‘Know, Check, Ask’ before you take medication urges Northern Ireland's Minister

Both patients and healthcare staff have a central role to play in ensuring the safe use of medicines, Health Minister Robin Swann has said.

Minister for Health Robin Swann was speaking at an event to mark the roll out of the ‘Know, Check, Ask’ Campaign across all healthcare sectors in Northern Ireland. The aim of the campaign is to increase awareness and understanding about the importance of using medicine safely.

The call for action of the campaign is for:

Patients to Know Check Ask – Before you take it:

• KNOW your medicines and keep an up-to-date list.
• CHECK that you are using your medicines in the right way.
• ASK your healthcare professional if you’re not sure.

Health Care staff to Know Check Ask – Before you give it:

• KNOW your medications.
• CHECK you have the right: patient, medicine, route, dose and time.
• ASK your patient if they understand and ask your colleagues when you are unsure.

Minister Swann added “I want to encourage and help patients to be more curious about their medication, know what medication they are using, how to use it safely and feel able to ask their health care professionals questions about their medicines.  Patients should also feel able and confident to report problems with their medication early and so help reduce avoidable harm.”

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Source: Department of Health, 30 September 2022