Homecare medicine services are responsible for the delivery of vital medications and care interventions to people with Rheumatoid Arthritis, alongside a number of other long-term health conditions. A recent independent review by the Chief Pharmaceutical Officer of Medicines Home in Scotland was published by the Scottish Government highlighting issues and recommendations. 

To read the full report please click on the button below.

Full report

This review took place at a similar time to the review within the NHS in England through the House of Lord Inquiry into Homecare Medicine Services. More than 41,000 people in Scotland are using medicine homecare services and this has grown rapidly in the last few years. The review was commissioned to evaluate the existing services and to make recommendations and improvements to the service.  

The report highlights a number of concerns and evidence was collected from a range of sources including the Patients Association. One particular issue highlighted through the report related to those living in remote and rural communities within Scotland and how generally their access to care is affected. This is also seen within homecare medicine services with many remote locations, including the Scottish islands not being covered by normal Homecare Delivery Services. Many individuals are served by Royal Mail or other subcontracted delivery companies which can lead to clinical waist and concerns about accessibility, data protection and governance for these patients.  

“In rural areas, over half the respondents (51%) reported delays or cancellations to their homecare services, compared to more than 1 in 4 (28%) in urban areas” 
Patient Group

We know that for people living with RA and JIA that missing medication can have a serious impact on their health including a worsening of symptoms or a flare. This is why we highlight the importance of ensuring that the voice of people living with Inflammatory Arthritis is heard when considering access to essential care services such as Homecare Medicines.  

NRAS welcomes the report and recommendations and will continue to advocate for those living with RA and JIA in receipt of homecare medicine services. We are actively working with NHS England on national Key Performance Indicators, focusing on quality of patient care, and welcome the opportunity to work with our Scottish partners on ensuring access to medicines and services is improved. 

If you have an experience you would like to share relating to an issue with homecare delivery services, or would like to otherwise comment on this campaign, please email our campaigns team on campaigns@nras.org.uk with the message subject “NRAS homecare delivery Scotland”.