Medication follow-up leads NHS team to patient trapped for two days

A patient trapped beneath fallen furniture at home for two days was found after an NHS pharmacy technician followed up on unanswered calls about medication. Aneurin Bevan University Health Board says the patient was taken to hospital and is stable. The health board published its account on 20 October.

Missed calls prompted a welfare check

The technician had supported the patient through changes to medication while the patient was receiving treatment at home from the health board’s Community Resource Team. A local pharmacy was then arranged to prepare and deliver a dosette box. Follow-up continued after discharge from the team. When the patient did not answer the telephone, the technician checked with the pharmacy and learned it had also been unable to deliver the medication. The technician and a colleague visited the home. With no response at the door, police were contacted and gained entry, finding the patient trapped beneath a bedside cabinet.

Care at home

The health board says the Community Resource Team can support acutely unwell patients at home following referral, including from a GP, where that can avoid an unnecessary hospital admission.