Nicola Avenell

• Conduct audits of medication management systems in care services—including storage, record-keeping, and administration—to support medicines optimisation and ensure compliance with best practice standards.
• Produce comprehensive audit reports to identify risks, drive service improvements, and promote patient-centred care in line with CQC standards, NICE guidance, and local policies.
• Evaluate audit outcomes and contribute to service redesign initiatives that enhance the quality, safety, and long-term sustainability of medication practices in care services.
• Deliver targeted training to care staff on medication safety, accurate transcribing, and adherence to best practice protocols to improve medicines optimisation and reduce errors.
• Act as a liaison between care services, primary care, and pharmacy services to support integrated care delivery and strengthen communication across organisations.
• Promote and implement the HIOW ICB priorities, including deprescribing, medication safety, and the reduction of waste and avoidable hospital admissions.
• Contribute to safeguarding investigations (e.g., LSSEs) by identifying medication-related risks and supporting safe, patient-focused practices.
• Lead the implementation of improved ordering systems, such as ordering via proxy access, to enhance the efficiency, accuracy, and safety of medication supply in care home services.

• Collaborated with GP practices across Southampton to promote safe, effective, high-quality, and cost-efficient prescribing, in line with local formulary guidance and national recommendations.
• Analysed prescribing data to identify trends, support medicines optimisation initiatives, and deliver actionable feedback to practices.
• Delivered evidence-based clinical advice to support best practice prescribing and enhance clinical decision-making.
• Supported the implementation and ongoing use of digital prescribing tools, including EPS (Electronic Prescription Service), eRD (electronic Repeat Dispensing), and online ordering platforms.
• Provided support to colleagues in undertaking medication reviews, staff training, and audits of medication systems and documentation in care home services to ensure the safe and effective use of medicines.
• Worked in partnership with NHS teams, Southampton City Council, and community pharmacies to drive quality improvement and safeguard residents in care home services.
• Participated in multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings and Large Scale Safeguarding Enquiries (LSSEs) related to care home services.
• Assisted colleagues in implementing ordering via proxy access for care home services.

COVID-19 Secondment – Urgent Response Service, Discharge Hub
6-month Secondment

• Provided administrative support by coordinating key discharge information for patients requiring post-discharge care from care providers, ensuring compliance with commissioning requirements for funding eligibility

• Conducted thorough patient medication histories with exceptional attention to detail, utilising multiple sources including patients, relatives/carers, patients' own medications, and GP records via the Summary Care Record.
• Identified and resolved medication discrepancies by reviewing inpatient prescribing and collaborating with clinicians and ward pharmacists.
• Managed and maintained both patients' own medications and ward stock to ensure continuity of care and support patient well-being during hospital stays.
• Performed audits to assess compliance with SHFT policies, standard operating procedures, and legal requirements for safe prescribing and medication storage.
• Responded to and resolved medication-related queries from patients, clinicians, and ward staff, providing timely and accurate advice.
• Provided patient counselling on prescribed medications, including correct usage, adherence strategies, and management of side effects.
• Contributed to a discharge improvement project aimed at enhancing the safety and efficiency of patient transitions from hospital to community care.

• Facilitated the delivery of an effective palliative care service through close coordination with NHS colleagues, the local hospice, and community pharmacies.
• Strengthened collaborative working across care settings by jointly working with hospital and community pharmacy teams to support timely and safe patient discharges.
• Delivered targeted medication-related training sessions to GP practice administration staff, enhancing their understanding of prescribing processes and patient support.
• Actively contributed to Electronic Repeat Dispensing (eRD) steering group meetings to support system development and wider adoption.

• Accurately processed prescriptions and maintained up-to-date patient medication records in accordance with regulatory and professional standards.
• Provided informed advice to patients on the safe and effective use of prescribed medications and over-the-counter (OTC) treatments.
• Collaborated with an adjoining GP practice to deliver a seamless, patient-focused service.
• Advised both GP practice staff and patients on medication supply issues, supporting continuity of treatment.
• Managed stock ordering and inventory levels to ensure appropriate quantities were maintained in line with pharmacy needs and demand.

• Initiated and established an out-of-hours TTO (To Take Out) medication supply store to support timely patient discharges and reduce avoidable delays.
• Participated in ward discharge planning meetings to support safe and efficient transitions of care.

• Managed the Nomad (monitored dosage system) service for 40+ patients, ensuring accurate and continuous medication supply to support adherence and patient safety.

• Planned and coordinated the pharmacy team duty rota to ensure appropriate staffing levels and continuity of service.
• Carried out essential administrative duties and prepared monthly performance and activity reports for supervisory meetings.