2)
• Urinary incontinence/retention
• Heart failure
• Parkinson’s disease
• Stroke
• Coronary heart disease

Note that as this is an NHS service, we may tell your GP that you’ve participated in the scheme, as well as letting them know the outcome of our discussions. This will help ensure a consistent approach to treatment, as well as keeping your doctor informed about your own personal concerns and how they are being addressed. It is essential that you continue to take your medication, no matter what. If you’re unsure about anything relating to your health or course of treatment, always seek professional medical advice. Do not stop the treatment programme, as this could have further adverse effects. We also provide Home Care Training for care home teams covering medication management and safe administration

How the New Medicine Service Supports You

The New Medicine Service is built around three short conversations with your pharmacist, spaced out over a few weeks, so you have support at the points where it matters most:

Your first appointment Shortly after starting your new medication, you’ll have an initial conversation with your pharmacist covering what the medicine is for, how and when to take it, and what to expect in the first few weeks.

Your two-week follow-up Around two weeks later, your pharmacist will check in on how you’re getting on whether you’ve had any side effects, difficulty remembering doses, or questions that have come up since starting treatment.

Your final review A closing appointment, usually one to two weeks after your follow-up, makes sure you have a solid understanding of your medication and that no ongoing issues remain unresolved before the service ends.

Lifestyle and condition advice Throughout the service, your pharmacist can also advise on lifestyle changes that support your condition, alongside the medication-specific guidance.

Working with your GP As this is an NHS service, your GP will be informed that you’ve taken part and told the outcome of your discussions, helping to keep your treatment consistent and your doctor up to date on any concerns you’ve raised.

What to Expect From the Service

The New Medicine Service is designed to be low-pressure and genuinely useful here’s what to expect:

No cost to you; The service is fully funded by the NHS, so there is no charge for any of your three appointments.

Short, focused appointments; Each conversation is kept brief and centred on your medication and how you’re managing it — you won’t need to set aside a long block of time.

A consistent point of contact; Where possible, you’ll speak with the same pharmacy team across your appointments, so there’s continuity in the advice and support you receive.

Support beyond the standard three appointments; If you have ongoing questions or concerns after the service ends, you’re welcome to speak to your pharmacist at any time. The New Medicine Service doesn’t have to be the only time you ask for advice.

Additional Support

Alongside the New Medicine Service, our pharmacists can help with:

• Advice on managing side effects or concerns about a new medication

• General guidance on lifestyle changes that support long-term conditions

• Signposting to your GP or specialist services where further input is needed

• Home Care Training for care home teams covering medication management and safe administration

If you’re ever unsure about your medication or treatment programme, speak to your pharmacist rather than stopping treatment on your own.