Storage of medication will vary according to your work place and role.

If an individual is self-medicating, it is their responsibility to store their medication once it has been received. If an individual takes medication, guidance about storage should be provided in the care plan. People should be able to access any medicines that they need, when they need to take or use them.

All medicines have storage requirements that are specified by the manufacturer that must be followed.

Medicines should be stored in a way that means they are safe and will be effective when administered. In residential care, medicines can be stored for individuals in their own rooms or centrally.

– Care Quality Commission

1. Your policies and processes must address the temperatures for storing medicines. They should include how storage conditions will be monitored. This will help to make sure that you store medicines according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. 
2. Some medications, like antibiotic eye drops, will need to be stored in a fridge.
3. Aerosols and oxygen must be kept away from heat sources and the storage place must be labelled appropriately, because they are highly inflammable.
4. Medication should be kept clean, tidy and organised.
5. Expired medication should be returned to the pharmacy, with the permission of the individual. Store medicines for disposal in a tamper-proof container. Control access to the container, until it is collected or taken to the pharmacy.
6. Medication must be kept out of reach of pets, children and anyone else so only authorised people have access.
7. The lockable cupboard is not for storing your mobile phone or other items in whilst you are on shift.