Storage, security, fridge medicines and controlled medicines

Medicines must be stored safely and securely, following the label and the home's policies. This includes locked cupboards, restricted access, a dedicated fridge for temperature-sensitive items, regular expiry checks, clear stock control and specific arrangements for medicines a young person may keep themselves. These measures protect safety and preserve dignity.

Controlled medicines and other high-risk drugs require extra controls. Staff must follow the home's procedures for receipt, storage, witnessing, record-keeping, discrepancy checks and disposal. Medicines kept in the wrong place, shared between children or retained without authorisation are a safety concern, not merely a tidiness issue.

Storage principles

• Keep medicines secure: unauthorised access creates health and safeguarding risks.
• Store as directed: fridge items and room-temperature items require the correct conditions.
• Check expiry and stock: remove expired items and investigate missing stock promptly.
• Know what children may keep: record any self-administration plans and the limits agreed.
• Escalate discrepancies: report missing tablets or unexplained loss without delay.

Manager focus: stock, storage and learning

Safe storage is part of medicines care, not an afterthought once the dose is finished.