NHS New Medicines Services in Southampton

Solent Pharmacy in Southampton offers the NHS New Medicine Service, providing free expert support for patients starting new prescriptions for long-term conditions.

Starting a new prescription? At Solent Pharmacy in Shirley, Southampton, we’re here to help you get the best from your medication. That’s why we offer the NHS New Medicine Service (NMS) — a free, confidential, and professional support service for patients who’ve recently been prescribed a new medicine for a long-term condition.

How it works?

When you’re prescribed a new long-term medication, we’ll offer you a chance to enrol in the New Medicine Service. After signing a simple NHS consent form, our pharmacist will follow up with you by phone at two stages — typically after one and two weeks — to check how you’re getting on, answer questions, and offer any advice or adjustments if needed.

Why it matters?

Starting a new medicine can come with uncertainty, especially if you’re managing a long-term condition. The NMS helps you feel supported, improves how you take your medicine, and reduces side effects or complications. It also builds confidence and helps you get the most from your treatment plan.

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What Is the New Medicine Service?

The New Medicine Service is an NHS initiative that gives you extra support when starting a new medication. It’s designed to help you understand your treatment, reduce side effects or issues, and make sure you’re taking your new medicine correctly.

The service includes two check-in phone calls with one of our friendly, qualified pharmacists. You’ll have the chance to ask questions, share any concerns, and receive helpful guidance to stay on track with your treatment.

What Does the Service Include?

1. Initial Consultation

When you collect your new prescription from us, we’ll let you know if you’re eligible for the service. If you’d like to take part, we’ll explain how it works, ask you to sign a quick consent form, and take your contact number.

2. First Follow-Up (7–14 days after starting)

Our pharmacist will call you to ask how you’re getting on with the new medication. You’ll have time to ask questions, raise concerns, and get expert advice — all in a relaxed, friendly chat.

3. Second Follow-Up (another 7–14 days later)

We’ll check in again to make sure everything’s still going smoothly. If you’re experiencing any problems or need adjustments, we’ll advise on next steps or refer you back to your GP if needed.

Who Is Eligible?

You may be eligible for the NHS New Medicine Service if you’ve just been prescribed a new medication for any of the following long-term health conditions:

Asthma or COPD
Type 2 diabetes
High blood pressure (hypertension)
High cholesterol
Blood-thinning medicines (e.g. anticoagulants)
Other eligible conditions as determined by the NHS

Your pharmacist will confirm your eligibility when you collect your prescription. If you’re unsure, just ask — we’re happy to check for you.

How to Sign Up

It’s simple and quick to join:

When you collect your new medication from Solent Pharmacy, ask our team about the New Medicine Service
We’ll ask you to sign a short NHS consent form and provide your preferred contact number
That’s it! A pharmacist will give you a call in the following week to begin the service

Why Take Part in the NMS?

✅ Completely free NHS service
✅ Helps you understand and manage your new treatment
✅ Reduces risk of side effects or missed doses
✅ Gives you fast, direct access to a local pharmacist
✅ Builds confidence in managing your health independently

Speak to Us Today

Your health matters to us. If you’ve just started a new long-term medication, speak to our team at Solent Pharmacy in Southampton about how the NHS New Medicine Service can support you.

We’re here to make sure you feel confident, informed, and supported from the very first dose.

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Explore all our services!

At Solent Pharmacy in Shirley, we provide a range of NHS and private healthcare solutions — from minor illness treatments to travel vaccinations and wellness checks. Our team is here to help!

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