Supervised Consumption

When a patient is prescribed medication, whether it’s by their GP or a pharmacist, a duty of care is then placed on the prescriber and it becomes their responsibility to ensure the safety of their patients when taking high-risk medication.

One of the biggest public health issues is drug misuse and this relates to prescribed medication, as well as street drugs. As such, supervised consumption can be provided for all those who need it to help ensure their safety and reduce the risk of potential harm.

Here at Newdays Pharmacy, our team of pharmacists work closely with individuals who do have a drug dependency via our supervised consumption service. We dispense substitute drugs (such as suboxone, buprenorphine and methadone) to ensure people are able to detox and withdraw gradually from their dependency in a safe and supportive environment.

The overall aim of pharmacy services for those with drug dependencies is to help them remain healthy while reducing drug-related harm and providing them with regular contact with healthcare professionals, as well as helping them access further advice or support.

Pharmacists are also well placed to reduce the risk to local communities in relation to overuse or underuse of medication, as well as accidental exposure to dispensed medicines and the diversion of prescribed medication to the illicit drugs market.

Supervised consumption services can also be beneficial for those patients in receipt of high-risk medications on prescription but who don’t have a dependency issue.

In this instance, we will provide you with all the support and advice you need to ensure that you continue to take your medication as prescribed. We can also refer you onto a specialist care provider or your GP if you feel that you need further support. If you require sterile injecting equipment, our Needle Exchange Service provides free, confidential access alongside harm reduction advice.

Medications Supervised Under This Service

Newdays Pharmacy can supervise the consumption of a range of prescribed medications and substitute treatments. The most common include:

Methadone; Methadone is a long-acting opioid substitute used in the treatment of opioid dependency, most commonly heroin addiction. It is prescribed as a liquid oral solution and consumed at the pharmacy under direct supervision. Supervised consumption of methadone helps prevent diversion, reduces overdose risk and ensures consistent daily contact with a healthcare professional as part of a structured recovery programme.

Buprenorphine (Subutex); Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist used to manage opioid dependency. It is available as a sublingual tablet or film that dissolves under the tongue and is taken under pharmacist supervision. It works by reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms without producing the same level of sedation or euphoria as full opioids.

Suboxone (Buprenorphine/Naloxone); Suboxone is a combination medication containing both buprenorphine and naloxone. The addition of naloxone helps deter misuse by injection, as naloxone blocks opioid effects when injected. It is taken sublingually and supervised at the pharmacy as part of an opioid substitution treatment (OST) programme.

High-Risk Prescribed Medications; Supervised consumption is not limited to those with a drug dependency. Patients prescribed other high-risk medications, including certain controlled drugs, anticoagulants or psychiatric medications, may also benefit from supervised consumption to ensure correct and consistent dosing. Your pharmacist will advise on whether this is appropriate for your circumstances.

What to Expect When You Visit

Our supervised consumption service is designed to be as straightforward and comfortable as possible. Here is what to expect when you come to Newdays Pharmacy as part of your programme:

Your visit; You will visit your nominated Newdays branch at the times specified on your prescription. Your pharmacist will prepare your dose and supervise you taking it on the premises. Visits are typically brief and your pharmacist will always greet you in a friendly, non-judgemental manner.

Privacy and dignity; All supervised consumption is carried out with full respect for your privacy and dignity. Our pharmacists understand the sensitive nature of this service and will always treat you with discretion and compassion.

Ongoing support; Your pharmacist is well placed to notice any changes in your health or circumstances and can provide advice, encouragement and signposting to additional support services when needed. Building a regular relationship with your pharmacy team is one of the important benefits of the supervised consumption model.

Changes to your prescription; If your prescribing clinician changes your dose, frequency or medication, your pharmacist will be informed and will update your supervised consumption accordingly. If you have any concerns about your medication or programme, speak to your pharmacist who can liaise with your prescriber on your behalf.

Additional Support and Referrals

Alongside the supervised consumption service, our pharmacists can provide signposting and referrals to a range of additional support services, including:

• Drug and alcohol treatment services and community addiction teams

• Mental health support and counselling services

• The Needle Exchange Service at Newdays Pharmacy providing free, confidential access to sterile injecting equipment and harm reduction advice (see our Needle Exchange Service page)

• GP registration support for patients who are not currently registered with a GP

• Housing and social care services where appropriate

Recovery is rarely a straightforward journey and our team understands this. We are here to support you at every stage, without judgement.

Why Choose Newdays Pharmacy

Here at Newdays Pharmacy, we offer a range of private and NHS services. You can find out more about us online and book an appointment with one of our pharmacists in your preferred branch.

Our pharmacists can supervise the consumption of a wide range of different medications, treatments and substitute drugs to ensure that they’re administered appropriately.

Patients come to their preferred pharmacy at specified times in line with their prescriptions so that they can take their medication under our supervision.

Our aim is to provide you with all the support you need to enable your recovery and our pharmacists will always treat you in a friendly and non-judgemental manner, with all communication entirely confidential.

• Friendly and non-judgemental; our team is trained to provide supervised consumption in a respectful, compassionate and entirely non-judgemental environment

• Fully confidential; all visits and communications are handled with complete discretion; your information is never shared without your consent

• Regular contact with a healthcare professional; daily or regular pharmacy visits provide consistent contact with a trained pharmacist who can monitor your wellbeing and offer support

• Linked to the Needle Exchange Service; if you require sterile injecting equipment, our Needle Exchange Service provides free, confidential access alongside harm reduction advice at the same branch

• Referrals and signposting; our team can connect you with addiction treatment services, mental health support, GP registration and other community services

• Four branches across the local area serving Windsor, Eton, Lane End, Twyford and Reading (Coley Park), making it easier to access the service close to where you live

How it works

Referral from your prescriber or drug treatment service

Supervised consumption at Newdays Pharmacy is arranged through your prescribing clinician, GP or drug treatment service. They will send your prescription to your nominated Newdays branch and agree the schedule of supervised visits with the pharmacy team.

Nominate your preferred Newdays branch

You will nominate your preferred branch in Eton (Windsor), Lane End, Reading (Coley Park) or Twyford as your supervised consumption pharmacy. This will be your regular point of contact for the service.

Visit the pharmacy at your agreed times

You will attend your nominated branch at the times specified on your prescription. Your pharmacist will prepare your dose and supervise you taking it on the premises. Visits are brief and always conducted with full respect for your privacy and dignity.

Ongoing support and review

Your pharmacist will monitor your wellbeing at each visit and can provide advice, encouragement and signposting to further support when needed. If your prescription or schedule changes, your pharmacist will be updated by your prescriber and will manage the transition as smoothly as possible.