The New Medicines Service (NMS) commenced on 1 October 2011 and focuses on patients with long term conditions that have been prescribed new medicines. It builds on the current range of advanced services that can be offered by pharmacies and was negotiated on behalf of the Depatment of Health by NHS Employers with the Pharmacy Services Negotiating Committee.
The service focuses on medications for the following conditions asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, type 2 diabetes, antiplatelet/anticoagulant therapy, and hypertension. Patients can be offered the service when they present with a prescription for a new medicine in pharmacies, or may be referred to the service provided by the pharmacy by a health care professional in a hospital on discharge.
The underlying purpose of the service is to promote the health and well being of patients prescribed new medicines for long term conditions by maximising the benefits from their medicines, reducing symptoms and long term complications.
Further information can be obtained from the NHS employers website.